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Fall Colors Hike

High Mountain Park Preserve - Red Trailhead Intersection of Navaho Trail Drive and Reservoir Drive, Wayne, New Jersey

Join us for a hike through the scenic High Mountain Park Preserve. This intermediate-level hike covers approximately 4 miles with a significant elevation change of 700 feet. As we explore the preserve, we'll have the opportunity to enjoy some birdwatching. This is a prime location for raptor migration, so keep your eyes peeled for these majestic creatures. We'll also enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and, weather permitting, a visit to a cascading waterfall. This hike offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Watchung Mountains. Don't miss this chance to challenge yourself and connect with nature. Bring plenty of snacks and water. The meet up location is the High Mountain Park Preserve. (Google Maps) Email Izzy ifilippini@greatswamp.org with any questions or concerns! 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 […]

$15.00 – $20.00

New Date: Winter Waterfall Hike

Buttermilk Falls Natural Area Off Combs Hollow Rd., Mendham, NJ, United States

Please note: This event has been postponed from Saturday, January 25 to Sunday, February 2.   Don't let winter keep you cooped up! Join GSWA naturalist, Ginger Van Ryzin, for a refreshing 3-mile winter hike at the scenic Buttermilk Falls Natural Area in Mendham. We'll explore restored vernal ponds, follow India Brook, discover remnants of the old Mendham Water Company, and—weather permitting—witness the beauty of frozen waterfalls. Dress warmly, bring water, and wear sturdy hiking boots for this invigorating outdoor adventure. GSWA members $5, non-members $15. Registration is required. Scroll down to register. Please email Izzy ifilippini@greatswamp.org 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.

$5.00 – $40.00

CANCELLED – Snow Moon Hike

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Observation Center https://goo.gl/maps/tLD3KapcRC21245c8, Harding Twp., NJ, United States

Due to trail conditions, this hike has been CANCELLED! Sometimes, there is bad weather that cannot be ignored. Although this will no longer be a "full moon" hike, this popular night hike still promises to be relaxing, rejuvenating, and memorable. There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes. So no more excuses! It's time to bundle up, get back outside, and feel the rejuvenating power of nature on this relaxing night hike. The February full moon is known as the "Snow Moon" because lots of snow is generally found on the ground in most Northern Hemisphere countries during this time. Come experience it for yourself. 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 ifilippini@greatswamp.org when you register for this hike.  Please email Izzy (ifilippini@greatswamp.org) 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 […]

Free – $40.00

CANCELLED – Winter Detectives Hike

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

Due to trail conditions, this hike has been CANCELLED! What scampered across that snow? What's going on in the trees? Let's do some detective work and make some discoveries together! The CMA is the perfect place to set off in hot pursuit of the region’s most-wanted winter wildlife. Come learn how to identify animals from their tracks, scats (yes, poop) and other clues. Spy on secret hideouts used by birds, insects, and other woodland creatures. Discover the dining preferences of deer, raccoons, and even coyotes by putting a magnifying glass to some scat. All this detective work is easier than you think. And let’s face it, it’s fun being outdoors in the winter! Recommended for all, but especially children 5 to 12 years old. Conditions can be snowy, wet, or muddy. Wear appropriate footwear and dress warmly. Please email Izzy ifilippini@greatswamp.org 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, […]

Free – $40.00

SOLD OUT: Paterson Falls Explorer Hike and Tour

Paterson Great Falls National Park 72 McBride Ave,, Paterson, NJ, United States

This event is sold out. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, or if you need to cancel, please email ifilippini@greatswamp.org    Explore Paterson from the other end of the Passaic. Join us for an afternoon of nature and natural history. Staff from the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park will guide us on an informative hike through the area where we will check out the new viewing platform to explore the 77-foot high waterfall. From there we’ll hike along the old raceway, and we'll even squeeze in a museum visit. It's a great opportunity to gain insight into the importance of Paterson, the first planned industrial city that was centered around the Great Falls, and how it changed the face of our country. We will meet at the Great Falls and go from there. Dress for the weather, hiking boots recommended for potentially muddy conditions. While this program is free for all participants, a suggested donation of $10 per adult and $5 per child is appreciated! Please email Izzy ifilippini@greatswamp.org 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 […]

Free – $40.00

SOLD OUT: Vernal Pool Exploration Hike

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

This event is sold out. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, or if you need to cancel, please email ifilippini@greatswamp.org  With temperatures rising, the forest floor will be hopping with new life as frogs and other amphibians crowd into shallow puddles of water to breed and lay their eggs. These puddles, called vernal pools, provide a perfect opportunity to learn more about Mother Nature here in New Jersey. But we have to hurry - they disappear quickly! This annual Vernal Pool Exploration provides a fun, outdoor learning experience for kids and adults alike. Discover the differences between a spring peeper, a chorus frog, and a wood frog. Find out how far an endangered spotted salamander will walk to find a mating pool. And, learn how much everything we have come to appreciate about the springtime depends upon a few unassuming puddles of water on the forest floor. Warm clothing and waterproof footwear, especially hiking boots, are strongly recommended. Please email Izzy ifilippini@greatswamp.org 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 […]

$5.00 – $40.00

Treasures of the Swamp Scavenger Hunt – Free

Online registration has closed for this event. However, can still participate! Simply visit one of the locations listed below and register there. Adventure awaits! Join us for a fun, free community event, brought to you by the Great Swamp Partners! Play solo or team up with friends and family. The Treasures of the Swamp Scavenger Hunt launches April 26, and the Great Swamp is your playground! Unleash your inner explorer for an afternoon or weekend (it's up to you) of riddle-solving and treasure-seeking across six beautiful locations. Your clue booklet holds the secrets and each site unlocks the answers. What to expect at this family-friendly event: Forest trails, wildlife sightings, code-cracking, and celebratory high-fives as you solve each clue. It's a great opportunity to experience the incredible natural beauty right here in our back yard! Begin your exploration at any of the participating locations within the Great Swamp watershed region - visit 1 or all 6 sites in any order - all at your own pace:  Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (GSNWR) / Friends of Great Swamp NWR Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center: 32 Pleasant Plains Rd., Basking Ridge Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) Conservation Management Area (CMA): 1 Tiger […]

Free

CANCELLED: Beginner Paddle on the Passaic River

Canoe Launch, Livingston 2, 12 S Orange Ave, Livingston, New Jersey

Due to expected rain, this event has been cancelled! Please check back at GreatSwamp.org/events for future paddles. Celebrate spring with a paddle on the Passaic River designed for beginners! We will focus on how to paddle in a kayak and learn paddle strokes, getting in and out of the boat, how to maneuver. Children 8 and up are welcome. All participants 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent. There are only 7 spots available – 2 spots/registration max. 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 put-in location is the Livingston Canoe Launch, and we […]

$30.00 – $40.00

CANCELLED: Dismal Harmony Hike

Dismal Harmony Natural Area Mendham, NJ, United States

Due to expected thunderstorms, this event has been cancelled! Please check back at GreatSwamp.org/events for future hikes. Join GSWA's Ginger Van Ryzin for a moderate, 2 mile hike at Dismal Harmony Natural Area in Mendham, NJ. Along the way we will explore the legends behind legend rock and the history behind the stone house nestled within the preserve. Exact meetup and parking location is TBD; we will email all attendees that information prior to the hike. Waterproof footwear, especially hiking boots, are strongly recommended. Please email Izzy ifilippini@greatswamp.org 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.

Free – $40.00

Sold out: Paddle the Passaic

Canoe Launch, Livingston 2, 12 S Orange Ave, Livingston, New Jersey

This event is sold out. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please email ifilippini@greatswamp.org.   Come out and enjoy the sights along the beautiful banks of the Passaic River as we paddle from the Livingston Canoe Launch. This area is full of wildlife, native vegetation, and beautiful views. Children 8 and up are welcome. All participants 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent. There are only 7 spots available – 2 spots/registration max. 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 put-in location is the Livingston Canoe Launch, and we will […]

$30.00 – $40.00