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"We're all downstream."
-- Jim and Margaret Drescher
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Volunteer Help Needed at our CMA Property!
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As the days grow shorter, we begin the process of readying our stewardship property, the Conservation Management Area (CMA) in Harding (1 Tiger Lily Lane), for winter. The CMA is a fantastic place to go for a hike, explore the woods, and experience the watershed as it should be - devoid of incessant deer browse and invasive plant species.
We put a lot of effort into making sure this 53-acre natural gem is in tip-top ecological shape, and we could use your help! Join us on
November 20 for a volunteer workday to clear the trails, repair deer fencing, and remove invasive species from the property - all while getting some exercise before indulging in those excessive Thanksgiving calories.
Without volunteers, we wouldn't be able to do the work we do. Please embrace the spirit of the holidays and volunteer some of your time to help make our watershed a cleaner, healthier, and better place - we'll bring the donuts and coffee! Learn more or register here.
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Drought Warning Issued in 14 New Jersey Counties
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On October 21, NJ DEP Commissioner Bob Martin declared a drought warning, which is one level above a drought watch, for 14 New Jersey counties, including Morris and Somerset. Learn more about the drought, and how you can help to conserve water, here.
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Long Hill Township Town-Wide Scavenger Hunt
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Embark on a journey to meet Long Hill Township's oldest inhabitants, marvel at the fastest animals in the world, and explore the township's open space and environmental treasures! Beginning Saturday, November 5, you can pick up your scavenger hunt clue kit from the Long Hill Township Library. The clues will lead you searching through the Raptor Trust, the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, and on a mission to locate the oldest trees in the town! The hunt will end with a prize giveaway and party on Sunday November 20, at 2:00 PM at the Long Hill Township Library.
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New Jersey Loves Black Bears
By GSWA Volunteer, Jim Northrop
Black bears are the largest wilderness mammal in New Jersey. An average adult male bear weighs about 300 pounds, while females average about 170 pounds.
Since the 1980's, the black bear population has been increasing and expanding its range both southward and eastward, from the forested areas of northwestern New Jersey. In the most densely-populated state of the U.S., black bears are thriving, and there are now confirmed bear sightings in all 21 of New Jersey's counties.
In the most recent New Jersey black bear hunting season (October 10 - 15, 2016), the NJDEP's Division of Fish & Wildlife reports that 487 bears were killed by hunters. This suggests that the total population of New Jersey black bears may be in the thousands...
(Read More)
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Eagle Scout Project - A Success!
By Hazel England
Thank you to Tom Roberts at World Tile Imports in East Hanover, Brandon at the East Hanover Home Depot, Lowes Corporation, Jaeger of Madison and Frungillo Caterers in Bloomfield, for their support of this project.
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Eagle Scout Matt Bennett installs a sign at the CMA.
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Matt Bennett, a senior at Madison High School, can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel as he looks to wrap up his yearlong Eagle Scout project with Great Swamp Watershed Association!
Matt, a member of Troop 25, in Madison Borough, has been working with GSWA to increase the passive educational opportunities at the organization's 53 acre Conservation Management Area (CMA). A successful Eagle Scout project must highlight leadership and allow for a project that will have a lasting impact on the community the Eagle Scout works with. His project to research, design, create, and install 20 wildlife interpretive signs at the CMA will certainly pass the longevity bar for a great project!
Over a year ago, Matt began his project by reaching out to GSWA Director of Education and Outreach, Hazel England, with his initial desire to complete his Eagle Scout project at the CMA. After walking the trails and learning... (
continue reading)
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Winter Cordial Tasting
Embrace the winter during one of our famous tasting parties at Great Swamp Watershed Association Headquarter's (568 Tempe Wick Road, Morristown) on Thursday, December 1 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
We'll have a variety of delicious and unique cordials for you to taste, along with some sweet and savory snacks. We'll also be running one of our famous quiz games for the chance to win some tasty treats.
What's the cost? If you're not a member of GSWA, it's free! But don't fret members - you can come for free too, as long as you bring a non-member friend along with you.
Not only is the event free, but an anonymous donor has pledged to contribute $25 to GSWA for every non-member that attends the tasting. The same donor has pledged to match dollar-for-dollar all contributions made to GSWA in relation to the event (up to $5,000).
This is a great way to meet and mingle with local environmental enthusiasts while supporting GSWA. Registration is required.
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Annual Gala & Silent Auction
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From the left; Mark Taylor, Mayor of Florham Park; Sally Rubin, GSWA Executive Director; Guy Piserchia, Long Hill Township Deputy Mayor; Mary Bruno, Gala Keynote Speaker; Nic Platt, Mayor of Harding Township; and Kevin Sullivan, Chatham Township former Mayor. Photo credit: Debbie Weisman.
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GSWA had a phenomenal time celebrating our 35th anniversary at our annual Gala & Silent Auction on Thursday, October 20 at Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park. Nearly 300 swamp enthusiasts joined us to participate in the festivities, which included a cocktail hour, dinner, silent auction, various games of chance, a speech from author Mary Bruno, and an exciting live auction.
This year, we honored the New Jersey members of the Waterkeeper Alliance, including the Raritan Riverkeeper, the NY/NJ Baykeeper, and the Hackensack Riverkeeper. These groups understand the importance of clean water, and fight hard to protect our natural resources.
We would like to offer our sincerest thanks to the sponsors, volunteers, board members, advisory council, and staff members for making this event so successful.
Read more about the gala, and view more pictures
here.
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"Animal agriculture is responsible for 20-33% of all freshwater consumption in the world today"
Screening at the Bernardsville Public Library on Sunday, November 13, at 3:00 pm, Cowspiracy offers a look by filmmakers Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn at the devastating environmental impact that large-scale factory farming has on our planet and offers a path to global sustainability for a growing population. The screening is free, but advanced registration through the Bernardsville Library is recommended.
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Evening Briefing: Overabundant Deer and Invasive Plants, 11/15
7PM-9:00PM. What effect does the combination of deer and invasive plants have on New Jersey's forests? Join us and Dr. Jay F. Kelly as he discusses the results of a three year study on deer and invasive plants in New Jersey.
Registration Required.
Please click the Register Now!
button for location information.
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Crafting with Native Plants, 11/26
6PM-7:30PM. All too often, invasive plants such as oriental bittersweet are selected for decorative purposes, spreading their berries and seeds and increasing their reach even further. Learn how to make beautiful arrangements using only native plant materials in this fun workshop and bring home a decorative piece for the holidays!
Registration Required.
Please click the Register Now!
button for location information.
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Stream Assessment Training, 11/19
10:00AM-1:00PM. Learn how to assess the health of a stream with this in-depth training. The class will begin indoors and will cover how to recognize environmental factors that may impact stream health. After the class, you'll venture out to a nearby stream to test your new-found skills!
Registration Required.
Please click the Register Now!
button for location information.
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Volunteer Workday, 11/20
8:30AM-12:30PM. Burn off some calories before the gluttonous winter holidays while helping us prepare our property for winter. Tasks will include trail maintenance, fence repair, and invasive plant removal. Bring your best holiday-season energy and enthusiasm!
Registration Required.
Please click the Register Now!
button for location information.
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South Mountain Hike, 11/27
10:00AM-1:00PM. wildlife making preparations for the long cold months to follow. This is a difficult hike of over 4 mile and considerable elevation.
Registration Required.
Please click the Register Now!
button for location information.
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Winter Cordial Tasting, 12/1
5:30PM-7:30PM. Join us for a fun winter party, to taste delicious cordials and learn more about the organization! This event is free to non-members, and members bringing non-member friends.
Registration Required.
Please click the Register Now!
button for location information.
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