Explore the Great Swamp
MORRISTOWN, NJ – March 31, 2025 – The Great Swamp Partners are pleased to announce, “Treasures of the Swamp,” a free, family-friendly scavenger hunt inviting the community to explore the natural wonders of the Great Swamp watershed region. This event runs Saturday, April 26th, and Sunday, April 27th, with participants visiting as many sites as they choose. Register at GreatSwamp.org/Events.
Participants can embark on their adventure solo or team up with friends and family to solve riddles and uncover clues across six locations. The self-paced scavenger hunt allows explorers to visit one or all sites in any order, making it a perfect activity for all ages.
“We want to inspire the community to come out and experience the unique beauty of these beautiful open spaces located right in our back yard,” said Val Thorpe, Communications Director at Great Swamp Watershed Association. “Come immerse yourself in nature, have fun with family and friends, and learn more about what each of these special places has to offer.”
Participating Organizations/Locations:
- Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge / Friends of Great Swamp NWR – Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center: 32 Pleasant Plains Rd., Basking Ridge
- Great Swamp Watershed Association – CMA: 1 Tiger Lily Lane, Harding Twp.
- Morris County Park Commission – Great Swamp OEC: 247 Southern Blvd., Chatham
- New Jersey Audubon – Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary: 11 Hardscrabble Rd., Bernardsville
- Somerset County Park Commission – EEC: 190 Lord Stirling Rd., Basking Ridge
- The Raptor Trust: 1452 White Bridge Rd., Millington
Upon arrival at any of the participating locations, participants will receive a clue booklet and instructions from the location leaders. Next is a self-guided exploration to solve the clues. Each successfully completed site earns a stamp in the booklet and a free ticket for prize drawings. The more locations visited, the higher the chance to win.
“This event could lead you to a new local park for nature exploration,” said Carrie Springer, Administrator of Leisure & Community Services at Somerset County Park Commission. “Be sure to return to your favorite locations when seeking to continue your exploration, reconnect with nature, or participate in programs and events!”
At the close of the hunt on Sunday, all participants are invited to the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center for a post-event celebration with a campfire, complimentary s’mores, story swapping, and the eagerly awaited prize drawings.
Event Schedule:
- Saturday, April 26: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Scavenger Hunt
- Sunday, April 27: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Scavenger Hunt
- Sunday, April 27: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Celebration Event & Raffle Drawing at the Great Swamp OEC (247 Southern Blvd, Chatham, NJ) with campfire, s’mores, and prize drawings.
Prizes:
- Six Partner Prizes – Donated by each of the participating Partners, valued at $50-$75 each. Winners do not need to be present to claim the Partner prizes.
- Grand Prize – One $150 REI gift certificate donated by The Morris County Park Alliance, and two Osprey backpacks (one adult and one child) donated by OutGrown. Total grand prize value: $330. Winner must be present to claim grand prize.
Pre-registration is not required to participate but will be useful in calculating supplies. Register at GreatSwamp.org/Events. Participants may also register on-site at any of the locations the days of the event.
Who Are the Great Swamp Partners?
The Great Swamp Partners alliance was formed to bring together like-minded organizations associated with the Great Swamp, working together to provide a greater impact. Consisting of seven non-profit, county, and federal government partners, each of these organizations works independently of one another with its own mission, offering public educational and recreational activities in the Great Swamp region. Mission Statement: The Great Swamp Partners are dedicated to protecting and enhancing the natural resources necessary to maintain ecological balance for present and future generations while providing recreational, historical, and educational learning opportunities for the public.
Partners Organizations: Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge / Friends of Great Swamp NWR, Great Swamp Watershed Association, Morris County Park Commission Great Swamp OEC, Morristown National Historical Park, Somerset County Park Commission EEC, New Jersey Audubon, and The Raptor Trust.
