20 E. Oakdene Avenue, Teaneck, NJ 07666
Phone: (201) 836-2403
www.teaneckcreek.org
Bergen County Parks Department
Turn Right out of Overpeck Park onto Fort Lee Road. At the 2nd traffic signal turn Right. After 2/10 of a mile turn Right onto East Oakdene Avenue. Proceed down short hill where a new parking lot to the left is due for completion in 2006, or use the Puffin Cultural Forum parking lot on the Right. Map
NJ Transit Bus Line No. 167 stops at Teaneck Road and Hillside Avenue. Walking distance 1 block. Conservancy is across the street at the bottom of East Oakdene Avenue.
Teaneck Creek Conservancy offers three different trail systems. Pick up a copy of their trail map at the kiosk by the Puffin Cultural Forum parking lot. Make sure you stay on the marked trails; potential flooding is a concern. Wooded areas have ticks; use tick repellent in all but the coldest months.
The Red Trail leads to the Lenape Turtle Labyrinth Garden. The labyrinth walk was created with concrete slabs that had been carelessly dumped in the area years ago. Instead of having this refuse removed and dumped elsewhere, the conservancy found a creative way to recycle it.
 |
| Migration Milepost | Rachel Banai |
| |
| | Enjoy a nature walk through a forested freshwater wetland on 1.2 miles of trails and boardwalks in Bergen County’s newest park. As you walk the trails, you will see wildlife, trees that are hundreds of years old and ecological art or “eco-art.” This 46-acre “Little Eden” is a remnant of the historic New Jersey Meadowlands that, although a former dump site, is undergoing a major transformation, including restoration of urban wetlands by Rutgers University scientists. Visit the website to combine your visit to this park with special educational programs, performances, and exhibitions at the Teaneck Creek Conservancy, Puffin Cultural Forum, and Puffin Gallery.
Don’t miss the “Migration Mileposts” — trailside artworks created out of recycled concrete debris, by acclaimed artist Lynne Hull, that
celebrates birds of the Atlantic Flyway. Pick up a brochure for upcoming events at the kiosk by the Puffin Cultural Forum parking lot.
Birds and wildlife are active in the cold weather. In late fall and early winter, White-throated Sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco start to appear. Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, American Robin, American Goldfinch and various sparrows all remain for the winter. Peer into the underbrush in search of the tiny Winter Wren with its tail upright and look for the larger Fox Sparrow if it is a mild winter. Also look for red fox, coyote and common raccoon tracks in the snow.
Spring brings with it a chorus of Red-winged Blackbirds often found grasping the tall stems of phragmites. The American Robin, having perhaps wintered in these woods, begins to claim its territory — singing almost non-stop. Another year-round resident is the Red-bellied Woodpecker, that derives its name from the rarely seen pinkish-red spot on its belly. You may be lucky enough to see one if you observe quietly and focus on old snags. Trout lilies, with their delicate yellow blooms, start their display in mid to late April. A flash of bright orange may yield a Baltimore Oriole staking out its territory. Late in the day, green and bull frogs begin to call, along with American Woodcock. Yellow-rumped, Black-and-white and Yellow Warblers can also
be found.
Although the summer months do not seem as exciting as spring, many birds including the Wood Thrush and Northern Cardinal are
busily raising their young. You might even spot a Ring-necked Pheasant. Several species of colorful warblers also nest in the area, including Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat and American Redstart.
As August winds down the fall migration is just beginning. September is a great time to experience the migration of passerines, raptors and even monarch butterflies. Although warblers are often more difficult to identify in their fall plumages, with a little practice you may find Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green Warblers and the Common Yellowthroat moving through the area.
|