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Light Pollution: An Overview

The Library of the Chathams 214 main St, Chatham Township, New Jersey

Light pollution is practically ubiquitous, yet for most it goes unnoticed each night. Artificial light has creeped into our yards and forest, disrupting circadian rhythms of wildlife, plants, and us humans. Nocturnal animals, who have evolved to thrive in dark conditions, no longer have the upper hand against their prey. Trees and other plants growing under the glow of streetlights are shown to be less resilient than those given a nights rest. Even people need natural darkness to reset, and with studies finding those who live in excess of light pollution can higher rates of depression, diabetes, and more. At times the solution can be as easy as switching off the lights, but in our fast-paced society that is not always an option. Join Great Swamp Watershed Association's Ginger Van Ryzin to learn what exactly is light pollution, its effects on the flora and fauna, and what we can do to protect our ecosystems against it. Sponsored by the Environmental Commission of Chatham Borough, Chatham Township and Madison. Location: Lundt Room at Library of the Chathams Registration required! Note: Registration ends February 5 at 3:00pm.

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SOLD OUT: Winter Tree ID Hike

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

Tree species can be tricky to identify, especially in the winter. Join GSWA's own naturalist Ginger Van Ryzin as she shows the tips and tricks to winter tree identification and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the restored wildflower meadow of Harding Land Trust's Primrose Farm. Warm clothing and waterproof footwear, especially hiking boots, are strongly recommended. Directions: Primrose Farm (see below for google map - click the + to zoom in and see details) Please email Izzy ([email protected]) with questions or cancellations. Ticket sales end on 2/6/2026 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.

Get Tickets $5.00 – $40.00 1 ticket left

Breakfast Briefing: Intro to NJ Backyard Bird ID

Great Swamp Watershed Association HQ 568 Tempe Wick Rd, Morristown, NJ, United States

Become a backyard bird extraordinaire at GSWA's intro to bird ID breakfast briefing! Who's that at your bird feeder? What was that flash of red in the tree?  Come and join GSWA staff to learn the basics of birding in your own back yard.  Grab a bite to eat and learn how to identify common backyard birds from the warmth of the GSWA office (and a bird feeder to practice with).  In this fun, interactive, breakfast briefing you will learn some basic strategies for how to identify those common backyard birds.  No experience necessary!  This class is designed for the beginner, but we welcome experienced birds as well. If the weather permits, after the class, you are invited to stay for a short excursion outside our office to put your new skills to use.  We have binoculars to lend out.  Space is limited, and registration is required. Get tickets below: GSWA Members are Free | Non-members $10 (Adult) and $5 (Child) Eco Pro Tip: Purchase a discounted annual GSWA Family Membership today to attend this program for free! Purchase a Wooden Winter Tray Birdfeeders (limited supply)  These pine wood tray birdfeeders will allow you to feed seed eating birds while […]

Get Tickets Free – $40.00

Worm Moon Hike at the Refuge

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

Join GSWA in nature for a hike under the last full moon of the winter! The worm moon signals the end of winter; as the ground begins to slowly thaw, the worms and larvae begin to emerge. Come out and explore the forest with GSWA's Ginger Van Ryzin as spring begins to approach. 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 [email protected] when you register for this hike.  Please email Izzy ([email protected]) with questions or cancellations. Ticket sales end on 3/2/2026 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 […]

Get Tickets Free – $40.00

Volunteer: CMA Community Spring Cleanup

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

Ready to get a little dirty and sweaty in the swamp? Need community service hours? College students—are you looking for something meaningful to add to your resume? Kick of the season at the GSWA Conservation Management Area (CMA) in Harding Township to help us steward the land. We could really use your help getting our CMA tidied up by helping us with a spring cleaning and preparing the CMA for the season.  Be sure to wear long pants, long sleeves, and hiking boots or sturdy old shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Bring a hat and a reusable water bottle. We will provide bug spray, sunscreen, gloves, snacks, and all the tools you need. What better way to spend a Saturday morning? We’ll see you there! Registration is required!

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Vernal Pool Exploration Hike

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

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 [email protected] 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 […]

Get Tickets $10.00 – $40.00

Spring Ephemeral Hike

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

Celebrate spring at our Conservation Management Area with our spring ephemerals: woodland wildflowers that bloom before the forest canopy fills in. Come walk with naturalist Ginger Van Ryzin to see trout lilies, mayapples, anemone and more! Please email Izzy [email protected] 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.

Get Tickets $10.00 – $15.00