Outdoor Events

Events

Events Search and Views Navigation

Event Views Navigation

Today

  • SOLD OUT: Spring Ephemeral Hike

    Great Swamp Watershed Association's CMA 1 Tiger Lily Ln, Morristown, NJ, United States

    THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT. TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITLIST, PLEASE EMAIL [email protected] Celebrate spring at our Conservation Management Area with our spring ephemerals: woodland wildflowers that bloom before the forest canopy fills in. Come walk with naturalist Ginger Van Ryzin to see trout lilies, mayapples, anemone and more! Please email Izzy [email protected] with questions or cancellations. CANCELLATION POLICY: Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) makes every effort to assure all programs and events go off as planned. Should an event be cancelled due to severe weather or other unexpected reasons, GSWA will promptly notify all registrants via email and the event page will reflect the status. To accommodate people on the waitlist, participants needing to cancel should do so ASAP. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance will not be refunded unless it is due to a health emergency. Unused registration fees may be converted into a tax-deductible donation.

    Get Tickets $10.00 – $15.00 1 ticket left

  • Passaic River Cleanup

    Team-up with Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) and Roots & Shoots for our first-ever full Passaic River cleanup in honor of world-renowned environmentalist and conservationist, Jane Goodall! We've identified multiple local parks and dry land sites along the Passaic River that could use some attention and now we need your help to pick up the trash. When trash collects in these areas along the stream banks, it will eventually make its way into the water, polluting the river and impacting local wildlife. These types of cleanups make a big impact on the health of the river as a whole. Saturday, May 9, 2026 Cleanup 10am-12pm: Select a location that's convenient for you when you register Picnic 1-3pm at Riverside County Park Joseph Carucci Area, Lyndhurst, NJ Click HERE to register and select your cleanup location (this will take you to a Google form) Cleanup hub towns (click HERE to view the the map): Newark Riverfront Park – Raymond Blvd, Newark Kearny Riverbank Park – Passaic Ave, Kearny Riverside County Park: South – Riverside Ave, Lyndhurst Pulaski Park – 4th St., Passaic West Side Park - Totowa Ave, Paterson (pending checking with parks about current construction) Kayak Launch for Great Piece […]

  • Session 1: Spring Birding Paddle

    Somerset County Park Commission, Fisherman's Parking Lot Approx. 170 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ

    Come out and enjoy the sights along the beautiful banks of the Passaic River as we paddle the headwaters region of the Great Swamp and look out for spring migrants. This area is full of wildlife, native vegetation, and beautiful views. There are 7 spots available per session – only 2 spots per registration. Children 8 and up are welcome. All participants 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent.  All participants must be able to swim, be comfortable on the water, and wear clothes and footwear that can (and will) get wet and muddy. Life vests will be provided. IMPORTANT – Kayak Waiver: Each participant MUST submit one of the forms below. If the person is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign their form and assume responsibility for the minor. Please complete, sign and bring the form(s) with you. The organizers will collect completed forms before put-in. Adult Attendee Minor Attendee The GSWA kayaks, used in our water quality and educational programming, were purchased with the generous funding provided by the Thomas Glasser Foundation. The meet up location is the Somerset County Park Commission Fisherman's Parking Lot. Please email Izzy [email protected] with questions or […]

    Get Tickets $30.00 – $70.00

  • Session 2: Spring Birding Paddle

    Somerset County Park Commission, Fisherman's Parking Lot Approx. 170 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ

    Come out and enjoy the sights along the beautiful banks of the Passaic River as we paddle the headwaters region of the Great Swamp and look out for spring migrants. This area is full of wildlife, native vegetation, and beautiful views. There are 7 spots available per session – only 2 spots per registration. Children 8 and up are welcome. All participants 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent.  All participants must be able to swim, be comfortable on the water, and wear clothes and footwear that can (and will) get wet and muddy. Life vests will be provided. IMPORTANT – Kayak Waiver: Each participant MUST submit one of the forms below. If the person is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign their form and assume responsibility for the minor. Please complete, sign and bring the form(s) with you. The organizers will collect completed forms before put-in. Adult Attendee Minor Attendee The GSWA kayaks, used in our water quality and educational programming, were purchased with the generous funding provided by the Thomas Glasser Foundation. The meet up location is the Somerset County Park Commission Fisherman's Parking Lot. lease email Izzy [email protected] with questions or […]

    Get Tickets $30.00 – $70.00
  • Full Moon Hike at the Refuge

    Blue Moon Hike at the Refuge

    Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Bluebird Parking Lot Bluebird Parking Lot, Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, NJ, United States

    Experience the Great Swamp like never before under the rare glow of a Blue Moon. While the moon won't actually change color, this celestial event occurs when a single calendar month—in this case, May 2026—features two full moons instead of one. Because the lunar cycle is approximately 29.5 days, the timing occasionally "laps" our 31-day months, giving us a "bonus" full moon that only appears once every two to three years. We’ll explore the vibrant nocturnal world of the swamp—listening for the chorus of cicadas and spring peepers, watching for the silhouettes of owls, and soaking in the serene atmosphere of the marsh after dark. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with the watershed during a truly "once in a blue moon" moment. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear, dress for the weather, and bring a reusable water bottle and snacks if you so choose. Registration is required. IMPORTANT -- WAIVER: Per our special use permit, the refuge is asking for the hike participants to fill out a liability form before attending. Please complete and email this form to [email protected] when you register for this hike.  Please email Izzy ([email protected]) with questions or cancellations. Ticket sales end on 3/2/2026 at […]

    Get Tickets Free – $40.00

  • Nature Journaling Hike

    Great Swamp Watershed Association's CMA 1 Tiger Lily Ln, Morristown, NJ, United States

    Nature journaling is a centuries-old practice used to record observations, changes and data about the world around us. It is also a way to build observational and relational thinking and curiosity. We will wander through the CMA, pausing several times to collect our observations, questions, and connections in our notebooks. Through prompts and practices, we will deepen our awareness of the natural world and let our own curiosity guide our observations. You do not need to be an artist or a naturalist to enjoy nature journaling, you just have to be willing to slow down and take a look around! No previous artistic experience required. Adults - includes journal notebook, art supplies provided. Please email Izzy [email protected] with questions or cancellations. CANCELLATION POLICY: Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) makes every effort to assure all programs and events go off as planned. Should an event be cancelled due to severe weather or other unexpected reasons, GSWA will promptly notify all registrants via email and the event page will reflect the status. To accommodate people on the waitlist, participants needing to cancel should do so ASAP. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance will not be refunded unless it is due […]

    Get Tickets $20.00 – $60.00

  • America’s 250th Celebration Firefly Hike

    Helen Fenske Visitor Center 32 Pleasant Plains Rd, New Vernon, NJ, United States

    Come experience nature's own fireworks display with the brilliant flickers of fireflies. This is a fun way to get in some evening steps while we explore the fascinating lives and behaviors of our glowing friends just one week before the bigger, brighter, fireworks of our 250th anniversary celebration. This will be an easy-going, natural history-focused hike on flat, boardwalked trails. Please email Izzy [email protected] with questions or cancellations. CANCELLATION POLICY: Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) makes every effort to assure all programs and events go off as planned. Should an event be cancelled due to severe weather or other unexpected reasons, GSWA will promptly notify all registrants via email and the event page will reflect the status. To accommodate people on the waitlist, participants needing to cancel should do so ASAP. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance will not be refunded unless it is due to a health emergency. Unused registration fees may be converted into a tax-deductible donation.

    Get Tickets Free – $40.00

  • Evening Paddle at Great Piece Meadows

    Great Piece Meadows 2 Camp Ln, Fairfield, New Jersey

    Enjoy a peaceful, one-way evening paddle  down the Passaic River. The preserved area of Great Piece Meadows is known for its slow, quite twists and turns. It’s home to wildlife such as great blue heron, salamanders, turtles, mink, muskrat and more. This will be a 3 hour paddle for experienced paddlers. Please bring snacks and drinks. We will meet up at the Fairfield parking lot.  IMPORTANT – Kayak Waiver: Each participant MUST submit one of the forms below. If the person is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign their form and assume responsibility for the minor. Please complete, sign and bring the form(s) with you. The organizers will collect completed forms before put-in. Adult Attendee Minor Attendee The GSWA kayaks, used in our water quality and educational programming, were purchased with the generous funding provided by the Thomas Glasser Foundation. The put-in location is the Livingston Canoe Launch, and we will paddle from there. Please email Izzy [email protected] with questions or cancellations. CANCELLATION POLICY: Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) makes every effort to assure all programs and events go off as planned. Should an event be cancelled due to severe weather or other unexpected reasons, GSWA […]

    Get Tickets $40.00 – $80.00

  • Session 1: End of Summer Paddle

    Essex County Environmental Center 621 Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland, NJ

    Ease into your weekend with a leisurely paddle on the Passaic River. As you experience the sunset from the water, you may also be visited by some great blue heron, turtles, and other wildlife that uses the stream corridor as habitat and migration route. There are 7 spots available per session – only 2 spots per registration. Children 8 and up are welcome. All participants 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent.  All participants must be able to swim, be comfortable on the water, and wear clothes and footwear that can (and will) get wet and muddy. Life vests will be provided. IMPORTANT – Kayak Waiver: Each participant MUST submit one of the forms below. If the person is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign their form and assume responsibility for the minor. Please complete, sign and bring the form(s) with you. The organizers will collect completed forms before put-in. Adult Attendee Minor Attendee The GSWA kayaks, used in our water quality and educational programming, were purchased with the generous funding provided by the Thomas Glasser Foundation. The meet up location is Essex County Environmental Center. Please email Izzy [email protected] with questions or cancellations. […]

    Get Tickets $30.00 – $70.00

  • Session 2: End of Summer Paddle

    Essex County Environmental Center 621 Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland, NJ

    Ease into your weekend with a leisurely paddle on the Passaic River. As you experience the sunset from the water, you may also be visited by some great blue heron, turtles, and other wildlife that uses the stream corridor as habitat and migration route. There are 7 spots available per session – only 2 spots per registration. Children 8 and up are welcome. All participants 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent.  All participants must be able to swim, be comfortable on the water, and wear clothes and footwear that can (and will) get wet and muddy. Life vests will be provided. IMPORTANT – Kayak Waiver: Each participant MUST submit one of the forms below. If the person is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign their form and assume responsibility for the minor. Please complete, sign and bring the form(s) with you. The organizers will collect completed forms before put-in. Adult Attendee Minor Attendee The GSWA kayaks, used in our water quality and educational programming, were purchased with the generous funding provided by the Thomas Glasser Foundation. The meet up location is Essex County Environmental Center. Please email Izzy [email protected] with questions or cancellations. […]

    Get Tickets $30.00 – $70.00