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 […]

Sold Out $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!

Get Tickets Free – $40.00

The Chathams & Madison Town-Wide Yard Sale Fall 2024

Mark your calendar for October 19 to get out and shop sustainably at this amazing three-town-wide yard sale! Be sure to check back here on October 17 for a digital map of all yard sale participants and a list of sale items before you head out to shop. Yard Sale Registration Info: Registration Fee: $10 tax-deductible donation to benefit Great Swamp Watershed Association. Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 16, 2024 @ 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 […]

Gala & Silent Auction – A Green Gathering

Brooklake Country Club 139 Brooklake Road, Florham Park, NJ

Indulge in an unforgettable evening complete with fine dining, great banter, and spirited bidding at our premier annual fundraising event. This year, we honor the environment with our theme, A Green Gathering. Dive into lively discussions that will include native gardening, vegan cuisine, conservation, environmental education, and more while enjoying a gourmet dinner. Each table will host an environmental-focused expert eager to share their passion and converse with their fellow diners. With ~30 experts in attendance, this is your chance to connect with like-minded individuals and make a difference.   Brooklake Country Club | 139 Brooklake Road | Florham Park, New Jersey 5:30-6:30 PM VIP Cocktail Reception 6:00-7:30 PM General Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction 7:30-9:30 PM Dinner and Table Talks   Table Discussion Leaders - One Expert at Each Table! CLICK HERE to view the list of the evening's Table Discussion Leaders (to date). When you purchase a table or a VIP ticket, you can request which speaker joins your table. This is on a first-come, first-served basis so get your tickets today!   Scroll to the bottom of page for tickets - choose from the following: Purchase a Table - Opt for a table of 8 or 10 […]

Get Tickets $125.00 – $2,500.00

Madison Tree Identification Walk

Conservation Forest at the Madison Recreation and Conservation Complex (MRC) 184 Ridgedale Avenue, Madison, NJ, United States

This walk is co-sponsored by Friends of Madison Shade Trees, Madison Shade Tree Management Board, and the Madison Environmental Commission.  Have you ever wanted to learn how to identify trees? October is a marvelous time. Join naturalist Ginger Van Ryzin of Great Swamp Watershed Association for a wander in the Conservation Forest of the Madison Recreation and Conservation Complex (MRC). Along the walk, you will learn how to identify native trees by examining autumn leaves, bark, persistent fruit, and overall tree shape. This fun educational opportunity will include general tree ID techniques and characteristics for common native trees in Madison, including a handout so you can practice and hone your new skill. Participation is free. Click here to register!

Climate Proof Your Garden

Westfield Public Library 550 E Broad Street, Westfield, NJ, United States

As extreme weather events and warmer temperatures become even more frequent around New Jersey, it’s time to start thinking about ways to fortify your outdoor spaces. Join Hazel England, Ecologist, Director of Education with the Great Swamp Watershed Association, and weather-weary gardener, to learn about ways to “climate proof” your garden or outdoor space. We'll look at the ways our climate conditions are changing and what to do to help your yard keep up.  We’ll discuss the highs and lows of the seasons and their impacts on your yard, including water conservation strategies such as xeriscaping- the practice of designing landscapes to reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation. Xeriscapes need little or no supplemental water beyond what the natural climate provides. We will also discuss the best plant choices to help your garden weather the storms and droughts. Implementing these strategies can also allow more diversity into your yard where your plants will flourish…as well as improve area biodiversity. Registration is required -- register here for this FREE event! Questions? Email Izzy at [email protected]

Veteran’s Day Kid’s Hike

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

Honor Veterans Day with a special Veteran's Day kids hike through the Great Swamp! Explore the wonders of our floodplain forest as we search for signs of wildlife and learn about the unique ecosystems that call this area home. Bring your parent along for this fun adventure. Kids 12 and under: $10 (including a free parent ticket) Kids over 12 and adults on their own: $15 Please note: All children must be accompanied by an adult. Questions? Email Izzy at [email protected] 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 $10.00 – $15.00

Fall Colors Hike

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

Join us for a hike through the scenic High Mountain Preserve. This intermediate-level hike covers approximately 4 miles with a significant elevation change of 700 feet. Be prepared for an intermediate hike and bring plenty of snacks and water. As we explore the preserve, we'll have the opportunity to enjoy some birdwatching. This is a prime location for raptor migration, so keep your eyes peeled for these majestic creatures. We'll also enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and, weather permitting, a visit to a cascading waterfall. This hike offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Watchung Mountains. Don't miss this chance to challenge yourself and connect with nature. The meet up location is the High Mountain Preserve. (Google Maps) Email Izzy [email protected] with any questions or concerns! 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 […]

Get Tickets $15.00 – $20.00

Calculate Your Eco Footprint

Zoom Webinar NJ, United States

Join GSWA staff to learn more about the great tools you can use to audit your personal household and cumulative ecological footprint. We'll calculate your water, carbon, and energy use and explore ways in which you can reduce your ecological impact to live a watershed-friendly lifestyle. Register below for this FREE event! Questions? Email Izzy at [email protected]