Thank you for your interest in SAWGG! We are a private, non-profit social club for hobbyists in Northwest corner of New Jersey, commonly referred to as “The Skylands“. Our Mission is to cultivate a sense of community and foster new friendships among hobbyists. We achieve this via twice-monthly meetings, field trips, and private social media for shared experiences, celebrating hobby achievements, and exchanging ideas, livestock, plants, and supplies.
SAWGG differs from traditional “aquarium societies” in several intentional ways. Incorporated as a private social club following 501(c)7 guidelines, our purpose is to serve our Members by providing them frequent opportunities to interact (unlike a 501(c)3 or 4 which serve or educate the public). Consequently, our meetings are not open to the general public. Seating is around tables to engage fellow hobbyists. We curate our membership and enforce a code of conduct. We do not hold public fundraisers nor raffles. We spend our treasury on our Members and keep reserves low.
Our regular activities include:
- Monthly Meetings in Denville, Morris County on Friday evenings at 6:30pm (Sunday afternoons in Winter) featuring:
- mingling and socializing around tables with other Skylands hobbyists
- short presentations and live demos by Members
- door prize and tricky trays of new aquarium products
- live auction of member-bred fish, plants, and new dry goods
- Bowl Show
- club library
- FREE table
- potluck table with food & refreshments
- Monthly Events may include a renowned guest speaker via Google Meet; nature-based field trip; shop hops; kayaking; picnics; and tours of Members’ fishrooms and ponds.
- Private Facebook Group active 24/7 allowing Members to share pics/videos, seek advice, and stay connected between in-person events.
- Group Buys of fish, plants, and supplies.
Our Code of Conduct ensures a respectful, safe, and inclusive environment for all Members and visitors. Compliance is required at all club functions. Failure to adhere will result in expulsion and revocation of membership.
- Respect & Courtesy: Members are expected to treat each other with kindness. Rude, argumentative, or harassing behavior is not tolerated.
- Inclusive Communication: Members must refrain from making others uncomfortable via polarizing, provocative, and controversial statements and expletive language – be it spoken (direct or overheard) or displayed (e.g. clothing).
- Good hygiene is expected at all live gatherings. Smoking and vaping are prohibited at all live functions regardless of venue allowances.
Interested in visiting or joining the Skylands Aquarium & Water Garden Group?
As of 2024, new SAWGG members are required to:
- meet our Skylands Residency Requirement.
- be age 18 or older.
- keep aquariums or water gardens (tank or pond).
- agree to follow our Code of Conduct (above)
- have no indictable or felony convictions evidencing moral failure.
If you share our passion for aquatic life and want to connect with fellow Skylands hobbyists, reach out to us here to request an invitation to attend one of our live meetings as our guest.
Skylands Aquarium & Water Garden Group 