January 2020



"All the water that will ever be is, right now." 
- National Geographic
Thanks to all who gave to our year-end appeal!


What's Happening at the CMA Right Now?
By Adam Palmer, Education Associate

This frozen wood frog is very much alive.

Although it may be wintertime and it doesn't look like much activity abounds in our wild spaces, our Conservation Management Area (CMA) is still a happening place throughout January and February! Read along to learn more about the things you may see that are taking place right now in the swamp!   Read more
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill to Serve as Chairwoman of Environment Subcommittee

Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill

Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) GSWA's 2019 Gala honoree, was selected by unanimous vote to serve as Chairwoman of the Environment Subcommittee. In this role, Rep. Sherrill will have jurisdiction over, "All matters relating to environmental research; Environmental Protection Agency research and development; Environmental standards; Climate change research and development; The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including all activities related to weather and weather services, climate, the atmosphere, satellites, and oceanic and atmospheric research, marine and aviation operations; Risk assessment activities; Scientific issues related to environmental policy, including climate change; Other appropriate matters as referred by the Chairwoman; and relevant oversight."  Read the press release.
Watershed-friendly Living in Winter Weather
By Nicky Vanech, GSWA Intern

Now that winter is starting to bite and New Year's resolutions have us thinking about changing behaviors, perhaps you've considered living in a more "watershed-friendly" (environmentally conscious) way. Great idea! Keep in mind, changing behaviors requires a some refocusing and a little extra effort, but the results can be big!   Read more.  
GSWA Helps Paterson Launch "Adopt A Catch Basin" Program
By Sue Levine,  Director of Finance & Human Resources

The sole purpose of a catch basin is to collect stormwater and transport it to local underground waterways. "Everyone has a basin on their block," stated Chrystal Cleaves, Paterson Green Team member. "It is the drainage on the corner. When it rains and floods, all the loose trash ends up in the basin. So, if we all get out and clean those basins, it will help the water stream flow."   Read more.  
In This Issue
Upcoming Events
DIY Food Storage & Surface Cleanser
Tomorrow: Tue, 1/21
6-7:30 PM,  GSWA HQ
568 Tempe Wick Rd.
Morristown, NJ

Let's ditch the plastic and chemicals. Come make and take home reusable 
produce bags, 
beeswax bowl covers and a surface cleanser - Only a few spots left!

Climate-Ready Combined Sewer Overflows Solutions Forum* 
Tue, Jan 28,  6 PM
Elizabeth Public Library (main branch) 11 South Broad St.
Elizabeth, NJ

Climate change is here. As 21 NJ cities plan CSO upgrades worth billions, are they taking these risks into account? Find out what you can do at this free event. ("New Jersey Future" program)

 
Evening Briefing:
The Joy of Backyard Birding
Tue, 2/4, 5:30-7 PM
GSWA HQ, 
568 Tempe Wick Rd.
Morristown, NJ

Did you know that with minimal effort you can attract over 30 different species of native birds to your backyard? Pete Axelrod of Wild Birds Unlimited will share tips, how-tos. and samples.

Sunday Hike Series:
Dog Hike @ CMA
Sun, 2/9, 1-3 PM
GSWA's CMA
93 Tiger Lily Ln., 
Morristown, NJ

Calling all pooches! Grab your family and a leash, and c'mon out to the CMA for a much-needed, mid-winter hike. Limit: 15 pups so shake a leg and register!

Pre-Valentine's Day Martini & Cosmo Tasting
Wed, 2/12, 5:30-7 PM
GSWA HQ
568 Tempe Wick Rd.
Morristown, NJ

From a dill pickle martini to a classic cosmo, sample 8 different cosmo & martini drinks that are sure to amuse. Treats and pub-style quiz included. Leave with recipes. Free to non-members. 

The Smithsonian Institution's
Water/Ways Exhibit*
Now through Feb. 22
Red Mill Museum Village
56 Main St, Clinton, NJ

The "Water/Ways" exhibition dives into water - an essential component of life on our planet, environmentally, culturally, and historically. It encourages us to consider the different ways water impacts everyday life.  
*Non-GSWA event
Tips for Watershed-Friendly Living
Nudge down the thermostat

Challenge your family to drop your thermostat by just two degrees. This minor change in temperature will do the environment a huge favor. Consuming less power, reduces the amount of toxic fumes released by power plants, conserves the earth's natural resources and protects ecosystems. And, according to Energy.gov, you can save about 1% on your heating bill for each degree your thermostat is turned down in cold weather (for 8+ hour periods.) Feeling the chill? Drink hot beverages and snuggle. If possible, lower the temperature before you leave for work and program it to kick back up 30-45 minutes before you return home.
Be good to pollinators

"The Pollinators" Documentary*
Tue, Feb 11, 6:30 PM
Regal Pohatcong Stadium 12
1246 US Highway 22
Phillipsburg, NJ


One night only: In this 90-minute film, award-winner Peter Nelson  interviews beekeepers, environmentalists, and bee experts on the importance of bees. It tells the compelling tale of bees by the billions making America's food supply possible. Tickets may be purchased here.  

*This is a non-GSWA event

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Thank You to Our 2019 Premier Gala Sponsor

New Jersey American Water
We're Very Social!
Great Swamp Watershed Association
The Passaic River Waterkeeper Alliance Affiliate

Protecting our waters and our land for more than 35 years
Street Address: 568 Tempe Wick Road, Morristown, NJ  07960 - Map It!
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 300, New Vernon, NJ  07976