MORRISTOWN, NJ – In response to the overwhelming success of Morris County Park Commission’s annual 5K races, the fourth-annual 5K cross country race, Tackle the Trail 5K & 1-Mile Fitness/Dog Walk will be held on Sunday, April 14, 2013. This event takes place at Central Park of Morris County in Parsippany on a course featuring soft rolling hills and a mixture of grass, gravel, and natural trail surfaces with beautiful views. Registrants enjoy custom t-shirts, awards, raffle prizes, music, and refreshments. Admission for this event costs $20 if you preregister and $25 on the day of the race. Preregistration ends on April 11.

Schedule:
7 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. Registration
9 a.m. 1-mile fitness/ dog walk Start
9:15 a.m. 5K Start
10:15 a.m. Awards and post race party (approximate time)

Last year, Tackle the Trail 5K attracted over 300 runners and walkers. Participants ranged in ages from 8 to 79 and traveled from the tri-state area of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

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Morris County Park Commission, is one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey, currently protects and maintains 18,600 acres at 38 distinct sites and a year-round calendar of events and activities.

MORRISTOWN, NJ – Right in your own backyard, there is a unique gateway between true wilderness and civilization. Celebrating its 50th year, the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center located in Chatham Township, which almost became an airport, is inviting the public on Saturday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to enjoy this unique ecosystem through a myriad activities. There will be live animal shows, music, guided tours, nature games, displays, and hands-on educational activities to entertain all ages.

In 1959, forces were conspiring to pave over large swaths of the Great Swamp to create an international airport. Area residents formed the Great Swamp Committee to save this unique ecosystem. As part of this effort, the Morris County Park Commission purchased approximately 45 acres on the eastern end of the swamp in 1963, and allowed NJ Audubon staff to give tours, raising awareness to protect the area. Today, the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center hosts thousands of people annually to teach them what could have been lost and what remains to be accomplished.

Did you know, for example, that one critical feature of the Great Swamp is that its five streams, Upper Passaic River, Black Brook, Great Brook, Loantaka Brook, and Primrose Brook, all drain into the Passaic River, a resource that provides over one million people with drinking water? And so consequently, the quality of water in the watershed affects the quality of the Passaic River.

Today the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center hosts school and scout tours, and offers programs such as Lenape Day, Maple Sugar Festival, Baby & Me Hikes, summer camp programs, and much more.

For more information, please visit www.morrisparks.net.

### The Morris County Park Commission, the largest park system in the state of New Jersey, currently protects and maintains 18,600 acres at 38 distinct sites and a year-round calendar of events and activities.