Closter Nature Center
Ruckman Road, Closter, Bergen County, New Jersey
136 acres

in the center of Closter, in the lower part of the triangle created by Ruckman Road, Herbert Avenue and Blanche Avenue. 

Directions:

Heading northeast on Ruckman Road, turn right (east) and into the park entrance.

History:

1961  --  the area was threatened by development, so the town started thinking about establishing a nature center instead.

1962  --  a public association was incorporated. The Borough leased approximately 80 acres to The Association. More land was added over the years, some with the assistance of State and local Green Acres programs.

1967  --a building for meetings and classes was erected.

1985  --  more land added and lease extended for 50 years.

Habitats:

ponds, brooks, meadows and forests

Activities:

hiking, picnicking, photographing wildflowers, watching birds

Trails:

The Nature Center is located on the north side of  Ruckman Pond. From the Nature area the white trail heads northwest to Blanche Avenue not far from the Closter Swim Club. A number of side trails go off from the white trail: the orange trail explores the west and southwestern parts of the area; the green trail explores the eastern and southeastern parts and Willow Brook; the yellow trail covers the northern part of the preserve. 

Source:

The Closter Nature Center: http://www.closterboro.com/organization/cns_hp.htm