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CANCELLED – Fall Colors Paddle (12:30-2:30 PM)

2 Camp Ln, Fairfield, NJ 07004 40.8978651,-74.2802894

With safety as our top priority and based on Saturday's forecast, we have decided to cancel tomorrow's paddle. Attention participants, an email will be sent with an alternate date and time to choose from. If you have question, feel free to email Nancy at nrago@GreatSwamp.org Afternoon Paddle (12:30-2:30 PM) Experience the spectacular change of colors from the water! 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. 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 […]

$30.00 – $40.00

Intro to Birding Hike (Intermediate)

High Mountain Park Preserve - Red Trailhead Intersection of Navaho Trail Drive and Reservoir Drive, Wayne, New Jersey

Join us for an intermediate-level hike at the beautiful High Mountain Park Preserve. This 4-mile/700 ft. elevation hike features stunning, panoramic summit views of New York City and northern New Jersey. If there has been rain, we may be treated to a waterfall or two. As we turn our eyes to the skies, we will watch for our feathered friends, perhaps even some red shouldered hawks, as the end-of-raptor migration approaches. The Preserve is also home to rare and threatened plants and wildlife including mountain mint and northern long-eared bats, as well as common local species like flying squirrels, wild turkeys, chipmunks, and white-tailed deer. This rigorous hike has some intermediate sections. Be sure to bring snacks and water. We will meet at the Red Trailhead, at the intersection of Navaho Trail Drive and Reservoir Drive https://goo.gl/maps/MoGc6vjAer6ScFD96

Free – $40.00

Nature Detective Discovery Hike

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

KIDS...UNLOCK YOUR INNER DETECTIVE LOCATION CHANGED TO OUR CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT AREA What's hiding under those freshly fallen leaves? What's going on in the trees? Let's do some detective work and make some discoveries together! To make the hike as exciting and kid friendly as possible, we have decided to change the location of our hike to the GSWA Conservation Management Area at 1 Tiger Lily Ln in Morristown. It is also the perfect place to set off in hot pursuit of the region’s most-wanted autumn wildlife. Come 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 fall! Recommended for all, but especially children 5 to 12 years old. We recommend wearing boots or shoes you don't mind getting dirty. This event is free for our GSWA members. Non-members, a $10 donation for adults and $5 for children 6-17 is appreciated.

Free – $40.00

CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER: Veteran’s Day Paddle (10 AM – 12 PM)

2 Camp Ln, Fairfield, NJ 07004 40.8978651,-74.2802894

Due to rain headed our way, this event has been cancelled. Check back again in the Spring for more paddles.   Morning Paddle (10:00 AM-12:00 PM)   Veteran's Day is a wonderful day to get out in the water and reflect on how lucky we are to have what we have thanks to those who fought for our freedom. Enjoy a peaceful paddle with a small group of people as we 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.   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 […]

$30.00 – $40.00

CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER: Veteran’s Day Paddle (12:30 – 2:30 PM)

2 Camp Ln, Fairfield, NJ 07004 40.8978651,-74.2802894

Due to rain headed our way, this event has been cancelled. Check back again in the Spring for more paddles.   Afternoon Paddle (12:30 - 2:30 PM)   Veteran's Day is a wonderful day to get out in the water and reflect on how lucky we are to have what we have thanks to those who fought for our freedom. Enjoy a peaceful paddle with a small group of people as we 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.   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 […]

$30.00 – $40.00

SOLD OUT: New Moon Night Hike

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

If you cannot attend, please email nrago@GreatSwamp.org to cancel so we can invite the next person on the waitlist email. Come explore the stars and hike the trails of the Conservation Management Area under a new moon when the stars are at their brightest! A new moon is the first lunar phase, which means it will not be visible at all. But don't worry, just because it's dark out doesn't mean the inhabitants of the woods have gone to sleep. During this guided hike, we will take advantage of the quiet, crisp autumn air by listening for the nighttime creatures of Harding Township like owls, raccoon, and possums. Dress for the weather - waterproof boots are recommended.

Free – $40.00

Winter Solstice Night Hike & Story Telling

Visitor Center, Morristown National Historical Park 600 Tempe Wick Road, Morristown, New Jersey

Bundle up and let's celebrate the first day of winter (winter solstice) with a crisp, invigorating night hike and storytelling at Jockey Hollow. Winter solstice is the day with the fewest hours of sunlight in the whole year, making it the shortest day of the year. With the new moon just 2 days away, the stars in the winter skies will be shining brightly as we look and listen for owls and other nightlife. After the hike, we will warm up by a fire and sip hot chocolate as we learn about an 18th century viewpoint on how the early century colonists viewed the darkness vs. today. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity with some highly experienced and knowledgeable naturalists. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear your warm socks for this hike.     This special event is provided in partnership with Morristown National Historical Park and GSWA. Hike co-leaders: Eric Olson, Jockey Hollow Park Ranger and Historian; Hazel England, GSWA Director of Education, Outreach, & Land Stewardship; and Ginger Van Ryzin, GSWA Education, Land Steward & Water Quality Associate.

Free – $40.00

SOLD OUT – Full Wolf Moon Night Hike

Primrose Farm (Enter from Barrett Field) Barrett Field, 1413-000460000-000020001-00000, Morristown, NJ

If you cannot attend, please email nrago@GreatSwamp.org to cancel so we can invite the next person on the waitlist email. Kick off the new year with 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 for the fact that wolves tend to howl more often during the winter season, which is always when this full moon occurs. 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.   This can be a tricky spot to find to please note the location details below: Primrose Farm (see below for google map - click the + to zoom in and see details) 15 Brook Drive South, Harding Township, NJ (enter from Barrett Field) http://goo.gl/maps/G4Lvc

Free – $40.00

Frozen Falls Hike (new end-time & meetup address)

Ramapo Valley County Reservation 610 Ramapo Valley Rd., Mawah, NJ, United States

NEW TIMEFRAME: this hike now runs 11 AM - 2 PM (previously 11 AM - 1:30 PM) What would inspire you to brave the cold for a January hike? How about the unique opportunity to experience a frozen winter wonderland?!  Join GSWA's Ginger Van Ryzin for an intermediate-level hike to check out some beautiful water features. The hike will journey along portions of the Yellow Trail and traverse several other trails as we hike towards a picturesque waterfall. If conditions are right, we may witness the falls in a frozen state - a sight to behold. Along the way we will encounter other bodies of water like babbling (or not so babbling, depending on the temps) streams, a pond and a reservoir, and the Ramapo River - which eventually feeds into the Passaic River. As you may know, GSWA works to protect the water and land of the Passaic River and its surrounding region. The Ramapo Reservation is Bergen County's largest park located on the edge of the Highlands Region featuring a network of five scenic loop trails. Grab this opportunity to breathe in the crisp, cool air, get your blood pumping, and experience the wonder that winter's nature has […]

$10.00 – $25.00

Full “Snow” Moon Night Hike @ The Refuge

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Observation Center https://goo.gl/maps/tLD3KapcRC21245c8, Harding Twp., NJ, United States

There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes. So no more excuses! It's time to bundle up, get back outside, and feel the rejuvenating power of nature on this relaxing night hike. The February full moon is known as the "Snow Moon" because lots of snow is generally found on the ground in most Northern Hemisphere countries during this time. Come experience it for yourself. 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.

Free – $40.00