One thing the Covid-19 pandemic brought home was the importance of public lands and outdoor recreation for Americans during lock-down. Visitation at Great Swamp NWR doubled during the 3-month shut-down as visitors flocked to the refuge to bird, take photographs, observe nature, exercise – or just get outdoors.
So, here is one easy and effective way to express your appreciation and to ensure that public lands continue to be available for refuge and recreation. Buy a Federal Duck Stamp.
The Federal Duck Stamp program was started in 1934 as a way to generate a steady revenue to purchase wetlands and wildlife habitat for refuges. It is one of the most successful conservation programs ever initiated. More than 6 million acres of habitat have been acquired and more than 300 national wildlife refuges were created or expanded using Federal Duck Stamp dollars – including Great Swamp!
Wait a minute, you say! Aren’t duck stamps for hunters? Well – yes … and no.
Waterfowl hunters are required to purchase a duck stamp. But all of us who enjoy the beauty and richness of Great Swamp NWR do so for free. There is no entrance fee required and you may visit as often as you like.
The number of hunters is dwindling so it’s up to those of us who enjoy refuges (like Great Swamp and Wallkill and Forsythe – to name a few) to fill the income gap in order to insure the survival of our natural resources. Won’t you do your part and buy a Federal Duck Stamp this year? And even though Great Swamp NWR provides free access, the stamp serves as an entrance pass for refuges that do charge a fee.
Stamps are $25 and are available at many refuges, some post offices and the Friends Nature Shop. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the Nature Shop is closed. However, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope and a check for $25 and we will mail you a Federal Duck Stamp.
This is the future of national wildlife refuges. Thank you for putting your stamp on conservation. Enjoy your national wildlife refuge!
Mail your check to: Friends of Great Swamp NWR, 32 Pleasant Plains Road, Basking Ridge NJ 07920