Teaneck Creek Conservancy
A Big Idea Becomes Reality: The Teaneck Creek Conservancy
It is a big idea: to transform a neglected and abused urban forested wetland
into a public park where nature, art, science and community join forces.
Instead of a mall or a dump, a real place of healing for people and nature.
It would take concern for the welfare of people and our earth. It would
require leadership, vision, skill, cooperation, patience and lots of hard work.
Fortunately, in 2000, concerned leadership emerged when Perry and Gladys Rosenstein and their Puffin Foundation envisioned a better future for this 46 - acre place in the northern NJ Meadowlands.
Initial meetings held by the Rosensteins with wildlife biologist Ken Scarlatelli, Teaneck Parks Advisory Board chair Wally Cowan, artist Richard Kirk Mills and landscape architect Blair Hines produced a vision of a “people’s park” conceived as a work of art with access trails, outdoor nature education, wetlands rehabilitation, and an active program of eco art and community engagement, free and open to all.
The Rosenstein’s commitment to this vision attracted the imagination and
energy of countless talented local people. Environmentalists, grant writers,
historians, artists, scientists, educators, students, political leaders, neighbors,and volunteers met frequently to offer their ideas. They became the core of this new non profit organization, partnering with Bergen County Parks.
Today the Teaneck Creek Conservancy is recognized in New Jersey and the nation as an outstanding model of a citizen lead organization dedicated to community arts and environmental education. We are supported by your
membership, and by state, county and foundation grants and by local
businesses and community volunteers. Congratulations and thank you all.
A new history is being written now. From the Native American Lenape
who lived right here to our current neighbors on Fycke Lane, please join
with us as we go full circle.
To become a supporter and to find out more about TCC visit:
http://www.teaneckcreek.org/