Don's Jersey Birding: Teaneck Creek; A Visit to Eden
Photos courtesy of Mike Malzone
by Don Torino
A Red-Shouldered Hawk sits perched looking over its lowland hardwood forest domain. A Kingfisher rockets along a picturesque backwoods stream. The Hairy Woodpecker drums on an old Sweet Birch telling all who enter this wondrous woodland of his presence. One may think this scene is taking place within one of our vast state forests of Sussex or Hunterdon County, but it’s not. It is taking place within a 46-acre preserve in a heavily populated area in suburban Bergen County.
Dubbed “The Little Eden,” Teaneck Creek Conservancy (TCC) contains an amazing mix of wildlife trails, ecology and art that make it a sanctuary for not only wildlife, but for people as well. For decades, this area of Teaneck was used as a dumping ground. Debris from the construction of routes 80 and 95 was left behind. As if by magic, the debris was turned into wonderful pieces of eco-art that make this nature preserve unique.
Devery Volpe, Executive Director of TCC, speaks about the conservancy with much love and pride. “We demonstrate how you can turn left behind pieces of waste into beautiful recyclable art and at the same time create critical habitat for wildlife.“
A Red-Shouldered Hawk sits perched looking over its lowland hardwood forest domain. A Kingfisher rockets along a picturesque backwoods stream. The Hairy Woodpecker drums on an old Sweet Birch telling all who enter this wondrous woodland of his presence. One may think this scene is taking place within one of our vast state forests of Sussex or Hunterdon County, but it’s not. It is taking place within a 46-acre preserve in a heavily populated area in suburban Bergen County.
Dubbed “The Little Eden,” Teaneck Creek Conservancy (TCC) contains an amazing mix of wildlife trails, ecology and art that make it a sanctuary for not only wildlife, but for people as well. For decades, this area of Teaneck was used as a dumping ground. Debris from the construction of routes 80 and 95 was left behind. As if by magic, the debris was turned into wonderful pieces of eco-art that make this nature preserve unique.
Devery Volpe, Executive Director of TCC, speaks about the conservancy with much love and pride. “We demonstrate how you can turn left behind pieces of waste into beautiful recyclable art and at the same time create critical habitat for wildlife.“
It was not magic, however, that turned this place into what it is today. In 2001, a group of environmentalists, artists, and educators joined forces with the Puffin Foundation. They worked with community leaders and the Bergen County Parks Department to come up with a plan to save the “Little Eden.” Their efforts were successful. TCC now has an outdoor classroom, Native American labyrinth, nature trails, and interpretive signs. In 2010, the Bergen County Audubon Society formed a partnership with TCC to lead field trips, conduct educational programs to help attract the public, and give them the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful natural area in their own backyards.
The diverse habitats at TCC make it a great birding hotspot. Lowland hardwood forest and fresh water wetlands in this part of the county are at a fraction of what they used to be, which makes this area a great spot for migrants. In Spring, the Warblers make a dramatic return along with nesting Baltimore Orioles, which begin weaving their hanging baskets. Spotted and Solitary Sandpipers stop and feed streamside. Every season brings new birds and renewed excitement.
Beth Goldberg, President of the Bergen County Audubon Society, says “You can find a wide diversity of birds at just about anytime. I still remember seeing my first Rose-breasted Grosbeak there.”
Denise Farrell, who leads many of our field trips at TCC, says, “The silence in such a busy, heavily trafficked area is amazing.”
The diverse habitats at TCC make it a great birding hotspot. Lowland hardwood forest and fresh water wetlands in this part of the county are at a fraction of what they used to be, which makes this area a great spot for migrants. In Spring, the Warblers make a dramatic return along with nesting Baltimore Orioles, which begin weaving their hanging baskets. Spotted and Solitary Sandpipers stop and feed streamside. Every season brings new birds and renewed excitement.
Beth Goldberg, President of the Bergen County Audubon Society, says “You can find a wide diversity of birds at just about anytime. I still remember seeing my first Rose-breasted Grosbeak there.”
Denise Farrell, who leads many of our field trips at TCC, says, “The silence in such a busy, heavily trafficked area is amazing.”
In the heart of tremendous traffic jams, hotels, and housing, lies Teaneck Creek Conservancy, a place where both wildlife and people can stop, rest, and revitalize themselves as they continue on life’s hard journey. Visit soon, it does the heart well.
Bergen County Audubon Society conducts free nature walks on the first Tuesday and third Sunday of every month at 9:30 AM. For more information, e-mail Greatauk4@aol.com
Join David Wheeler on Thursday, March 31, 2011 at the Teaneck Creek Conservancy at 7:00 PM for a special Wild New Jersey book presentation and question and answer session with Captain Bill Sheehan.
For more information on the Teaneck Creek Conservancy, visit www.teaneckcreek.org
Bergen County Audubon Society conducts free nature walks on the first Tuesday and third Sunday of every month at 9:30 AM. For more information, e-mail Greatauk4@aol.com
Join David Wheeler on Thursday, March 31, 2011 at the Teaneck Creek Conservancy at 7:00 PM for a special Wild New Jersey book presentation and question and answer session with Captain Bill Sheehan.
For more information on the Teaneck Creek Conservancy, visit www.teaneckcreek.org
Don Torino is the Education Chairperson for Bergen County Audubon Society.
Posted by WILDNEWJERSEY at 3/29/2011 10:00 AM 
Categories: Don's Jersey Birding
Tags: Teaneck Creek Little Eden Teaneck Creek Conservancy wildlife Bergen County Audubon Society
Categories: Don's Jersey Birding
Tags: Teaneck Creek Little Eden Teaneck Creek Conservancy wildlife Bergen County Audubon Society
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