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Dedicated to the conservation of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Morris County, NJ

Welcome to the Friends of Great Swamp NWR Website

Our independent, non-profit organization is committed to protecting and supporting Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The 8,000 acre Refuge, located in Morris County, New Jersey, provides excellent recreational opportunities for visitors as well as protecting valuable habitat for wildlife. Look here for upcoming events, things to do, and ways you can help.

Refuge Status Report

The Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center is open Tuesday 10am to 4pm, Thursday through Sunday 10am to 4pm. The Refuge is open from sunrise to sunset. The America the Beautiful Interagency Pass, including the Annual Pass, the Senior Pass and the Disabilities Pass, are not available for sale at Great Swamp NWR. Interpretive tours are available for small groups including school classes, scout groups, and other youth and adult organizations. To arrange for a group visit, contact Jared Green, Refuge Specialist at jared_green@fws.gov.

Upcoming Events

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Photo Credit: Chris Dobre

Enter the 2024 Refuge Photo Contest

Your entries help add to our library of 1,400+ photos. Photos are used on the website, Swamp Scene newsletter, Happenings eNews, Facebook pages, displays, interpretive signs, presentations, and publications by the Friends and the Refuge. 

Additionally, photos are also used by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
 
Previous years’ photos were even used in the NJ PBS Treasures episode about Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge!
 
To enter, go to the 2024 Refuge Photo Contest Entry Form. Deadline for submissions is July 4, 2024.

Stay Informed

Our monthly email newsletter “Happenings” will bring you current information on events at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and other items of interest. Delivered right to your email in-box so you won’t miss a thing.

The Great Swamp featured on NJ PBS!

Second Sunday with Friends, April 14, 1:30 – 3:00

Light pollution affects us all! It has a big impact on the birds we share our community with. We will explore the impact on our feathered friends and what we can do about it. The impact of light pollution can seem subtle but in fact, is very significant. 

Please join Jim Webster from the Astronomical Society of the Toms River Area, Dark Sky Advocate, and SciStarter Ambassador and learn about the impact of light pollution on our planet and yourself.

The April program will be in-person at Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center and also virtually on Zoom. Registration is required.

ttsu.me/darkskies 

The Zoom logon will be emailed to all registrants on Sunday, April 14 at 11:30.

Sponsored by Friends of Great Swamp NWR and USFWS with generous support from the Marta Heflin Foundation.

Click here to go the recent sightings at Great Swamp NWR page on the eBird website.