Outdoor Events

What's hiding on the forest floor? What's going on in the trees? Let's do some detective work and make some discoveries together! The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect place to 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 summer! Recommended for all, but especially children 5 to 12 years old accompanied by an adult. We will meet at the head of the Orange Trail at the end of Meyersville Rd., Green Village. The lot is small, so please consider carpooling and be mindful when parking. This event is free for our GSWA members. For non-members, a suggested $10 donation for adults and $5 for children 6-17 is appreciated.

Come out and enjoy the sights along the beautiful banks of the Passaic River. 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 paddle from there. 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 […]

Explore one of the many New Jersey Conservation Foundation preserves found throughout New Jersey. On our hike, we hike to Butler Reservoir, walk along Apshawa Brook, and look for wildlife. This will be a moderate to difficult hike, roughly 3.5 miles with 600 ft of elevation change. Come out to check out fall wildflowers, scenic overlooks and the butler reservoir! 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.

We have a few open spots, so this hike is now open to non-members as well! Come out to enjoy the tail-end of bird migration (pun-intended!). On our hike we cover roughly 3 miles of trails with some elevation change. On our way, we may catch some late fall migrants including sharp-shinned hawks, northern harriers, black and turkey vultures, and if we are lucky, maybe even a golden eagle! Please email Izzy (ifilippini@greatswamp.org) with questions or cancellations. Ticket sales end on 10/31/2025 at 3:00 PM. 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.

Come out and enjoy the beautiful fall foliage along the banks of the Passaic River as we paddle the headwaters region of the Great Swamp. 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 paddle from there. Please email Izzy ifilippini@greatswamp.org with questions or cancellations. CANCELLATION POLICY: Great Swamp Watershed Association […]

This event is sold out. Please email Izzy at ifilippini@greatswamp to be added to the waitlist. If you have registered and must cancel, please email Izzy so we may contact the next person on the waitlist.    Come out and enjoy the beautiful fall foliage along the banks of the Passaic River as we paddle the headwaters region of the Great Swamp. 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 […]