Frequently Asked Questions
Park Amenities & Offerings
The park was closed, is it open again?
Do you have bathrooms?
Is the park close to a bus route?
Where can I park my car?
Can I ride my bike at Teaneck Creek Park?
Can I bring a picnic?
Can I smoke at Teaneck Creek Park?
Can I build a fire at Teaneck Creek Park?
Is the park open when the office is closed?
Accessibility
Is Teaneck Creek Park accessible?
How does Teaneck Creek Park plan to address accessibility in the future?
Eco-Art
What’s the story behind the art here?
I’m an artist, how can I get involved?
Can I make my own ephemeral art?
Animals
I found an animal, can you help?
Do I need to be concerned about ticks?
Can I bring my dog (or cat) to your park?
Can I hunt or fish at Teaneck Creek Park?
Can I feed the wildlife?
Are there bears at Teaneck Creek Park?
Are there venomous snakes at Teaneck Creek Park?
Do you have woodcock there?
Research
Who designed your ecological restoration?
Who funded your ecological restoration?
What research is conducted here?
I’m a graduate/undergraduate student, can I do my research here?
I’m in high school, can I do my research project here?
Programs
Do you offer guided tours of the park?
Do you offer programs for schools or scouts?
Can I bring my Temple/Church/Scout Group/Summer Camp/School here?
Gardens & Plants
Do you have gardens?
Do you have a pollinator garden?
Can I pick flowers at Teaneck Creek Park?
Can I collect native plant seeds at Teaneck Creek Park?
Other questions
What is the relationship between the Puffin Foundation and Teaneck Creek Conservancy?
Can we shoot a film, tv show, or ad at the park?
How is Teaneck Creek Park related to Overpeck County Park?
Are you hiring?
The park was closed, is it open again?
Yes. Teaneck Creek Park is fully reopened after our two year habitat restoration project. Teaneck Creek Park is open, free-of-charge, 365 days a year from dawn to dusk. Hours for the Overpeck County Park system are 6 AM - 10 PM. Please be mindful of trail conditions if you choose to use the trails in low light or poor weather conditions.
What’s the story behind the art here?
Our signature EcoArt installations build on a community model that emphasizes the natural synergy between the arts, the environment, and education. From our very beginning, we sought to take the debris left behind as refuse from the land’s time as a dumping ground and give it new life as art, in essence, early upcyling! Check out our page on our various eco-art exhibits throughout the park.
Is Teaneck Creek Park accessible?
At this time Teaneck Creek Park is not readily accessible.
Our most accessible entrace is at Fycke Lane. This entrance has street parking, but features a curb cut. It leads to the Outdoor Classroom, a wetland observation space that is accessible. This space has plank flooring, a railing, is flat or has very small inclines. The interior of the observation space as a garden that has a small lip around it. Much of the perimeter is surrounded by benches and there are trash and recycling containers. Please note that the trail leading to the Outdoor Classroom has degraded overtime and is on the waiting list for resurfacing. Additionally, the back exit from the classroom has been closed for repairs.
If you would like to bring a group here for a special program or are looking for a park that you can access, we are happy to provide additional information you may need to make an informed judgement about if the space is accessible for you. Program questions can be directed to programs@teaneckcreek.org while general inquiries about accessibility can be directed to info@teaneckcreek.org.
Other notes about accessibility:
The Glenpointe Bridge. Please note there are stairs on both sides of the bridge, both leading down slope into the park. There is a railing with the stairs. However, there is no sidewalk or crosswalk to reach this entrance on the street side.
The Puffin Way entrances. This location has 3 park entrances. Historically the primary entrance has been a staircase with a railing. The stairs are wide enough for one person. The maintance entrance to the right of the stairs has no steps, but is sloped and grassy. You are now also welcome to enter directly from the street. This entrance has gravel and a slope. This will hopefully be the future site of our acccessible viewing platform.
Arbor Terrace North entrance. This entrace at the southern part of the Fycke Lane entrance has no curb but, stairs, and the bridge there is level. However, after crossing the bridge, the trail to the right has a steep slope up for about 10 feet. You are welcome to go left instead along the creek. Otherwise, you are welcome to take the red trail north to the Outdoor Classroom and the Fycke Lane entrance. Please also note you are entering through private property so please be respectful.
Five Pipes Entrance/Arbor Terrace South or Main entrance. This entrance is level, however crossing from the parking lot to the park entrance will require stepping across eroded trail and exposed roots. Please also note you are entering through private property so please be respectful. There are bollards in the trail to prevent off-road bikes. These may also preclude wheelchair entry.
DeGraw Entrance. This is a pedestrian entrance only directly off DeGraw Avenue. The vehicle gate is for maintenance crews only and is always locked. This entry is best for people on foot.
How does Teaneck Creek Park plan to address accessibility in the future?
Teaneck Creek Conservancy firmly believes that stewarding wildspaces is not in opposition to creating accessible spaces. We are in conversations with Bergen County Departments of Parks to envision how the park can achieve both goals. The County is currently in the planning stages of the next phase of enhancements for the park and these enhancements would include refinishing the trail surfaces with an eye to how trail material and trail maintenance impact accessibility; identify trails that can become accessible through evaluating slope, stream crossings, and distance traveled while still being able to access notable areas of the park; addition of railings in critical locations, an accessible viewing platform at the park entrance, as well as the addition of amenities that will make the park more accessible to our community with the potential for a covered outdoor space, more seating, and signage in additional languages — and yes, — bathrooms. Nothing has been decided and the plans are in development. Both doing this well and securing the funding to do it are time-intensive processes and we appreciate your patience.
Is the park close to a bus route?
Yes! Two of our entrances are easily accessible by bus.
Puffin Way entrance is served by the 167T and 751. 480 feet to the park entrance.
A bus stop also serves our eastern park entrances. This stop serves the 167T, 167Q, and the 182. To the north of the stop is the Five Pipes entrance, while to the south is the Glenpointe Bridge entrance. Please note that the Glenpointe Bridge has a non-accessible staircase to reach the bridge. 480 feet to the Five Pipes entrance, while the Glenpointe Bridge entrance is 300 feet.
I’m an artist, how can I get involved with Teaneck Creek Park?
Our Eco-Art committee is responsible for running art programs in the park, restoring the current art installations in the park and overseeing the addition of new art to the park. Please see their page for more information on getting involved.
Can I make my own ephemeral art?
While we are aware there are sites, tik-toks, reels, and blogs encouraging people to create their own ephemeral art in parks, please do not add to our art exhibits or create your own without permission from the Executive Director. As a restored wetland ecosystem, we take the well-being of our park very seriously and want to consider the impact of any art - permanent or short-term. If you have an idea for a short-term, low impact installation, we’re happy to discuss. Please contact at info@teaneckcreek.org.
Unauthorized art will be removed at the Executive Director’s discretion.
I Found an animal! can you help?
No. Teaneck Creek Conservancy is not a licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility. If you find an injured animal please contact a state rehabilitator. Do not release animals at Teaneck Creek Conservancy.
Do you have bathrooms?
No, Teaneck Creek Park does not have bathrooms on site. Please plan your trip accordingly. The closest comfort station in the Overpeck Park system is at Area III along DeGraw Ave (directions).
Who designed your ecological restoration?
Our Ecological Restoration project was designed by Biohabitats. Two years after the restoration concluded, Biohabitats received our 2024 Corporate Partner Recognition. Other organizations involved in various aspects of the restoration from research to implementation included Sum Co Eco-Contracting, SiteWorks, CME Associates, and Rutgers University.
Who funded your ecological restoration?
Teaneck Creek Park is a county park within the Bergen County Department of Parks system. As such tax payer money was used to restore the degraded land from decades of illegal dumping and neglect. Bergen County received $1.4 million from the Green Acres program and provided $7 million through the Capital Funding & Open Space Trust Fund. Thank you, tax payers!
What research is conducted here?
We are big believers that collecting data after an ecological restoration is complete is necessary to fully tell the story of how and why our ecosystems need to be restored. To that end, our nonprofit, Teaneck Creek Conservancy has a number of research initiatives.
Annual Plant Survey Day: Each year in June, our community is invited to join us in evaluating how the plant community has changed. Join us to sample 20 plots year after year to see what plants are new, what are disappearing and what’s common. Our first report from 2023 is available here, and 2024 should be available soon.
Summer Nesters Bird Banding: Seeing which birds choose to nest at Teaneck Creek Park and which do it successfully is a key piece of data for understanding why restoring our planet’s health is important. This initiative is part of the IBP MAPS program and is run collaboratively with the Fusion Ecology Lab at Rutgers-Newark and Bergen County Audubon Society. The MAPS program is a continent-wide collaborative effort among public agencies, non-governmental groups, and individuals to assist the conservation of birds and their habitats through standardized bird monitoring
Community Science Saturday: Help collect the data yourself. Teaneck Creek has its own iNaturalist page! Join us once a month on Saturdays to document what’s living in the park. new to hobby of identifying? Our monthly program is first-timer friendly! Check out our public programs to see when its next being held.
Moth Night: With BCAS, come see what fluttery denizens call Tenaeck Creek home after the sun goes down. Moth Nights celebrate the beauty, life cycles, and habitats of moths around the world. Scheduled for either late June or early July.
Firefly Watch: Help us document what Fireflies can be found in Teaneck Creek Park. We contribute to The Firefly Atlas, a collaborative effort to better understand and conserve the diversity of fireflies in North America. Launched in 2022, the project aims to advance our collective understanding of firefly species’ distributions, phenology, and habitat associations, as well as to identify threats to their populations. July.
Purple Martin Monitoring: The only known nesting colony of Purple Martins is located in Overpeck County Park, but the fledglings come to Teaneck Creek Park to forage for their favorite food - dragonflies. In anticipation of that colony expanding beyond its current capacity, we have a new colony waiting for them. Volunteers keep an eye on the colony and the surrounding fields to note their arrival and prepare the houses. Volunteers needed April - September to observe, care for the houses, and report sightings. Interested? Email us at info@teaneckcreek.org.
I’m a graduate/undergraduate student, can I do my research here?
We are open to being part of honors thesis, thesis, and dissertations. If our ecology fits your project needs, contact us at info@teaneckcreek.org to discuss. Please note, the Conservancy has no funds to support research projects.
I’m a high school student, can I do my research here?
We are open to supporting budding STEM scholars. Please email us at info@teaneckcreek.org about your project needs to see if our park is a fit for your project. You will need to have a parent or guardian complete a Teen Waiver before beginning your work. Please note, the Conservancy has no funds to support research projects.
What is the relationship between the Puffin Foundation and Teaneck Creek Conservancy?
The Puffin Foundation’s founders, Perry Rosenstein and Gladys Miller-Rosenstein, helped to found the Conservancy in the early 2000s to create a collective community commitment to stewarding the 46 acres behind the Puffin Foundation offices. From that collective community effort, the Teaneck Creek Conservancy was created as an independent nonprofit. However, the Puffin Foundation continues their commitment to the Conservancy by providing office space to the Conservancy within their building at 20 Puffin Way, an annual grant to cover staff salaries, and family members have given their time in serving on the Conservancy board. Today Gladys Rosenstein and Perry’s son, Neal Rosenstein, continue that commitment to Teaneck and environmental stewardship.
Can I hunt or fish at Teaneck Creek Park?
No. We do not allow fishing, hunting, trapping or removal of any animals, plants or items from the park.
can i bring my dog (or CAT)?
Yes. Dogs are allowed at Teaneck Creek but must remain on a leash and on trails at all times. Pets must be picked up after and their waste properly disposed of. If you run out of waste bags, we have free dog waste bags at the Fycke Lane and Puffin Way entrances.
By their very nature, dogs are both a perceived and real threat to wildlife: Their presence on our trails (scent, noise, droppings, fur, tracks) both during and after a walk on our trails, cause wildlife to take cover or leave the area. We understand dogs are part of your family, so we request that any dog visitors remain on a leash for the duration of their visit. This includes the Peace Labyrinth - this is a meditative garden, not a dog run!
Cats in backpacks or on leases are also permitted, but be aware this is a popular park for pups! For the full regulation concerning household pets in Bergen County Parks, please review Article III of the County Park Regulations.
Do I need to be concerned about ticks?
Ticks are part and parcel of living in New Jersey. Ticks are most active in the spring, summer, and early fall, but can be active year-round when temperatures are above freezing. Ticks prefer shaded, grassy, or bushy areas with lots of leaf litter. They can also be found in yards and low-growing grasslands. Remaining on trails is an import way to lessen your risk of encountering ticks. Also, there are different species of ticks that live in our state and only the black-legged tick carries Lyme Disease.
Learn more about preventing ticks during park visits here and more about ticks in general here.
Can I feed the wildlife?
We are grateful for your love and appreciation of Teaneck Creek Conservancy and the incredible wildlife that calls it home. You may enjoy watching our squirrels, deer, and ducks, and it’s understandable to want to help them by offering food. However, feeding wildlife—no matter how well-intended—can actually cause serious harm to the animals and the ecosystem.
🐿️ Squirrels & Chipmunks
Feeding causes reliance on human food instead of their natural diet of nuts, seeds, & fruits.
Human food is often unhealthy for them and can lead to malnutrition.
Feeding can cause them to lose their natural fear of people, increasing aggressive behavior and encouraging them to nest in unsafe areas, like buildings.
🦌 Deer
While deer may seem gentle and grateful for food, feeding them disrupts their natural foraging habits.
It can also attract large groups, increasing the spread of disease and leading to overpopulation issues.
When deer associate humans with food, they are more likely to venture into roads and populated areas, increasing the risk of dangerous encounters and vehicle collisions.
🦆 Ducks
Feeding ducks, especially with bread, actually harms them. Bread and other processed foods lack proper nutrition.
It also contributes to water pollution, as uneaten food decays and promotes the growth of harmful bacteria and algae.
How You Can Help Instead
✅ Let wildlife find their own food – Their natural diet is best for their health.
✅ Support conservation efforts – Donate or volunteer with Teaneck Creek Conservancy to help maintain habitats.
✅ Educate others – Share this message with friends and family to promote responsible wildlife stewardship.
By allowing animals to rely on their natural food sources, we help keep them safe, healthy, and wild. Thank you for respecting our wildlife and helping us protect the beauty of Teaneck Creek!
Are there bears at Teaneck Creek Park?
To date, there have been no known sightings of bears here in the park. However bears have been spotted in Bergen County, so it’s not impossible. If you see a bear, please keep a safe distance and enjoy a really unique moment!
Do not approach bears. Especially feeding bears, which will aggressively defend their food.
Do not run from bears. Running may trigger a chase response.
Do not make direct eye contact. Bears may perceive this as a challenge.
Remain calm and slowly back away.
Make the bear aware of you.
Be loud: speak in an assertive voice, yell, sing, or clap your hands. If available, bang pots and pans or use an airhorn.
Make yourself look big.Wave your arms. Hold your jacket above your head.
If you’re in a group, stay together and perform these actions together.
Make sure the bear has an escape route
Read more about Black Bears in New Jersey and bear safety tips.
Are there venomous snakes at Teaneck creek park?
There have been no reports of venomous snakes at Teaneck Creek Park.
Where can I park my car?
Limited parking is available at the parking lot at 20 Puffin Way.
Street parking is available on Fycke Lane.
Can i ride my bike?
No. Biking is not permitted at Teaneck Creek Park. Wheeled vehicles cause trail degradation. Please leave your bike at the bike rack at the park entrance. This includes but is not limited to dirt bikes, motorcycles, ATV’s, scooters, wagons, and unicycles. The closest park with biking paths is Overpeck Area 4.
If you are commuting across the Fycke Lane trail on a bike, we ask that you walk your bike down the trail until you have exited the park.
Can i bring a picnic?
Yes. There are picnic tables located on our blue trail and one within our butterfly garden. Please be sure to properly dispose of any trash you bring.
Can i smoke at Teaneck Creek?
No. Teaneck Creek Conservancy prohibits smoking of any kind (vapes included) on our trails, in our labyrinth, and in our gardens for the safety of our guests, flora, and fauna.
Can I build a fire?
No. Fires are strictly forbidden. As we have seen in the news, wildfires are a real and serious danger even in this area. Please help us keep the park and the town of Teaneck safe by abidng by this regulation. If you do see a fire burning in the park, please call 9-1-1 immediately.
Is the park open when the office is closed?
Sometimes. In most instances, the office at Teaneck Creek Conservancy will close for holidays but the park grounds remain open from 6 AM to 10 PM as part of the Overpeck County Park System. Check Bergen County Parks Department for up to date information on park closures due to emergencies.
Can I get a guided tour of the park?
Yes. We offer a “Rent-a-Naturalist” program which provides a one hour private guided nature walk at Teaneck Creek Conservancy. Additionally we occasionally have free public tour programs - check our public program calendar for the next tour.
do you offer programs for schools or scouts?
Yes. We offer programs suitable for schools, homeschool groups, boy scouts, and girl scouts for a nominal fee.
Scouting for a shooting location for film, tv, or advertising an interested in shooting at Teaneck Creek?
All requests for producing film, TV, and digital media within Teaneck Creek Park are handled by Bergen County Film & TV Office.
How is Teaneck Creek Park related to Overpeck County Park?
Teaneck Creek Park is Area 1 of Overpeck County Park. Overpeck County Park consists of 800 acres of public land stewarded by Bergen County in the towns of Teaneck, Englewood, Leonia, Palisades Park, and Ridgefield Park. Teaneck Creek Park is proud to be the section of the Overpeck that is maintained as restored wildlands. When you visit Teaneck Creek, you’re witnessing wetland and upland habitats that were historically found in this region of New Jersey. Learn more about the Overpeck County Park system here.
Can I bring my Temple/Church/Scout Group/Summer Camp/School here?
We are very excited to host groups if you don’t mind our rustic facilities. Please check out our private program offers. If you aren’t interested in a private program, we strongly encourage you to contact our office prior to your visit to prevent scheduling conflicts as priority will be given to Conservancy programs and private groups that have officially booked through our office. The Conservancy reserves the right to request that unscheduled groups modify their plans or reschedule their visit in the event of a conflict. To ensure a smooth experience, all groups are required to coordinate their visits through the Conservancy in advance.
Do you have gardens?
Yes! We have four gardens throughout our park. You are welcome to visit them year round. They include:
The Ben Burton Butterfly Garden (maintained by BCAS)
The Ben Burton Native Forest (maintained by BCAS)
The Peace Labyrinth Native Plant Garden
The Outdoor Classroom Wetland Demonstration Garden
The Woodland Peace Garden Coming soon!
Our gardens are maintained by volunteer support. Our Ben Burton Butterfly Garden is a Certified Wildlife Garden by Bergen County Audubon Society. BCAS maintains both the Butterfly Garden and the Ben Burton Native Plant Garden.
Our other gardens are maintained by Conservancy volunteers with support from Sprouts Farms & Gardens whose owner, Dave Chalek serves as our Landscaper-in-Residence. If you are a gardener and interested in volunteering, check out our current volunteer needs.
Do you have a pollinator garden?
Yes. A pollinator garden is a carefully designed green space filled with native flowers, shrubs, and other plants that provide essential food and habitat for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinating species. These gardens play a critical role in supporting biodiversity by ensuring that pollinators have access to nectar, pollen, and shelter throughout the seasons. In New Jersey, where habitat loss and environmental changes threaten pollinator populations, these gardens are especially important for sustaining local ecosystems. By planting native species like milkweed, coneflowers, and goldenrod, pollinator gardens help improve crop production, support healthy plant communities, and contribute to a more resilient environment. Whether in backyards, parks, or community spaces, they provide a vital refuge for pollinators that, in turn, help maintain the balance of nature. All of our gardens are technically pollinator gardens, but the original pollinator garden is the “Ben Burton Pollinator Garden”.
Can I collect wildflowers there?
Please do not pick our wildflowers! They have important roles to perform in our ecosystem. Plus nearly all of our plants were purchased for the park - whether as individual plants added to our garden or as part of our $8.6 million restoration project.
Can I collect Native Seeds there?
Please contact us at info@teaneckcreek.org so we can understand your project and needs.
Do you have woodcock there?
Yes! During spring and fall migration, Teaneck Creek Park can have sightings of the elusive American Woodcock. Woodcock prefer young forests that are along wetlands so we provide important habitat for them during their migrations. You are much more likely to see them during the spring when the males perform their courtship displays. These displays take place just after sunset or before sunrise beginning in late February and for the first few weeks of March. Your best bets for finding them are if you listen near the Viking Statue or in the Picnic Area. If you attempt to see woodcock display, please be careful in the park during in low light conditions.