Start the new year off by giving back! Our boardwalks are in need of alignment after the recent rainstorms dumped a combined 6+ inches of rain at our Conservation Management Area. Come out and brave the cold this Friday from 12-3PM to help fix up our trails and enjoy a hard-earned cup of hot cider!
PLEASE NOTE This hike has been canceled due to the predicted snow/rain storm over the weekend. Thank you for your understanding. Ever wondered how to sleuth what animals are visiting an area - even when you are not rewarded with a sighting of the creature itself? As we enjoy a leisurely paced hike in the refuge, learn more about the scat (poop), tracks, and other markers our native wildlife leave to clue us into their presence. We will provide binoculars and poking sticks to help us get up close to these fascinating clues that enable you to become great wildlife detectives. Conditions can be wet or muddy. Wear appropriate footwear and dress warmly.
Due to the snowstorm, this program will now be conducted via Zoom. The time remains the same, 6-7:30 PM. Please note: Registration closes at 5:30 pm, January 16. There’s a lot of news about climate change and the devastating effects it has and will continue to have on the state of New Jersey. Now, who’s ready for some good news? Join Dave Robinson, NJ State Climatologist and distinguished professor of geography at Rutgers University (and GSWA board member!) and discover why we are fortunate to live in the great state of New Jersey, thanks in part to our many scenic open spaces. From the Pine Barrens to the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Dave will talk about how these geologic gems are more than just beautiful places to hike and relax, they also serve a valuable function in our ecosystem, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Building a "Jersey-friendly yard" creates a healthy foundation of soil, conserves water, attracts and supports wildlife, and adds beauty and interest to your home landscape. Leading up to our 4th annual online Native Pollinator Plant Sale on April 1, we have secured three nationally recognized and diverse speakers to present at monthly webinars. Scroll to the very bottom and register to attend all 4 programs at once at the click of a button. This streamlined registration not only guarantees timely reminder emails with the Zoom link for each of the four talks, but also ensures that you receive recording links for all four webinars within 48 hours of each talk’s conclusion. For those interested in specific talks, individual sign-ups are available below. Register for individual programs below: January 18, 7-8 PM: Creating a Woodland Garden with Indigenous Plants & Vertical Structure. Speaker: Jean Epiphan, agricultural resources agent and assistant professor with Rutgers Cooperative Extension in Morris County | Register HERE February 15, 7-8 PM: Plug in to Native Groundcovers. Speaker: John Courtney, owner of Kind Earth Nursery | Register HERE March 13, 7-8PM: Pollinator Conservation: Creating and Protecting Habitat for NJ’s Bees, Butterflies, and Biodiversity. Speaker: Kelly Gill, Pollinator Conservation Specialist from […]
Our kickoff webinar for the Plants for Pollinators series will discuss how to employ diversity in vertical strata in a woodland garden design using native understory plants and shrubs. Jean Epiphan, agricultural and resources agent and assistant professor with Rutgers Cooperative Extension in Morris County will be our guide. Jean will review the best choices of natural and green mulches to restore soil health and support native species. Jean draws from her experience in local forest research as well as practice in ornamental shade gardening to restore natural processes that fuel healthy native plant community rehabilitation. Register for the rest of the 4 part webinar series HERE This streamlined registration not only guarantees timely reminder emails with the Zoom link for each of the four talks, but also ensures that you receive recording links for all four webinars within 48 hours of each talk’s conclusion. For those interested in specific talks, you can register individually for the 3 remaining webinars: Feb 15, 7-8 PM - Plug in To Native Groundcovers Mar 13, 7-8 PM - Pollinator Conservation: Creating and Protecting Habitat for NJ’s Bees, Butterflies, and Biodiversity Apr 1, 12-1 PM - Plant Sale Overview While this […]
Important Notice: We are monitoring the weather for this hike. While Primrose Farm is higher ground than our board-walked swamp, it can still get muddy in rain. Be sure to wear appropriate boots and rain gear! If the temperatures drop and the rain turns icy, we may adjust our plans accordingly for driving conditions. January night hikes can be tough, but we hope to conduct the hike unless we feel it is unsafe. We will make the final decision by noon, January 24 and will email everyone and update this site. Thank you for your patience! Join us for a leisurely stroll through the Primrose Farm meadow as the full moon lights the winter sky. The January full moon, known as the "wolf moon" is named after wolves who tend to howl more often during the winter season. The moon will guide us through this relaxing winter hike, and if there happens to be snow on the ground, we can look for tracks and other signs of the critters who call Primrose Farm home. Dress for the weather and be sure to wear appropriate footwear.