247 Southern Boulevard
Chatham Township, NJ
07928
(973) 635-6629
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 Raptor Trust (see separate listing), a program for seniors that visits this wonderful facility and continues to the Wildlife Observation Center with the naturalist; Amazonia, a film produced by Jerry Grabowski about the plants, animals, and people of tropical Amazonia; and Nature Photography, a course delivered on 4 consecutive Saturdays. 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 for grades 2 and up feature Observing Nature: children learn to enjoy nature with their five senses and to understand some simple principles of ecology and conservation; Indian Life: explores the culture of the Lenape Indians of New Jersey; Aquatic Life: demonstrates the interdependence of organisms living in a natural community; and Maple Sugaring: its history and an observation of the evaporation process -- and tasting the results! Many others are available. Again, these programs are seasonal. Most last 90 minutes and can accommodate up to 25 students.
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.
Hours: Daily, 9am - 4:30pm. Individual and
family programs at scheduled times. Call for details. School
Programs conducted at 10am and 1pm (take two!).
Admission: FREE to grounds. Some family programs
are FREE, some cost nominal fee and require pre-registration.
School Programs cost $20.00 to $50.00 per class,
depending on group size and whether group is from in or out
of county.
Reservations: At least 2 weeks in advance.
Lunch: Bagged lunch can be eaten in designated areas (indoors).
Handicapped: Center is accessible. Trail partially accessible.
Directions: I-80 West to I-287 South. Take the Madison Ave. exit and stay left. At light turn left onto Rt. 24 east. Follow 24 until you enter Town of Madison. Go under small railroad bridge. At second light turn right onto Green Village Rd. Pass 3 lights and continue straight for 1 mile. Look for Great Swamp sign on right and turn right into driveway.
Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes.
Nearby: Raptor Trust , Somerset County Environmental Education Center , Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge , Leonard J. Buck Garden .