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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 [email protected] 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

SOLD OUT – Full Wolf Moon Night Hike

Primrose Farm (Enter from Barrett Field) Barrett Field, 1413-000460000-000020001-00000, Morristown, NJ

If you cannot attend, please email [email protected] to cancel so we can invite the next person on the waitlist email. Kick off the new year with a leisurely stroll through the Primrose Farm meadow as the full moon lights the winter sky. The January full moon, known as the "wolf moon" is named for the fact that wolves tend to howl more often during the winter season, which is always when this full moon occurs. The moon will guide us through this relaxing winter hike and if there happens to be snow on the ground, we can look for tracks and other signs of the critters who call Primrose Farm home. Dress for the weather and be sure to wear appropriate footwear.   This can be a tricky spot to find to please note the location details below: Primrose Farm (see below for google map - click the + to zoom in and see details) 15 Brook Drive South, Harding Township, NJ (enter from Barrett Field) http://goo.gl/maps/G4Lvc

Free – $40.00

Frozen Falls Hike (new end-time & meetup address)

Ramapo Valley County Reservation 610 Ramapo Valley Rd., Mawah, NJ, United States

NEW TIMEFRAME: this hike now runs 11 AM - 2 PM (previously 11 AM - 1:30 PM) What would inspire you to brave the cold for a January hike? How about the unique opportunity to experience a frozen winter wonderland?!  Join GSWA's Ginger Van Ryzin for an intermediate-level hike to check out some beautiful water features. The hike will journey along portions of the Yellow Trail and traverse several other trails as we hike towards a picturesque waterfall. If conditions are right, we may witness the falls in a frozen state - a sight to behold. Along the way we will encounter other bodies of water like babbling (or not so babbling, depending on the temps) streams, a pond and a reservoir, and the Ramapo River - which eventually feeds into the Passaic River. As you may know, GSWA works to protect the water and land of the Passaic River and its surrounding region. The Ramapo Reservation is Bergen County's largest park located on the edge of the Highlands Region featuring a network of five scenic loop trails. Grab this opportunity to breathe in the crisp, cool air, get your blood pumping, and experience the wonder that winter's nature has […]

$10.00 – $25.00

Full “Snow” Moon Night Hike @ The Refuge

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

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.

Free – $40.00

President’s Day Hike @ The Refuge SOLD OUT

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Orange Trailhead approx 77 Meyersville Rd., Green Village (Harding Township), NJ, United States

If you cannot attend, please email [email protected] to cancel so we can invite the next person on the waitlist email. Celebrate this President's Day with a relaxing, family-friendly, guided tour of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge's Orange Trail. The kids are off from school and it's a beautiful time of year to connect with nature. If there happens to be snow on the ground, your guide, GSWA's Ginger Van Ryzin, will help look for tracks and other signs of the critters who call the Refuge home. Dress for the weather and be sure to wear appropriate footwear. Click HERE for a map to the meetup location. GPS Coordinates: 40.726674, -74.457729

Free – $40.00

SOLD OUT – Vernal Pool Exploration Hike

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

To be added to the waitlist, email Melanie - [email protected]. If you reserved a spot but cannot attend, email Melanie so next person on the waitlist can be invited. 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.

Free – $40.00

The Great Swamp Scavenger Hunt Kickoff

Long Hill Township Library 917 Valley Rd, Gillette, NJ, United States

The Great Swamp Scavenger Hunt Kickoff is a FREE adventure game that is open to kids and adults alike! It's one of the most entertaining ways to discover- or rediscover- some of the great sites of natural, cultural, and historic importance tucked away in Long Hill Township. On your hunt, you'll learn about how water moves through our towns while scouting out trees, environmental groups, and waterways in the area!  You will have 2 weeks to complete this program. Grab your scavenger hunt booklet at the library any time during the two weeks of the event. Join GSWA staffers for this kickoff event to learn more about the hunt and enjoy some fun things to do to wet your appetite for this fun adventure brought to you in collaboration with Long Hill Twp. Library.   Register for the zoom webinar HERE! Be sure to scroll down to "Scavenger Hunt Kick -off: Sat. 4/1 12-2pm with the Great Swamp Watershed Association" and check "Yes, I want to attend".

SOLD OUT – Morning Paddle @ the Refuge

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

Morning Paddle: 10-11:30 AM Kick off your day with a peaceful spring paddle at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. By mid-April, most tree are bursting with buds with their leaves ready to emerge. Birds like pine warblers and woodcocks are migrating back our way. Spring peepers and chorus frogs are calling. Come experience all this and more from a magical place - the middle of the Passaic River at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. 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 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 completed forms before put-in. Adult Attendee Minor Attendee The put-in location is the Fisherman's Parking Lot and […]

$30.00 – $40.00