GSWA

Plant for Pollinators Webinar Series - FREE
2024-01-18 19:00 - 2024-04-01 12:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Webinar, Morristown, NJ, United States
Building a “Jersey-friendly yard” creates a healthy foundation of soil, conserves water, attracts and supports wildlife, and adds beauty and interest to your home landscape.
Leading up to our 4th annual online Native Pollinator Plant Sale on April 1, we have secured three nationally recognized and diverse speakers to present at monthly webinars.
Scroll to the very bottom and register to attend all 4 programs at once at the click of a button.
This streamlined registration not only guarantees timely reminder emails with the Zoom link for each of the four talks, but also ensures that you receive recording links for all four webinars within 48 hours of each talk’s conclusion. For those interested in specific talks, individual sign-ups are available below.
Register for individual programs below:
January 18, 7-8 PM: Creating a Woodland Garden with Indigenous Plants & Vertical Structure. Speaker: Jean Epiphan, agricultural resources agent and assistant professor with Rutgers Cooperative Extension in Morris County | Register HERE
February 15, 7-8 PM: Plug in to Native Groundcovers. Speaker: John Courtney, owner of Kind Earth Nursery | Register HERE
March 13, 7-8PM: Pollinator Conservation: Creating and Protecting Habitat for NJ’s Bees, Butterflies, and Biodiversity. Speaker: Kelly Gill, Pollinator Conservation Specialist from Xerces Society | Register HERE
Apr 1, 12-1 PM: GSWA Native Pollinator Plant Sale Overview. Speaker: Hazel England, GSWA Director of Education, Outreach, and Land Stewardship (GSWA online Native Pollinator Plant Sale opens directly following this webinar) | Register HERE
While this speaker program series is free for all participants, a suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated to help offset the cost of bringing you these nationally recognized speakers. :-)
Add All Four Events to Your Calendar: FIRST, register for the Series below. THEN, add the four event dates to your calendar by importing the following custom ICS file. Right-click the link to save the file/download: PLANT WEBINAR SERIES ICS FILE. Once downloaded, navigate to your calendar app’s settings and/or choose ‘Import,’ then select the file from your computer. You can visit the scheduled dates to confirm they have been added correctly. Please be aware that Zoom links for each talk will be sent separately via email. The ICS file format is recognized by popular calendar apps like Google, Outlook, and Apple.
Mark Your Calendar: Apr 1, 1:30 PM – Native Plants for Pollinators online sale opens Apr 1 @ 1:30 PM and runs through Apr 19 @ 5 PM. Learn more about native pollinator plants, gardening, and GSWA’s online plant sale HERE.

Please see important notice below: Wolf Moon Hike
2024-01-24 17:00 - 18:30 | Primrose Farm (Enter from Barrett Field), Barrett Field, 1413-000460000-000020001-00000, Morristown, NJ, 07960
Important Notice: We are monitoring the weather for this hike. While Primrose Farm is higher ground than our board-walked swamp, it can still get muddy in rain. Be sure to wear appropriate boots and rain gear! If the temperatures drop and the rain turns icy, we may adjust our plans accordingly for driving conditions. January night hikes can be tough, but we hope to conduct the hike unless we feel it is unsafe. We will make the final decision by noon, January 24 and will email everyone and update this site. Thank you for your patience!

Join us for 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 after wolves who tend to howl more often during the winter season. 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.

Winter Flower ID
2024-02-10 09:00 - 11:00 | Tourne County Park, 83 Old Denville Rd, Boonton, New Jersey, 07005
Native plants can be tricky to ID even throughout the growing season, so identifying plants in the dead of winter seems next to impossible. But it is not! Come join our very own Ginger Van Ryzin to learn some of the tip and tricks to winter flower identification. Dress for the weather and be sure to wear appropriate footwear.

Plug in to Native Groundcovers
2024-02-15 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom Webinar, Morristown, NJ, United States
Come learn the benefits of using native groundcovers in the garden bed. Guest speaker, John Courtney, is the owner of Kind Earth Nursery and the supplier of many of the plugs used in GSWA’s Plant for Pollinators sale program. John will discuss pollinator-benefiting native alternatives to some of the more traditional non-native groundcovers such as the dreaded vinca vine and pachysandra. John will share how to properly manage these groundcovers for visual and ecological impact. You will also learn more about getting “plugged in” utilizing landscape plugs for a more economical solution to covering large square footage areas of the yard without breaking the bank.

Register for the rest of the 4 part webinar series HERE
This streamlined registration not only guarantees timely reminder emails with the Zoom link for each of the four talks, but also ensures that you receive recording links for all four webinars within 48 hours of each talk’s conclusion.
For those interested in specific talks, you can register individually for the 2 remaining webinars:
Mar 13, 7-8 PM – Pollinator Conservation: Creating and Protecting Habitat for NJ’s Bees, Butterflies, and Biodiversity
Apr 1, 12-1 PM – Native Pollinator Online Plant Program Overview
While this program is free for all participants, a suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated to help offset the cost of bringing you this great, nationally recognized speaker. :-)

Mark Your Calendar: Apr 1, 1:30 PM – Native Plants for Pollinators online program opens Apr 1 @ 1:30 PM and runs through Apr 19 @ 5 PM. Learn more about native pollinator plants, gardening, and GSWA’s online plant program HERE.

SOLD OUT- Snow Moon Hike
2024-02-25 17:30 - 19:00 | Cross Estate Gardens, 61 Jockey Hollow Rd, Bernardsville, NJ, 07924, United States
SORRY, THIS HIKE IS SOLD OUT
Please email MHertgen@GreatSwamp.org if you need to cancel, or to be placed on a waitlist

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.

Pollinator Conservation: Creating and Protecting Habitat for NJ’s Bees, Butterflies, and Biodiversity
2024-03-13 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom Webinar, Morristown, NJ, United States
Pollinators and other beneficial insects are experiencing drastic and widespread declines making pollinator conservation a national and New Jersey priority. However, we can all play a role in protecting pollinators and beneficial insects and the important ecological services they provide. Join the Xerces Society’s Kelly Gill to learn how you can best support pollinators in your NJ yard, garden, and local landscapes by planting native flowering plants, enhancing nesting and overwintering habitat, and reducing pesticide risk. Kelly will include case studies on pollinators included in this year’s plant kits and focus on pollinator needs throughout the seasons.

Register for the 1 remaining webinars in this 4-part series:
Apr 1, 12-1 PM – Plant Sale Overview
While this program is free for all participants, a suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated to help offset the cost of bringing you this great, nationally recognized speaker. :-)

Mark Your Calendar: Apr 1, 1:30 PM – Native Plants for Pollinators online sale opens Apr 1 @ 1:30 PM and runs through Apr 19 @ 5 PM. Learn more about native pollinator plants, gardening, and GSWA’s online plant sale HERE.

SOLD OUT: Pollinator Box Workshop
2024-03-14 18:00 - 19:30 | Great Swamp Watershed Association HQ, 568 Tempe Wick Rd, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
SORRY, THIS WORKSHOP IS SOLD OUT
Please email MHertgen@GreatSwamp.org if you need to cancel, or to be placed on a waitlist
Did you know some bees don’t live in hives? Come get the scoop about pollinator boxes and how they benefit the environment. This workshop will be “the bee’s knees!” (We apologize for that.)
Join us for an evening of building, learning and all-around good fun as we talk about the importance of solitary bees and pollinator habitats to the ecosystem, and build a pollinator box of your own to take home! Cost: $30/box. This workshop is limited to the first 10 people who register.
Missing this event will really sting, so make sure you register today!

Signs of Spring Hike
2024-03-16 10:00 - 12:30 | Garret Mountain Reservation, Lambert Castle Parking Lot, 3 Valley Rd., Paterson, NJ, 07424, United States
Spring is just around the corner, and all the plants and animals around us are preparing for the upcoming season. Come learn about how our flora and fauna survive the winter season, and what cues let them know that spring is coming. You will also get to learn some history of the area! Weather conditions in early March can be extremely variable, so please make sure to dress appropriately. The hike will be just over 3 miles long with 400 feet of elevation change.

SOLD OUT: Vernal Pool Hike
2024-03-28 19:00 - 21:00 | Great Swamp Watershed Association’s CMA, 1 Tiger Lily Ln, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
SORRY, THIS HIKE IS SOLD OUT
Please email MHertgen@GreatSwamp.org if you need to cancel, or to be placed on a waitlist
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.

Plant for Pollinators Plant Sale Overview
2024-04-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Webinar, Morristown, NJ, United States
There has been a change in speaker for this webinar.
To launch Day 1 of our 4th Annual Native “Plant for Pollinators” sale, GSWA’s Education, Land Steward, and Water Quality Associate, Ginger Van Ryzin, will provide an in-depth look at each of the 37 selections being offered as individual species and within six kits suitable for a range of garden conditions. Ginger will review why native plants are important, cover the new species in this year’s sale, and delve into the various pollinator species these native plants will particularly attract. Learn more about how to start, add, or amend your growing native pollinator garden. You’ll leave energized knowing the amazing benefits these 37 different native species can bring to your yard and you’ll be ready to shop the sale.
We will also walk you through our online storefront, simple ordering process, and amazing online resources on the site.
If you’re considering starting or expanding your native pollinator garden, you’re going to want to check this out! You will receive your Zoom link prior to the start of the webinar.
While this speaker program series is free for all participants, a suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated to help offset the cost of bringing you these nationally recognized speakers. :-)
Mark Your Calendar: Apr 1, 1:30 PM – Native Plants for Pollinators online sale opens Apr 1 @ 1:30 PM and runs through Apr 19 @ 5 PM. Learn more about native pollinator plants, gardening, and GSWA’s online plant sale HERE.

Volunteer for Community Workday
2024-04-05 10:00 - 13:00 | Great Swamp Watershed Association’s CMA, 1 Tiger Lily Ln, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
Ready to get a little dirty and sweaty in the swamp? Need community service hours? College students, are you looking for something worthy to add to your resume?!
Join us on Friday at the GSWA Conservation Management Area (CMA) to help us steward the land. We will work from 10AM to 1PM and enjoy some well-earned snacks. We could really use your help getting our CMA tidied up by helping us with the following tasks: Carry in lumber • Build and elevate boardwalks which allows hikers to get through flooded areas • Clear branches and limbs from recent storms • Remove invasive plants • Spread woodchips on our trails.

Be sure to wear long pants, long sleeves, and hiking boots or old shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Bring a hat and a reusable water bottle. We will provide bug spray, sun block, gloves, and all tools you will need.
You’ll work hard, but will also share in some laughs, and enjoy delicious snacks. What better way to spend a Saturday morning? See you there!

Stream Assessment Training- FREE
2024-04-07 13:00 - 16:00 | Morristown & Morris Township Library, 1 Miller Rd, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
Unless there’s obvious pollution in the river or stream, to the untrained eye, the water may look healthy. But is it? This free training session, led by Sandra LaVigne, GSWA Director of Water Quality Programs, will provide you with all the necessary skills to make your own determinations. There will be an indoor training which will be hybrid for those who can not attend in person. This session teaches you how to conduct visual and biological stream assessments and recognize environmental factors that could impact stream health. This will be followed by a outdoor field training to practice your new-found skills at a local stream site. By the afternoon, you will be fully trained in visual and biological stream assessment. And if you are ready to take that next step, consider becoming a stream monitoring volunteer!
Tools and supplies will be provided. It gets a little messy so wear your boots and bring clean shoes to change into afterward. Preferred volunteers are 15 or older.

Plant Program Panel / Q&A
2024-04-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom Webinar, NJ, United States
3 friendly, local native plant enthusiasts with years of experience will be available in an interactive webinar to help answer your questions and share advice about choosing, planting, growing and sustaining native plants. You will be able to email questions in advance or ask them during the webinar.
Bridget Daley has been an avid gardener for 20+ years. In the last few years, she has immersed herself in learning about and planting native plants. In her yard, Bridget has been shrinking the lawn and removing non-natives — many of which she previously planted — including common invasives like English ivy. So far she has replaced them with 71 species of native plants, including trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. Bridget also co-led, with fellow Rutgers Environmental Steward Joan Maccari, the creation of Madison Public Schools Pollinator Habitat, a community project that replaced lawn and non-native shrubs with 600 native plants. She is a member of the Madison Environmental Commission.
Jess Miller is a designer by trade and a native plant geek in her off time. She is a volunteer with the NPSNJ and maintain a Little Native Seed Library outside of her South Orange home. She works with her local community to add native plants to local parks and schools. Jess’s goal is for more people to know how easy and inexpensive it can be to add native plants to your yard!
Bianca Wright is a gardener and landscape designer with over 20 years of experience. She worked for design-build firms, private studios as well as a public garden before starting habitats&gardens LLC in 2021 to offer landscape design and plant installation. Bianca strives to create adaptive and resilient gardens by embracing nature’s dynamics, integrating ecological horticulture and principles of green infrastructure. She volunteers with several community groups to help raise awareness around native plants and bring them to local parks and schools.

FULL- Volunteer for Community Workday
2024-04-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Great Swamp Watershed Association’s CMA, 1 Tiger Lily Ln, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
THIS COMMUNITY WORKDAY HAS BEEN FILLED
Please email MHertgen@GreatSwamp.org if you can no longer make it, or to be placed on a waitlist
Ready to get a little dirty and sweaty in the swamp? Need community service hours? College students, are you looking for something worthy to add to your resume?!
Join us on Saturday at the GSWA Conservation Management Area (CMA) to help us steward the land. We will work from 10AM to 1PM and enjoy some well-earned snacks. We could really use your help getting our CMA tidied up by helping us with the following tasks: Carry in lumber • Build and elevate boardwalks which allows hikers to get through flooded areas • Clear branches and limbs from recent storms • Remove invasive plants • Spread woodchips on our trails.

Be sure to wear long pants, long sleeves, and hiking boots or old shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Bring a hat and a reusable water bottle. We will provide bug spray, sun block, gloves, and all tools you will need.
You’ll work hard, but will also share in some laughs, and enjoy delicious snacks. What better way to spend a Saturday morning? See you there!

CANCELLED: Spring Flower Paddle- AM
2024-04-27 09:00 - 10:30 | Somerset County Park Commission, Fisherman’s Parking Lot, Approx. 170 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ
DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, THIS PADDLE HAS BEEN CANCELLED. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY HAVE CAUSED.

Spring Flower AM Paddle
Kick off your day with a peaceful spring paddle at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. By late-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 GSWA kayaks, used in our water quality and educational programming, were purchased with the generous funding provided by the Thomas Glasser Foundation.

CANCELLED: Spring Flower Paddle- PM
2024-04-27 11:00 - 12:30 | Somerset County Park Commission, Fisherman’s Parking Lot, Approx. 170 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ
DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, THIS PADDLE HAS BEEN CANCELLED. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY HAVE CAUSED.

Spring Flower PM Paddle
Kick off your day with a peaceful spring paddle at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. By late-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 GSWA kayaks, used in our water quality and educational programming, were purchased with the generous funding provided by the Thomas Glasser Foundation.

View the Map and Sale Items: Madison & The Chathams Town-wide Yard Sale May 2024
2024-05-04 09:00 - 14:00 | New Jersey
Registration is now closed and it looks like good weather for tomorrow’s yard sale!
CLICK HERE FOR A DIGITAL MAP OF ALL YARD SALE PARTICIPANTS
CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF SALE ITEMS
(PS – if you missed registration, you can still conduct a yard sale without appearing on the map.)

RAIN DATE: SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2024
One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Now is the time to start checking your closets, basement, and garage for those hidden treasures and prepare to host a yard sale at the at this community event. Scroll to the bottom of this page and register to have your address and a list of your items for sale to appear on a digital, printable map. The map will be linked to this page and publicized far and wide to potential shoppers. You must be a resident of Chatham Township, Chatham Borough or Madison to list your sale.
Registration Fee: $10 tax-deductible donation to benefit Great Swamp Watershed Association.
Everyone else, mark your calendar for May 4 to get out and shop sustainably at this amazing three-town-wide yard sale! Be sure to check back here on May 3 before you head out to download the map.
Happy sales to you!

Frequently asked questions:

Why pay to be on the map? Over the last three years, we have found that our town-wide sales attract shoppers from across NJ—and Pennsylvania. We promote the sale (and the map) in local media and on popular garage sale sites.
Can I have a sale without paying to be on the map? Yes. Residents of the Chathams and Madison are welcome to hold sales on their own.
Do I need to pay a permit fee ? No. The permit fee for this event has been waived for residents of Madison and The Chathams.
Should I put up a sign if I’m on the map? Yes. Signs will attract additional customers who are just driving by.
Who do I contact with questions? Please direct all questions to the Environmental Commission of The Chathams and Madison at MEC@rosenet.org
What should I do with my yard sale leftovers? Our goal is to have the yard sale be zero waste. Contact following organizations to arrange pickups of your leftovers:

Vietnam Veterans of America (vva.org)
Lupus Foundation of America (Lupuspickup.org)
GreenDrop (gogreendrop.com)
Market Street Mission – clothing only, please (marketstreet.org)
In addition, Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore (morrisrestore.org/donate) does some pickups; it accepts antiques, furniture, flooring, brand new plumbing, painting supplies, doors and more.

To register below, change the quantity from 0 to 1 and click “ADD TO CART” to begin the process.

ONLINE TICKET SALES CLOSED: 7th Annual Great Swamp Great Music Festival
2024-05-19 12:00 - 18:30 | Drew University Simon Forum, 36 Madison Ave., Madison, NJ, 07940, United States
Online ticket purchasing is now closed. Tickets may be purchased at the door at Drew University – 36 Madison Ave., Madison:
Adults-$40 • Students/Senior Citizens/Military-$30 • Children under 13 are still FREE.
Credit cards, Paypal, cash, and checks accepted.

PLEASE NOTE, DUE TO THE ONGOING RAIN, THE FARM FIELDS AT OUR ORIGINAL VENUE ARE FLOODED, SO WE HAVE DECIDED TO MOVE THE FESTIVAL INDOORS TO THE BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED DREW UNIVERSITY BALDWIN GYMNASIUM AT 36 MADISON AVENUE IN MADISON, NJ.
We chose this backup location because it is spacious and accessible, and other great music events have been hosted successfully at this venue. Drew also offers convenient parking, including a lot right in front of the Simon Forum. You will enjoy the same exceptional music festival activities while staying dry and mud-free!
The festival location has changed, but everything else remains the same! Bring your chairs or blankets, or utilize the bleacher seating, for 6+ hours of live music in celebration of clean water and open space. Enjoy adult beverages and a variety of food from our food trucks. Our fabulous merch vendors and the Kids’ Corner will be in the lobby just outside the gymnasium along with the restrooms. Please note, dogs are not allowed at the Drew University facility!
The doors will still open at 11 AM, with the bands playing until 6:30 PM.
Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) is a non-profit organization protecting and improving the Great Swamp watershed & Passaic River region now and for future generations.
ENTRY & TICKETS: We encourage you to buy your ticket(s) in advance to save time and money. Scroll to the bottom of this page to purchase tickets. Show your email order confirmation on your cell as the entry ticket and for fast check-in.

Venue Location
Confirmed Indoor Location: Drew University Baldwin Gymnasium, 36 Madison Ave, Madison, NJ. See Drew Campus Map HERE.
(Due to ongoing rain, Brook Valley Farm’s fields at our original venue are flooded., 336 Loantaka Way, Chatham Twp. Special thanks to the Platt family of Harding Twp. for offering the GSWA this beautiful space again. Flanked by a lush, wooded mountainside and the historic Gibbons Horse Barn stables built in 1834, Brook Valley Farm has a rich history in Morris County and is listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places.)

Lineup
Not Enough Jeffs • The Refugee Dogs • The Big Fuss • The Dust-Ups
The Cold Hill Band • The Tones • HighRidge Runners
Food Vendors
Norman Food Services: Funnel cakes, fried zeppolas, fried pickles, pretzels, fresh lemonade, more
Marley’s Gotham Grill: Home of the 300+ Chicken Wing Flavors
Oxtail Gravy: Caribbean cuisine also offering vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options

Adult Beverages
Available for purchase: Beer (IPA and Lager) • Wine • Hard Cider (Be sure to bring your ID, we will be checking.)
Merch Vendors

Annie’s Wreaths • Art by Alice • Beats of Wisdom • Cose Belle • House of Cork • MindCurves • Patches & Paws • Tribux Creations

Kids’ Corner
Music is for everyone! Bring the whole family – kids will jump for joy with all the activities just for them including face painting, arts ‘n crafts, games, a selfie station, and more!

Tickets
PRE-PURCHASE PRICING: Save money and time – SCROLL DOWN to purchase advance tickets.
Adults-$30 • Students, Senior Citizens, and Military Veterans-$20 • Children under 13 are FREE.
Online ticket purchasing closes Saturday, May 18 @ 5 PM then tickets must be purchased at the gate.
AT-THE-GATE PRICING:
Adults-$40 • Students/Senior Citizens/Military-$30 • Children under 13 are still FREE.
Credit cards, Paypal, cash, and checks accepted.
Scroll to the Bottom of this Page for Tickets. Show your email order confirmation on your cell as the entry ticket and for fast check-in.
Frequently Asked Questions

Is this event rain or shine? Yes! In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors at Drew University,
Are dogs allowed? Yes for Brook Valley Farm. Well-behaved pups on a leash are very welcome! Please come prepared to clean up any messes. If the event is moved to Drew U., unfortunately dogs are not allowed.
Can I bring outside food and drink into the festival? We request that you leave your coolers at home and support our festival vendors.
Can I bring my own pop-up tent? Yes, but for everyone’s safety, you must bring supplies to properly stake it in place.
What forms of payment do you accept? Accepted payment methods include: Credit Cards, PayPal, Venmo, Cash, and Checks.
Will there be free water available? Absolutely! New Jersey American Water be on-site offering free “H2O on the Go” so bring your reusable water bottles!

THANK YOU TO OUR FESTIVAL SPONSORS!
Barred Owl
Atlantic Health System, S. Dillard and Adrienne T. Kirby Family Philanthropic Fund
Blue Spotted Salamander
Debra & John Apruzzese, Reed & Adrienne Auerbach, Chatham Print & Design, Eagle Cliff Real Estate Partners, Agi & Matt Krauser, Morris County Economic Development Alliance & Tourism Bureau, Valley Bank, Lisa and David Welsh
Emerald Darner
Community Builders, Gwenn & Anthony DellaPelle, EAB Insurance Group, Glenmede, Guaranteed Rate, Lissa & Ian MacCallum, Jr., New York Life of NJ, Pipe Works Home Services, PSEG, The Raritan Group, Turpin Real Estate
…And some additional sponsors who wish to remain anonymous.
SUPPORTERS
Harding Twp. DPW • Morris County MUA • New Jersey American Water • Kit Stinson • Washington House

Gates open at 11 AM for a day filled with filled with great music, lots of fun, and community spirit for the environment!
Purchase Your Tickets Below. Show your email order confirmation on your cell as the entry ticket and for fast check-in. All ticket sales are final.

CANCELLED: Birds and Bees
2024-05-25 08:00 - 10:00 | Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge – Bluebird Parking Lot, Bluebird Parking Lot, Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, NJ, United States
DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, THIS HIKE HAS BEEN CANCELLED. PLEASE CONTINUE TO CHECK BACK FOR NEW HIKES AND EVENTS.

Spring is in full swing here in the refuge, and its a great time to start honing you pollinator identification. Come join naturalist Ginger on a leisurely stroll through the refuge as we look for some birds and bees doing their spring thing. We will be hiking just under 2 miles on a flat, coarse gravel road.

GSWA 2023 Water Quality Report Card - Free
2024-05-29 19:00 - 20:00 | Morristown & Morris Township Library, 1 Miller Rd, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
GSWA will present the 2023 Annual Water Quality Report Card. Join us for an evening briefing about the state of the water throughout the Great Swamp Watershed and the Upper Passaic River. Sandra LaVigne, our Director of Water Quality Programs, and our dedicated Stream Team of Citizen Scientists collect water quality data throughout the year to determine the health of our riverine ecosystems and the state of the water. This data forms the core of our water quality report and guides GSWA as we work together with state, county and municipal agencies as well as our local community members to protect and improve our streams.
Here’s what you’ll learn:

Assessments based on the combined data from visual, chemical, and biological assessments from each of our 21 sampling sites
Information about PFAS in our stream water and the new EPA Regulations on PFAS in drinking water
History and issues facing our streams, including our newest stretch of the Passaic River from Little Falls to Garfield.

This is your chance to:

Get informed about the state of our water.
Ask questions and have your water quality concerns addressed by an expert.
Become part of the solution for a healthier Passaic River.

Don’t wait! Register now for this free event today. Visit GreatSwamp.org or call 973-538-3500. (Donations are appreciated to help offset expenses.)

SOLD OUT: Paddle the Passaic Pre-Sunset
2024-05-31 16:30 - 18:00 | Essex County Environmental Center, 621 Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland, NJ, 07068
If you cannot attend, please email ifilippini@GreatSwamp.org
to cancel so we can invite the next person on the waitlist.
Pre-Sunset Paddle: 4:30 – 6:00 pm
Ease into your weekend with a leisurely paddle on the Passaic River. As you experience beautiful golden hour from the water, you may also be visited by some great blue heron, turtles, and other wildlife that uses the stream corridor as habitat and migration route. 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.
The GSWA kayaks, used in our water quality and educational programming, were purchased with the generous funding provided by the Thomas Glasser Foundation.

SOLD OUT: Paddle the Passaic- Sunset
2024-05-31 18:30 - 20:00 | Essex County Environmental Center, 621 Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland, NJ, 07068
If you cannot attend, please email ifilippini@GreatSwamp.org
to cancel so we can invite the next person on the waitlist email.
Sunset Paddle: 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Ease into your weekend with a leisurely paddle on the Passaic River. As you experience beautiful golden hour from the water, you may also be visited by some great blue heron, turtles, and other wildlife that uses the stream corridor as habitat and migration route. 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.
The GSWA kayaks, used in our water quality and educational programming, were purchased with the generous funding provided by the Thomas Glasser Foundation.

All the Colors of the CMA
2024-06-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Great Swamp Watershed Association’s CMA, 1 Tiger Lily Ln, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
With our recent trail additions, we are proud to announce our trail system is now roughly 3.5 miles long; but can you say you hiked every single trail? If not, join us for a hike on the first of June and you will! Throughout our hike, we will discuss what our local wildlife is doing to gear up for summer, what our current projects are at the CMA, and what you can do to help steward the land in your everyday life.

SOLD OUT: Solstice Paddle- Experienced
2024-06-20 17:30 - 19:30 | Great Piece Meadows, 2 Camp Ln, Fairfield, New Jersey, 07004
SORRY, THIS PADDLE IS SOLD OUT
Please email iFilippini@GreatSwamp.org if you need to cancel, or to be placed on a waitlist

Take a beautiful paddle through the preserved Great Piece Meadows with GSWA staff on the longest day of the year.
As this paddle is geared towards experienced paddlers, all participants must be 15 and older. 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 GSWA kayaks, used in our water quality and educational programming, were purchased with the generous funding provided by the Thomas Glasser Foundation.

CANCELLED - “City of Water Day" Passaic River Cleanup & Paddles
2024-07-13 10:00 - 14:00 | Great Piece Meadows, 2 Camp Ln, Fairfield, New Jersey, 07004
**Cancelled: Due to an aerial flood watch affecting our work area, City of Water Day Clean-Up in Fairfield is cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience. GSWA looks forward to rescheduling the clean-up for early fall. Stay tuned to our website and e-news for updates.**
“City of Water Day” is an initiative led by the Waterfront Alliance, the NY/NJ Harbor Estuary Program, and the Hudson River Foundation, aimed at fostering community engagement with water resources. This initiative spans the region, encouraging communities to join in river cleanups and paddling events. GSWA, alongside REI, will participate by conducting a cleanup along the Passaic River. GSWA will organize a local stream cleanup along the Passaic River in Fairfield, NJ, and welcomes participants throughout the day to lend a hand. Additionally, short kayaking excursions will be organized with cleanup participants so they experience the beauty of the river they are working to protect. Register today to be a part of this important event in support of clean water and land.
DETAILS
Participants will engage in cleaning up trash including small items such as plastic bottles and carryout food containers as well as larger items like tires and coolers and everything in between. GSWA will provide gloves, trash pickers, and trash bags. Trash will be brought to a nearby location for pick-up by the local DPW the following week.
Those who would like may also join us for a short paddle along the Passaic River in our kayaks. We will run paddles throughout the day. Paddles will last approximately 15 – 20 minutes.
The event runs 10am – 2pm on July 13, 2024
Location: 2 Camp Lane, Fairfield, NJ
Clean-up is open to all ages / Kayaking is open to adults and children 12-and-up who are accompanied by an adult – life vests will be provided
Please be aware that the clean-up area is a wooded wetland forest floodplain. The terrain is uneven and can be muddy.

Stewardship Day at the CMA
2024-07-18 09:00 - 14:00 | Great Swamp Watershed Association’s CMA, 1 Tiger Lily Ln, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
The forecast shows this lingering heatwave is finally breaking. So, let’s get back outside! The GSWA Conservation Management Area (CMA) desperately needs some tending to, and Thursday’s weather will be partly cloudy with a high of 84 degrees. Ginger Van Ryzin, GSWA Manager of Stewardship and GIS Specialist, will be on-site 9AM – 2PM to dole out tasks and make sure you have everything you need to get the job done. If you give us some of your time and elbow grease, Ginger will reward you with some well-earned snacks!
Be sure to wear long pants, long sleeves, and hiking boots or old shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Bring a hat and a reusable water bottle. We will provide bug spray, sun block, gloves, and all tools you will need.
You’ll work hard, share some laughs, and enjoy some snacks. What better way to spend a Thursday in the summertime?

SOLD OUT: Full Moon Hike at the Refuge
2024-07-23 19:30 - 21:00 | Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge – Bluebird Parking Lot, Bluebird Parking Lot, Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, NJ, United States
Sorry, this popular hike is sold out. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please email ifilippini@greatswamp.org

July’s Full Moon is known as the “Buck Moon” named after the antlers of male deer, which are at their full size in July before they shed them. Join us on this guided hike, led by a GSWA naturalist, to discover some gentle nighttime creatures. July is a great time to enjoy a moonlit hike at the Refuge. The canopy and bright moonlight provide the perfect backdrop to hear and spot owls. Our full moon hikes are a real hoot, so don’t miss out on this unique, family-friendly opportunity! This hike is free to all, but of course, donations are appreciated.

Mid Summer Paddle - Afternoon
2024-07-25 16:30 - 18:00 | Somerset County Park Commission, Fisherman’s Parking Lot, Approx. 170 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ
Please email iFilippini@GreatSwamp.org if you need to cancel, or to be placed on a waitlist
Mid Summer Paddle: 4:30 – 6:00 pm
Come out and enjoy the sights along the beautiful 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.
There are 7 spots available per session – only 2 spots per registration. Children 8 and up are welcome. All participants 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent. 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 GSWA kayaks, used in our water quality and educational programming, were purchased with the generous funding provided by the Thomas Glasser Foundation.

The meet up location is the Somerset County Park Commission Fisherman’s Parking Lot.

SOLD OUT Mid Summer Paddle - Evening
2024-07-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Somerset County Park Commission, Fisherman’s Parking Lot, Approx. 170 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT! Please email iFilippini@GreatSwamp.org if you need to cancel, or to be placed on a waitlist
Mid Summer Paddle: 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Come out and enjoy the sights along the beautiful 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.
There are 7 spots available per session – only 2 spots per registration. Children 8 and up are welcome. All participants 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent. 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 GSWA kayaks, used in our water quality and educational programming, were purchased with the generous funding provided by the Thomas Glasser Foundation.

The meet up location is the Somerset County Park Commission Fisherman’s Parking Lot.

Another Stewardship Day at the CMA
2024-07-26 09:00 - 13:00 | Great Swamp Watershed Association’s CMA, 1 Tiger Lily Ln, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
The heatwave is over and the outdoors are ready for us to come back!
The GSWA Conservation Management Area (CMA) desperately needs some tending to, and the long-range weather looks pleasant for that day. Ginger Van Ryzin, GSWA Manager of Stewardship and GIS Specialist, will be on-site 9AM – 1PM to dole out tasks and make sure you have everything you need to get the job done. If you give us some of your time and elbow grease, Ginger will reward you with some well-earned snacks!
Be sure to wear long pants, long sleeves, and hiking boots or old shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Bring a hat and a reusable water bottle. We will provide bug spray, sun block, gloves, and all tools you will need.
You’ll work hard, share some laughs, and enjoy some snacks. It’s an invigorating and feel-good way to start your day!
