Weve been here many times before, but today was special. The great dismal swamp national wildlife refuge is the largest intact remnant of a vast habitat that once covered more than one million acres of southeastern virginia and northeastern north carolina. Friends of great swamp national wildlife refuge our new home at 148 pleasant plains road one year and still growing strong. The great dismal swamp national wildlife refuge is located not only between two states, but also between two ecoregions, allowing for a wide range of plant and animal species. Great swamp national wildlife refuge wetland trail. A refugeissued special use permit is required for access.
Great swamp national wildlife refuge travel guide at. The refuge was declared a national natural landmark in may 1966. The great neck, a higherelevation drumlin near the center of the wma, was farmed and pastured before being abandoned in the early to mid1900s. Great swamp national wildlife refuge world series of. Established in 1960, it is one of more than 550 refuges in the national wildlife refuge system the refuge was declared a national natural landmark in may 1966. Today was a beautiful fall day so my wife and i decided to go for a walk at the wildlife observation center in the great swamp national wildlife refuge off long hill road. One year ago, a group of enthusiastic people who cared deeply about the great swamp nwr voted to create a friends group. The great swamp national wildlife refuge consists of 7,600 acres 3,100 hectares of varied habitats. New jersey birders and cyclists already know the area around this national wildlife park for different reasonsthe park itself offers some of the best birdwatching and photography opportunities outside of the meadowlands and a few stops along the shoreand the flat quite roads around the. The great swamp national wildlife refuge is a great park for birdwatching, with over 200 species of birds resting and feeding there. National wildlife refuge week friends of great swamp. The jetport plan was abandoned in 1968 when part of the refuge became a federal wilderness area.
Posted on july 23, 20 september 21, 2017 by ammoland national pollinator week encourages everyone to bee good to pollinators u. The wildlife observation center provides wetland vistas and offers opportunities for wildlife observation and. Great swamp offers many great places throughout the refuge to view wildlife. Exhibits demonstrate the variety of habitats and wildlife that can be seen at great swamp nwr. Great swamp national wildlife refuge is located only 26 miles west of new york citys times square. The auto tour offers great birding and photography opportunities. A male wood duck preens and swims while his mate is just out of the frame.
It is situated in morris county, new jersey, united states. Great swamp national wildlife refuge is located only 26 miles west of new york city s times square. Also, fox, deer, muskrat, turtles, fish, frogs and a wide variety of wildflowers and plants call the refuge home. Celebrate migratory birds with these fun activities from great swamp national wildlife refuge and the other. Best trails in great swamp national wildlife refuge new. The eastern half of the refuge was designated as wilderness by congress in 1968, making it the first wilderness area within the department of the interior. The rhode island division of fish and wildlife manages great swamp wma for wildlife conservation, hunting and fishing, and compatible public recreation.
It provides important habitats for fish and wildlife and affords the public opportunities to enjoy wildlife and wilderness within close proximity to urban centers. I went looking for something different from state line lookout other then birds and saw 3 very. Great swamp national wildlife refuge wetland trail conference. Friends of the national wildlife refuges photo contest. Aug 03, 2014 the wilderness area accounts for the eastern half of the great swamp national wildlife refuge, which serves as a resting and nesting area for over 200 migratory birds. Great swamp national wildlife refuge the great swamp national wildlife refuge is a great park for birdwatching, with over 200 species of birds resting and feeding there. The history hallway tells the story of the citizenled fight to save great swamp from becoming a jetport in 1959. Great swamp national wildlife refuge skylands visitor. The great swamp national wildlife refuge extends along the entire northern border of long hill township. Great swamp national wildlife refuge travel smithsonian. Lht the great swamp township of long hill, morris county. Please be sure to attend all the other great programs. In 1959, citizen activists responded to the threat of an airport in the woodlands near basking ridge by calling for preservation of 3000 acres of what is now the great swamp national wildlife refuge nwr.
Mar 11, 2016 a male wood duck preens and swims while his mate is just out of the frame. Perhaps the fastest growing activity on national wildlife refuges in the past ten. Located just 26 miles west of new york citys time square, great swamp nwr is a 7,768acre oasis located. The swamp is an integral part of the cultural history of the region and remains a place of refuge for both wildlife and people.
Experienced participants sought the birds, bats, fish, bugs, crustaceans. The largest parcel is located on cornwall hill road county route 64, with parking available on the east side of the road about 1. The great swamp national wildlife refuge nwr is one of more than 560 refuges in the national wildlife refuge system that is administered by the department of the interiors u. The great swamp national wildlife refuge was established in 1960 and lies 26 miles west of new york citys times square and 7 miles south of morristown, new jersey in morris county. This nonprofit is one of the premier wild bird rehabilitation centers in the united states, and allows you to get up close to a variety of birds of prey. Established in 1960, it is one of more than 550 refuges in the national wildlife refuge system. Posted on july 23, 20 september 21, 2017 by ammoland national pollinator week encourages everyone to bee good to. Over several years, the great swamp committee raised over one million dollars, enough to purchase nearly 2,600 acres. This oasis of wilderness in the midst of urban and suburban areas provides important habitats to fish and wildlife and a unique opportunity for the public to. Each request will be evaluated on an individual basis depending on staff and volunteer availability.
Bald cypress, black gum, maple, atlantic white cedar, and pine are the predominant tree species found on the refuge and support the wildlife within. Great swamp national wildlife refuge in new jersey. Lake woodruff national wildlife refuge, 386 9854673. Celebrate national wildlife refuge week at great swamp national wildlife. Great swamp wildlife reservation, wakefield, rhode island. The refuge may be explored via 40 miles of nearly level trails and roads.
Nature photography has mushroomed into one of the most popular pastimes within the digital photography arena. During the current public health emergency, whenever possible, outdoor recreation sites at national. The wilderness area accounts for the eastern half of the great swamp national wildlife refuge, which serves as a resting and nesting area for over 200 migratory birds. Videos are available for viewing on request, as well as the current photo. Great swamp wildlife management area, washington county. Thanks to their acquisitions of swampland, the great swamp became a national wildlife refuge in 1964. Threemilewide lake drummond, located in the heart of. The great dismal swamp national wildlife refuge is located in southeastern virginia and northeastern north carolina. The great swamp national wildlife refuge is an oasis of wilderness surrounded by urban and suburban areas. Please contact great swamp visitor center 9734251222 x1 at least thirty days in advance to schedule a tour or program. The great dismal swamp national wildlife refuge was created in 1974 to help protect and preserve a portion of the great dismal swamp, a marshy region on the coastal plain of southeastern virginia and northeastern north carolina between norfolk, virginia, and elizabeth city, north carolina in the united states. Best bird watching trails in great dismal swamp national.
Established in 1974, the great dismal swamp national wildlife refuge consists of over 112,000 acres of forested wetlands in southeastern virginia and northeastern north carolina. It is 26 mi 42 km west of manhattan s times square. Today, the 7,500acre national wildlife refuge is the crown jewel in a remarkable array of protected areas in the great swamp watershed. Great swamp national wildlife refuge audubon important bird areas. The committees initial donation of 3,000 acres formed the nucleus of todays 7454 acre.
Since ive seen many photographers on flickr who spend a good bit of their time at the great swamp national wildlife refuge in morris county, nj, i thought it might be nice to form a group of pictures only taken at the swamp. Best trails in great swamp national wildlife refuge new jersey. It was established in 1974 to protect the unique ecosystem of the great dismal swamp. Great dismal swamp national wildlife refuge virginia is for. The great swamp national wildlife refuge is located in morris county, new jersey. Anyone can join, and the only limitations are pictures from the nwr and family friendly i dont know what some people might do in a refuge like this, but just dont post. Great dismal swamp national wildlife refuge wikipedia. This oasis of wilderness in the midst of urban and suburban areas provides important habitats to fish and wildlife and a unique opportunity for the public to enjoy wildlife and wilderness. Great swamp national wildlife refuge protects 7,800 acres in morris county, nj. The great swamp national wildlife refuge in new jersey.
Great swamp national wildlife refuge gsnwr or refuge in harding township, new jersey nj was conducted by the united states fish and wildlife service fws. Spring is a popular time to visit new jerseys great swamp national wildlife refuge. Great swamp national wildlife refuge travel guide at wikivoyage. The refuge is a favorite with sportsmen for hunting for six fridays and. Established in 1960, it is a migrationresting and feeding area or permanent habitat for more than 244 species of birds. Wildlife observation center friends of great swamp. Becoming a junior refuge manager is a great way to learn about the wildlife and habitats at great swamp national wildlife refuge and it will improve your skills in observing nature. Force fire center, and usfws staff from the midatlantic zone fire program, wallkill river.
Department of the interior, and the great swamp national wildlife refuge was born. Restaurants near great swamp national wildlife refuge, new jersey on tripadvisor. The great swamp national wildlife refuge has a small staff and limited availability to give tours and educational programs. Gswa and its partners in our historic watershed and across the passaic river region are excited to provide you with a listing of freetothepublic environmental events happening locally. The discipline combines a passion for natural history with artistic expression and encompasses a wide range of aspects such as landscapes, wildlife, plants, and closeups. Great swamp national wildlife refuge audubon important.
Great swamp national wildlife refuge map morris county. Although it is just 26 miles from new york citys times square, the refuge consists of 7,768 acres of varied habitats, and the refuge has become an important. Redcockaded woodpecker, florida scrubjay, bachmans sparrow. The 3,100 acre lake drummond lies at the center of the swamp, with the feeder ditch connecting the lake to the dismal swamp canal to the east.
Great swamp national wildlife refuge new jersey 2020. Many interpretive programs are offered by the refuge and the friends of the great swamp nwr. Great swamp is a wildlife refuge in northern new jersey. Great swamp national wildlife refuge hike new jersey.
The 8,000 acre refuge, located in morris county, new jersey, provides excellent recreational opportunities for visitors as well as protecting valuable habitat for wildlife. In early november i visited the great swamp watershed national wildlife refuge in morristown for the first time. Great swamp national wildlife refuge the 7,700acre great swamp national wildlife refuge has become a resting and feeding area for more than 244 species of birds. The trip was arranged as an event with the photografriends meetup group. The friends of the national wildlife refuges of rhode island is a volunteer memberbased nonprofit organization devoted to conservation and development of healthy habitat for flora and fauna at rhode islands national wildlife refuges, and to safe, accessible, ecological experiences for refuge visitors. As we celebrate womens history month, we reflect on how the dedicated efforts of helen fenske helped to conserve the area that is now great swamp national wildlife refuge in basking ridge, n. Restaurants near great swamp national wildlife refuge, new. Sep 08, 2012 great swamp is a wildlife refuge in northern new jersey. Great dismal swamp national wildlife refuge virginia is. Jan 17, 2008 since ive seen many photographers on flickr who spend a good bit of their time at the great swamp national wildlife refuge in morris county, nj, i thought it might be nice to form a group of pictures only taken at the swamp. Great swamp national wildlife refuge world series of birding. This important bird area includes the north carolina portion of the great dismal swamp national wildlife refuge and dismal swamp state natural area on the virginia. E stablished in 1974, the great dismal swamp national wildlife refuge consists of over 112,684 acres of forested wetlands in southeastern virginia and northeastern north carolina.
Pittman visitor center located about 25 minutes from lake woodruff at 45621 state rd. Great swamp wildlife reservation wakefield, rhode island. Great swamp is here to conserve its natural resources for the america public while protecting threatened and endangered species for future generations. We now have members, an office, a web site, pro jects and jobs to do. An independent, non profit organization dedicated to promoting the conservation of the natural resources of the refuge, fostering public understanding and appreciation of the refuge, and engaging in activities that will support the mission of the great swamp national wildlife refuge. Nj audubon will be showing the movie, saving the great swamp. New jersey audubons all things birds will sponsor these birding field trips. Jul 23, 20 great wildlife refuges for birding ammoland inc. Great dismal swamp national wildlife refuge oh, ranger. A refuge issued special use permit is required for access. Great swamp watershed association protecting our waters. Comprised on nearly 1110,000 acres of forested wetlands, canals, ponds, lakes, sphagnum bogs, evergreen shrubs, and marshy boarders, the great dismal swamp national wildlife refuge is the largest entity of the coastal phase of the virginia birding and wildlife trail. Review of great swamp national wildlife refuge, new.
Went there for a few hours to walk around, do some hiking and check out the visitor center. It is a 12squaremile natural oasis in an area that is mostly suburban, making the refuge an outstanding area for migrating waterfowl to stop, rest and feed on their migration. The program is suitable for children ages 5 to and requires at least two visits to the refuge. Hike great swamp national wildlife refuge, great swamp. Great swamp is here to conserve its natural resources for the america public while protecting threatened. The great swamp national wildlife refuge nwr is one of more than 560 refuges in the national wildlife refuge system that is administered by. The refuge was established as a refuge on november 3, 1960. Today, the refuge contains 7600 acres and includes 3660 acres of wildness area in the midst of a densely populated urban landscape. The critter straightened, trembled, and exhaled a soft brownish cloud of liquid. Great swamp national wildlife refuge audubon important bird. Wood duck at great swamp national wildlife refuge youtube. Our independent, nonprofit organization is committed to protecting and supporting great swamp national wildlife refuge. To those that know it, the words themselvesgreat swamp hold enough magic and wonder for. Refuge is managed for a diversity of wildlife including american woodcock, eastern bluebird, migratory birds, raptors.
The great swamp wildlife management area is composed of 10 separate parcels ranging from less than one acre to 300 acres in size. Mar 15, 20 as we celebrate womens history month, we reflect on how the dedicated efforts of helen fenske helped to conserve the area that is now great swamp national wildlife refuge in basking ridge, n. Between the two county run outposts lies the national wildlife refuge. It is located in parts of the independent cities of chesapeake and suffolk in. The great dismal swamp encompasses more than 40,470 ha 100,004 acres of wilderness and largely inaccessible swamp forest on the border of north carolina and virginia. It is situated in morris county, new jersey, united states, and is just 26 miles west of manhattans times square. Friends of the great swamp 148 pleasant plains road basking ridge, nj 07920. Great swamp national wildlife refuge map morris county, new. Ten people had registered by the date, but only two of us showed up. One of the coolest aspects of great swamp national wildlife refuge is the raptor trust, found on white bridge rd within the park.
648 732 844 1238 669 821 1079 869 250 1163 168 1411 776 129 1525 1398 208 439 1577 493 1363 1185 765 1169 720 621 679 1542 365 174 950 1293 1251 777 720 598 1424 73 268 61 239 686 994 984