Objective
Creation of the 3.5 mile Hackensack River Greenway through Teaneck. The Greenway contains a pedestrian walkway and
nature trail. Native vegetation is being encouraged within the Greenway to protect and improve the Hackensack River by
creating a natural, green buffer between Teaneck's developed area and the river. One of the key activities is to work
with the Township to add additional segments along the river.
Background
The idea of increasing recreational use of the Hackensack River has been around for a long time. In the 1970s there was a
plan to dam the river and create the Lake Hackensack Recreation Area. Today, planners are thinking in terms of preservation
oriented greenways along the edge of the river.
• Several municipalities already have built sections of pathway and more are underway. The Greenway will link with
pathways planned by immediately adjacent towns.
• The Greenway will extend from Terhune Park, at its southern end, to Historic New Bridge Landing at its northern end.
• A naturalized buffer is being planted where the Greenway runs along the river.
• An increasing number of Interpretive signs, developed by Prof. Rick Mills, have been installed at intervals along the
Greenway, describing the flora, fauna and historic attractions of the area.
• The Greenway Friends conducts guided walking tours along the Greenway. The tours include discussions of the ecology
and history of this unique part of the Hackensack River and Teaneck. There are special walks for families, students, birders,
and photographers.
Recreation
The Hackensack River Greenway through Teaneck provides a peaceful and quiet environment. It is intended for walking,
jogging, observing nature or just sitting and relaxing.
Conservation
Wildlife Habitat: One of the goals shared by the Friends and the Township is to encourage the return of fish and wildlife
indigenous to the area by restoring native vegetation. The Hackensack River is on the Eastern Flyway and is a stopping point
for egrets, swans, herons, cormorants, and loons, among others.
Water Quality: Native trees, shrubs, and grasses help control erosion of the riverbank, prevent flooding, and purify storm
water by trapping sediments and absorbing pollution before it reaches the river.
Education
Access to the river provides an opportunity for young and old to learn about the ecology and history of the Hackensack River,
its beauty, and the important role it plays in all our lives. Class trips for children and walking tours for adults will help develop
a community of aware citizens who will be advocates for an environmentally safe and clean Hackensack River.
The Task Force
Teaneck's Hackensack River Greenway Advisory Board (formerly Task Force) was established to design and develop
the Hackensack River Greenway through Teaneck. A planning study, completed in 1995, forms the basis for the current
efforts. All work done by the Friends of the Greenway is coordinated with the Advisory Board.
Credits
This document was prepared with the aid of a grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Office
of Intergovernmental Affairs, Environmental Services Program.
Preparation assistance was provided by the USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Services, Morristown, NJ and
Hakim Associates, Landscape Architects and Planners, Harrington Park, NJ.
The following agencies cooperated in this project:
Teaneck Environmental Commission
Teaneck Hackensack River Greenway Advisory Board
Teaneck Park, Playgrounds and Recreation Advisory Board
Teaneck Planning Board
Teaneck Historic Preservation Commission
Bergen County, Department of Planning and Economic Development
Friends of Historic New Bridge Landing
