Hatfield Swamp

The Hatfield Swamp is a place I often pass in my local travels. "Swamp" is not a word that cries out for you to plan a visit, so let's more accurately and kindly say that this is a freshwater wetland area.

It forms what is sometimes referred to as the "second bank" of the Passaic River at the border area between Morris and Essex counties.

The area of Hatfield Swamp is approximately 2,500 acres (10 km2), located in northern New Jersey at Latitude 40.85 N and Longitude 74.32 W.

The Swamp is part of West Essex Park and there are trails for public hiking. The Essex County Chapter of the Sierra Club and the New Jersey Audubon Society lead trips throughout the swamp in all seasons. A good starting place to explore and get information is the Essex County Environmental Center.

At the western end of the swamp, the Whippany River connects to the Rockaway River. The Rockaway River then travels a short distance into the center of the swamp where it flows into the Passaic River.

After heavy rain and if there is spring snowmelt, Hatfield Swamp floods since three rivers join here.

For animal observation, the area isn't always conducive due to the flooding. Deer, raccoons, possums, skunks and fox all live in the area (West Essex Park) but generally in the less swampy edges the swamp itself where there is higher and drier ground. We might expect to find muskrats there but the flooding would fill their bank dens with water and the area is also not conducive to plant foods that muskrats favor.

In autumn, waterfowl passing through the area rest in the swamp before proceeding south.

This wetlands area is not a place for some tree species (mostly hardwoods), but you will find various oaks, maples, sweet gum, and elm trees. (Find out more about plants found here)

Unfortunately, the three rivers that meet here were all once highly polluted. Things are better today but pollutants that remain in the soil and water have affected flora and fauna. The fish that are most likely found in the Rockaway River and Whippany River are carp and catfish.

Some history: Cornelius Hetfield owned and operated a mill at some point here before the American Revolution. Hetfield was a Loyalist during the Revolution, so his property was eventually confiscated. It was later purchased by Cyrus Crane. It stayed in the Crane family into the 1960s. The mill was dismantled and moved to Allaire State Park in Monmouth County and the swamp area of the park reverted to a slightly modernized Hatfield Swamp.

But let's go way back in Hatfield geologic time. It was the late-Triassic/early-Jurassic and when the North American plate separated from the African plate and created a rift valley. Today we refer to that rift as the Newark Basin. This valley changed over the next few millions of years, the valley faulted, tilted, and eroded and eventually the basalt layers formed ridges.  Then the Wisconsin Glacier ice sheet during the last ice age advances and plugs the gap with its glacial rubble. The glacier melts and the water pools up behind the ridges. The ridges are our Watchung Mountains and the pooled water forms Glacial Lake Passaic. Go forward thousands of years and the lake drains leaving behind swamps. The big one is our Great Swamp which drains from that Passaic River and flows through a gap in ridges passing through Hatfield Swamp.

If you want to visit, an easy starting place is the Essex County Environmental Center, which is in West Essex Park.  This site (download small map) was once a tavern and stagecoach stop, and the nearby bridge over the Passaic River is where Morris County’s historic Patriots Path connects with the Lenape Trail in Essex County.

January Events at the Essex County Environmental Center

Essex County, NJ – A variety of programs are being offered at the Essex County Environmental Center during the month of January that will teach children and adults about nature and help them gain a greater appreciation and understanding of our environment.


The Essex County Park System was created in 1895 and is the first county park system established in the United States. The Park System consists of more than 6,000 acres and has 22 parks, five reservations, an environmental center, a zoo, Treetop Adventure Course, ice skating rink, roller skating rink, three public golf courses, golf driving range, two miniature golf courses, three off-leash dog facilities, a castle and the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens.

Registration is required for all programs at the Essex County Environmental Center, unless otherwise noted. For more information or to register, please call 973-228-8776.


Events scheduled for January are as follows:

"Little Explorers Winter Nature Program" is a child-caregiver class that uses stories, walks and crafts to develop an awareness and appreciation for science and nature for the child as well as the caregiver. Each week, a different nature or science topic is covered. Cost is $7 per child/session (additional material fees may apply). Advance registration and payment are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Little Explorers Fall Nature Program will be held as follows:

Ages: 3-year olds
Dates and Times: Wednesdays, January 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 11 a.m.

Ages: 4- and 5-year olds
Dates and Times: Wednesdays, January 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 1:30 p.m.
OR Fridays, January 4, 11, 18 & 25, 1:30 p.m.

Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

"Nature Photographers Club" is for adults. Join the Nature Photographers for another fun and creative presentation. The specific presentation topic will be announced. Cost is $8 per adult and free for Essex County Nature Photographer members. For information, call 973-228-8776. Nature Photographers will meet as follows:

Date: Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

"Thursday Evening Yoga Series" is geared for adults. This all-levels yoga series will focus on alignment, flow and warmth followed by a restorative pose to unwind the body and mind for bed. Dress comfortably and bring your own mat. Cost is $40 for the series. Advance registration and monthly payment is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. No refunds will be given for missed classes. Thursday Evening Yoga is scheduled as follows:

Date: Thursdays, January 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31, 2013
Time: 6:15 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

"Friday Morning Yoga" is geared for adults. This class will introduce adult beginners to the many joys of yoga. Breathing synchronized with movement will warm the body and relax the mind. Participants will focus on joint mobility and healing stillness. All levels are welcome. Join for the series or just one class. Dress comfortably and bring your own mat. Cost is $10 per class. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Friday Morning Yoga is scheduled as follows:

Date: Fridays, January 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2013
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

"4-H Lego Club" is for children in grades 3 through 6. Members will use their imaginations to build animals, castles, and more with other children who are interested in Legos. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-353-1338, Ext. 103. 4-H Lego Club will be held as follows:

Monday Class: Monday, January 7, 2013
Time: 4 p.m.

Saturday Class: Saturday, January 12, 2013
Time: 10:30 a.m.

Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Garibaldi Hall
Roseland, NJ

"Bug Club" is for children ages 6 to 10. The Bug Club is devoted to young people who want to explore the wonders of insects through field walks, games, stories and crafts. This club meets year-round. Cost is $6 per child per session (additional material fees may apply). Advance registration and payment are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Bug Club will be held as follows:

Date: Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

"Nature Crafts with Children" is geared for children ages 7 to 12. Participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the Earth by making crafts. Cost is $8 per child per session (includes a $2 material fee). Advance registration and payment are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Nature Crafts with Children will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Time: 3:45 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

"4-H Environmental Kids Club" is for children in grades 2 through 6. Nature is filled with things, big and small, that surprise and help us. Find out how much fun it is to learn about the world. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-353-1338, Ext. 103. 4-H Environmental Kids Club will be held as follows:

Date: Thursday, January 10, 2013
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

"Horticulture for Seniors" is a specially-designed horticulture class for senior citizens that is offered by the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Essex County. This month's topic is Holiday Decorations Using Plants. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. This is a free class. Advance registration is required one week prior to program. For information, call 973-379-5488 or 973-731-0717. Horticulture for Seniors will be held as follows:

Date: Monday, January 14, 2013
Time: 1 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

"Green Kids Club" is for children ages 7 to 12. Discover all areas of environmental science with hands-on fun and service projects. Cost is $6 per child per session (additional material fees may apply). Advance registration and payment are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Green Kids Club will be held as follows:

Date: Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

"Planning Your Vegetable Garden" is for adults. Rutgers Master Gardeners of Essex County will teach the basics of selecting a site for a productive vegetable garden. This workshop will include a discussion of soil fertility and management techniques, planting schedules and plant selection. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Cost is $8 per adult. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Planning Your Vegetable Garden will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

"Birding Hike in Essex County Eagle Rock Reservation" is presented by New Jersey Audubon. Hikers will enjoy beautiful views of Manhattan while discovering the birds of open spaces and woodlands. Meet at the Essex County Eagle Rock September 11th Memorial off of Eagle Rock Avenue. This is a free event. Space is limited. Contact Kelly Wenzel at 973-226-6082 or kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org for more information and to register. Birding Hike is scheduled as follows:

Date: Saturday, January 19, 2013
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Place: Essex County Eagle Rock Avenue
Essex County Eagle Rock September 11th Memorial
Eagle Rock Avenue
West Orange, NJ

"The Nature of New Jersey" is for families and adults. New Jersey Audubon will host a program featuring Pete Bacinski from All Things Birds. Bacinski will present a photographic journey across the Garden State and highlight New Jersey's marvelous natural and scenic wonders. See some of the state's natural treasures through the seasons. Stay for an optional hike through the wooded wetland and Passaic River habitat after the presentation. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Cost is $15 for NJAS members and $20 for non-members. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-226-6082. The Nature of New Jersey will be held as follows:

Date: Saturday, January 19, 2013
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

"Tomorrow's Leaders" is for children ages 7 to 14. Participants will go on a winter hike and discuss good environmental stewardship practices as well as how to "lead" others on the trail. Warm up by the campfire with stories and hot chocolate. Cost is $6 per child. Advance registration required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Tomorrow's Leaders will be held as follows:

Date: Monday, January 21, 2013
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

"Kids in the Kitchen Club" is for children ages 8 to 12. This class will help children who have an interest in cooking develop skills in the kitchen. Participants will make an array of foods and all items will be prepared with a healthy-and-tasty goal in mind. Some examples are pizza, cookies, kale chips, fresh applesauce, and more! Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Cost is $10 per child per session (additional material fees included). Advance registration and payment are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Kids in the Kitchen Club will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Time: 3:45 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

"Winter Scavenger Hunt" is for families. A nature guide will lead participants through the woods where every item awaits hunting eyes. Collect them all and receive a special surprise back at the Environmental Center! Rain will cancel this program. Cost is $8 per adult and $6 per child. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Winter Scavenger Hunt will be held as follows:

Date: Saturday, January 26, 2013
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

"New Jersey Woodturners" is for adults. Learn to turn with the NJ Woodturners Association. Discover the wonders of creating art from found pieces of wood. Topics vary month to month. Cost is $8 per adult and free for NJWA members. For information, call 973-228-8776. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. New Jersey Woodturners will meet as follows:

Date: Monday, January 28, 2013
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

"How to Make Your Home More Environmentally-Friendly" is for adults. There are many simple things homeowners can do in their home and yard to improve energy efficiency, reduce water usage, and have less impact on the environment. Rutgers Cooperative Extension staff will teach the basics of home water conservation, efficient lawn management, and reduced chemical use. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Cost is $8 per adult. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. How to Make Your Home More Environmentally Friendly will be held as follows:

Date: Thursday, January 31, 2013
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

February Events at the Essex County Environmental Center

Canoeing on the Passaic River at Octoberfest event
at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland.

A variety of programs are being offered at the Essex County Environmental Center during the month of February that will teach children and adults about nature and help them gain a greater appreciation and understanding of our environment.

Visit the Essex County Environmental Center at 621B Eagle Rock Avenue in Roseland, NJ for environmental education and nature appreciation. With the help of partner groups, their schedule of events and activities include a walk in our woods, discovering habitats, getting pointers on gardening, learning about nature photography and much more.

 Some events scheduled for February include:

"The Colorado Rockies," a fine art photography exhibit by Fred Dammont, on display at the Center during the month of February. Admission is free.

"Little Explorers Winter Nature Program" is a child-caregiver class that uses stories, walks and crafts to develop an awareness and appreciation for science and nature for the child as well as the caregiver. Each week, a different nature or science topic is covered. Cost is $6 per child/session (additional material fees may apply).

"Birding Hike in Essex County Weequahic Park" is presented by New Jersey Audubon and is geared for adults and children over 12. Visit an Essex County oasis while searching for wintering ducks, gulls and passerine birds. All can be viewed along an easy trail around the lake. Meet at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland and we will carpool to the park. This is a free hike. Space is limited. Hikes take place unless trails are impassable due to snow or ice. Hikes will be canceled is there is heavy rain or snow. Contact Kelly Wenzel at 973-226-6082 for more information and to register. Birding Hike is scheduled for Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 8 a.m.

"Maple Sugaring" is presented by New Jersey Audubon for children ages 4 to 12 and their family. Participants will "tap" a maple tree, collect some sap and make some maple syrup before returning to the Environmental Center for hot chocolate and sugar snacks. Cost is $5 for NJAS members and $7 for non-members. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-226-6082. Maple Sugaring will be held Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 10:30 a.m.

"Birding Hike in Essex County Hatfield Swamp" is presented by New Jersey Audubon and is geared for adults and children over 12. Hikers will spend the morning searching for birds and other animals of winter. Meet in the parking lot of Stop and Shop in West Caldwell. Cost is $6 for NJAS members and $8 for non-members. Space is limited. Hikes take place unless trails are impassable due to snow or ice. Hikes will be canceled is there is heavy rain or snow. Contact Kelly Wenzel at 973-226-6082 for more information and to register. Saturday, February 18, 8 a.m. Meeting site: Stop and Shop Supermarket, Bloomfield Avenue, West Caldwell.

"Three-Day Short Course on Beekeeping" is presented by the Essex County Beekeepers Society for adults and children ages 12 and older. This short course is appropriate for new beekeepers as well as those who need a refresher. Participants will be taken through a full year of beekeeping, including purchasing and assembling equipment to harvesting, extracting, and bottling honey. Basics of disease and mite management and control will be covered. Scholarships for this course are available to young people ages 12-22. Visit www.njbeekeepers.org for more details. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Cost is $90 per person and includes ECBS/NJBA membership, continental breakfast, and afternoon snack. For more information and to register, contact Pat Gamsby at BJORNLASS@AOL.COM or 973-227-2808. E-Mail is the best means of contacting Pat. Beekeeping Course will be held Saturdays, February 18 & 25; Field Day TBA Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.


Registration is required for most programs at the Essex County Environmental Center. For more information or to register, please call 973-228-8776.


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