The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

In 1964, President Johnson signed the Wilderness Act under which The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge found protection from the determination of the New York Port Authority to build an airport 26 miles west of Manhattan. Because of this act and a subsequent National Natural Landmark designation, The Great Swamp is able to preserve over 7,768 acres of varied natural habitats in the midst of a heavily developed suburbia. It has become an important mosaic of different habitats for a suite of species. In addition to the more than 244 species of birds who come, fox, deer, muskrat, turtles, fish, frogs and a wide variety of wildflowers and plants can be found on the refuge.

The Founders Fund Award built a wildlife observation shelter at the edge of a 25 acre meadow with viewing ports on three sides. From the hidden vantage point, visitors are able to watch birds and wildlife attracted to the swamp. The original shelter was built with logs but sadly was burned in the fall of 1969. But because of its popularity, $4000 was raised among supporters to build a vandal proof shelter. Called the Garden Club Observation Blind, the shelter draws daily visitors from its mile-long boardwalk approach.

The Great Swamp National Refuge is one of more than 560 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge system that is administered by the Department of the Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Its purpose is to conserve natural resources for Americans while protecting threatened and endangered species for future generations.