Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
247 Southern Boulevard
Chatham Township, NJ 07928
(973) 635-6629
http://www.morrisparks.net/aspparks/gswampmain.asp

Adjacent to the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (see separate listing), the 40 acre Outdoor Education Center has been serving the public since 1963, offering a growing number of activities and programs for individuals, families, and school groups.

With two classrooms for formal learning, a large auditorium, a natural history library, natural history displays, and two miles of natural trails, the Center is well equipped to deliver a number of interesting, fun, and informative programs. A portion of a trail is covered by boardwalk for access to the handicapped.

A sampling of recent Family Programs includes:

• Beat the Bugs! (all ages): An educational nature stroll with a focus on insects.
• The Birds Are Singing (ages 10 and up): Birdwatching in the perfect habitat.
• Wild Edibles! (ages 12 and up): Examines some common wild edible plants and some tasty recipes for them.

Many of these programs are seasonal, with the right subjects presented at the right time. Many others are available.

Other activities include special events for children and, in the spring, a great celebration of Earth Day.

School Programs include, among others:

• Lenape Life (grades 3 - 8): Explores the culture of the Lenape Indians of New Jersey through their food, medicine, shelter, tools, and beliefs.
• Nature Nuts (grades pre-K - 2): A great introduction to the natural environment with hands-on activities.
• Fantastic Forest (grades 1 - 4): The forest habitat and its inhabitants are examined in this program, with a focus on trees.
• Maple Sugaring (grades 3 - 12): Students discover history of maple sugaring, observe the evaporation process -- and taste the results!
• Great Swamp Ecosystems (grades 9 - College): This in-depth study of the fauna and flora of the Great Swamp can be adapted to fit class needs.

Many other programs are available. Many are seasonal and most take 1½ - 2 hours.

The area of the Great Swamp is beautiful, there is much to do and learn here, both at the Outdoor Education Center and at the other great facilities nearby. It's an hour from the George Washington Bridge, and worth every second of the trip.