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

News Archive

Collection and Proper Treatment of Native Plant Seeds 

Sunday, October 13, 2024 1:30-3pm

Different types of seeds require different treatments to get them to grow. Hammers? Drills? Boiling water? Join this discussion of how to properly collect, store, and treat seeds for maximum germination.  

Dr. Randi Eckel, President of the New Jersey Native Plan Society is a naturalist and research scientist with over 30 years of experience in the field. Randi specializes in native plants and insects, especially the interactions between the two. 

This presentation will be both in-person at the Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center and on Zoom. Registration is required for both formats. 

Register online at https://ttsu.me/repvwa  Zoom log-on information will be sent to all registrants on Sunday, Oct. 13, at NOON. 

Program sponsors are Friends of Great Swamp NWR and USFWS, with generous support from the Marta Heflin Foundation 

Sunday, September 8, 2024 1:30-3pm

Hubert Ling, PhD, Horticulturist for the Native Plant Society of NJ

Dr. Ling will share his expertise about trees that are found in the GSNWR, including sour gum, black walnut, maple, American holly, wild black cherry, American beech, red cedar, river birch, amelanchier, and oak. In addition to pictures and foliage, Dr. Ling will also bring wood specimens.

Dr. Ling’s PhD is in biology. His work in industry and academia focused on mycology and botany. He is a Past President and the current Horticulturist of the NJ Native Plant Society, and writes a monthly column for Gardener News.

This presentation will be both in-person at the Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center and on Zoom. Registration is required for both formats.

Register online at https://ttsu.me/nativetrees

Zoom log-on information will be sent to all registrants on Sunday, Sept. 8, at NOON.

Second Sunday – Taking Sustainability to a New Level by Changing Habits and Choices, and Creating a Healthier Lifestyle for You, Your Family, Our Air, Water and Land

Second Sunday with Friends Sunday, August 11, 1:30-3pm

Janette Spiezio, Ecopreneur, Maker and Owner of Sustainable Haus Mercantile, a zero waste, refill shop in Summit, NJ will discuss the need to reduce plastics and toxins and provide practical ways to make critical lifestyle changes. Sustainable Haus is a magical place. Please visit https://www.sustainablehaus.com

Plus, bring up to 5 items to free-swap. (Take home anything unclaimed!)

This program is in-person only, in the pavilion at Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center, 32 Pleasant Plains Road, Harding Township, NJ 07920.

Registration at https://ttsu.me/sustain

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

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

Second Sunday with Friends, Sunday, June 9, 1:30-3pm

Join volunteer and hummingbird enthusiast DAVE KATZ for this exciting and educational program on Hummingbirds!

You will learn fascinating facts about this incredible species as well as how to attract the Ruby-throated Hummingbird to your own yard. We’ll also enjoy some hummingbird photos from Dave’s recent visit to Columbia—just look at this Buffy helmetcrest, endemic to Columbia. And, you’ll learn about some new hummingbird research Dave is doing at Great Swamp.

This program is in-person only, in the pavilion at Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center, 32 Pleasant Plains Road, Harding Township, NJ 07920. Registration at https://ttsu.me/hummers

Sponsored by Friends of Great Swamp NWR and USFWS with generous support from the Martha Heflin Foundation www.friendsofgreatswamp.org | 973.425.9510.

Second Sunday with Friends, May 12, 2024, 1:30-3:00 pm, Unusual Insects of Great Swamp.

Why does that “bug” follow you on the trails? Is that a wasp digging holes in the gravel in the parking area? Join Judi DiMaio, Refuge volunteer, to learn about the unusual insects with seemingly unusual behaviors that Judi has encountered at the Refuge.

The May program with be in-person or via Zoom. Registration is required. In-person will be held at the Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center, 32 Pleasant Plains Road, Harding Township, NJ 07920

Register at ttsu.me/insects. The Zoom logon will be emailed to all registrants on Sunday, May 12 at noon.

Sponsored by the Great Swamp NWR and USFWS with generous support from the Martha Heflin Foundation.