The James A. McFaul Environmental Center, located in River Edge, NJ, is a one-of-a-kind environmental education and conservation facility that serves as a model for environmental stewardship and sustainability. The center is located on a 32-acre site with a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and meadows, making it an ideal location for visitors to experience and learn about nature.
The Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders established the McFaul Center in 1976, and it has since become a cornerstone of the county’s environmental education programs. The mission of the center is to raise awareness and appreciation for the natural world, foster an understanding of the interdependence of all living things, and encourage environmental stewardship.
The McFaul Center provides a diverse array of educational programs and activities for people of all ages. School groups can take guided tours and participate in hands-on activities that are designed to meet the Core Curriculum Content Standards of New Jersey. Summer camps, nature walks, and workshops on topics ranging from composting and organic gardening to bird watching and wildlife photography are also available at the center.
The Environmental Center Building, which features a “green roof” covered in vegetation to help reduce energy consumption and stormwater runoff, is one of the center’s main attractions. A rainwater harvesting system collects and stores rainwater for use in the center’s gardens, and solar panels provide a portion of the center’s electricity needs.
The trails and habitats of the McFaul Center are home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, and visitors can explore the wetlands, forests, and meadows on foot or by bike. The trails at the center are well-kept and include interpretive signs that provide information about the plants and animals found in each habitat. The trails also provide breathtaking views of the Hackensack River, which flows along the McFaul Center’s property.
The McFaul Center is dedicated to conservation and restoration efforts, and it has launched a number of projects to protect and improve the natural environment. For example, the center has worked to restore wetlands that have been harmed by development and pollution, and it has implemented a number of energy and water-saving strategies.
The McFaul Center is a popular venue for events and gatherings in addition to its environmental education and conservation programs. The center has a large auditorium that seats up to 150 people and a smaller meeting room that seats up to 50 people. Picnic areas, a pavilion, and a playground are also available on the center’s grounds, making it an ideal location for family gatherings and community events.
For its dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship, the McFaul Center has received numerous honors and awards. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection named the center a “Sustainable Jersey Certified Green Business” in 2018. The Bergen County Audubon Society has also recognized the center for its efforts to promote bird habitat conservation, and it has been designated a “Wildlife Habitat” by the National Wildlife Federation.
Finally, the James A. McFaul Environmental Center is a one-of-a-kind and priceless resource for the people of Bergen County and beyond. Because of the center’s dedication to environmental education, conservation, and sustainability, it has become a model for other organizations and institutions to emulate. Whether you want to learn about the natural world, get involved in conservation efforts, or simply enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, the McFaul Center has something for you. So, why not plan a visit today to see what this incredible facility has to offer?
