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

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 [email protected] 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

Lunch & Learn: Eels – a Salt/Fresh Water Mystery

Zoom Webinar NJ, United States

Registration closes January 13, 11:00 AM   Let's face it, for many people, eels may not be easy to like. They can make many people feel... uneasy. Is an eel a snake? Is it a fish? They don't fit in any clear category. Some may think of eels as a tasty sushi roll. And yet to others, eels are mysterious creatures with a very interesting life cycle. They are predators in freshwater streams helping to regulate the population of other animals. They are also a significant source of food for fish, mammals, turtles and birds. Humans have been fascinated with eels for centuries, working to learn as much as they can about them. Yet we do not have all the answers. Nature has a way of keeping us guessing. One thing we do know is that eels are ecologically important and can be used as a bio-indicator for pollution to determine the health of their environment. Grab your lunch and join us for a FREE Zoom webinar as we delve into the fascinating world of eels and their unique life cycle. While this program is free for all participants, a small donation is always appreciated to help offset the cost […]

Free – $40.00

Evening Briefing: Native Plants for Native Wildlife

Zoom Webinar NJ, United States

Registration closes January 17 @ 5 PM Native Plants for Native Wildlife Key steps toward cultivating biodiversity conservation in our gardens Speaker: Desiree Narango FREE Zoom Webinar January is here and that can only mean one thing - it's time to start ramping up for Spring! GSWA is offering a 4-part Native Pollinator Plant Webinar Series as we lead up to our 3rd annual Plants for Pollinator online sale. We are fortunate to have Desiree Narango, Conservation Scientist with the Vermont Center for Ecostudies, to kick things off. Desiree will speak on the fascinating complexity of plant-animal interactions. This is your opportunity to learn more about the breadth of research which shows how native plants, and the pollinators and insects that feed upon them, are the foundation for cultivating food webs and encouraging biodiversity in our yards, patios, school grounds, and other privately-managed green spaces. You’ll leave knowing more about why native plants are crucial to sustaining biodiversity and specific plant species that are important for supporting specialist pollinators and songbirds. You will receive the webinar Zoom link via email prior to the start of the program. Mark your calendar for the 3 remaining webinars in this 4-part series and the […]

Free – $40.00