Vernal Pool Exploration Hike

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

With temperatures rising, the forest floor will be hopping with new life as frogs and other amphibians crowd into shallow puddles of water to breed and lay their eggs. These puddles, called vernal pools, provide a perfect opportunity to learn more about Mother Nature here in New Jersey. But we have to hurry - they disappear quickly! This annual Vernal Pool Exploration provides a fun, outdoor learning experience for kids and adults alike. Discover the differences between a spring peeper, a chorus frog, and a wood frog. Find out how far an endangered spotted salamander will walk to find a mating pool. And, learn how much everything we have come to appreciate about the springtime depends upon a few unassuming puddles of water on the forest floor. Warm clothing and waterproof footwear, especially hiking boots, are strongly recommended. 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 […]

Get Tickets $5.00 – $40.00

Plant for Pollinators Webinar #4: Overview and Plant Sale Kick Off

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 […]

Get Tickets Free – $40.00

Plant for Pollinators Webinar Full Series

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 […]

Get Tickets Free – $40.00

Volunteer Opportunity: Community Workday at the CMA

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 worthy to add to your resume? Join us on Saturday at the GSWA Conservation Management Area (CMA) to help us steward the land. We will work from 9AM to 1PM and enjoy some well-earned snacks. We could really use your help getting our CMA tidied up by helping us with the following tasks: 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 old shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Bring a hat and a reusable water bottle. We will provide bug spray, sun block, gloves, snacks, and all tools you will need. What better way to spend a Saturday morning? See you there!

Breakfast Briefing: A Watery History of Jockey Hollow – How It Shaped the Land and Lives

Great Swamp Watershed Association HQ 568 Tempe Wick Rd, Morristown, NJ, United States

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 […]

Get Tickets Free – $40.00

Treasures of the Swamp Scavenger Hunt – Free

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 27, 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 backyards! 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 the Great Swamp Helen Fenske 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 […]

The Chathams & Madison Town-Wide Yard Sale Spring 2025

Yard Sale Registration Info: Registration Fee: $10 tax-deductible donation to benefit Great Swamp Watershed Association. Registration Deadline: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 @ 11:30 PM **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 [email protected] 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 […]

Beginner Paddle on the Passaic River

Canoe Launch, Livingston 2, 12 S Orange Ave, Livingston, New Jersey

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 [email protected] with questions or cancellations. CANCELLATION POLICY: Great Swamp Watershed […]

Get Tickets $30.00 – $40.00

Great Swamp Great Music… After Dark

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

Extend the weekend vibes! From festival to exceptional evening - GSWA's Great Swamp Great Music returns for its 8th year reimagined, now at Morristown's trendy Homestead Bar and Kitchen. Enjoy dinner, reduced-price drinks, and a musical smorgasbord. We're serving up a mix of country vibes, classic rock hits you know and love, and fresh original music that'll leave you wanting more.   What's in store for the evening? Your ticket offers exceptional value: a delicious dinner buffet, discounted drink pricing, preferred seating, and of course, excellent live music! Located in the heart of Morristown, Homestead's unique open-air design, featuring an inviting patio, blends indoor comfort with outdoor ambiance, creating a refreshing atmosphere. Take your chances at the 50-50 Raffle . Ample parking available. It's the perfect evening out for music lovers and a great way to support the environment through this lively environmental fundraiser!   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 […]

Get Tickets $35.00 – $50.00