Discovery Den for Family Fun
The Discovery Den is a special place for families to learn about the refuge and the swamp while having fun! Hands–on activities, nature crafts, puzzles, games, and exhibits are all educationally oriented with changing themes each month to reflect the seasons in the swamp. The Discovery Den is located in the Friends Bookstore & Gift Shop and is open weekends from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm from September through June. Stop in...and stay awhile.
Guided Interpretive Walks for Groups
The Friends of Great Swamp offer a series of interpretive tours for small groups including school classes, scout groups, or other youth or adult organizations. Children should be at least five years old. All programs are led by a volunteer from the Friends and focus on the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. For a detailed description of the guided walks and contact information, please download the attached form.
Swamp in a Box
The Friends of Great Swamp have developed an educational tool called Swamp in a Box which provides an easy and convenient way for teachers to bring the Refuge into the classroom.
What is Swamp in a Box?
Thanks to a grant from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, the Friends of Great Swamp have developed a program designed to help teachers bring the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge right into their classrooms. The program consists of a loanable "box" containing carefully selected educational materials which can be conveniently incorporated into a curriculum. The Swamp in a Box program is designed to help increase knowledge, understanding, awareness, and stewardship for a national wildlife refuge—like the one right in your own backyard.
Who can participate?
The program has been designed for Kindergarten through Grade 12 teachers and students. The program is correlated to NJ State Core Curriculum Standards. The Swamp in a Box program is loaned free of charge to any school group, home–school group, scout troop, and other community organization.
What's in the box?
Each box contains a number of educational materials which support topics related to science, wildlife, habitats, history, math, and more, including:
How do I find out more? To discuss opportunities for this unique program for your school district, school, or class, contact Dorothy Smullen at 908–647–5740.
How do I get the box for my class or group?
Call Dorothy Smullen at 908–647–5740 to reserve a box.
Pick up and return of Swamp in a Box materials will take place at the Friends Bookstore & Gift Shop at pre–arranged times and will be the responsibility of the borrower.
The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a unique natural resource which can be tapped for educational opportunities. Use the Swamp in a Box to help teach students about the value and importance of wildlife refuges. The program can also be used to help orient students prior to a field trip to the Refuge where teachers can take advantage of our guided interpretive walks.