Project Spotlight: The Great Swamp Experience

September 15, 2017

The Great Swamp is located in Northern New Jersey about 26 miles west of Manhattan’s Times Square. The swamp consists of 7,768 acres of varied habitats, and has become an important resting and feeding ground for more than 244 species of birds. Fox, deer, bear, coyotes, muskrat, turtles, fish, frogs and a wide variety of wildflowers and plants can be found in the swamp.

Somerset County Park Commission’s Environmental Education Center (EEC) is nestled in the western portion of the Great Swamp and is dedicated to stimulating awareness and understanding of the natural world in order to foster a sense of responsibility for its care and use. Through environmental, cultural, and recreational learning experiences, as well as serving as trustees to preserve, maintain, and improve undeveloped and developed natural areas, their goal is to improve environmental literacy in Somerset County and beyond.

Split Rock teamed up with Somerset County to create The Great Swamp Experience – a permanent, interactive, educational exhibit located in the lower level of the EEC. The exhibit highlights historical and ecological information about the Great Swamp. Children can crawl into a beaver lodge, feel animal fur, and explore the toddler area. Adults can enjoy habitat vignettes, archeological artifacts, and learning about hydrology, sustainability, and the park’s geographic location. Visitors of all ages are enjoying their time exploring the exhibit.