October 2016
"Water is the driving force of all nature."

-- Leonardo da Vinci   
Author Mary Bruno to Speak at Annual Gala

We are very excited to announce that Mary Bruno, author of, "An American River, from Paradise to Superfund, Afloat on New Jersey's Passaic" will be the keynote speaker at our Annual Gala & Silent Auction on Thursday, October 20 at Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park.

Mary's infinite knowledge of the Passaic River paired with her amusing quips about growing up beside it, make her a fascinating speaker.

The Annual Gala is an elegant celebration of the environmental victories we have achieved over the past year. Guests will be able to enjoy an enticing silent auction of over 100 items, including impressive vacation homes, golf outings at renowned courses such as Baltusrol, round-trip airline tickets, one-of-a-kind dining experiences, fine wines, and stylish designer handbags. The event will begin with a cocktail hour and continue to a delectable three course meal.

This year, GSWA is proud to announce that it has joined the WATERKEEPER® ALLIANCE as The Passaic River WATERKEEPER® ALLIANCE Affiliate.  Therefore, it is our pleasure to honor the other New Jersey Waterkeepers; the NY/NJ Baykeeper, the Raritan Riverkeeper, and the Hackensack Riverkeeper at this year's Gala Celebration.

The Gala is a fantastic and enjoyable opportunity to support GSWA while meeting and mingling with people who care about local and global environmental issues. Tickets are $175 per person and available online or by telephone at 973-538-3500. 
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Did you know? 

How Trees Fight Against Water Pollution  
By GSWA Volunteer, Jim Northrop 
 
Treating water pollution may be one of the most critical services that trees offer to the world.  In "The Man Who Planted Trees," a 2012 book written by Jim Robbins, the author looks at the relationship between New York City and the forests just to the north of the city in the Catskill Mountains.  These rolling woodlands form a catchment and filter area for the water that New Yorkers drink.  In 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ordered the city to build a new water treatment plant at a cost of $8 billion. 

Their concern was that microscopic intestinal parasites, and some other waterborne pathogens, would find their way into the New York City water supply... (Read More) 
The Autumn Weather is Calling!
By GSWA Education Associate, Dan Ross

As the air grows brisk, and the days get shorter, there's no better time to get outside and immerse yourself in nature! The sights and sounds of autumn are all around us; from the changing colors of the tree canopy to the noticeable scurry of woodland animals preparing for the long harsh months ahead. Yet amidst the hustle and bustle of nature, something seems to be missing, or gone awry, as if nature has moved on without us... (Read More)

Around the Watershed 
Testing Lead in Public Water

In March, GSWA completed its third year of private well water testing. For a discounted rate, participants could test their well for a variety of parameters, including bacteria, nitrate, arsenic, lead, and copper, among others. This year, in light of the tragedies that occurred in Flint, Michigan and, closer to home, in the Newark school system, GSWA expanded the program to include lead and copper testing for individuals on public water.

 

Of the over 50 individuals that participated in the program this year, five had lead in their water over the recommended limit. Three of those five individuals receive their water from public water supply. This is not necessarily an indication that there is lead in the public water, but more likely that the individuals' homes contain lead piping or solder that is leaching into the water between the water main and the tap. These findings underscore how important it is to test your water, even if you are receiving regular reports from your water company.   

 

 

GSWA will continue its water testing program in the spring of 2017. If you're interested in participating, please contact Kelly Martin at kmartin@greatswamp.org to have your email added to the alert list.      

NJIT professor Michel C. Boufadel demonstrates what happens to the underground water infrastructure when there's a leaking waterpipe to the Newark DIG (Doing Infrastructure Green) group in September. GSWA is a member of Newark DIG, whose primary goal is the establishment of sustainable green infrastructure as the first line of defense to better manage stormwater runoff, improve water quality and resilience to flooding, and reduce combined sewer overflows with a focus on the Passaic River and its tributaries.


GSWA had a great time at the Great Swamp Fall Fest last month - check out this awesome peregrine falcon that our director of education, outreach, and stewardship, Hazel England painted on a young birding enthusiast! 
In This Issue
GSWA's
Upcoming Events
Breakfast Briefing: Environmentally Friendly Fertilizer, 10/4

8AM-9:30AM. Join us at Back to Nature Home & Garden as we discuss the far reaching and long lasting effects that synthetic fertilizers are having on our environment with Anthony Sblendorio, Founder of Back to Nature Home & Garden in Basking Ridge, NJ. Mr. Sblendorio invites each attendee to bring a bag of synthetic fertilizer that they're currently using in their garden and to exchange it for a bag organic fertilizer for free. Registration Required.

Please click the Register Now! button for location information.
Columbus Day Explorers

10AM-12PM. Embrace your inner Columbus and explore Giralda Farms in Chatham Township with GSWA. Hikers will have the chance to create some fall crafts before hitting the trails. Once the hike begins, your guides, GSWA's director of education and outreach, Hazel England, and GSWA education associate, Dan Ross, will teach you how to look for signs of wildlife that are getting ready for winter or migrating through. Registration Required.

Please click the Register Now! button for location information.
Enchanted Hike, 10/29

3:30PM-5:00AM. As the shadows lengthen and the day's light grows shorter, enjoy some warm apple cider along a late afternoon hike as NPS Park Historian Eric Olsen and GSWA Education Associate Dan Ross recant seasonal stories about the origins of the Jack O' Lantern, old time superstitions, and explore other tales and folklore to the backdrop of historic Jockey Hollow. Registration Required.

Please click the Register Now! button for location information.
Great Swamp Gala & Silent Auction, 10/20

6PM. The Annual Gala is an elegant celebration of the environmental victories we have achieved over the past year. Guests will be able to enjoy an enticing silent auction of over 100 items, including impressive vacation homes, golf outings at renowned courses such as Baltusrol, round-trip airline tickets, one-of-a-kind dining experiences, fine wines, and stylish designer handbags.  Registration Required.

Please click the Register Now! button for location information.
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Great Swamp Watershed Association
The Passaic River Waterkeeper Alliance Affiliate

Protecting our waters and our land for more than 30 years
Street Address: 568 Tempe Wick Road, Morristown, NJ  07960 - Map It!
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 300, New Vernon, NJ  07976 
GSWA Thanks our Generous 2016 Gala Sponsors