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SOLD OUT: Friday the 13th Paddle

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

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT! Please email iFilippini@GreatSwamp.org if you need to cancel, or to be placed on a waitlist Come test your luck with a fun Friday the 13th paddle on the Passaic River. 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 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 meet up location is Essex County Environmental Center. 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 […]

$30.00 – $40.00

Friends of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Fall Festival

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

Celebrate some big milestones at GSNWR's annual Fall Festival: the 60th year of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, the 60th year of the Wilderness Act, and the 25th year of Friends of GSNWR. Activities will include target archery, hover ball, river seining, guided nature walks, games, and nature crafts for kids. Free grilled hot dogs will be available from 11 AM to 1:30 PM, and there's plenty of parking. This event hosted by Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and US Fish and Wildlife Service. Tickets are not required to attend this non-GSWA event.  

Members Only: Fall Flora and Fauna Hike

Glenhurst Preserve 185 Mountain Ave, Warren, NJ, United States

Thank you for being a GSWA member! As a show of appreciation, let us treat you to a meander through two miles of Passaic floodplain meadows and forests while admiring the beautiful fall fauna and flora. We will pass small ponds and walk along both Cory's Brook and the Passaic River. Trails may be muddy so bring shoes you don't mind getting dirty. The hike will be roughly 2 miles with relatively flat elevation. This is a free hike available to GSWA members only! Not a member? Not a problem. Purchase an annual family membership today at the discounted price of $40 (below) and you can come along!  Please note: once you purchase the membership, you will need to return to this site to reserve your tickets.  Email Izzy ifilippini@greatswamp.org with any questions or concerns!

Free – $40.00

SOLD OUT: Madison Tree Identification Walk

Conservation Forest at the Madison Recreation and Conservation Complex (MRC) 184 Ridgedale Avenue, Madison, NJ, United States

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT! Have you ever wanted to learn how to identify trees? October is a marvelous time. Join naturalist Ginger Van Ryzin, GSWA Manager of Stewardship and GIS Specialist,  for a wander in the Conservation Forest of the Madison Recreation and Conservation Complex (MRC). Along the walk, you will learn how to identify native trees by examining autumn leaves, bark, persistent fruit, and overall tree shape. This fun educational opportunity will include general tree ID techniques and characteristics for common native trees in Madison, including a handout so you can practice and hone your new skill. This walk is co-sponsored by Friends of Madison Shade Trees, Madison Shade Tree Management Board, and the Madison Environmental Commission. 

CANCELLED: Veterans Day Kids’ Hike

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

DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, THIS HIKE HAS BEEN CANCELLED.   This Veterans Day, join us for a family-friendly hike, geared specifically for kids, at GSWA's Conservation Management Area. Explore the wonders of our floodplain forest as we search for signs of wildlife and learn about the unique ecosystems that call this area home. Kids, be sure to bring your parent along for this fun adventure. Ages 5-12 (includes a free parent ticket): $10 / (kids 4 and under: free) Children 13 and older and additional adults: $15 Please note: All children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Questions? Email Izzy at ifilippini@greatswamp.org 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.

$10.00 – $15.00

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