Join Blaine Rothauser for a fascinating introduction to moth ecology at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (32 Pleasant Plains Road, Harding). For this hands-on, outdoor workshop, Blaine will set up a sodium vapor lamp in the parking area. After a few minutes, an astounding array of moths will appear for you to observe, identify, and photograph. What you see will surprise and amaze you!    

Join GSWA and Chatham Citizens Opposing the Oil Pipeline for a night of fun with a purpose at the new Twin Elephant Brewing Company in Chatham. $40 admission includes a taster flight, pint, and delicious hors d’oeuvres Proceeds from this event will be used for an independent, objective environmental study to counter any biased environmental claims made by Pilgrim Pipeline about the effect of their “hazardous liquids” pipelines on NJ’s fresh water supply. This effort is critical to help protect our water and our health.  

Join us for a sunset hike as we explore the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. We’ll be listening to and identifying the sounds of a summer night – crickets, tree frogs, and maybe even some owls – as we traverse the boardwalk at the Wildlife Observation Center.    

Embrace your inner Columbus and explore Giralda Farms in Chatham Township with GSWA. Hikers will have the chance to create some fall crafts before hitting the trails. Once the hike begins, your guides, GSWA’s director of education and outreach, Hazel England, and GSWA education associate, Dan Ross, will teach you how to look for signs of wildlife that are getting ready for winter or migrating through. Registration Required.

As the shadows lengthen and the day’s light grows shorter, enjoy some warm apple cider along a late afternoon hike as NPS Park Historian Eric Olsen and GSWA Education Associate Dan Ross tell seasonal stories about the origins of the Jack O’ Lantern, old time superstitions, and explore other tales and folklore to the backdrop of historic Jockey Hollow. You might just want to bring along your own lantern to ward off any evil spirits that might be lingering nearby!    

What effect do the combination of deer and invasive plants have on New Jersey’s forests? What impact on tree regeneration or tick populations do different deer management programs have? Dr. Jay F. Kelly, Associate Professor of Biology and Environmental Science at Raritan Valley Community College, and Nellie Tsipoura from NJ Audubon will discuss the results of a three year study he conducted in partnership with NJ Audubon on the effects of deer and invasive plants in central New Jersey. More than 100 forests were studied in the Piedmont region of the Raritan Watershed, assessing the effectiveness of a variety of deer management strategies, from exclosures to hunting. Registration required.