EcoExplorer: Tenakill Brook
Discover the vital watershed flowing through our preserve
About Tenakill Brook
Tenakill Brook is more than just a stream—it's a vital lifeline running through the Demarest Nature Center. Starting in Closter and winding its way through Demarest, this brook ultimately flows into the Hackensack River, connecting our preserve to the larger watershed that sustains life throughout Bergen County.
As you stand beside the brook, take a moment to listen. The gentle babble of water over rocks tells a story of constant motion and change. This brook has shaped the landscape around it for thousands of years, carving its path through rock and soil, creating habitats for countless species of plants and animals.
The banks of Tenakill Brook are lined with native vegetation—ferns, wildflowers, and trees that depend on the moisture provided by the stream. In spring, you might spot salamanders making their way to the water to breed. In summer, dragonflies and damselflies patrol the area, while birds come to drink and bathe.
The water quality of Tenakill Brook is an important indicator of the health of our local ecosystem. Clean, flowing water supports diverse aquatic life, from tiny invertebrates to larger fish. These creatures, in turn, support the birds and mammals that depend on them for food.
Image Gallery
A Living Classroom
Tenakill Brook serves as an outdoor classroom for students, researchers, and nature enthusiasts. By studying the brook, we can learn about water quality, erosion, aquatic ecosystems, and the impact of human activity on natural systems. It's a perfect place to observe the interconnectedness of all living things.
Whether you're interested in hydrology, biology, or simply the peaceful beauty of flowing water, Tenakill Brook offers endless opportunities for discovery and reflection.
Historical Memories
"As a boy of six or seven, after my grandparents and I moved to Demarest in 1936, I discovered a small creek that ran through the Nature Center and all the way to Piermont Road in the neighboring town of Closter. I spent many hours as a boy wading down this creek in search of adventures and wildlife. I was introduced to frogs, snakes, and a host of fish (mainly crayfish) in what I knew then as Tenakill Creek..."
— Ralph William Larsen, from his memoir of growing up in Demarest