Get outside, Work with Friends, and Do Something Good
For Our Part of the World. (May 30, 2009)
You are invited to join other volunteers at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and remove invasive plants around the Visitor Center, 32 Pleasant Plains Road (at the west end of Pleasant Plains Road, off Lee's Hill Road, Harding Township). On the second Wednesday and fourth Thursday, June through September, 8:30 am -12:00 noon, volunteers will cut down woody plants, primarily multi flora rose and barberry to allow the regrowth of native plants. No experience is required, but wear work clothes and shoes plus a hat, and bring a sense of humor. Gloves, equipment, instructions and snacks will be provided.
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Volunteer Dates: - June 10 and 25 - July 8 and 23 - August 12 and 27 - September 9 and 24 |
For more information, call Kathy Woodward at 973-635-1083. Weather cancellations will be posted on the Friends phone, 973-425-9510. |
Bio-Blitz at Great Swamp NWR (Apr 24, 2009)
Fri, May 15, 5 PM –Sat, May 16, 5 PM
Sponsored by Great Swamp Watershed Association, Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, and Friends of Great Swamp NWR, Bioblitz is a 24-hour inventory of all living plants and animals in a given area. View the flyer for more details
New! Just for Kids! Become a Junior Refuge
Manager at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (Mar 26, 2009)
It's Spring and the Friends of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge are launching a new program designed to help children, from age 5 through 13, learn more about nature by completing a Junior Refuge Manager Activity Book. Activity pages cover frogs, turtles, snakes, birds and invertebrates. Upon successful completion of the activities, children earn a certificate and official Junior Refuge Manager badge! This is a great opportunity for kids and for families to get outside, enjoy the Refuge, and learn observation skills.
There will be a Kick-Off event on April 25, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Wildlife Observation Center on New Vernon Road. We will have prizes, refreshments, and the Activity Book, which normally costs $2.00, will be free to all participants on that day. If you can't make the Kick-Off, the Activity Book will be available at the Wildlife Observation Center throughout the spring season and volunteers will be available on scheduled dates to assist aspiring Junior Refuge Managers.
View the flyer for more details. Join the Friends of Great Swamp and become a Junior Refuge Manager.
Wonderful Winter Birding at GSNWR (Feb 18, 2009)
Photo and story by Dorothy Smullen
Early this winter, birders were treated to views of the Northern shrike, and the red-headed woodpecker has been seen all winter. If you visit the refuge along Pleasant Plains Road at the right time of day, you can see the Northern harrier "sailing" over the fields looking for prey. But this winter a special treat for birders has been close-up views of long-eared owls. These birds are 13 to 16 inches in height with a wingspan of 36 to 42 inches. They are partially migratory, moving southward in their range each year. Rarely breeding in New Jersey, they are listed as a threatened species. The long ear tufts are set closer together than the great horned owl. The eyes are bright yellow or orange, and the facial disc is tawny-colored. Several birds may be roosting in the daytime in the red cedar junipers at the refuge.
Over the President's weekend, volunteers and visitors participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count, with 37 species reported from around the refuge. With still some weeks of winter weather still ahead, check out what birds you can find and record them on the sightings logs at the Wildlife Observation Center or at the Friends Bookstore & Gift Shop.
2008 Friends Photo Contest Winners Announced (Jan 25, 2009)
Unfortunately, due to the cancellation of the Fall Festival this past September, the results of the 2008 Friends' Photo Contest were not publicly announced. The winners were selected by volunteer judge Blaine Rothauser.
Twenty-four photographers submitted 95 photos, including five youth photographers (too few for judging). Over the years a significant number and variety of fabulous photos have been added to the Friends' Photo Gallery. All of the 2008 Photo Contest entries are available for viewing at www.gs.lordei.com. Double-click on the Album Photo to enter the gallery, which also includes a selection of photos from prior contests. Thank you to all photographers who participated this year and in past years.
Finally! A book all about The Great Swamp! (Nov 29, 2008)
If you have not yet seen this new book about The Great Swamp, you're in for a treat! Photographer Steven Richman explores The Great Swamp, including the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Lord Stirling Park, and the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center.
Filled with color photos taken over many years, this book is a must read for all nature enthusiasts who treasure the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Richman spent several years photographing the diversity of the landscape and natural inhabitants of this Garden State treasure.
On Sunday, December 7, author Steven Richman will autograph copies of his book at the Friends of Great Swamp Bookstore & Gift Shop from 1:00 until 3:00 PM. Bring your copy or purchase a copy at the Bookstore. Wy not give a personalized copy of this beautiful book to the nature lover on your holiday gift list. Pair it with a Great Swamp sweatshirt for a unique, personalized gift package.
Holiday Shoppping Special!
(Nov 29, 2008)
Enjoy Double Discount Days at the Friends Bookstore & Gift Shop on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday December 7. Take 10% off your purchases; members receive a 20% discount! Avoid the crowds, ample parking, and refreshments all day long. Best of all, proceeds support Refuge projects!
Join The Big Sit! at Great Swamp NWR (September 21, 2008)
The Big Sit! is coming to the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge on October 12th! This fun, free, sedentary event is being held on National Wildlife Refuges across the country to promote Refuges as birding hot spots. Participants collect valuable data, get a chance to meet (and learn from) other birders, and spend a fall day outdoors at Great Swamp. Friends of Great Swamp will set up a 17-foot diameter "circle" at the Refuge Overlook on Pleasant Plains Road all day long on Sunday October 12th. All birds seen or heard from within the circle will be tallied and the total number of species recorded. This year the Friends' are also raising money by having people pledge a voluntary amount for each species recorded.
So...on October 12, join the birders at the Overlook to tally bird species. It's fun… and easy! Stop by and see what's going on...or stay a little while and join the fun. Bring your family—you don't have to be an experienced birder to participate. Bring a chair, food or drink, binoculars and maybe even bug spray! Consider filling out a pledge form to help raise money to enhance birding at the new visitor center (such as a hummingbird garden, bird blind, or bird cam).
The Big Sit! is an international event hosted by Bird Watcher's Digest. This is the second year that the Friends of Great Swamp NWR have sponsored The Big Sit! at Great Swamp. Last year the group tallied 59 species—can we do better this year? Why don't you come and help out?
And check out the other National Wildlife Refuge Week events for a week long celebration taking place at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge from October 12 through October 18, 2008.
Get Some Nature...at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (August 10, 2008)
Ninth Annual Fall Festival, September 6, 2008, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sponsored by the Friends of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Join the Friends of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge for a day of family fun at the annual Fall Festival with nature walks, hands-on exhibits, games and prizes, free food and music all day long! For the young, old, and in-between!
Admission is free and the Festival is suitable for all ages. Activities will be held at the Friends of Great Swamp NWR Bookstore & Gift Shop, 197 Pleasant Plains Road (just past Refuge Headquarters). Directions can be found on this web site.
Featured Wildlife Artist - Ron Orlando
The wood duck represents a habitat management success story for the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and this year artist Ron Orlando has captured the striking wood duck drake in his new 2008 Fall Festival design. Exclusive t-shirts sporting this year's design will be on sale and you'll also have an opportunity to view and purchase Ron's original art.
Announcing the 2008 Photo Contest Winners - At Noon
Photo Contest Judge Blaine Rothauser will announce the winning photos followed by a slide show program of all of the 2008 entries - and he'll be available to answer your photography questions.
All Day LongJust For Kids
- Interpretive nature walks
- Check out some of the really big Refuge equipment and climb aboard for a better view
- Fabulous Frog Jumping Contest
- Meet a feathered friend face to face - The Raptor Trust
- The fascinating world of honey bees
- Bears in New Jersey and what you really need to know
- Binocular tips and tricks
- Butterflies in cocoons (maybe you'll see the magic of metamorphosis up close)
- Who lives in the pond? A close up look at these small critters
- What Scat is That? Test your knowledge on the "poop puzzle"
- Duck stamps on display - the 2008-09 Federal Duck Stamp is now on sale. Help buy land for refuges and migrating waterfowl - and get an annual entry pass to national wildlife refuges across the country.
- Giant Used Book Sale - the selection is great and the prices are right!
Eat your lunch and tap your toes!
- Nature Touch Table - You'll need all of your senses for this one
- Follow the turtle trail for a prize
- Make a butterfly or turtle fan at the craft table
- Knee painting
- Nature crafts and games all day long!
- Free food - hot dogs on the grill, fall apples, and ice cones
- Live music performed by the Long Hill String Band
Atlantic White Cedar Restoration Project at Great Swamp NWR (April 3, 2008)
If you have driven down Pleasant Plains Road recently, you may have noticed dozens of green net cages scattered throughout the fields and wondered what they were for. Each cage protects a young Atlantic white cedar tree; the green cages are deer guards.
Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) was, historically, an important part of this area's plant community; core samples taken at Great Swamp contain seed from Atlantic white cedar. However due to logging and drainage of wetlands, the species long ago disappeared. Refuge biologist Craig Bitler is now reintroducing this native species to the Refuge. Last spring, 400 seedlings were planted in the fields along Pleasant Plains Road, each tree encased in a protective green cage. A small number were also planted on Long Hill Road near the Wildlife Observation Center. It's been a learning experience. A mini-drought in July necessitated hand-watering of the seedlings by interns and volunteers. Subsequently, it was discovered that rodents were girdling the young trees, so volunteers are now experimenting with recycled plastic bottles as tree guards. But Atlantic white cedar is a resilient and fast growing species. Some day you may drive by and see what no one has seen in more than 100 years here at Great Swamp—a native Atlantic white cedar forest.
Dennis Branden elected as new President of Friends of Great Swamp! (January 6, 2008)
On Saturday, December 8, 2007, the Friends of Great Swamp held its annual Member Meeting and Pot Luck dinner. Forty-eight members of the Friends of Great Swamp were in attendance and, as always, the pot luck dinner provided just enough of everything from delicious appetizers to mouth–watering desserts. Following dinner, President Judy Schmidt reviewed the Friends accomplishments for 2007; watch for a full listing with photos in the next issue of The Swamp Scene, the Friends quarterly newsletter.
The nominating committee presented the slate of nominees for election to the Friends Board of Directors. The following members were elected by the membership to the board for two year terms: Kathy Woodward, Laurel Gould, Judy Schmidt, Dorothy Smullen, Susan Garretson Friedman, and Karen English. The size of the board was increased to eleven members.
"Retiring board member" Lisa Molinari was presented with a gift in recognition of her service on the Board since January 2000.
The meeting was followed by an informative program presented by Dr. Len Hamilton on the history of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge—and the significant environmental challenges that continue to face this area.
At the Friends board meeting held on December 12, 2007, the following officers were elected by the Board: President: Dennis Branden, Vice President: Laura Nally, Secretary: Kathy Woodward, Treasurer: Laurel Gould. Pat Giaimo was appointed to chair the Volunteer Coordination Committee. The Board thanked outgoing president Judy Schmidt for all her hard work and the significant achievements during her tenure, including being named Friends Group of the Year in 2006!
It's October! Come Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week
and The Big Sit at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (September 22, 2007)
National Wildlife Refuge Week: October 7—October 13, 2007
The days are getting shorter—and cooler—signals that fall migration is getting into full swing at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Each year, during the second full week of October, wildlife refuges across the country celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week—a time to visit and learn about a wildlife refuge near your home.
This year National Wildlife Refuge Week runs from Sunday, October 7 through Saturday, October 13. You can join in the fun and adventure of observing National Wildlife Refuge Week at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and experience the magic of fall migration first-hand! Every evening, the Friends of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge will host a leisurely evening walk into the management area of the refuge, an area normally closed to the public. Watch as flock after flock of ducks and geese descend into the impoundment areas to feed and rest for the night. It's an awesome experience. Visitors should plan to meet at the Friends of Great Swamp Bookstore & Gift Shop, 197 Pleasant Plains Road by 5:45 pm any (or every) evening from October 7 through October 13. It's an easy walk along a refuge service road to the impoundment areas. Walks last about 1.5 hours.
In signing the original National Wildlife Refuge Week proclamation in 1995, former U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Director Mollie Beattie remarked: "It's a time for all Americans to learn about and celebrate this magnificent collection of lands we as a people have set aside for wildlife." Come celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week at your National Wildlife Refuge!
The Big Sit: October 14, 2007
The Big Sit is coming to Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, sponsored by the Friends of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. This fun, free, sedentary event is being held this year on many national wildlife refuges across the country to collect data, to encourage people to bird in the refuges, to connect birders, and just to have fun. The Great Swamp Circle, a 17 foot diameter circle, is being set up at the Overlook on Pleasant Plains Road from midnight to midnight on Sunday October 14. All birds seen or heard from within this circle will be tallied and the total number of species recorded and sent to the host, Bird Watchers Digest, for state or national "braggin' rights". All birds counted have to be observed (or heard) from inside the circle but if identification is difficult then a person can leave the circle to determine the species.
The Big Sit was started in 1992 by the New Haven (Connecticut) Bird Club and has since grown to include 164 circles in 36 states and 9 other countries. This year a special effort is being made to have national wildlife refuges participate in order to encourage their growing birding and "children and nature" efforts.
If you want to join the Great Swamp Circle, just stop by during daylight hours. Participants may join or leave the Circle at any time. Reservations are required for the night shifts when the refuge is closed. E-mail webmaster@friendsofgreatswamp.org to sign up for the nighttime hours (Sunday early morning and Sunday late evening). Bring a chair, food or drink, binoculars and maybe even bug spray!
Rediscover a Sense of Wonder (September 22, 2007)
This month we continue our focus on Rachel Carson, a gifted and influential writer, conservationist and former employee of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The 100th anniversary of her birth will take place on May 27th, 2007.
One of her many legacies was to introduce young children to nature. In 1956, she wrote an article entitled Help Your Child to Wonder, which appeared in the Women's Home Companion. Rachel Carson knew of the essential need to educate future generations about our national wildlife refuges. People of all ages, but especially young people, need to understand habitat components, and how they affect each and every one of us on this earth. Carson knew that we lose our natural sense of wonder as we age. She tried to show us how to gain it back, or at least slow the loss with trips into natural places like refuges. To see wonder in every place and appreciate it should be a goal for each of us. At the time of her death, she was working to expand the "wonder" article into a book. She died before she could complete it. Today, a reissue of her text, with stunning color photographs, is available; look for The Sense of Wonder by Rachel Carson, photographs by Nick Kelsh, HarperCollins Publishers, 1998.
New Visitor Center at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Named in Honor of Helen C. Fenske (August 10, 2007)
The new visitor center tentatively scheduled to open in the fall of 2008 at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Harding Township, N.J., will be named in honor of late conservationist Helen C. Fenske of Green Village, N.J., according to Refuge Manager Bill Koch.
View the complete press release
Raptors Have Rachel Carson To Thank! (April 26, 2007)
Sunday, May 27, 2007 will mark the 100th anniversary of Rachel Carson's birth. Considered by many to be one of the most influential Americans of the 20th century and the inspiration for the modern environmental movement, Carson is best known for her book Silent Spring, which brought the risks of the misuse of chemical pesticides to the attention of the American public. The book helped lead to an eventual ban on DDT in the United States, a renewed awareness of conservation issues, and subsequent recovery of such species as the peregrine falcon and the bald eagle.
Prior to the publication of Silent Spring, Carson was an employee of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. In 1932 she started her 15-year career in public service as a part time radio script writer working for the Service's precursor, the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries. In 1936 she became the Bureau's second full-time female biologist. She also wrote several books about the sea: Under the Sea Wind (1941), The Sea Around Us (1951), and The Edge of the Sea (1956).
While working for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Carson created a series of public information brochures titled Conservation in Action about opportunities for the public to learn about and appreciate wildlife and ecology on national wildlife refuges. Carson wrote about national wildlife refuges as places of sanctuary for both wildlife and people, creating perfect harmony for the well-being of the landscape. In this same spirit, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service continues to develop and deliver educational and interpretive programs, informative communications, and recreational opportunities at national wildlife refuges all over the country, sparking a sense of wonder in millions of visitors every year.