GSWA

SUNDAY: View Map and Sale Items - Madison/Chathams Town-Wide Sale
2023-10-01 09:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | NJ
All you shoppers:
Click HERE to view the map of participants
Click HERE for to view the list of sale items by location

Registration is now closed.
Saturday is Postponed, sale is now the RAIN DATE – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1
Questions should be directed to the Environmental Commission of The Chathams and Madison at MEC@rosenet.org

Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 28 @ 11:30 PM to get your address and sale items on the map.
CHECK BACK HERE September 29 FOR A DIGITAL MAP OF ALL YARD SALE PARTICIPANTS AND A LIST OF SALE ITEMS.
These documents will also be shared in local media and on town sites.

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 September 30 to get out and shop sustainably at this amazing three-town-wide yard sale! Be sure to check back here on September 29 to download the map before you head out to shop.
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:

Dress For Success, Northern NJ – 25 Cook Avenue, Madison, NJ (By appointment only-northernnj.dressforsuccess.org)
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.

Water Quality in Loantaka Brook – Free
2023-09-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Morristown & Morris Township Library, 1 Miller Rd, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
Great Swamp Watershed Association has been monitoring the water quality of our local streams for over 40 years. In this presentation by Director of Water Quality, Sandra LaVigne, we will focus on the water quality in Loantaka Brook, how it has changed over the years and what we can do in the future to help improve it. Registration is free but required so we can obtain a headcount.
Parking is available on the street or in one of the nearby parking garages.
Join Us for the Other Water Quality Events at The Morristown & Morris Township Library!
Deepen your understanding of water quality and its pivotal role in our community by attending the Water Quality in Loantaka Brook Presentation, along with two others events described below. All three are free events, but registration is required for some.

Our bi-annual Stream Assessment Training is on Sunday, September 24, 1 – 4 pm. Join us for this free training workshop and learn how to monitor a stream or simply gain a better understanding of stream health. Registration is required.
Come to a Local Screening of the “Saving the Great Swamp: Battle to Defeat the Jetport” Documentary on Monday, September 25 at 7:00 pm. This award-winning one-hour documentary tells the story of the events, people, and politics behind the struggle to preserve this beautiful rural area between 1959 and 1968. A panel discussion will follow the screening. Registration not required but read more about it here.

Local Screening of the "Saving the Great Swamp" – Free
2023-09-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Morristown & Morris Township Library, 1 Miller Rd, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
Registration is NOT required!

The “Saving the Great Swamp: Battle to Defeat the Jetport” Documentary will be shown at the MMT Library
6:30 PM: Doors open, 7 PM: Film Begins, 8 PM: Panel Discussion

In 1959, the Port Authority of New York announced plans to build a huge international jetport in the swamp. This “done deal” proposal, would have filled in the swamp, demolished 700 homes, and changed the landscape forever. But a small group of concerned citizens opposed the threat and won. The award-winning one-hour documentary “Saving the Great Swamp,” tells the story of the events, people and politics behind the struggle to preserve this beautiful rural area between 1959 and 1968. USA Today called the film “a truly astonishing and entertaining history lesson” and it has aired nationally on PBS.
The film will be shown at 7:00pm in the Meeting Room of the MMT Library and admission is free. Registration not required.
Join Us for the Other Water Quality Events at The Morristown & Morris Township Library!
Deepen your understanding of water quality and its pivotal role in our community by attending the Local Screening of the “Saving the Great Swamp: Battle to Defeat the Jetport” Documentary, along with two others events described below. All three are free events, but registration is required for some.

GSWA’s bi-annual Stream Assessment Training – Sunday, September 24, 1 – 4 pm. Join us for this free training workshop and learn how to monitor a stream or simply gain a better understanding of stream health. Registration is required.
GSWA’s Water Quality in Loantaka Brook Presentation – Tuesday, September 26, 6 – 8 pm. The Great Swamp Watershed Association has been monitoring the water quality of our local streams for over 40 years. In this presentation by Director of Water Quality, Sandra LaVigne, we will focus on the water quality in Loantaka Brook, how it has changed over the years, and what we can do in the future to help improve it. Registration is required.

Stream Assessment Training - Free
2023-09-24 13:00 - 16:00 | Morristown & Morris Township Library, 1 Miller Rd, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
With all that’s going on with our planet, now is the right time to tune in to our environment a little more. Join us for this free training workshop and learn how to monitor a stream, or simply gain a better understanding about stream health. The first half of the program will be held indoors at Morristown/ Morris Township Library. Then we will drive over to Loantaka Park to complete the course streamside along Loantaka Brook. You will need to your own transportation from the Library to the park. By the afternoon, you will be fully trained and ready to conduct your own visual stream assessments! Registration is free but required so we can obtain a headcount.
Parking is available on the street or in one of the nearby parking garages.

Join Us for the Other Water Quality Events at The Morristown & Morris Township Library!
Deepen your understanding of water quality and its pivotal role in our community by attending the Stream Assessment Training, along with two others events described below. All three are free events, but registration is required for some.

Come to a Local Screening of the “Saving the Great Swamp: Battle to Defeat the Jetport” Documentary on Monday, September 25 at 7:00 pm. This award-winning one-hour documentary tells the story of the events, people, and politics behind the struggle to preserve this beautiful rural area between 1959 and 1968. A panel discussion will follow the screening. Registration not required but read more about it here.
The other event is the Water Quality in Loantaka Brook Presentation on Tuesday, September 26, 6 – 8 pm. The Great Swamp Watershed Association has been monitoring the water quality of our local streams for over 40 years. In this presentation by Director of Water Quality, Sandra LaVigne, we will focus on the water quality in Loantaka Brook, how it has changed over the years and what we can do in the future to help improve it. Registration is required.

SOLD OUT - Harvest Full Moon Paddle
2023-09-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Essex County Environmental Center, 621 Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland, NJ, 07068
Harvest Paddle: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Delight in an evening paddle on the Passaic River to celebrate the beginning of Autumn as the sun sets. 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.

Climate Proof Your Garden - Free Zoom
2023-09-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom Webinar, NJ, United States
Please note: registration closes September 20 @ 5 PM

As extreme weather events and warmer temperatures become more frequent, it’s time to start thinking about ways you can fortify your outdoor space. At this Zoom webinar, you will learn about ways to “climate proof” your garden including Xeriscaping water conservation strategies. Xeriscaping is the practice of designing landscapes to reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation. Xeriscaped landscapes need little or no water beyond what the natural climate provides. We will also discuss the best plant choices to help your garden weather the storms and droughts. Implementing these strategies can also allow more biodiversity, where your plants will flourish and attract more pollinators like bees, birds and butterflies!
You will receive the webinar Zoom link via email prior to the start of the program.

Hidden Colors UV Hike - SOLD OUT
2023-09-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Primrose Farm (Enter from Barrett Field), Barrett Field, 1413-000460000-000020001-00000, Morristown, NJ, 07960
Important information: Location has changed to Harding Land Trust’s Primrose Farm. See below for location address.

Explore the hidden colors of fungus, plants, and insects as we explore the Conservation Management Area with new eyes. UV lights allow us to see colorful, fluorescent organisms that the human eye cannot normally detect. GSWA will provide the UV lights for this short hike over our boardwalked vernal pools. Guests of all ages are encouraged to join!

Fall Colors Sunset Paddle
2023-09-12 16:00 - 17:30 | Somerset County Park Commission, Fisherman’s Parking Lot, Approx. 170 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ
Fall Colors Paddle: 4:00 – 5:30 pm

Come out and enjoy the beautiful fall foliage as the sun sets along the banks of the Passaic River as we paddle the headwaters region of the Great Swamp. This area is full of wildlife, native vegetion and beautiful views. 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 the Somerset County Park Commission Fisherman’s Parking Lot.

Wildflowers of Ramapo Hike
2023-08-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Ramapo Mountain State Forest (Upper Lot), Hiking Trail Parking Lot, Oakland, NJ, 07436, United States
Come out and practice your wildflower ID! Join naturalist Ginger Van Ryzin on a Saturday morning hike at Ramapo Mountain State Forest. On the hike, we will pass multiple native plantings, admire the beautiful clear water of Ramapo Lake, and explore the Van Slyke “Castle” ruins. The hike will be 3 miles with some rough terrain and elevation change. Sturdy hiking books are recommended.

Firefly and Moth Hike
2023-07-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Great Swamp Watershed Association’s CMA, 1 Tiger Lily Ln, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
Come meet the fascinating nighttime insects of the Conservation Management Area! While fireflies light up the night we hike out to our moth light station. There, we’ll stop to observe the numbers and types of moths that live along the trails. Join us for this easy hike over our boardwalks to marvel at these nighttime critters while learning about what they need to thrive. Registration is required and space is limited so register today

Volunteer for CMA Stewardship Day – July 21st
2023-07-21 09:00 - 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 9AM to 1PM and enjoy some well-earned snacks provided by GSWA Director of Land Stewardship, Hazel England. 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 Friday morning? See you there!

POSTPONED: Water Workshop Weekends - Family Fun Day at GSWA’s Conservation Management Area
2023-07-15 11:00 - 14:00 | Great Swamp Watershed Association’s CMA, 1 Tiger Lily Ln, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
Due to extreme heat and changeable weather, this event has been postponed.

The Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) and Morris Museum are pleased to announce their new partnership; our inaugural set of events, beginning with Water Workshop Weekends, will take place on July 7, 8, and 15, 2023.
Saturday, July 15 from 11:00 AM-2:00 PM – Experience the wonders of nature at GSWA’s Conservation Management Area (CMA) nestled on Tiger Lily Lane in Harding. Immerse yourself in eco-friendly hikes, where you’ll be provided with binoculars to enrich your connection with the surrounding environment. Delight in family-friendly activities inspired by the natural world, fostering a deep appreciation for our planet. Engage with fascinating macroinvertebrates to gain a profound understanding of our ecosystem and its precious water quality. This is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the 16th year of the City of Water Day, which builds awareness and reaches towards the goal of a climate-resilient New York and New Jersey harbor.
Tickets: Members Free* | Non-members $12 | Children $8 (3-17)
BUY YOUR TICKETS BELOW
Don’t miss the Water Workshop Weekends kickoff event of the critically acclaimed and star-filled movie Dark Waters screening and panel discussion on Friday, July 7 at the Morris Museum and a Family Fun Day featuring a Smithsonian documentary – “Age of Human: Water”, along with fun water related activities at the Morris Museum on Saturday, July 8.
*NOTE: Great Swamp Watershed Association and Morris Museum members get free access for events on Saturday, July 8 and Saturday, July 15. RSVP is required for all Members.
Explore the 2023 City of Water Day Events in taking place across the five boroughs, New Jersey, and the lower Hudson Valley.

Volunteer for CMA Stewardship Day – July 14th
2023-07-14 09:00 - 13:00 | Great Swamp Watershed Association’s CMA, 1 Tiger Lily Ln, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States

Water Workshop Weekends - Family Fun Day at the Morris Museum
2023-07-08 11:00 - 14:30 | Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
The Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) and Morris Museum are pleased to announce our new partnership with an inaugural set of events beginning with Water Workshop Weekends taking place on July 7, 8, and 15, 2023.
Saturday, July 8 11:00 AM-2:30 PM – The Morris Museum will host a family fun day with activities from GSWA and the Museum. Attend one of two special screenings of the Smithsonian movie, Age of Humans: Water at 11:30 AM or 1:00 PM. This film reveals how humans have impacted the Earth’s water and details what we can do to change the path of our future. Throughout the event day enjoy a variety of thought-provoking activities from the GSWA and the Morris Museum including Spark!Lab’s “Help Clean Up the Ocean,” the game, “A Day in the Life of a Drop of Water,” the “Water-Match Challenge,” water coloring, and more.
Tickets: Members Free* | Non-member Adults $12 | Non-member Children $8 (3-17)
NON-MEMBERS: PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE
*NOTE: Access for Great Swamp Watershed Association and Morris Museum members is FREE for events held on Saturday, July 8 and July 15. RSVP is required for ALL GSWA/Morris Museum members by completing the form HERE.
Don’t miss the Water Workshop Weekends kickoff event of the critically acclaimed and star-filled movie Dark Waters screening and panel discussion on Friday, July 7, at the Morris Museum, and a Family Fun Day at the Great Swamp Watershed Association’s Conservation Management Area filled with fun activities and a hike on Saturday, July 15.

Water Workshop Weekends - Dark Waters Movie Screening
2023-07-07 18:30 - 21:00 | Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) and the Morris Museum are pleased to announce our new partnership; an inaugural set of events beginning with Water Workshop Weekends takes place on July 7, 8, and 15, 2023.
Friday, July 7 from 6:30-9:00 PM at the Morris Museum, Morristown, NJ
Water Workshop Weekends kick off on Friday, July 7 with the critically acclaimed and star-filled movie, Dark Waters at the Morris Museum’s Bickford Theatre, followed by a panel discussion about PFAS chemicals in our waterways. The film tells the shocking and heroic true story of attorney, Rob Bilott, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo, who risks his career and family to uncover a dark secret hidden by one of the world’s largest corporations. He seeks to bring justice to a community that has been dangerously exposed to toxic chemicals for decades. The post film panel will provoke lively discussion on the movie and this timely topic. The panel will include Sandra Lavigne, GSWA Director of Water Quality Monitoring and Laura Norkute, New Jersey American Water Director of Water Quality and Environmental Compliance.
Watch the trailer below:

PRICING:
Great Swamp Watershed Association and Morris Museum Members $12 – NOTE: GSWA members will need to enter a coupon code to receive the discounted price. Once you select the event and number of tickets, click “add to cart” and enter the code noted in the email you received. If did not receive the code, please contact Nancy Rago, Membership Manager, at nrago@greatswamp.org or call 972-528-3500, x11.
Non-members $15
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE (brings you to Morris Museum’s registration page)
The Water Workshop Weekends fun continues with Family Fun Days on the following two Saturdays. Enjoy family-friends events and offerings from GSWA and Morris Museum on Saturday, July 8 at the Morris Museum and Saturday, July 15 at GSWA’s Conservation Management Area (CMA) on Tiger Lily Lane, Harding Twp.

Volunteer for CMA Stewardship Day – July 7th
2023-07-07 09:00 - 13:00 | Great Swamp Watershed Association’s CMA, 1 Tiger Lily Ln, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States

Great Swamp Great Music Festival 2023
2023-06-25 12:00 - 18:30 | Brook Valley Farm, 336 Loantaka Way, Chatham Twp., NJ, 07940, United States
Online ticket purchasing ends June 25 @ 6 am
After that, all tickets must be purchaced at the gate at an increased price so…
get your tickets now!

6th Annual Great Swamp Great Music Festival
Sunday, June 25, Brook Valley Farm, Chatham Twp., NJ
12 – 6:30 PM (rain or shine), Gates open at 11 AM

It’s back and better than ever! Gather up your friends and family, pack your blankets, chairs, and sunblock, and c’mon out for 6+ hours of live music at a beautiful new location – Brook Valley Farm in Chatham Twp. As always, enjoy food trucks, unique merch vendors, adult beverages, kids corner and more. 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.
Scroll to the bottom of this page to purchase tickets 👇
LINEUP
Festival bands (12 noon-6:30 pm)
Not Enough Jeffs • Lenox Underground
The Refugee Dogs • HighRidge Runners • The Cold Hill Band • The Tones

FOOD VENDORS
Marley’s Gotham Grill: Home of 300+ chicken wing flavors
The Mexi-boys: Ethnic fusion Mexican Food with vegan options
Norman Food Services: Hot dogs, corn dogs, burgers, cheesesteaks, fries
Norman Food Services: Funnel cake, fried zeppoles, fried pickles, pretzels, lemonade
Scoops: The Chatham Creamery Ice Cream
ADULT BEVERAGES
Available for purchase: Beer • Wine • Hard Cider (ID will be checked)
MERCH VENDORS

Annies Wreaths
Art by Alice
Glass4good
Home for Good Dogs
House of Cork
JRs Welding
It’s All About You
Patches & Paws
TICKETS
TICKETS (PRE-PURCHASED): SEE BELOW to purchase your ticket in advance. It saves you money and reduces lines! Adults-$30 / Students, Senior Citizens, and Military Veterans-$20 / Children under 13 are FREE. Please print your ticket receipt or have it available on your mobile device for a faster check-in experience.
Online ticket purchasing closes Saturday, June 24 @ 5 PM
After online ticketing closes, all tickets must be purchased at the gate at an increased price
TICKETS (PURCHASED AT THE GATE): If you choose to purchase day-of at the gate, pricing increases to: Adults-$35 • Students/Senior Citizens/Military-$25 • Children under 13 are still FREE. Credit cards, cash, and checks accepted.
Scroll to the Bottom of this Page to Purchase Your Tickets 👇

FESTIVAL ENTRY & PARKING
FESTIVAL ENTRY/REGISTRATION: Check-in will be conducted at the venue’s entrance through your vehicle window. We strongly encourage you to buy your ticket(s) in advance.
PARKING: Parking is free and plentiful. Handicapped parking is available at the front of the lot. If you have any additional special request, email VThorpe@GreatSwamp.org and we will do our best to accommodate you.

THANK YOU TO OUR FESTIVAL SPONSORS!
PREMIER TENT & STAGE SPONSOR:
Kathleen & Charlie Apt

BARRED OWL SPONSORS:
Atlantic Health System • Eagle Cliff Real Estate Partners
S. Dillard and Adrienne T. Kirby Family Philanthropic Fund • Peapack Private Wealth Management
BLUE SPOTTED SALAMANDER SPONSORS:
Adrienne & Reed Auerbach • Citizen’s Bank • Community Foundation of New Jersey • Gwen & Tony DellaPelle • Delta Dental of New Jersey • Lynn & Ralph Jones • Agi & Matt Krauser • New Jersey American Water
Pipe Works Home Services • Valley Bank • Lisa & David Welsh
EMERALD DARNER SPONSORS:
A.M. Higley • PSEG • Debra & John Apruzzese • New York Life of New Jersey
SUPPORTER & IN-KIND SPONSORS:
Harding Twp. DPW • Interstate Waste Services • Kings of Chatham • ShopRite of Bernardsville
ShopRite of Chatham • Stop & Shop of Morris Plains
Special thanks to the Platt family for providing the beautiful Brook Valley Farm for this event

Purchase Your Tickets Below 👇

SOLD OUT- Summer Solstice Celebration Hike @ Jockey Hollow
2023-06-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Jockey Hollow Visitor Center, 600 Tempe Wick Rd, Morristown, NJ, 07960
If you cannot attend, please email mhertgen@GreatSwamp.org
to cancel so we can invite the next person on the waitlist email.

Celebrate the first evening of Summer, also the longest day of the year, with a hike through the woods of historic Jockey Hollow. As the moon slowly rises, we will look and listen for owls and other nightlife creatures as fireflies take to the sky. Later we will relax by a roaring bonfire and hear stories that 18th century colonists told around their own campfires and learn about their views on the darkness. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity with two highly experienced and knowledgeable GSWA naturalists, Hazel England and Ginger VanRyzin along with Eric Olsen, Park Ranger and local historian. Space is limited and it will fill up fast!

CANCELLED- Volunteer for CMA Stewardship Day - June 21st
2023-06-21 12:30 - 15:30 | Great Swamp Watershed Association’s CMA, 1 Tiger Lily Ln, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
Due to scheduling issues with our staff, we will have to cancel the June 21st CMA stewardship day.
If you are still interested in volunteering, we have 2 other CMA Stewardship days on July 7th and July 14th
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 Wednesday at the GSWA Conservation Management Area (CMA) to help us steward the land. We will work from 12:30PM to 3:30PM and enjoy some well-earned snacks provided by GSWA Director of Land Stewardship, Hazel England. 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 Wednesday afternoon? See you there!

SOLD OUT-Sunset Paddle on the Passaic
2023-06-08 19:00 - 20:30 | Essex County Environmental Center, 621 Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland, NJ, 07068
If you cannot attend, please email mhertgen@GreatSwamp.org
to cancel so we can invite the next person on the waitlist email.

Sunset Paddle: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Ease into your weekend with a leisurely paddle on the Passaic River. As you experience the sunset 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- Pre-Sunset Paddle on the Passaic
2023-06-08 17:00 - 18:30 | Essex County Environmental Center, 621 Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland, NJ, 07068
If you cannot attend, please email mhertgen@GreatSwamp.org
to cancel so we can invite the next person on the waitlist email.

Pre-Sunset Paddle: 5:00 – 6:30 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 - Evening Paddle: Great Piece Meadows
2023-05-23 18:30 - 20:00 | Great Piece Meadows, 2 Camp Ln, Fairfield, New Jersey, 07004
If you cannot attend, please email mhertgen@GreatSwamp.org
to cancel so we can invite the next person on the waitlist email.
Evening Paddle: 6:30-8:00 PM
Enjoy a peaceful evening paddle as we head up into Great Piece Meadows with a small group of people to 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.
We will meet up at the Fairfield parking lot.
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 2 Camp Ln, Fairfield. We will be paddling into Great Piece Meadows. Life vests will be provided. 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 - Late-day Paddle: Great Piece Meadows
2023-05-23 16:30 - 18:00 | Great Piece Meadows, 2 Camp Ln, Fairfield, New Jersey, 07004
If you cannot attend, please email mhertgen@GreatSwamp.org
to cancel so we can invite the next person on the waitlist email.

Late-Day Paddle: 4:30-6:00 PM
Enjoy a peaceful, late-day paddle as we head up into Great Piece Meadows with a small group of people to 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.
We will meet up at the Fairfield parking lot.
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 2 Camp Ln, Fairfield. We will be paddling into Great Piece Meadows. Life vests will be provided. 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 - "Members Only" Twilight Hike at the Refuge
2023-05-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge – Bluebird Parking Lot, Bluebird Parking Lot, Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, NJ, United States
If you cannot attend, please email mhertgen@GreatSwamp.org
to cancel so we can invite the next person on the waitlist email.

Thank you for being a GSWA Member! To show you our appreciation, we want to take you on a special behind-the-scenes hike at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Come out and benefit from the wealth of natural history knowledge from your GSWA hike leaders. This time of year, flowers are in bloom, birds like red-bellied woodpeckers are nesting everywhere, wood froglets can be seen in mass around the vernal ponds, and we may even spot a red fox. We will be on the lookout for all this and more.
Not a member? Not a problem. You can join below and c’mon along! Once you establish your membership, you will need to come back here and register for this event.

This is your special “back stage pass” to take in all the beauty of the amazing lands that form part of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Management area.
NOTE: We will meet at the Bluebird Parking Lot

MAY 6 - 9am-2pm: Madison & The Chathams Town-wide Yard Sale
2023-05-06 09:00 - 2023-05-07 14:00 | NJ
Saturday looks like a great day for a community yard sale! With approximately 90 Chathams & Madison residents participating, you’re sure to find some great deals! Below are links to the digital map of yard sale host sites and a list of sale items by address. Check out both links ahead of time and plan your course of action to get outside and shop sustainably!

Click to view DIGITAL MAP
Click to view SALE ITEMS by ADDRESS
Please direct any questions to the Environmental Commission of The Chathams and Madison at MEC@rosenet.org

FOR YARD SALE HOSTS – Frequently Asked Questions:

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.

Yard Sale Registration Info
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, May 3 @ 11:30 PM to get your address and sale items on the map.
CHECK BACK HERE ON May 4 FOR A DIGITAL MAP OF ALL YARD SALE PARTICIPANTS AND A LIST OF SALE ITEMS.
These documents will also be shared in local media and on town sites.

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 6 to get out and shop sustainably at this amazing three-town-wide yard sale! Be sure to check back here on May 5 to download the map before you head out to shop.
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.

POSTPONED: Madison & The Chathams Town-wide Yard Sale
2023-04-29 09:00 - 14:00 | NJ
Despite wanting to hold this community event rain or shine, the weather forecast for April 29 calls for continuous and heavy rain. Therefore, we’ve made the difficult decision to postpone it to Saturday, May 6. We realize this may be a big inconvenience, but feel it is necessary. We will email all registrants to confirm if you wish to be on the map for the new date.
Note: You are welcome to hold a yard sale on your own on April 29 and you can also be on the map for next week if you choose to do both Saturdays.
Please direct any immediate concerns to the Environmental Commission of The Chathams and Madison at MEC@rosenet.org

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, April 26 @ 11:55 PM to get your address and sale items on the map.
CHECK BACK HERE ON April 28 FOR A DIGITAL MAP OF ALL YARD SALE PARTICIPANTS AND A LIST OF SALE ITEMS.
These documents will also be shared in local media and on town sites.
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 April 29 to get out and shop sustainably at this amazing three-town-wide yard sale! Be sure to check back here on Apr. 28 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.

Signs of Spring Hike @ Rifle Park
2023-04-23 12:00 - 14:00 | Rifle Camp Park, 387 Rifle Camp Rd., Woodland Park, NJ, 07424, United States
SEE BELOW FOR MEETUP LOCATION

Join us on a journey through the trails of Rifle Camp Park and catch a glimpse of American history – this spot served as an excellent location for George Washington’s troops to observe British movements during the Revolutionary War in 1780. For you birders, this is the beginning of the spring warbler migration. Bring your camera and wear your hiking boots for this unique and historic hike.
Meetup location: We will meet at the Carnie Bragg parking lot (the first lot to the left, follow signs for camping/camp sites) in Rifle Camp Park, 387 Rifle Camp Rd, Woodland Park, NJ 07424 https://goo.gl/maps/TFPCBhdDau2QW5ef8

POSTPONED: How's the Water? GSWA Water Quality Report Card Webinar
2023-04-21 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom Webinar, NJ, United States
This program has been postponed. It will be rescheduled as an in-person Breakfast Briefing. Please stay tuned…

How’s the water? That is the most common question we get from onlookers when we are out collecting water quality samples. Join Sandra LaVigne, GSWA’s Director of Water Quality Programs, for an in-depth recap on the health of our streams and water quality data results from 2022. Bring your questions for the Q&A session at the end. A Zoom link will be sent to you post-registration.
“The earth, the air, the land, and the water are not an inheritance from our forefathers but on loan from our children. So we have to handover to them at least as it was handed over to us.”
– Mahatma Gandhi

Evening Briefing: The American Eel
2023-04-19 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom Webinar, Morristown, NJ, United States
Registration for this program closes @ 5 PM on April 19

Let’s face it, for many people, eels may not be easy to like. They can make many people feel… uneasy. Is an eel a snake? Is it a fish? They don’t fit in any clear category. Some may think of eels as a tasty sushi roll. And yet to others, eels are mysterious creatures with a very interesting life cycle. They are predators in freshwater streams helping to regulate the population of other animals. They are also a significant source of food for fish, mammals, turtles and birds.
Humans have been fascinated with eels for centuries, working to learn as much as they can about them. Yet we do not have all the answers. Nature has a way of keeping us guessing. One thing we do know is that eels are ecologically important and can be used as a bio-indicator for pollution to determine the health of their environment.
Join us for a FREE Zoom webinar as we delve into the fascinating world of eels and their unique life cycle, brought to you in collaboration with the Long Hill Twp. Library.
Register for the zoom webinar HERE! Be sure to scroll down to “The American Eel: w/ Ginger Van Ryzin, Great Swamp Watershed Assoc. 7pm (via Zoom)” and check “Yes, I want to attend”.
The Zoom registration link will be emailed to you prior to the start of the webinar.

SOLD OUT - Afternoon Paddle @ the Refuge
2023-04-15 12:30 - 14:00 | Somerset County Park Commission, Fisherman’s Parking Lot, Approx. 170 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ
Afternoon Paddle: 12:30-2 PM
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 we will paddle from there. The parking lot is slightly down the road from Lord Stirling Environmental Education Center.
The GSWA kayaks, used in our water quality and educational programming, were purchased with the generous funding provided by the Thomas Glasser Foundation.
