GSWA

Plant for Pollinators Webinar #4: Overview and Plant Sale Kick Off
2025-03-31 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Webinar, NJ, United States
5th Annual Plant for Pollinators Native Plant Sale Overview with GSWA’s Hazel England
As we gear up for our 5th annual “Plant for Pollinators” sale opening at noon on April 1, join GSWA’s Hazel England for an in-depth look at the 37 native perennials that will be offered. Come learn why we should choose natives, the “how-to’s” of going native, and the wildlife value of the species being offered this year. Hazel will delve into the variety of pollinators these specific plants expect to attract, and provide in-depth information on how our plant kits work together to offer color and nectar throughout the growing season. Learn how to start, add, or amend your growing native pollinator garden. Leave with your shopping list of “must have” plants in preparation the sale opening.
Please consider a $10 donation for each webinar you attend. Your gift helps us continue improving the quality, diversity, and draw of the speakers we provide and covers the increased program costs of securing our them and their information-packed presentations.

This is the final of four monthly webinars for our highly anticipated annual Plant for Pollinators program.
Register for all four of the four-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 only interested in specific talks, you can register individually for the 3 remaining webinars at the links below:
Wednesday, January 29, 7-8 PM – From Wasteland to Wonder: Biodiversity Shifts That Can Heal the Earth with Basil Camu
Thursday, February 27, 7-8 PM – Native Garden Transformations with Bianca Wright
Wednesday, March 19, 7-8PM – The Secret Lives of Wild Bees with Nick Dorian
Registration closes at 5 PM the day of each webinar. A Zoom link will be emailed to early registrants 24 hours prior to the start of the webinar and again by 5:30 PM day-of. If you don’t see it, check your spam folder. The webinar is recorded and all registrants will receive the replay link within 48 hours of the end of the webinar.

Mark your calendars for the 5th Annual Plant for Pollinators Native Plant Sale, opening April 1 and closing April 18. Click here for details!

Plant for Pollinators Webinar Full Series
2025-03-31 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom Webinar, NJ, United States
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
Each Zoom link will be emailed to registrants 24 hours prior to the start of the webinar and again by 5:30 PM day-of. If you don’t see it, check your spam folder.
Registration closes 5-7 PM the day of each webinar. Those registering after the closeout period will be unable to participate live, but will receive the replay link within 48 hours.
This is the place to register all four monthly webinars for our highly anticipated annual Plant for Pollinators program. 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 only interested in specific talks, you can register individually at the links below:
Monday, March 31, 7-8 PM – 5th Annual Plant for Pollinators Native Plant Sale Overview with GSWA’s Hazel England
Previous talk:
Wednesday, January 29, 7-8 PM – From Wasteland to Wonder: Biodiversity Shifts That Can Heal the Earth with Basil Camu
Thursday, February 27, 7-8 PM – Native Garden Transformations with Bianca Wright
Wednesday, March 19, 7-8PM – The Secret Lives of Wild Bees with Nick Dorian
Please consider a $10 donation for each webinar you attend. Your gift helps us continue improving the quality, diversity, and draw of the speakers we provide and covers the increased program costs of securing our them and their information-packed presentations.
Please email ifilippini@greatswamp.org with any questions!

Mark your calendars for the 5th Annual Plant for Pollinators Native Plant Sale, opening April 1 and closing April 18. Click here for details!

SOLD OUT: Breakfast Briefing: A Watery History of Jockey Hollow - How It Shaped the Land and Lives
2025-04-16 08:00 - 09:30 | Great Swamp Watershed Association HQ, 568 Tempe Wick Rd, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
This event is sold out. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, or if you need to cancel, please email ifilippini@greatswamp.org
What does Jockey Hollow have in common with your morning coffee? Water, of course!
Join us for the April Breakfast Briefing as Eric Olsen explores how water has shaped Jockey Hollow’s history—from the resourceful Lenape people and Revolutionary War soldiers to early industries and modern conservation efforts. Water is the lifeblood of any landscape, and Jockey Hollow’s streams and rivers have influenced human activity for generations. Without it, history might have looked a lot drier—literally.
Enjoy a light breakfast as we dive into how water has woven together history, ecology, and preservation in Jockey Hollow. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or conservation advocate, this engaging talk will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the past—and a renewed commitment to protecting its future.
Don’t let this opportunity trickle away—space is limited, and registration is required!

About the Presenter: Eric P. Olsen has been with Morristown National Historical Park as a park ranger and historian since 1989. His historical research and interpretation have included Jockey Hollow, Stark’s Brigade, Cross Estate, Ford Mansion, and more. Known for his engaging first-person portrayals of 18th-century figures, Eric brings history to life through immersive storytelling. He holds a B.A. in History from Rutgers University and studied at the Cooperstown Graduate Program in History Museum Studies through the New York Historical Association.
Bonus Event: Don’t miss the Spring Encampment at Jockey Hollow, happening May 3–4, 2025. Visit Morristown National Historical Park’s website for updates and full details: https://bit.ly/3RmFiKR.

Please email Izzy (ifilippini@greatswamp.org) with questions or cancellations. Ticketing closes at 4/15 at 5:00 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.

Stream Assessment Training - FREE
2025-04-19 09:00 - 12:00 | Essex County Environmental Center, 621 Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland, NJ, 07068
Note: We will meet in Garibaldi Hall
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. An indoor classroom session teaches you how to conduct visual and biological stream assessments, identify macroinvertebrates, and recognize environmental factors that could impact stream health. An outdoor session lets you practice your new-found skills at a local stream site. By 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.
This free training session is held in conjunction with the AmeriCorps New Jersey Watershed Ambassador Program.

GSWA 2024 Water Quality Report Card on Zoom
2025-04-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom Webinar, Morristown, NJ, United States
Zoom in for an evening presentation of the 2024 Passaic River Water Quality Report Card. This is the place to learn about the state of the water throughout the Great Swamp Watershed and the Upper Passaic River. Sandra LaVigne, GSWA 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 for this free Zoom event today! (Donations are appreciated to help offset expenses.)

Treasures of the Swamp Scavenger Hunt - Free
2025-04-26 10:00 - 2025-04-27 15:30 | NJ
Online registration has closed for this event. However, can still participate! Simply visit one of the locations listed below and register there.
Adventure awaits!
Join us for a fun, free community event, brought to you by the Great Swamp Partners! Play solo or team up with friends and family. The Treasures of the Swamp Scavenger Hunt launches April 26, and the Great Swamp is your playground! Unleash your inner explorer for an afternoon or weekend (it’s up to you) of riddle-solving and treasure-seeking across six beautiful locations. Your clue booklet holds the secrets and each site unlocks the answers.
What to expect at this family-friendly event: Forest trails, wildlife sightings, code-cracking, and celebratory high-fives as you solve each clue. It’s a great opportunity to experience the incredible natural beauty right here in our back yard! Begin your exploration at any of the participating locations within the Great Swamp watershed region – visit 1 or all 6 sites in any order – all at your own pace:
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (GSNWR) / Friends of Great Swamp NWR
Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center: 32 Pleasant Plains Rd., Basking Ridge
Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA)
Conservation Management Area (CMA): 1 Tiger Lily Lane, Harding Twp.
Morris County Park Commission (MCPC)
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center (GSOEC): 247 Southern Blvd., Chatham
New Jersey Audubon
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary: 11 Hardscrabble Rd., Bernardsville
Somerset County Park Commission (SCPC)
Environmental Education Center (EEC): 190 Lord Stirling Rd., Basking Ridge
The Raptor Trust (TRT)
1452 White Bridge Rd., Millington

Your adventure kicks off when you arrive at the first location and receive your clue booklet and instructions from the location leaders.
Your mission: Follow and solve the clues that relate to that site. You will need to explore the area to find the answers. Once you complete the challenge, return to location leader to get your booklet stamped. This entitles you to 1 free ticket for a chance to win 1 of 7 very cool prizes! (See below.) Then you’re off to your next destination.
Go at your own pace. You have most of the weekend to visit as many locations as you choose. Every stamp in your booklet earns you another free ticket for the drawings, so the more places you visit, the higher your chance to win swag, private hikes, and the grand prize!
Wrap up your hunt with us on Sunday at the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center for a festive post-event celebration! Gather around a crackling campfire for adventure sharing, complimentary s’mores, and the eagerly awaited prize drawings!
Schedule of Events

Saturday, April 26
10 am-4 pm: Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, April 27
10 am-2 pm: Scavenger Hunt
2-3:30 pm: Celebration Event & Raffle Drawing @
Morris County Park Commission’s Great Swamp OEC – 247 Southern Blvd, Chatham, NJ
(Please bring your own chairs if you wish to sit.)
Prizes
Partner Prizes (6)
6 Great Swamp Partners have donated prize packages valued $50-$75 each.
Winners do not need to be present to claim these prizes and will be notified how to claim post-event.
Grand Prize (1)
We have a fantastic grand prize package for 1 lucky winner! Winner must be present to claim the prize:
$150 gift certificate to REI (Donated by the Morris County Park Alliance)
Adult Osprey Hikelite 26 Backpack: value $115 (Donated by OutGrown)
Youth Osprey Moki 1.5 Backpack: value $65 (Donated by OutGrown)

The Chathams & Madison Town-Wide Yard Sale Spring 2025
2025-05-03 09:00 - 14:00 | NJ
Based on the current weather forecast, the yard sale will take place as planned on Saturday, May 3. Please use your discretion.
Registration is now CLOSED. You may still host a yard sale, at no cost, but your address will not appear on the map.

Click HERE to view the map.
Click HERE to view the list of sale items by address.

Yard Sale Registration Info:
Registration Fee: $10 tax-deductible donation to benefit Great Swamp Watershed Association.
**You must be a resident of Chatham Township, Chatham Borough, or Madison to list your sale.
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 this community event. Scroll to the bottom of this page to register and 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 in local media and on town sites to potential shoppers far and wide.
Frequently Asked Questions:

Who do I contact with questions?

Please direct all questions to the Environmental Commission of The Chathams and Madison at MEC@rosenet.org

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, NY, and PA. We promote the sale (and the map) in local media and on popular garage sale sites.

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 who register with GSWA to be put on the yard sale map.

Should I put up a sign if I’m on the map?

Yes. Signs will attract additional customers who are just driving by and help customers with maps to find the right place!

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)

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

NEW DATE: Volunteer Opportunity: Community Workday at the CMA
2025-05-17 09:00 - 13:00 | Great Swamp Watershed Association’s CMA, 1 Tiger Lily Ln, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
Please note: Saturday, April 12 has been postponed due to rain, the new date is Saturday, May 17!
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?
Join us on Saturday at the GSWA Conservation Management Area (CMA) in Harding Township to help us steward the land. We will work from 9AM to 1PM, then enjoy some well-earned snacks. We could really use your help tidying up our CMA with the following tasks:

Carrying in lumber
Building and elevating boardwalks, which allows hikers to get through flooded areas
Clearing branches and limbs from recent storms
Removing invasive plants
Spreading woodchips on our trails.

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!

Breakfast Briefing: Honey Bee Health & Nutrition
2025-05-20 08:00 - 09:30 | Great Swamp Watershed Association HQ, 568 Tempe Wick Rd, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
Start your morning with purpose at our next Breakfast Briefing, featuring Jim Muchmore—Honey Bee Ambassador, beekeeper, and steward of Muchy’s Bee Farm. As an active member of the Morris and Somerset County Beekeepers Association (mscbees.org), Jim is deeply committed to reversing the alarming decline of honey bee populations and, in particular, preventing the spread of harmful pathogens to our vital native bee species.
Honey bees are under stress. From pests and pathogens to pesticides and, increasingly poor nutrition, multiple threats are weakening colonies and putting essential pollination services at risk. In this engaging presentation, Jim will take us behind the scenes of modern beekeeping, highlighting how dedicated beekeepers help sustain healthy hives—and how those efforts ripple across entire ecosystems.
Enjoy a light breakfast prior to the start of the presentation.
Get tickets below: GSWA Members: Free | Non-members: $10 (Adult), $5 (Child).
About the Presenter: More than ten years ago, Dr. James Muchmore turned a lifelong interest into action, beginning his beekeeping journey with just two hives. Facing the challenges of overwintering bees, he gradually grew his apiary and, after several seasons of success, now plans to manage ten hives.
Before focusing on bees, Dr. Muchmore worked in cancer research, specializing in drug resistance and clinical nutrition. Drawing on this scientific background, he now collaborates with local and regional beekeeping communities to address one of the most pressing issues facing bees today: nutrition.
Bees rely on a diverse, nutrient-rich diet of pollen and nectar to stay healthy. When floral resources are scarce, colonies suffer. That’s why Jim champions GSWA’s Plant for Pollinators initiative. Thanks to our community of dedicated participants, native plantings are on the rise throughout our region—supporting not only pollinator bees, but also butterflies, birds, and the broader web of life that depends on native nectar sources.

Please email Izzy ifilippini@greatswamp.org with questions or cancellations.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) makes every effort to assure all programs and events go off as planned. Should an event be cancelled due to severe weather or other unexpected reasons, GSWA will promptly notify all registrants via email and the event page will reflect the status. To accommodate people on the waitlist, participants needing to cancel should do so ASAP. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance will not be refunded unless it is due to a health emergency. Unused registration fees may be converted into a tax-deductible donation.

CANCELLED: Beginner Paddle on the Passaic River
2025-05-21 17:30 - 19:00 | Canoe Launch, Livingston, 2, 12 S Orange Ave, Livingston, New Jersey, 07039
Due to expected rain, this event has been cancelled! Please check back at GreatSwamp.org/events for future paddles.
Celebrate spring with a paddle on the Passaic River designed for beginners! We will focus on how to paddle in a kayak and learn paddle strokes, getting in and out of the boat, how to maneuver.
Children 8 and up are welcome. All participants 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent. There are only 7 spots available – 2 spots/registration max. All participants must be able to swim, be comfortable on the water, and wear clothes and footwear that can (and will) get wet and muddy. Life vests will be provided.
IMPORTANT – Kayak Waiver: Each participant MUST submit one of the forms below. If the person is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign their form and assume responsibility for the minor. Please complete, sign and bring the form(s) with you. The organizers will collect completed forms before put-in.
Adult Attendee
Minor Attendee
The GSWA kayaks, used in our water quality and educational programming, were purchased with the generous funding provided by the Thomas Glasser Foundation.
The put-in location is the Livingston Canoe Launch, and we will paddle from there.

Please email Izzy ifilippini@greatswamp.org with questions or cancellations.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) makes every effort to assure all programs and events go off 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.

Breakfast Briefing: Microplastics 5 Years Later
2025-06-03 08:00 - 09:30 | Great Swamp Watershed Association HQ, 568 Tempe Wick Rd, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
It’s been 7 years since GSWA conducted our first microplastics sampling study and 5 years since New Jersey passed the “Get Past Plastics” legislation aimed at reducing our reliance on single-use plastics. Are you curious if it’s made an impact? We certainly were, so we gathered our team and re-sampled the same 10 sites from our 2018 study.
Join Sandra LaVigne, GSWA’s Director of Water Quality Programs, as she reveals the findings of our 2025 microplastics sampling study, shedding light on what effects, if any, these plastic reduction laws have made in our local water. Sandra will also offer practical solutions for all of us to consider adopting to help keep our waterways clean.
Enjoy a light breakfast prior to the start of the presentation.
Get tickets below: GSWA Members: Free | Non-members: $10 (Adult), $5 (Child).
About the Presenter: Sandra LaVigne joined the staff in March of 2016. Prior to joining GSWA she worked as a water quality specialist and restoration ecologist managing water quality programs and restoration projects. Sandra is a native of northern New Jersey and attended Cook College, Rutgers University. Sandra oversees our water quality monitoring efforts and organizes our citizen science volunteers who assist in collecting a wide scope of data throughout the watershed. In 2019, Sandra established and implemented GSWA’s first-ever microplastics sampling protocol and integrated it into her water quality monitoring program.

Please email Izzy (ifilippini@greatswamp.org) with questions or cancellations. Ticketing closes at 4/15 at 5:00 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.

Great Swamp Great Music After Dark
2025-06-22 18:00 - 22:00 | The Homestead Bar and Kitchen, 10 Dehart St., Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
Online ticket purchase is now closed – tickets are available at the door at the same price!
Extend the weekend vibes!
Experience the reimagined Great Swamp Great Music after dark! Now in its 8th successful year, we’re bringing the party indoors to the trendy Homestead Bar and Kitchen in Morristown. Skip the Sunday meal prep and join us for an unforgettable night of live music from some of our fan favorites, delicious dinner, and fantastic drink specials, all included with your ticket. We’ll be serving up a sizzling blend of country, classic rock anthems you can sing along to, and exciting original tunes that will have you hooked. Snag your tickets now and let’s make some noise for clean water! Scroll down to secure your spot!

What’s in store for the evening?

Your ticket offers exceptional value: a delicious dinner buffet, drink specials, and of course, a cool variety of live music!
Nestled in the heart of Morristown, Homestead boasts a spacious, open-air design where a retractable wall seamlessly blends the indoor comfort with the evening breeze off an outdoor patio. Check out the venue HERE.
Try your luck in our 50/50 Raffle and you could walk away with half the cash!
Ample parking is available in the garage located directly across from the venue as well as nearby on-street parking.

Lineup

The Big Fuss
The Big Fuss brings their own unique style to rock covers from the 1960’s through today. Their blend of on-stage charisma, musical talent, and refreshing delivery of songs you know and love will keep you smiling and dancing through the night! Hunterdon Happening “Best Band/Musician” award winners… come see what The Big Fuss is all about!
The Refugee Dogs
The Refugee Dogs is a band dedicated to creating and honing brand new, exciting music ranging from insightful to vaguely off color. The band released their debut CD in May of 2020 which is available on all streaming platforms!
The Dust-Ups
The Dust-Ups are an original alt-country band. They blend a down-home country sound with a punk rock spirit to create lively, catchy and fun songs. They released their debut, self-titled album last March.

Buffet Dinner Available 6:30-8 PM

Cheeseburger Sliders, Chicken Fingers, Pretzel Bites, Penne Vodka Pasta, Fries, Caesar Salad, Crudité Board
*Attendees may also order off the regular menu at your own cost

Drink Specials Available 6-10 PM**

White Claw, Miller, Coors, Yuengling – $4
Corona – $5
Surfside – $6
House Margaritas, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio – $8

**Traditional beverages are also available at regular cost

Thank You to our Generous Sponsors
Barred Owl
Atlantic Health System
Opella
S. Dillard and Adrienne T. Kirby Family Philanthropic Fund
Blue Spotted Salamander
Adrienne & Reed Auerbach
Chatham Print & Design
Community Foundation of New Jersey
Agi & Matt Krauser
New Jersey American Water
Pipe Works Services, Inc.
The Schlosser Family
Lisa & David Welsh
Emerald Darner
BCB Bank
Delta Dental of New Jersey
PSEG
Sponsorship Opportunities
Your sponsorship of this event is a powerful statement about your commitment to clean water and a healthy environment. Directly contributing to the success of our second largest annual fundraiser, your support enables GSWA to continue our ongoing conservation efforts. Sponsorships offer significant promotional benefits in return, including placement in press releases, targeted social media campaigns, dedicated website recognition, and high-visibility opportunities at this local event.
Click HERE for to learn more about the benefits of becoming a sponsor.

We look forward to seeing you at this fun, live music fundraiser where
your participation makes a positive impact on our local environment!
(scroll down for tickets)

CANCELLED: Dismal Harmony Hike
2025-06-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Dismal Harmony Natural Area, Mendham, NJ, United States
Due to expected thunderstorms, this event has been cancelled! Please check back at GreatSwamp.org/events for future hikes.
Join GSWA’s Ginger Van Ryzin for a moderate, 2 mile hike at Dismal Harmony Natural Area in Mendham, NJ. Along the way we will explore the legends behind legend rock and the history behind the stone house nestled within the preserve.
Exact meetup and parking location is TBD; we will email all attendees that information prior to the hike.
Waterproof footwear, especially hiking boots, are strongly recommended.

Please email Izzy ifilippini@greatswamp.org with questions or cancellations.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) makes every effort to assure all programs and events go off as planned. Should an event be cancelled due to severe weather or other unexpected reasons, GSWA will promptly notify all registrants via email and the event page will reflect the status. To accommodate people on the waitlist, participants needing to cancel should do so ASAP. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance will not be refunded unless it is due to a health emergency. Unused registration fees may be converted into a tax-deductible donation.

Sold out: Paddle the Passaic
2025-06-30 17:30 - 19:30 | Canoe Launch, Livingston, 2, 12 S Orange Ave, Livingston, New Jersey, 07039
This event is sold out. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please email ifilippini@greatswamp.org.

Come out and enjoy the sights along the beautiful banks of the Passaic River as we paddle from the Livingston Canoe Launch. This area is full of wildlife, native vegetation, and beautiful views.
Children 8 and up are welcome. All participants 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent. There are only 7 spots available – 2 spots/registration max. All participants must be able to swim, be comfortable on the water, and wear clothes and footwear that can (and will) get wet and muddy. Life vests will be provided.
IMPORTANT – Kayak Waiver: Each participant MUST submit one of the forms below. If the person is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign their form and assume responsibility for the minor. Please complete, sign and bring the form(s) with you. The organizers will collect completed forms before put-in.
Adult Attendee
Minor Attendee
The GSWA kayaks, used in our water quality and educational programming, were purchased with the generous funding provided by the Thomas Glasser Foundation.
The put-in location is the Livingston Canoe Launch, and we will paddle from there.

Please email Izzy ifilippini@greatswamp.org with questions or cancellations.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) makes every effort to assure all programs and events go off 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.

Volunteer Opportunity: Stewardship Friday July 11
2025-07-11 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 meaningful to add to your resume?
Join us on Friday 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 the following tasks:

Chipping and mulching our trail networks
Removing invasive plants
Building new boardwalks which allow hikers to get through flooded areas
Clearing branches and limbs from recent storms

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.
Summer 2025 Stewardship Friday schedule:
July 11
July 25
August 1
August 8

Full Moon Hike at the CMA
2025-07-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Great Swamp Watershed Association’s CMA, 1 Tiger Lily Ln, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
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 GSWA’s Hazel England, to discover some gentle nighttime creatures. July is a great time to enjoy a moonlit hike at the CMA — 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!
Waterproof footwear, especially hiking boots, are strongly recommended.

Please email Izzy ifilippini@greatswamp.org with questions or cancellations.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) makes every effort to assure all programs and events go off as planned. Should an event be cancelled due to severe weather or other unexpected reasons, GSWA will promptly notify all registrants via email and the event page will reflect the status. To accommodate people on the waitlist, participants needing to cancel should do so ASAP. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance will not be refunded unless it is due to a health emergency. Unused registration fees may be converted into a tax-deductible donation.

City of Water Day 2025: Passaic River Cleanup & Paddles
2025-07-12 09:30 - 13:30 | 2 Camp Ln, Fairfield, NJ 07004, 40.8978651,-74.2802894
Thank you to everyone who spent their Saturday with us at the City of Water Day Clean-Up! Your energy, teamwork, and dedication made it a truly special day. It’s inspiring to see how powerful—and joyful—collective action can be when we come together to care for our local waters and open spaces.
Take a look at the photos from the day—feel free to share and download your favorites! CLICK HERE

“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 will participate by conducting 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 for 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.
The event runs 9:30 am – 1:30 pm on July 12, 2025
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. Please note: paddles are only open to those who have participated in the clean up!
Please be aware that the clean-up area is a wooded wetland forest floodplain. The terrain is uneven and can be muddy.
PADDLES
Cleanup participants 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 that will last approximately 15-20 minutes, and are each open to 7 participants, and each participant may only attend one paddle. Life vests will be provided. See below for the paddle schedule:
10:00 am
10:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
12:00 pm
12:30 pm

IMPORTANT – Kayak Waiver: Each paddle participant MUST submit one of the forms below. If the person is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign their form and assume responsibility for the minor. Please complete, sign and bring the form(s) with you. The organizers will collect completed forms before put-in.
Adult Attendee
Minor Attendee
REGISTER BELOW! Official sign-up is open through 7/11 at 3 PM—but if it closes, no worries! You’re still welcome to join us on event day at the location. Every helping hand makes a difference.

COW Day 2025

SOLD OUT: Mid-Summer Paddle
2025-07-22 17:30 - 19:30 | Somerset County Park Commission, Fisherman’s Parking Lot, Approx. 170 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ
This event is sold out. To be added to the waitlist, please email ifilippini@greatswamp.org

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, 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.

CANCELLED! Volunteer Opportunity: Stewardship Friday July 25
2025-07-25 09:00 - 13:00 | Great Swamp Watershed Association’s CMA, 1 Tiger Lily Ln, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
Due to the expected heatwave, this event has been cancelled. Please scroll down to sign up for future stewardship Fridays!
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?
Join us on Friday 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 the following tasks:

Chipping and mulching our trail networks
Removing invasive plants
Building new boardwalks which allow hikers to get through flooded areas
Clearing branches and limbs from recent storms

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.
Summer 2025 Stewardship Friday schedule:
July 11
July 25
August 1
August 8
August 15
August 22

Volunteer Opportunity: Stewardship Friday August 1
2025-08-01 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 meaningful to add to your resume?
Join us on Friday 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 the following tasks:

Chipping and mulching our trail networks
Removing invasive plants
Building new boardwalks which allow hikers to get through flooded areas
Clearing branches and limbs from recent storms

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.
Summer 2025 Stewardship Friday schedule:
July 11
July 25
August 1
August 8
August 15
August 22

Nature Detectives: Night Magic Kids & Family Walk
2025-08-01 18:30 - 19:45 | Conservation Forest at the Madison Recreation and Conservation Complex (MRC), 184 Ridgedale Avenue, Madison, NJ, 07940, United States
What happens in the forest after the sun goes down? What creatures come alive in the night? Using our nature detective skills, we will investigate the forest for clues to what might go on after dark. We will begin the investigation in daylight, hunting for tracks, nests and anything else nocturnal animals may leave behind. The walk will end at dusk, where we may even spot some nocturnal insects like fireflies and moths!
Recommended for all, but especially children 7 to 10 years old accompanied by an adult.
This event is brought to you in partnership with the Madison Environmental Commission and The Nature of Reading Bookshop in Madison, NJ.
Rain Date: Saturday, August 2nd
The Madison Environmental Commission and The Nature of Reading Bookshop will also be holding a dark and mysterious discussion based on the book Night Magic by Leigh Ann Henion, a New York Times bestselling nature writer, on July 30. Click Here for more details.

Please email Izzy ifilippini@greatswamp.org with questions or cancellations.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) makes every effort to assure all programs and events go off as planned. Should an event be cancelled due to severe weather or other unexpected reasons, GSWA will promptly notify all registrants via email and the event page will reflect the status. To accommodate people on the waitlist, participants needing to cancel should do so ASAP. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance will not be refunded unless it is due to a health emergency. Unused registration fees may be converted into a tax-deductible donation.

Night Magic Walk
2025-08-01 20:00 - 21:15 | Conservation Forest at the Madison Recreation and Conservation Complex (MRC), 184 Ridgedale Avenue, Madison, NJ, 07940, United States
Join GSWA’s Ginger Van Ryzin for a night out in the forest to bring the book, Night Magic, alive. In Night Magic, best-selling nature writer Leigh Ann Henion invites us to leave our well-lit homes, step outside and embrace the dark as a profoundly beautiful part of the world we inhabit. During our hike, we will discuss the habits of the creatures in Night Magic, read passages from the book, and look for signs of nocturnal wildlife.
This event is brought to you in partnership with the Madison Environmental Commission and The Nature of Reading Bookshop in Madison, NJ.
Rain Date Saturday, August 2nd
The Madison Environmental Commission and The Nature of Reading Bookshop will also be holding a dark and mysterious discussion based on the book Night Magic on July 30. Click here for more details.

Please email Izzy ifilippini@greatswamp.org with questions or cancellations.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) makes every effort to assure all programs and events go off as planned. Should an event be cancelled due to severe weather or other unexpected reasons, GSWA will promptly notify all registrants via email and the event page will reflect the status. To accommodate people on the waitlist, participants needing to cancel should do so ASAP. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance will not be refunded unless it is due to a health emergency. Unused registration fees may be converted into a tax-deductible donation.

Volunteer Opportunity: Stewardship Friday August 8
2025-08-08 09:00 - 13:00 | Great Swamp Watershed Association’s CMA, 1 Tiger Lily Ln, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States

Volunteer Opportunity: Stewardship Friday August 15
2025-08-15 09:00 - 13:00 | Great Swamp Watershed Association’s CMA, 1 Tiger Lily Ln, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States

Nature Detectives Hike
2025-08-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Great Swamp Watershed Association’s CMA, 1 Tiger Lily Ln, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
What’s hiding on the forest floor? What’s going on in the trees? Let’s do some detective work and make some discoveries together!
The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect place to learn how to identify animals from their tracks, scats (yes, poop) and other clues. Spy on secret hideouts used by birds, insects, and other woodland creatures. Discover the dining preferences of deer, raccoons, and even coyotes by putting a magnifying glass to some scat. All this detective work is easier than you think. And let’s face it, it’s fun being outdoors in the summer!
Recommended for all, but especially children 5 to 12 years old accompanied by an adult. We will meet at the head of the Orange Trail at the end of Meyersville Rd., Green Village. The lot is small, so please consider carpooling and be mindful when parking.
This event is free for our GSWA members. For non-members, a suggested $10 donation for adults and $5 for children 6-17 is appreciated.

Dark Skies Event – Protect Our Night Sky
2025-08-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Madison Community Arts Center, 10 Kings Rd., Madison, NJ, 07940, United States
Ever look up at night and wish you could truly see the Milky Way?

Light pollution is stealing our stars — disrupting ecosystems and having adverse health effects on both wildlife and humans.
Join Morris Township and Madison Borough for a Dark Skies Event to discover how small changes in outdoor lighting can protect our environment, save energy, and restore the beauty of the night sky.
The evening will begin with a kickoff from Jeff Grayzel, Deputy Mayor of Morris Township (and GSWA Advisory Council member), and Eric P. Range, Madison Borough Council. They’ll be followed by a presentation from Steve Mariconda, a DarkSky International Delegate, who will share how communities everywhere are reclaiming their view of the stars.
This event is open to everyone, but we especially encourage fellow local municipal council, board, and environmental commission members to explore how Dark Sky Ordinances can safeguard our health and bring back our view of the stars for generations to come.
Dark Skies Event is on:
Monday, Aug. 18
7:00 PM
Madison Community Arts Center

Let’s work together to keep the stars shining.

RSVP here: Dark Skies Event Registration

Volunteer Opportunity: Stewardship Friday August 22
2025-08-22 09:00 - 13:00 | Great Swamp Watershed Association’s CMA, 1 Tiger Lily Ln, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States

Paddle the Passaic
2025-09-10 17:30 - 19:30 | Canoe Launch, Livingston, 2, 12 S Orange Ave, Livingston, New Jersey, 07039
Come out and enjoy the sights along the beautiful banks of the Passaic River. This area is full of wildlife, native vegetation, and beautiful views.
Children 8 and up are welcome. All participants 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent. There are only 7 spots available – 2 spots/registration max. All participants must be able to swim, be comfortable on the water, and wear clothes and footwear that can (and will) get wet and muddy. Life vests will be provided.
IMPORTANT – Kayak Waiver: Each participant MUST submit one of the forms below. If the person is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign their form and assume responsibility for the minor. Please complete, sign and bring the form(s) with you. The organizers will collect completed forms before put-in.
Adult Attendee
Minor Attendee
The GSWA kayaks, used in our water quality and educational programming, were purchased with the generous funding provided by the Thomas Glasser Foundation.
The put-in location is the Livingston Canoe Launch, and we will paddle from there.

Please email Izzy ifilippini@greatswamp.org with questions or cancellations.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) makes every effort to assure all programs and events go off 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.

Apshawa Fall Kick-off Hike
2025-09-13 09:30 - 12:30 | Apshawa Preserve, 15 Northwood Drive, West Milford, NJ, 07480, United States
Explore one of the many New Jersey Conservation Foundation preserves found throughout New Jersey. On our hike, we hike to Butler Reservoir, walk along Apshawa Brook, and look for wildlife. This will be a moderate to difficult hike, roughly 3.5 miles with 600 ft of elevation change. Come out to check out fall wildflowers, scenic overlooks and the butler reservoir!
Waterproof footwear, especially hiking boots, are strongly recommended.

Please email Izzy ifilippini@greatswamp.org with questions or cancellations.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) makes every effort to assure all programs and events go off as planned. Should an event be cancelled due to severe weather or other unexpected reasons, GSWA will promptly notify all registrants via email and the event page will reflect the status. To accommodate people on the waitlist, participants needing to cancel should do so ASAP. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance will not be refunded unless it is due to a health emergency. Unused registration fees may be converted into a tax-deductible donation.

Climate Week Celebratory Hike 'n Learn
2025-09-23 17:00 - 18:30 | Great Swamp Watershed Association’s CMA, 1 Tiger Lily Ln, Morristown, NJ, 07960, United States
Come celebrate international climate week with an evening nature exploration! Hike our Conservation Management Area (CMA) and learn about the importance of resilience and conservation in the face of a changing climate. We will talk about ecosystem services, environmental stressors, local impacts of global changes, and how ecosystems can change and adapt. We’ll also discuss what we as a community can do to support climate resilience and ecosystem restoration. GSWA members: $10, non-members: adults $15, children $10. Registration is required.

Please email Izzy ifilippini@greatswamp.org with questions or cancellations.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) makes every effort to assure all programs and events go off as planned. Should an event be cancelled due to severe weather or other unexpected reasons, GSWA will promptly notify all registrants via email and the event page will reflect the status. To accommodate people on the waitlist, participants needing to cancel should do so ASAP. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance will not be refunded unless it is due to a health emergency. Unused registration fees may be converted into a tax-deductible donation.
