Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1960 and lies 26 miles west of New York Cities Times Square and 7 miles south of Morristown, New Jersey in Morris County. This oasis of wilderness, surrounded by urban and suburban areas, provides important habitats to fish and wildlife and a unique opportunity for the public to enjoy wildlife and wilderness within close proximity to urban centers. It consists of approximately 7,500 acres of swamp woodland, hardwood ridges, cattail marsh, grassland, ponds and meandering streams. Over the years, the refuge has become a resting and feeding area for more than 244 species of birds. The refuge also provides a home for more than 39 species of reptiles and amphibians, 29 species of fish, 33 species of mammals and approximately 600 species of plants (including 215 species of wildflowers). Additionally, 26 of these species are listed by the State of New Jersey as being threatened or endangered, including the wood turtle, blue-spotted salamander and bog turtle (also federally threatened).

Great Swamp is located 7 miles south of Morristown, New Jersey From Interstate 287 (Southbound and Northbound): Take Exit 30A (Basking Ridge/North Maple Avenue) and bear right onto North Maple Avenue. Go through the traffic light at Madisonville Road (ignore refuge directional sign pointing left at Madisonville Road) and continue on North Maple Avenue. After one mile North Maple will bear left and become South Maple Avenue. Continue on South Maple Avenue for one mile and turn left onto Lord Stirling Road. After 1.3 miles you will pass over a bridge on the Passaic River. Continue straight on White Bridge Road for one mile and turn left onto Pleasant Plains Road. Follow refuge directional signs to refuge headquarters.