Environmental Education & Interpretation

Credit: USFWS Scopes at the Heron Rookery.

The Refuge provides an excellent opportunity for learning about a variety of ecosystems. The Friends of Great Swamp NWR provide much of the environmental education and interpretation available at the Refuge through guided tours and a Discovery Den located at the bookstore on Pleasant Plains Road. Two separate Environmental Education Centers in the swamp provide additional education and interpretation opportunities and are located adjacent to the Refuge.

Guided tours within the Refuge are available for groups but must be scheduled in advance.
Movies and slide talks can also be scheduled for groups of up to 50.

Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, operated by Morris County Parks Commision, is located on the eastern side of the Refuge off Southern Boulevard in Chatham Township. The Center offers a varied natural science program of classes and guided tours and provides one mile of trail and boardwalk for the public.
For details, call 973-635-6629.

The Somerset Environmental Education Center
The Environmental Education Center, operated by the Somerset County Parks Commision, is located on the western border of the Refuge in Lord Stirling Park. The Park has a varied program of environmental education courses, guided field trips, and 8 ½ miles of walking trail. For details, call 908-766-2489.