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
Third Saturday Walk – Birds and Turtles – WOC
Pervasive Invasives
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!
June 14, 2026, 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Ever wonder why your oak tree is losing leaves in August? Not sure if that bug in your backyard is a friend or foe? Is that vine a rare flower or poison ivy? Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory provides the residents of New Jersey with timely and accurate scientific analysis to solve your toughest plant mysteries. Join us to learn more about how precision diagnostics can help you maintain the beauty of the Garden State.
Sabrina Tirpak, Principal Laboratory Technician, Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory
The June program will be in-person and on Zoom. Registration is required. ttsu.me/rulab
In-person will be held at the Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center, 32 Pleasant Plains Road, Harding Township, NJ 07920
The Zoom logon will be emailed to all registrants Sunday, June 14 at Noon.
Sponsored by Friends of Great Swamp NWR and USFWS with generous support from the Marta Heflin Foundation
Click here to go the full list of recent sightings on the eBird website.