CANCELLED – “City of Water Day” Passaic River Cleanup & Paddles

Great Piece Meadows 2 Camp Ln, Fairfield, New Jersey

**Cancelled: Due to an aerial flood watch affecting our work area, City of Water Day Clean-Up in Fairfield is cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience. GSWA looks forward to rescheduling the clean-up for early fall. Stay tuned to our website and e-news for updates.** "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, alongside REI, will participate by conducting a cleanup along the Passaic River. GSWA will organize 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 with 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 […]

Free

Stewardship Day at the CMA

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

The forecast shows this lingering heatwave is finally breaking. So, let's get back outside! The GSWA Conservation Management Area (CMA) desperately needs some tending to, and Thursday's weather will be partly cloudy with a high of 84 degrees. Ginger Van Ryzin, GSWA Manager of Stewardship and GIS Specialist, will be on-site 9AM - 2PM to dole out tasks and make sure you have everything you need to get the job done. If you give us some of your time and elbow grease, Ginger will reward you with some well-earned snacks! 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, and all tools you will need. You’ll work hard, share some laughs, and enjoy some snacks. What better way to spend a Thursday in the summertime?

Free

SOLD OUT: Full Moon Hike at the Refuge

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

Sorry, this popular hike is sold out. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected]   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 a GSWA naturalist, to discover some gentle nighttime creatures. July is a great time to enjoy a moonlit hike at the Refuge. 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! This hike is free to all, but of course, donations are appreciated.

Free – $10.00

Mid Summer Paddle – Afternoon

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

Please email [email protected] if you need to cancel, or to be placed on a waitlist Mid Summer Paddle: 4:30 - 6:00 pm 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 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 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 […]

$30.00 – $40.00

SOLD OUT Mid Summer Paddle – Evening

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

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT! Please email [email protected] if you need to cancel, or to be placed on a waitlist Mid Summer Paddle: 6:30 - 8:00 pm 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 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 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 […]

$30.00 – $40.00

Another Stewardship Day at the CMA

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

The heatwave is over and the outdoors are ready for us to come back! The GSWA Conservation Management Area (CMA) desperately needs some tending to, and the long-range weather looks pleasant for that day. Ginger Van Ryzin, GSWA Manager of Stewardship and GIS Specialist, will be on-site 9AM - 1PM to dole out tasks and make sure you have everything you need to get the job done. If you give us some of your time and elbow grease, Ginger will reward you with some well-earned snacks! 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, and all tools you will need. You’ll work hard, share some laughs, and enjoy some snacks. It's an invigorating and feel-good way to start your day!

Free

Emergency Storm Repairs @ the CMA

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

The rain from Sunday's storm took a toll on our Conservation Management Area (CMA) in Harding Twp. Many of the boardwalks have been shifted and trails have been washed out. We've got some volunteers out there today, but there's lots more to be done. Please help us tackle these emergency repairs this Friday. The weather forecast predicts a beautiful day to be outdoors! Ginger Van Ryzin, GSWA Manager of Stewardship and GIS Specialist, will be on-site 9AM - 2PM to dole out tasks and make sure you have everything you need to get the job done. 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 water and snacks, bug spray, sun block, gloves, and all tools you will need. Thanks for lending your elbow grease to help get our trails back in usable shape!

Free

SOLD OUT: Friday the 13th Paddle

Essex County Environmental Center 621 Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland, NJ

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT! Please email [email protected] if you need to cancel, or to be placed on a waitlist Come test your luck with a fun Friday the 13th paddle on the Passaic River. 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 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 meet up location is Essex County Environmental Center. 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 […]

$30.00 – $40.00

Friends of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Fall Festival

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

Celebrate some big milestones at GSNWR's annual Fall Festival: the 60th year of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, the 60th year of the Wilderness Act, and the 25th year of Friends of GSNWR. Activities will include target archery, hover ball, river seining, guided nature walks, games, and nature crafts for kids. Free grilled hot dogs will be available from 11 AM to 1:30 PM, and there's plenty of parking. This event hosted by Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and US Fish and Wildlife Service. Tickets are not required to attend this non-GSWA event.  

Members Only: Fall Flora and Fauna Hike

Glenhurst Preserve 185 Mountain Ave, Warren, NJ, United States

Thank you for being a GSWA member! As a show of appreciation, let us treat you to a meander through two miles of Passaic floodplain meadows and forests while admiring the beautiful fall fauna and flora. We will pass small ponds and walk along both Cory's Brook and the Passaic River. Trails may be muddy so bring shoes you don't mind getting dirty. The hike will be roughly 2 miles with relatively flat elevation. This is a free hike available to GSWA members only! Not a member? Not a problem. Purchase an annual family membership today at the discounted price of $40 (below) and you can come along!  Please note: once you purchase the membership, you will need to return to this site to reserve your tickets.  Email Izzy [email protected] with any questions or concerns!

Free – $40.00