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Session 2: Spring Birding Paddle

Somerset County Park Commission, Fisherman's Parking Lot Approx. 170 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ

Come out and enjoy the sights along the beautiful banks of the Passaic River as we paddle the headwaters region of the Great Swamp and look out for spring migrants. 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. lease email Izzy [email protected] with questions or […]

Get Tickets $30.00 – $70.00

9th Annual Great Swamp Great Music After Dark

The Homestead Bar and Kitchen 10 Dehart St., Morristown, NJ, United States

Extend the weekend vibes! Back by popular demand - We’re back at the trendy Homestead Bar and Kitchen in Morristown for our 9th successful year of Great Swamp Great Music... After Dark. Skip the Sunday meal prep and join a community that's been showing up for clean water for 45 years. GSWA's grassroots roots run deep, and this is one of the best nights of the year to be part of it. Enjoy live music, great food, and good company supporting a cause that matters. Your ticket covers: your buffet dinner, exclusive drink specials, and a breezy atmosphere with some of our fan-favorite local performers. We’re serving up a sizzling blend of folk-inspired bluegrass, robust classic rock, and a big seven-piece sound with influences of reggae, funk, and jam-band grooves. 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 buffet dinner, exclusive drink specials, and a cool variety of live music — all supporting 45 years of grassroots conservation. Nestled in the heart of Morristown, Homestead boasts a spacious, open-air design where a retractable wall seamlessly blends the indoor comfort […]

Get Tickets $35.00 – $50.00
Full Moon Hike at the Refuge

Blue Moon Hike at the Refuge

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Bluebird Parking Lot Bluebird Parking Lot, Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, NJ, United States

Experience the Great Swamp like never before under the rare glow of a Blue Moon. While the moon won't actually change color, this celestial event occurs when a single calendar month—in this case, May 2026—features two full moons instead of one. Because the lunar cycle is approximately 29.5 days, the timing occasionally "laps" our 31-day months, giving us a "bonus" full moon that only appears once every two to three years. We’ll explore the vibrant nocturnal world of the swamp—listening for the chorus of cicadas and spring peepers, watching for the silhouettes of owls, and soaking in the serene atmosphere of the marsh after dark. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with the watershed during a truly "once in a blue moon" moment. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear, dress for the weather, and bring a reusable water bottle and snacks if you so choose. Registration is required. IMPORTANT -- WAIVER: Per our special use permit, the refuge is asking for the hike participants to fill out a liability form before attending. Please complete and email this form to [email protected] when you register for this hike.  Please email Izzy ([email protected]) with questions or cancellations. Ticket sales end on 3/2/2026 at […]

Get Tickets Free – $40.00

Nature Journaling Hike

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

Nature journaling is a centuries-old practice used to record observations, changes and data about the world around us. It is also a way to build observational and relational thinking and curiosity. We will wander through the CMA, pausing several times to collect our observations, questions, and connections in our notebooks. Through prompts and practices, we will deepen our awareness of the natural world and let our own curiosity guide our observations. You do not need to be an artist or a naturalist to enjoy nature journaling, you just have to be willing to slow down and take a look around! No previous artistic experience required. Adults - includes journal notebook, art supplies provided. Please email Izzy [email protected] with questions or cancellations. CANCELLATION POLICY: Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) makes every effort to assure all programs and events go off as planned. Should an event be cancelled due to severe weather or other unexpected reasons, GSWA will promptly notify all registrants via email and the event page will reflect the status. To accommodate people on the waitlist, participants needing to cancel should do so ASAP. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance will not be refunded unless it is due […]

Get Tickets $20.00 – $60.00

America’s 250th Celebration Firefly Hike

Helen Fenske Visitor Center 32 Pleasant Plains Rd, New Vernon, NJ, United States

Come experience nature's own fireworks display with the brilliant flickers of fireflies. This is a fun way to get in some evening steps while we explore the fascinating lives and behaviors of our glowing friends just one week before the bigger, brighter, fireworks of our 250th anniversary celebration. This will be an easy-going, natural history-focused hike on flat, boardwalked trails. Please email Izzy [email protected] with questions or cancellations. CANCELLATION POLICY: Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) makes every effort to assure all programs and events go off as planned. Should an event be cancelled due to severe weather or other unexpected reasons, GSWA will promptly notify all registrants via email and the event page will reflect the status. To accommodate people on the waitlist, participants needing to cancel should do so ASAP. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance will not be refunded unless it is due to a health emergency. Unused registration fees may be converted into a tax-deductible donation.

Get Tickets Free – $40.00

Caring for Your Native Plants

Foote's Pond Park 137 James Street, Morristown, NJ, United States

Native plants are low maintenance, but this does not mean they’re no maintenance. Join us for this outdoor, hands-on session that covers the essential care of these hearty plants. We’ll discuss practical “how to’s” for the beginning native gardener, covering everything from “Chelsea chops” (a method for controlling height and extending bloom times) to successfully dividing energetic plants to keep your landscape balanced. You’ll walk away with practical advice to keep your yard healthy and vibrant throughout the season. Please email Izzy [email protected] with questions or cancellations. CANCELLATION POLICY: Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) makes every effort to assure all programs and events go off as planned. Should an event be cancelled due to severe weather or other unexpected reasons, GSWA will promptly notify all registrants via email and the event page will reflect the status. To accommodate people on the waitlist, participants needing to cancel should do so ASAP. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance will not be refunded unless it is due to a health emergency. Unused registration fees may be converted into a tax-deductible donation.

Get Tickets $15.00 – $55.00

Volunteer Opportunity: Stewardship Friday July 10

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

Ready to get your hands dirty 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 2026 Stewardship Friday schedule: July 10 July 17 July 24 July 31

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Volunteer Opportunity: Stewardship Friday July 17

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

Ready to get a little dirty and sweaty in the swamp? Need community service hours? College students—are you looking for something meaningful to add to your resume? 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 2026 Stewardship Friday schedule: July 10 July 17 July 24 July 31

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Evening Paddle at Great Piece Meadows

Great Piece Meadows 2 Camp Ln, Fairfield, New Jersey

Enjoy a peaceful, one-way evening paddle  down 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. This will be a 3 hour paddle for experienced paddlers. Please bring snacks and drinks. 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, 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 [email protected] with questions or cancellations. CANCELLATION POLICY: Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) makes every effort to assure all programs and events go off as planned. Should an event be cancelled due to severe weather or other unexpected reasons, GSWA […]

Get Tickets $40.00 – $80.00

Volunteer Opportunity: Stewardship Friday July 24

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

Ready to get a little dirty and sweaty in the swamp? Need community service hours? College students—are you looking for something meaningful to add to your resume? 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 2026 Stewardship Friday schedule: July 10 July 17 July 24 July 31

Get Tickets Free