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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

Composting: Black Gold for Your Garden – FREE Zoom Webinar

Zoom Webinar Morristown, NJ, United States

Note: registration for this program closes at 5 PM on Tuesday, November 1   Composting Simplified... Put some pep into your garden's step with compost made from your table scraps and outdoor material like leaves and lawn clippings. Compost is organic matter that has been decomposed. Through the compost recycling process, various organic materials, otherwise regarded as waste products, can be added to the garden or lawn as a soil conditioner. The addition of compost will build a better-quality soil for your trees, shrubs, plants and vegetables. Led by Master Gardener, Cheri Wilczek, this FREE Zoom webinar will outline what compost is, its benefits, how to start and build a compost bin, materials to avoid in adding to a compost pile, tips for success, and troubleshooting this process. Let's get started on making our own “Black Gold” today! The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session. Bring your questions! Login logistic will be emailed to all registered participants prior to the program.

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

NEW DATE – Breakfast Briefing: Drew Forest Update

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

Get an update on the efforts to save the Drew Forest from development! As you may know, the 53-acre Drew Forest, located on the Drew University campus in Madison, NJ, is in jeopardy of being sold and disappearing forever. The Drew Forest sits within FOUR watersheds, benefiting the community, wildlife, and ecosystem. Among the many benefits it offers, most importantly, The Forest overlies the Buried Valley Aquifer, a sole source aquifer that supplies drinking water to Madison, Chatham Borough, East Hanover, and Florham Park. Join us for an important update led by Friends of The Drew Forest, a volunteer organization created by environmental leaders from Madison and neighboring towns, dedicated community volunteers and Drew alumni. A light breakfast will be served followed by the presentation and a Q&A session.

Free – $40.00

Fall Community Cleanup at the CMA

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

Here come the holidays and oh, the calories we will consume. Let's lean into the spirit of giving together and get some pre-holiday exercise along the way. We could use your help putting our 73-acre wetlands reserve (aka, our Conservation Management Area) to bed for the winter. There's no shortage of things to accomplish on our honey-do list and a crisp, autumn morning is a great time to get outside and get your hands dirty. We will provide you with all the tools you need to participate for as long as you like!

Free

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 [email protected] 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

Nature-themed Holiday Cookies – Make & Decorate

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

Jump-start on your holiday baking during this DIY cookie workshop. It's sure to put you in the holiday spirit. First you will channel your inner artist by decorating pre-baked, nature-themed gingerbread and sugar cookies. All icing materials will be provided along with some decorating ideas to get your creative juices flowing. While these set, Hazel and Sandra, GSWA's resident bakers (and cookie eaters) will step you through making two different types of cookie dough that you can then take home and bake at your leisure. One is a Welsh Aberffraw dough - a type of shortbread cookie with a special twist. The other will be a delicious surprise. All you need to bring is your creativity (and an apron if you like) and we will provide the rest. You will leave with a dozen beautifully decorated cookies (6 gingerbread and 6 sugar) plus enough pre-made dough to bake up to another 2 dozen cookies at home. BAM! You're all set for the holidays! Feel free to BYO liquid holiday cheer to this festive cookie event. Space is limited so register today!

$30.00 – $35.00

SOLD OUT: DIY Winter Wreath Workshop

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

If you cannot attend, please email [email protected] to cancel so we can invite the next person on the waitlist email. It's not winter until the wreath is on the door. Put on your warm clothes and come craft a homemade winter wreath made from native evergreens and other native plants. You’ll decorate your masterpiece with pinecones, berries, and other items found in nature. While your creativity blossoms, you’ll learn more about the natural items being used in this craft. Hot cider will be served. Registration fee covers everything you need to leave with a finished piece that’s ready to hang on your door or give as a gift. Space is limited - registration is required. If this 5:00-6:30 PM session it a little too early for you, go back to the GSWA there's another workshop 7:00-8:30 PM!

$35.00