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SOLD OUT – Harvest Moon Night Hike

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

This hike is sold out. If you wish to be added to the waitlist or if you are registered and unable to attend, please email nrago@GreatSwamp.org.. Enjoy maximum beauty, a full Harvest Moon. With autumn just around the corner, this is a spectacular time of year to get outside for a night hike. Come enjoy the beauty of the full "Harvest Moon" over the water at the WOC (Wildlife Observation Center). A full moon this time of year is typically called the Harvest Moon because the angle of the moon's orbit relative to the Earth's horizon is at its minimum, causing the full moon to rise above the horizon much faster than usual. This once helped farmers bring in the harvest late into the night. For us, it means we will have a bright night sky to light the way as we traverse the beautiful trails of the Refuge. This is a free hike for our GSWA Members. Non-members: suggested donation of $10 for adults/$5 for children 6-17.

Free – $40.00

RESCHEDULED – Boonton Falls “Little Niagara” Hike

Canal Side Park, Boonton

The postponed hike has been rescheduled to 9/10/22. If you signed up previously, will contact you again about the rescheduled date.  Here's an awesome hiking experience close to home! Come see (and hear) about one of New Jersey's amazing hidden treasures, the Boonton Falls. The Boonton area is rich in history so we'll discuss how the falls and the Rockaway River made Boonton an ideal location for the now abandoned New Jersey Iron Company in the 1830's. The Morris Canal transport system moved the manufactured nail rods and bar iron through the tri-state area. Come experience all this and more! We will meet at the Upper Plane Street Parking Lot in Boonton. Use the following link coordinates: https://goo.gl/maps/5SDud5Dd8qomUdgs7. NOTE: On Saturday there will be the Boonton Farmers Market.

Free – $40.00

CANCELLED – Fall Colors Paddle (10 AM-12 Noon)

2 Camp Ln, Fairfield, NJ 07004 40.8978651,-74.2802894

With safety as our top priority and based on Saturday's forecast, we have decided to cancel tomorrow's paddle. Attention participants, an email will be sent with an alternate date and time to choose from. If you have question, feel free to email Nancy at nrago@GreatSwamp.org Morning Paddle (10 AM – 12 Noon) Experience the spectacular change of colors from the water! A central portion of 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. Children 8 and up are welcome. All participants 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent. There are 7 spots available per session – only 2 spots per registration. 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. IMPORTANT - Kayak Waiver: Each participant MUST submit one of the forms below. If the person is under the age of 18 then 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 […]

$30.00 – $40.00

CANCELLED – Fall Colors Paddle (12:30-2:30 PM)

2 Camp Ln, Fairfield, NJ 07004 40.8978651,-74.2802894

With safety as our top priority and based on Saturday's forecast, we have decided to cancel tomorrow's paddle. Attention participants, an email will be sent with an alternate date and time to choose from. If you have question, feel free to email Nancy at nrago@GreatSwamp.org Afternoon Paddle (12:30-2:30 PM) Experience the spectacular change of colors from the water! A central portion of 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. Children 8 and up are welcome. All participants 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent. There are 7 spots available per session – only 2 spots per registration. 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. IMPORTANT - Kayak Waiver: Each participant MUST submit one of the forms below. If the person is under the age of 18 then 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 […]

$30.00 – $40.00

Intro to Birding Hike (Intermediate)

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

Join us for an intermediate-level hike at the beautiful High Mountain Park Preserve. This 4-mile/700 ft. elevation hike features stunning, panoramic summit views of New York City and northern New Jersey. If there has been rain, we may be treated to a waterfall or two. As we turn our eyes to the skies, we will watch for our feathered friends, perhaps even some red shouldered hawks, as the end-of-raptor migration approaches. The Preserve is also home to rare and threatened plants and wildlife including mountain mint and northern long-eared bats, as well as common local species like flying squirrels, wild turkeys, chipmunks, and white-tailed deer. This rigorous hike has some intermediate sections. Be sure to bring snacks and water. We will meet at the Red Trailhead, at the intersection of Navaho Trail Drive and Reservoir Drive https://goo.gl/maps/MoGc6vjAer6ScFD96

Free – $40.00

Nature Detective Discovery Hike

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

KIDS...UNLOCK YOUR INNER DETECTIVE LOCATION CHANGED TO OUR CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT AREA What's hiding under those freshly fallen leaves? What's going on in the trees? Let's do some detective work and make some discoveries together! To make the hike as exciting and kid friendly as possible, we have decided to change the location of our hike to the GSWA Conservation Management Area at 1 Tiger Lily Ln in Morristown. It is also the perfect place to set off in hot pursuit of the region’s most-wanted autumn 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 fall! Recommended for all, but especially children 5 to 12 years old. We recommend wearing boots or shoes you don't mind getting dirty. This event is free for our GSWA members. Non-members, a $10 donation for adults and $5 for children 6-17 is appreciated.

Free – $40.00

CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER: Veteran’s Day Paddle (10 AM – 12 PM)

2 Camp Ln, Fairfield, NJ 07004 40.8978651,-74.2802894

Due to rain headed our way, this event has been cancelled. Check back again in the Spring for more paddles.   Morning Paddle (10:00 AM-12:00 PM)   Veteran's Day is a wonderful day to get out in the water and reflect on how lucky we are to have what we have thanks to those who fought for our freedom. Enjoy a peaceful paddle with a small group of people as we explore a central portion of 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. Children 8 and up are welcome. All participants 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent. There are 7 spots available per session – only 2 spots per registration. 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 then a parent or guardian must sign […]

$30.00 – $40.00

CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER: Veteran’s Day Paddle (12:30 – 2:30 PM)

2 Camp Ln, Fairfield, NJ 07004 40.8978651,-74.2802894

Due to rain headed our way, this event has been cancelled. Check back again in the Spring for more paddles.   Afternoon Paddle (12:30 - 2:30 PM)   Veteran's Day is a wonderful day to get out in the water and reflect on how lucky we are to have what we have thanks to those who fought for our freedom. Enjoy a peaceful paddle with a small group of people as we explore a central portion of 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. Children 8 and up are welcome. All participants 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent. There are 7 spots available per session – only 2 spots per registration. 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 then a parent or guardian must […]

$30.00 – $40.00

SOLD OUT: New Moon Night Hike

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

If you cannot attend, please email nrago@GreatSwamp.org to cancel so we can invite the next person on the waitlist email. Come explore the stars and hike the trails of the Conservation Management Area under a new moon when the stars are at their brightest! A new moon is the first lunar phase, which means it will not be visible at all. But don't worry, just because it's dark out doesn't mean the inhabitants of the woods have gone to sleep. During this guided hike, we will take advantage of the quiet, crisp autumn air by listening for the nighttime creatures of Harding Township like owls, raccoon, and possums. Dress for the weather - waterproof boots are recommended.

Free – $40.00

Winter Solstice Night Hike & Story Telling

Visitor Center, Morristown National Historical Park 600 Tempe Wick Road, Morristown, New Jersey

Bundle up and let's celebrate the first day of winter (winter solstice) with a crisp, invigorating night hike and storytelling at Jockey Hollow. Winter solstice is the day with the fewest hours of sunlight in the whole year, making it the shortest day of the year. With the new moon just 2 days away, the stars in the winter skies will be shining brightly as we look and listen for owls and other nightlife. After the hike, we will warm up by a fire and sip hot chocolate as we learn about an 18th century viewpoint on how the early century colonists viewed the darkness vs. today. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity with some highly experienced and knowledgeable naturalists. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear your warm socks for this hike.     This special event is provided in partnership with Morristown National Historical Park and GSWA. Hike co-leaders: Eric Olson, Jockey Hollow Park Ranger and Historian; Hazel England, GSWA Director of Education, Outreach, & Land Stewardship; and Ginger Van Ryzin, GSWA Education, Land Steward & Water Quality Associate.

Free – $40.00