Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center At A Glance...
- Todays Sunrise: 7:03 am, Sunset: 4:32 pm
- New Jersey Skylands Region Morris County
About Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
The Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center (GSOEC), situated on 45 acres on the eastern end of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, serves as an important crossroad between nature and civilization. You can walk along 2 miles of flat trails and boardwalk, and enjoy the spectacular views of the swamp, marsh, meadow, pond, forest habitats, and wildlife. It is the unique intermingling of these habitats and the diversity of terrain that gives the Great Swamp its unique character. Marvel at the many plants along the way, from the ferns, maples, and sedges of the swamps to the oaks, beech trees, and witch hazel shrubs of the forest. There is a myriad of wildflowers and wildlife. Perhaps you will have a rare opportunity to spot one of the many threatened and endangered species that call the Great Swamp their home.
Venture into the Visitors Center to view the many interactive and educational exhibits depicting the natural history of the area. A large mural with two dozen realistic, taxidermied animals helps you to develop a better understanding and appreciation of the types of creatures that call the Great Swamp home. Observe live reptiles and insects, test your nature knowledge with the many interactive displays, or attempt to fit inside a replica bear den. Touch and examine a wide variety of natural artifacts up close, or perform a nature puppet show at the puppet theater. Enjoy using track stampers to make trails in the sandbox. Discover the latest wildlife spotted on the trails by checking the sightings board before you head out on the trails with a self-guided trail booklet, or a free seasonal scavenger hunt. Stop by the model wigwam behind the center to see what life was like for the Lenape Indians.
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Activities:
- Hiking
- Jogging / Running
- Walking
Amenities:- Bathrooms
- Parking Lot(s)
- Nature / Environmental Center
- Picnic / Sitting Area
Trails:- Boardwalks
- Flat / Easy
- Self Guided / Nature trail
- Walking Paths
Park Type:- County Parks
Rules/Regulations:- Pets *NOT Permitted*
Contact / Location
Things to See & Do
Things To Do * Birthday Parties * Commercial Filming * Commercial Photography * Public Educational Programs * Guided Nature Hikes * School Programs * Scout Programs * Self-Guided Nature Hikes * Special Events * Summer Camp Programs * Teacher Certification Programs * Visitors Center Exhibits Handicapped Accessible Accommodations
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Nearby Places
- Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center (~0 miles)
- Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (~3 miles)
- Soldiers Memorial Field (~3 miles)
- Reeves-Reed Arboretum (~4 miles)
- Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary (~5 miles)
- Camp Riverbend - Day camp (~5 miles)
- Frelinghuysen Arboretum (~5 miles)
- Mountainside Community Pool (~5 miles)
- Echo Lake Dog Park (Mountainside) (~6 miles)
- Echo Lake Park (Mountainside, NJ) (~6 miles)
- Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center (~6 miles)
- The Funplex Amusement Center - East Hanover (~6 miles)
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Chatham Township, NJ 07928