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
Pervasive Invasives
Friday Walks with Friends
Refuge Readers – A Book Discussion Group
Third Saturday Walk – Bockoven Trail
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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.
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!
Landscaping with native plants – ideas for home gardeners with limited space and time
Second Sunday with Friends July 14, 1:30pm — 3:00pm
Join Bruce Crawford, Manager of Horticulture, Division of Cultural and Environmental Resources Morris County Park Commission
There has been a tremendous surge in the use of native plants. Yes, these plants provide both attractive floral and foliar additions to the Garden, but the interest in these plants extends far beyond beauty. These plants also provide food through pollen, nectar or foliage that will benefit our native insect population and all the animals that feed upon these insects. Bruce will highlight numerous selections that will enhance your home and garden throughout the year while sustaining our natural environment!
This program is in-person, in the pavilion at Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center, 32 Pleasant Plains Road, Harding Township, NJ 07920 and via Zoom link.
Registration at https://ttsu.me/landscaping
Sponsored by Friends of Great Swamp NWR and USFWS with generous support from the Martha Heflin Foundation
Click here to go the full list of recent sightings on the eBird website.