Veolia, Woodcliff Lake to open new walking trail, host reservoir cleanup

September 26, 2024 John Snyder Hillsdale, Park Ridge, Pascack Press, Woodcliff Lake
Finn the Green Gobbler, Veolia's massive fish sculpture with an even bigger message about protecting our planet, is unveiled at Woodcliff Reservoir in spring 2023 to celebrate Earth Month – and to encourage residents to take action to protect the watershed. At 11 feet long, Finn is constructed from repurposed metals and is hollow so visitors to the reservoir can fill it with plastic debris they find in the area. Finn’s belly is big enough to hold more than 15 trash bags of plastic bottles. John Snyder photo.
Finn the Green Gobbler, Veolia's massive fish sculpture with an even bigger message about protecting our planet, is unveiled at Woodcliff Reservoir in spring 2023 to celebrate Earth Month – and to encourage residents to take action to protect the watershed. At 11 feet long, Finn is constructed from repurposed metals and is hollow so visitors to the reservoir can fill it with plastic debris they find in the area. Finn’s belly is big enough to hold more than 15 trash bags of plastic bottles. John Snyder photo.

WOODCLIFF LAKE— Veolia North America and the Borough of Woodcliff Lake will celebrate the long-awaited opening of the Woodcliff Lake Reservoir Nature Trail this Saturday morning as part of Veolia’s Watershed Recreation Program. This 1.5-mile trail, located along the reservoir’s eastern boundary, has been a decade in the making and offers residents a scenic path through the area’s natural beauty.

According to Veolia communication director Debra Vial in an email to Pascack Press Thursday afternoon, in addition to the trail opening the borough will host a reservoir cleanup event to raise awareness about the new trail and encourage community engagement in environmental stewardship. Vial said Woodcliff Lake residents will be granted free memberships to the Watershed Recreation Program through the end of the year, providing access to hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities at Veolia’s reservoirs.

Officials from Hillsdale, Park Ridge, and Woodcliff Lake have been working with Veolia for years to bring the Woodcliff Lake Reservoir Nature Trail to fruition. The project was approved by the state’s Watershed Property Review Board in 2019. This approval included requirements for specific property easements and municipal responsibilities, which have been a key part of the collaborative effort between Veolia and the three municipalities.

The Watershed Recreation Program also includes other family-friendly activities and environmental education opportunities, such as the Reservoir Rangers program for children ages 5 to 12. Members can enjoy hiking, fishing, and bird watching at reservoirs in both New Jersey and New York.

The opening marks a significant step in the collaboration between Veolia and local municipalities, who have worked together to bring this trail to life for residents and nature lovers alike.

For more information or to join the Watershed Recreation Program, visit Veolia.