Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you do the following:

  • Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Face masks are required in all federal buildings and on all federal lands.
  • Maintain a safe distance between yourself and other groups.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick


Features

America The Beautiful Passes Available

America The Beautiful Passes are available by appointment only at the Great Swamp NWR Call 973-425-0215 x 1

Important Things to Know

Comment period open for an Environmental Assessment

PSEG RPV Powerline

The Great Swamp National Wildlife Environmental Assessment for the Public Service Gas and Electric Roseland to Pleasant Valley Powerline Replacement Project (April 2021) is now available for public comment. Please click to access the document. The comment period will be open until midnight Eastern May 16, 2021.

Comment period open for an Environmental Assessment

Comment Period Open for Hunting and Fishing Plan

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The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Hunting Plan (April 2021) is now available for public comment. The comment period will be open through the end of the "2021–2022 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations" comment period, to be announced in the Federal Register. The end of the comment period will be 60 days after the rule publishes, which we anticipate to be mid-June. If you wish to comment, please note "Great Swamp NWR" in the subject line of an email, and address to "HuntFishRuleComments@fws.gov".

Great Swamp NWR Hunt Plan

Injured or Orphaned Wildlife

It’s that time of year when many baby animals abound. If you come across what appears to be an orphaned baby animal, usually the best course of action is to leave it alone. Parents are often close by, even if you can’t see them. The refuge provides habitat for animals, but we do not have any facilities to treat orphaned or injured animals. If you see an injured animal, or if the baby animal is in distress, that is when licensed wildlife rehabilitators step in! For injured birds, please contact The Raptor Trust at the link below. For more information, or for other animals, please consult New Jersey’s list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators at https://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/artrehab10.htm

The Raptor Trust

Dog Walkers

We love dogs too at Great Swamp NWR, but our priority is to protect people, wildlife, and habitat. Service dogs are welcome anywhere that is open to the public. Dog walking is ONLY allowed along Pleasant Plains Road and in the parking area and grass area immediately around the Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center. Dogs are not allowed on ANY refuge trails or at the Wildlife Observation Center. Dogs must be on a leash and owners must clean-up after their pets. Dog feces contain several diseases which are transmittable to wildlife. Please cooperate, since you can be ticketed if you are in violation. Thank you!

What's Happening

Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center Update

Interpretation

During the winter months, the Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center will be open with limited hours and under the guidance of CDC and federal guidelines. The center will be open on Friday's and Saturday's from 10 am to 2 pm. Visitors will be restricted to five (5) people at a time. Visitors will be required to wear masks inside the center. Social distancing inside the center will also be required. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in keeping everyone safe. The restrooms at the Wildlife Observation Center are open to the public. The restrooms will be cleaned three times a week. Please use at your own risk.

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About the Complex

Lenape Refuge Complex

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Lenape Refuge Complex.

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About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

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The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

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