New Boardwalk at the Wildlife Observation Center
For an up close look at waterfowl, there is no better place than the Friends Blind at the Wildlife Observation Center. Located about a half mile from the parking lot, the blind overlooks a secluded impoundment where ducks, herons, egrets and the occasional muskrat go about their business undisturbed. But while the other two blinds […]
The 2018 Refuge Photo Contest Has Ended
Wow! This year we set a new record for entries. Thank you to the 43 photographers who entered 188 photos in the 2018 Refuge Photo Contest. This year there were six categories plus a special youth category for those ages 16 and under. The judges will be very busy over the next couple of months […]
There’s still time to come out to the refuge to shoot the wildlife
Or the trees. Or the flowers. Just be sure we get your entries for the 2018 Refuge Photo Contest in by June 30. Entering is easy. Just click over to the Photo Contest page and send us your favorite Great Swamp photos. This year there are more categories, with more ways to be a winner. […]
Welcome Home, Turtles
Head Start Turtle Day June 2, 2018, 10:00 – 11:30 AM Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center Why did a group of Wood Turtles from the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge spend the winter at a greenhouse in Massachusetts? The answer to that goes back to 2010, when it was observed that their population was in […]
Two “Junior Refuge Manager – Earn Your Badge Day” Events Announced
Calling all kids ages 5 – 13, now is the perfect time to join our Junior Refuge Manager program. Learn basic skills in wildlife preservation and an appreciations for the multitude of disciplines it involves…biology, botany, forestry and more. On two separate days in April and May, Friends of the Great Swamp NWR will host hands-on […]
Great Backyard Bird Count
February 16 – 18, 2018, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm every day Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center Join us for three days of birding fun. Help volunteers count the birds at the feeders from inside the Visitor Center. Daily bird counts will be reported to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to aid in citizen-science research […]
Exploring Great Swamp in Winter – Snow Fleas
On a cold winter day in the swamp, when the ground is covered with snow, you might notice something unusual at your feet. Near the base of a tree are hundreds of small black specs that appear to be scattered dirt or soot. But a closer look reveals that these specs are moving around, and […]
A Perfect Holiday Gift – Commemorative Brick
Don’t wait – Order Deadline is December 31 Friends of Great Swamp NWR is bringing back our commemorative brick campaign for a limited time. You can purchase a commemorative brick to be placed in the patio at the Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center through December 31, 2017. Your donation will help enrich and expand visitor […]
Saving the Great Swamp Documentary Debuts Primetime on NJTV
In December 1959, the powerful Port of New York Authority announced plans to build a 10,000 acre jetport right here in the Great Swamp. If you have visited the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, then you know the Port Authority was not successful, but that was due to a grassroots movement that is a model […]
National Wildlife Refuge Week
October 8 – 14, 2017 Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Join us for guided Sunset Walks, a unique birding event, and a special Second Sunday program. Sunset Walks every night! Sunday, October 8 – Saturday, October 14, 5:30 pm – dark. Meet at Bluebird Parking Lot, 197 Pleasant Plains […]