About Demarest Nature Center

Preserving nature and inspiring environmental stewardship since 1971

Introduction to the Center

Demarest Nature Center, Trestle Bridge Trail

The Birth of the Demarest Nature Center

In 1971, a group of citizens began to address the issue of preserving some of the remaining open spaces in Demarest. Of particular interest was a parcel of town-owned land bordered by Columbus Road on the west and County Road on the east. The piece wrapped around Wakelee Field and the Demarest Swim Club and included acreage on both sides of the railroad tracks. It was also contiguous to a protected wooded area in the neighboring borough of Closter. Sections of the tract had been used for many years as an open dump, but other parts included acres of virgin woodland.

The committee appealed to the Demarest Mayor and Council to set aside the land as a protected natural preserve and, after much discussion, the administration agreed to a two-year trial period which temporarily protected it from development. On the fourth of December, 1972, a group of 15 individuals, 14 of them from Demarest, formally signed incorporation papers bringing into legal existence the Demarest Nature Center Association, a not-for-profit corporation. Luther Lee Emerson was elected to be its first president. In 1973, again after considerable debate, the mayor and Council granted the Association a 41-year lease, for the sum of $1.00 per year.

Originally, the association had requested that 77 acres be included in the nature center. However, the final number of acres was reduced to 55, with 22 acres reserved for possible DPW or recreational uses. Nevertheless, from the point of view of the wildlife living in the nature center, the protected area is much larger than 55—or even 77—acres, including Wakelee Field, the Demarest Imagination Playground, the Swim Club, areas used by the DPW, and the contiguous Closter tract.

Growth of the Demarest Nature Center

Since 1971, The Demarest Nature Center Association, in cooperation with the people of Demarest, has been working toward the fulfillment of the original goals. A full history has yet to be written, but some of the highlights are included here.

The first of the annual "clean up the woods days" was held on the eigth of April 1972. Since the area had been neglected for years and actually included an old dump, volunteers pulled out an amazing amount and variety of refuse. An entire 40′ Dumpster, parked in the swim club parking lot, was filled to capacity. The refuse included tires, paint buckets, construction materials, discarded clothes and toys, an automobile engine block and fender, discarded beverage and food containers, and much, much more.

The 1973 clean-up was much the same, including another engine block and more tires. Thankfully, clean-up days held in recent years have yielded far less.

Over the next few years, trails were laid out, sometimes utilizing pre-existing paths. A newsletter was begun, programs for all ages were held, one bridge was repaired, and another was built. The logo came into being when a Great Blue Heron was spotted wading in the Tenakill Brook in the nature center. Henry Duffy, the son of Dr. Philip Duffy, one of the original trustees, sketched the large bird and incorporated the drawing into the logo used today.

Preservation and Conservation

At the heart of our mission lies a commitment to preserving and protecting the 55 acres of meadows, forests, and wetlands that make up the Demarest Nature Center. Through active stewardship and community engagement, we work to maintain this vital green space for current and future generations.

🌳 Habitat Protection

Our preserve provides critical habitat for a diverse array of native wildlife, including:

Songbirds and migratory species
Mammals such as deer, foxes, and small woodland creatures
Reptiles and amphibians including turtles and salamanders
Countless invertebrate species essential to ecosystem health

We actively monitor these populations and work to maintain and improve their habitats through careful trail management and minimal intervention practices.

💧 Watershed Conservation

The Tenakill Brook runs through our preserve, serving as a vital watershed component. Our conservation efforts include:

Regular water quality monitoring
Riparian buffer zone protection
Erosion control measures
Education about stream ecology and watershed health

Protecting this waterway ensures clean water flows downstream and supports aquatic life throughout the region.

🌿 Native Plant Stewardship

We prioritize the preservation of native plant communities while managing invasive species that threaten ecosystem balance:

Identification and removal of invasive plant species
Native tree and wildflower preservation
Meadow management for pollinator support
Educational programs about native flora

Our volunteers regularly participate in invasive species removal days and native planting initiatives.

🛤️ Trail and Infrastructure Maintenance

Maintaining our trails and infrastructure in an environmentally sensitive manner is crucial to preservation:

Regular trail maintenance to prevent erosion
Bridge and boardwalk upkeep to protect wetlands
Strategic placement of infrastructure to minimize environmental impact
Seasonal trail assessments and improvements

Our approach balances accessibility for visitors with minimal disturbance to wildlife and natural processes.

📚 Education and Stewardship

Education is fundamental to long-term conservation success. We foster environmental stewardship through:

K-4 school programs teaching ecological principles
Public workshops on conservation topics
Citizen science initiatives including bird counts and species surveys
Junior naturalist programs for young conservationists

By inspiring the next generation, we ensure the preserve will be valued and protected for decades to come.

🤝 Community Partnerships

Effective preservation requires collaboration with various stakeholders:

Cooperation with the Borough of Demarest
Partnership with neighboring Closter's protected lands
Coordination with state and county environmental agencies
Engagement with local conservation organizations

Together, we protect a much larger contiguous habitat than the 55 acres of our preserve alone.

Our Commitment

The Demarest Nature Center Association remains dedicated to the preservation mandate established in our 1972 charter. With support from our members, volunteers, and the broader community, we will continue to protect this invaluable natural resource. Every membership, donation, and volunteer hour contributes directly to conservation efforts that benefit both wildlife and people.

Help us preserve this natural treasure—become a member, volunteer, or make a donation today.

A Volunteer-Run Organization

Demarest Nature Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization run entirely by dedicated volunteers. We receive no funding from the Borough of Demarest, relying instead on the generosity of our members, donors, and the countless hours contributed by our volunteers.

Education Programs

Supporting comprehensive K-4 environmental education programs in local schools

Scholarships

Providing annual scholarships for high school seniors pursuing environmental studies

Community Events

Hosting birdhouse building, maple syrup making, trail walks, photo contests, and our annual Oktoberfest Craft Show

Join Us in Our Mission

Help us continue preserving this natural treasure for future generations. Your support makes all our programs possible.

Become a Member Volunteer Donate