THE “BEST KEPT SECRET IN TOWN”

Well, that’s how this rare 8 acre site gem, tucked away on Terrill Road between Cray Terrace and La Grande Avenue, has been described by many Fanwoodians & nearby residents. For the regular visitors, the Fanwood Nature Center is a “breath of fresh air” in a highly urbanized area. The property is bordered by the PSE&G utility line right-of-way on the west and by private homes and the Terrill Bible Chapel on the other sides. A culvert fed brook, the Robinson’s Branch, cuts through the property and exits under Terrill Road.

INTERACTIVE MAP OF THE NATURE CENTER

PLANNING A VISIT

The Nature Center is open to all visitors from sunrise to sunset. Click here for directions.

Entrance to the Nature Center is from Cray Terrace. Follow the signs on Terrill Road. Parking is on Cray Terrace.

The Information Board at the entrance provides a trail map & other information about this sylvan forested area. Download a trail map here, or pick up one from the Fanwood Memorial Library or Fanwood Borough Hall.

While you are here, look out for:

• Wildflower Garden (just outside the Center – runs along the PSE&G right-of-way
• Monarch Way-station (area marked out – expected to be established by summer of 2008)
• Marked Tree Species
• Peace Pole (built by Girl Scout troop)
• Outdoor Classroom (built by Boy Scout troop)
• Bird Observation Blind

HELP US PRESERVE THIS NATURE ISLAND

We take great pride in the Nature Center. Please help us preserve it. We only ask that you follow some simple rules. They are:

• Hours: Sunrise to sunset
• Please remain on the wood chip trails
• Do not light any fires.
• All trees, plants, shrubs, flowers, and animals are protected. Please contact Dean Talcott (Caretaker – Nature Center) at deantalcott [at] comcast.net if you have a suggestion/ comment.
• No eating or drinking is permitted.
• Littering or dumping is also prohibited. Please take your trash with you.
• Keep pets on a leash & please clean up after them.
• Wheeled vehicles, including two and three- wheelers are not allowed.
• Park boundaries are indicated by red circles on trees. Straying beyond these boundaries will put visitors on private property.
• Violators of these rules are liable to prosecution and penalties as  provided in Chapter 63 of the code of the Borough of Fanwood.

CONTACT US

We welcome your suggestions & comments. Please contact

Gary Szelc (Chairperson – Fanwood Environmental Commission) at
908-889-7791 or gselzc [at] comcast.net

If you would like to volunteer in the Nature Center, please contact

Dean Talcott (Caretaker – Fanwood Nature Center) at
908-322-6577 or deantalcott [at] comcast.net