TENAFLY—Nestled in the heart of Bergen County, Tenafly Nature Center (TNC) offers a unique blend of environmental preservation, outdoor exploration, and education. For more than 60 years, this independent, nonprofit, member-supported nature preserve has served as both a sanctuary for wildlife and a vital resource for the community.
With nearly 400 acres of protected forest and over seven miles of trails, TNC invites visitors to reconnect with nature while fostering a lifelong appreciation for the environment.
A Place to Explore and Connect
At TNC, every season offers something new to discover. The centerpiece of the preserve is Pfister’s Pond, a tranquil 3-acre water feature alive with dragonflies, turtles, and migratory birds. Surrounding it are lush woodlands, bubbling brooks, and trails that wind past blooming wildflowers in spring and the vibrant reds and golds of autumn.
Squirrels scamper among the branches, deer slip through the trees, and the distant drumming of woodpeckers provides the soundtrack to a peaceful hike. Whether you’re looking to unplug for a few hours or immerse yourself in local ecology, TNC has something for everyone.
Forest School: Learning, Naturally
Among its many programs, TNC’s Forest School stands out as a transformative experience for children ages 1.5 to 7. This outdoor learning program immerses young learners in nature, allowing them to explore, discover, and grow through play and hands-on activities.
At Forest School, says TNC, children spend 95% to 100% of their time outdoors, rain or shine, adapting to the seasons and embracing the wonders of the natural world. The program is available in several formats, including full-year, afternoon, and family sessions, ensuring flexibility for every family.
The philosophy behind Forest School is simple: children learn best through meaningful play in a supportive, outdoor environment. Educators encourage curiosity and confidence by allowing kids to engage in age-appropriate risks, from climbing logs to using tools like shovels and hammers. These activities build resilience, problem-solving skills, and a lifelong connection to the environment.
Parents say they love the program: “Absolutely wonderful nature space and their Forest Preschool program is truly a gem! The outdoor classroom lends itself to creativity and freedom,” reported a parent from the 2021–2022 session.
Skills That Last a Lifetime
Forest School nurtures the whole child, developing physical, cognitive, and social-emotional skills:
- Physical: Climbing, running, shelter building, and hiking strengthen coordination and confidence.
- Cognitive: Nature observation fosters literacy and language development, while activities like counting and measuring introduce math concepts.
- Social-emotional: Free play and teamwork encourage relationships, conflict resolution, and self-confidence.
- Environmental: First-hand experiences with local ecosystems inspire stewardship and care for the natural world.
Through play, children learn to assess and navigate challenges safely, whether balancing on a log or splashing in a stream. This intentional approach helps build confidence and resilience while cultivating a sense of wonder.
A Walk Through History
The Tenafly area wasn’t always this bustling suburban hub. As wildlife illustrator Michael Bevans wrote in a 1987 TNC newsletter, the 1930s saw far fewer homes and far more open space.
“The great East Hill forest…was so large it was difficult to determine what creatures might be living there. Deer moved in the area with great frequency, red and gray foxes were there, and I saw the tracks of what could only be bobcat on two occasions.”
Bevans described a landscape teeming with frogs, birds, and other wildlife, a stark contrast to today’s suburban sprawl. His reflections highlight the importance of conservation efforts like those at TNC, ensuring that future generations can experience nature as it once was.
A Community Effort
TNC thrives thanks to the dedication of its members, donors, and volunteers. Every contribution helps maintain trails, protect habitats, and fund educational programs that reach more than 26,000 people annually.
Whether it’s volunteering to restore a trail or donating to support wildlife conservation, every act of support ensures that TNC remains a haven for nature and a resource for the community.
Tenafly Nature Center boasts many events and programs, including a vibrant Forest School. For information, visit tenaflynaturecenter.org or contact info@tenaflync.org or 201-568-6093.
This feature appears in print in the December 2024 Northern Valley Press. Never miss an issue! It’s free, and we ship via PDF to your inbox. Subscribe at thepressgroup.net.