CANCELLED: Birds and Bees

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

DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, THIS HIKE HAS BEEN CANCELLED. PLEASE CONTINUE TO CHECK BACK FOR NEW HIKES AND EVENTS.   Spring is in full swing here in the refuge, and its a great time to start honing you pollinator identification. Come join naturalist Ginger on a leisurely stroll through the refuge as we look for some birds and bees doing their spring thing. We will be hiking just under 2 miles on a flat, coarse gravel road.

Free – $10.00

GSWA 2023 Water Quality Report Card – Free

Morristown & Morris Township Library 1 Miller Rd, Morristown, NJ, United States

GSWA will present the 2023 Annual Water Quality Report Card.  Join us for an evening briefing about the state of the water throughout the Great Swamp Watershed and the Upper Passaic River.  Sandra LaVigne, our Director of Water Quality Programs, and our dedicated Stream Team of Citizen Scientists collect water quality data throughout the year to determine the health of our riverine ecosystems and the state of the water.  This data forms the core of our water quality report and guides GSWA as we work together with state, county and municipal agencies as well as our local community members to protect and improve our streams. Here's what you'll learn: Assessments based on the combined data from visual, chemical, and biological assessments from each of our 21 sampling sites Information about PFAS in our stream water and the new EPA Regulations on PFAS in drinking water History and issues facing our streams, including our newest stretch of the Passaic River from Little Falls to Garfield. This is your chance to: Get informed about the state of our water. Ask questions and have your water quality concerns addressed by an expert. Become part of the solution for a healthier Passaic River. Don't […]

Free – $40.00

SOLD OUT: Paddle the Passaic Pre-Sunset

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

If you cannot attend, please email [email protected] to cancel so we can invite the next person on the waitlist. Pre-Sunset Paddle: 4:30 - 6:00 pm Ease into your weekend with a leisurely paddle on the Passaic River. As you experience beautiful golden hour from the water, you may also be visited by some great blue heron, turtles, and other wildlife that uses the stream corridor as habitat and migration route. 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. The GSWA kayaks, […]

$30.00 – $40.00

SOLD OUT: Paddle the Passaic- Sunset

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

If you cannot attend, please email [email protected] to cancel so we can invite the next person on the waitlist email. Sunset Paddle: 6:30 - 8:00 pm Ease into your weekend with a leisurely paddle on the Passaic River. As you experience beautiful golden hour from the water, you may also be visited by some great blue heron, turtles, and other wildlife that uses the stream corridor as habitat and migration route. 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. The GSWA kayaks, […]

$30.00 – $40.00

All the Colors of the CMA

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

With our recent trail additions, we are proud to announce our trail system is now roughly 3.5 miles long; but can you say you hiked every single trail? If not, join us for a hike on the first of June and you will! Throughout our hike, we will discuss what our local wildlife is doing to gear up for summer, what our current projects are at the CMA, and what you can do to help steward the land in your everyday life.

$5.00 – $10.00

SOLD OUT: Solstice Paddle- Experienced

Great Piece Meadows 2 Camp Ln, Fairfield, New Jersey

SORRY, THIS PADDLE IS SOLD OUT Please email [email protected] if you need to cancel, or to be placed on a waitlist   Take a beautiful paddle through the preserved Great Piece Meadows with GSWA staff on the longest day of the year.  As this paddle is geared towards experienced paddlers, all participants must be 15 and older. There are only 7 spots available – 2 spots/registration max. 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.

$30.00 – $40.00

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