Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, with its 150 acres of land in Englewood, Bergen County, is consistently rated as one of the state’s top hiking destinations year after year, according to the American Hiking Society.
A lovely sanctuary nestled in the heart of New Jersey’s most populous county, approximately two miles from New York City, is a refreshing break in an otherwise crowded atmosphere.
People from all over the region come to Flat Rock Brook to appreciate the flora and fauna that it contains. Also, many of them make this their regular hiking destination, where they can be enjoying the facility on a daily basis.
History of Flat Rock Brook
Flat Rock Brook is a stream that originates in Englewood Cliffs and runs down from the top of the Palisades.
Overpeck Creek, a tributary of the Hackensack River basin, drains into Crystal Lake and extends in culverts beneath Interstate 80/95 until it empties into Crystal Lake again.
In fact, the “flat rocks” are diabase basalts, which are found near the summit of an igneous intrusion known as the Palisades Sill.
They began to develop underground around 200 million years ago. The diabase was more resistant to erosion than the sedimentary rocks that it was covering.
Over time, erosion gradually eroded the top rocks, revealing the flat diabase surface underneath them.
Earthquakes tipped the terrain, resulting in the westward slope that characterizes the East Hill part of Englewood between Grand Avenue and Engle St. down to Grand Avenue and Grand St.
The cliffs of the Palisades, which run along the Hudson River on the eastern side of the sill, were formed by erosion and rockfalls.
Flat Rock Brook is present on this map from the 1880s. The pond called “Vanderbeck’s Mill Pond” was formed by damming the stream in 1876. It names after the mill that it serves. Later, it referred to as Macfadden’s Pond.
The Englewood Nature Association (now known as the Flat Rock Brook Nature Association) was founded in the 1970s with the goal of preserving the region, which resulted in the development of the Flat Rock Brook Nature Center in 1980.
The financing from the State of New Jersey’s Green Acres program was critical in getting this initiative off the ground. It combined with Allison Park in the 1980s, resulting in the 150-acre preserve that exists today.
Discover Flat Rock Brook
There are several discoveries as you stroll along the 3.6 miles of paths that go through Flat Rock Brook.
While walking along the pond’s edge, you will almost surely come across turtles lazing on a log in summer heat. Moreover, you will almost probably come across a bullfrog looking back at you as well.
Summer also ushers out all the Pipevine Swallowtail caterpillars, which might be difficult to spot since they eat on the Dutchman’s Pipevine plant during this time of year.
The hiking season is upon us, and Pipevine is scaling the gazebo next to the parking lot of its headquarters building on Van Nostrand Avenue, 443 Van Nostrand.
As they progress through their life cycle, the swallowtail caterpillars will eventually transform into one of the most beautiful butterfly species, distinguished by the stunning bluish color that distinguishes them from the other swallowtail species.
There are dozens of bird species that dwell or travel through Flat Rock Brook throughout the summer months, and the facility is well-known among birders as an excellent place to observe a diverse range of bird species.
Summer Flora of Flat Rock Brook
Summer flora includes a variety of native wildflower species, with several kinds of butterfly-attracting milkweed, Joe-Pye weed, Common Buttonbush, bee balm, and Echinacea in bloom in Flat Rock Brook’s Native Habitat for Wildlife area near the main building this summer.
Flat Rock Brook trail map is highly famous for its forest parts, with around 140 of its 150 acres covered in forest.
Among the many hardwood species found in the preserve are Northern red oak, American sweetgum, tulip poplar, and different maple species, which together account for the vast majority (90%) of the wood density in the park.
Hiking and Flat Rock Brook
If you go hiking around the preserve, you will find possibly the best narrow paths that will take you from stream to ridge and gain over 100 feet in height.
Trees are marked with colorful blazes that correlate to the paths, which may be seen at the bottom of a newly updated Trail Map. Trail maps are available for purchase at the Nature Center building, or they may be seen online.
For further exploration of the Nature Center’s paths, you can also pick up a “Self-guided Trail Hike” booklet or Flat Rock Brook’s “Tree Identification Guide,” both of which are available for purchase.
Environmental Education of Flat Rock Brook
Environmental education has been a primary emphasis of the FRB since its inception.
Over the years, the organization’s services have grown, beginning with treks guided by volunteer trail guides and lecturers on relevant subjects.
Today, FRB offers a comprehensive range of activities for school groups, both on-site and in the schools, as well as a summer day camp program and a comprehensive range of indoor and outdoor events for people of all ages and interests.
For more than four decades, children from a wide range of schools have been bused to FRB to learn about nature.
The educational program would be incomplete without the assistance of the volunteer trail guides. They come from a variety of towns in the surrounding area and from all walks of life.
Today, students are rigorously trained and overseen by the Education Director of the Federal Reserve, although planned curricula have been utilized from the beginning.
The FRB’s Raptor Exhibit, which is located in the Quarry, is a unique attraction. In 1989, a permanently damaged red-tailed hawk was purchased.
Now, numerous live birds of prey are maintained in cages for exhibition since they are unable to survive in the wild as a result of their injuries.
Flat Rock Brook Nature Center Events
The flat rock brook nature center events consist of:
- Annual Gala
- 5K Run
- Great Fall Festival
Flat Rock Brook 2021 Virtual Gala
Flat Rock Brook Nature center held its 2021 virtual gala and raised $75,000 in support of its preservation and environmental mission.
5K Run
On Sunday, August 4th, 2019, Flat Rock Brook hosted its 8th annual 5K Trail Run and a new 1-mile Family Walk in conjunction with the Trail Run. A lovely summer morning welcomed the 125 participants and their accompanying families.
5K runners entered the preserve after a brief street run and embarked on a difficult and gratifying run through the woodland pathways.
With his emcee skills, board member Scott Reddin energized the audience and brought it to life. When the race got underway, the starting gun was fired by Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes. Later on, he then mixed with the participants.
With a time of 21:26.2, Andres Dutan was the top male finisher. Tanya Marion finished first in the women’s race with a time of 25:07.1. Medals were awarded in a number of different categories.
Following the run, families embarked on a guided nature walk that wound its way through the woodland. Following a one-mile hike, the family was treated to live birds of prey presentation by naturalists Rosetta Arrigo and Siena Stucki.
Children and their parents get to know many different kinds of owls. As well as a Red-tailed Hawk and an American Kestrel.
Great Fall Festival
The Great Fall Festival, held on the magnificent grounds of Flat Rock Brook, celebrates the arrival of fall. Including, a variety of seasonal activities. This event, which is open to all members, will feature great barbeque, live music, and many activities.
However, children may participate in activities, arts & crafts, and pumpkin painting. Activities are led by education experts to keep youngsters occupied and entertained!
Throughout the event, Blue Plate Special will provide live bluegrass music to keep the whole family entertained.
The event will take place rain or shine.
Flat Rock Brook Nature Center Programs
Field Trips
Make your school curriculum more interesting by including a one-of-a-kind learning experience! It includes a concentrated walk during which natural themes are addressed and demonstrated via hands-on activities.
They use the outdoors as a school and include an outdoor classroom. A variety of New Jersey Student Learning Standards are met by each of the courses in this curriculum.
Outreach
Naturalists from the Flat Rock Brook Nature Center will bring nature into your classroom through their outreach activities.
However, the opportunity to participate in outreach programs is available to schools, places of worship, summer camps, libraries, senior centers, and any other organization interested in having an immersive learning experience!
The goal of classroom-based outreach initiatives is to instill a sense of reverence for nature. When possible, our team brings live animals and natural history objects into the classroom to help children connect with nature.
Programs range in length from 45 minutes to an hour. 112 hours is the length of the extended programs. Assembly programs are suitable for groups of more than 35 people.
Group Walks
Flat Rock provides one-hour guided nature hikes for groups throughout the year. Children four years of age and older, youth groups, adult groups, and groups with special needs are all welcome to participate in these walks.
Wandering the paths and learning about the plants and animals that live in the preserve’s many ecosystems such as the pond, the forest, and the field, as well as seasonal changes, may tailor to meet the unique requirements and interests of each group.
As an example, if a scout group would want to participate in a program that fulfills a badge requirement, they can arrange preparations with the staff naturalist in advance.
Moreover, all hikes begin and conclude at the Van Nostrand Nature Center, which is located at 443 Van Nostrand Ave. If necessary, the Nature center can arrange other starting points as well.
Moreover, you can book walks at any time of year, subject to the availability of the naturalists on the team.
Birthday Parties
The Flat Rock Brook Nature Center hosts entertaining, nature-themed birthday parties for children ages 4 and above.
Consider Flat Rock Brook Nature Center for your child’s birthday party, and you may instill a sense of respect for nature in the children who attend while also making memories that will last a lifetime.
Each birthday party includes a three-hour venue rental. As well as an hour-long program with a naturalist of your choosing, as part of the package.
However, the rental duration includes time for set-up and take-down as well. You provide the decorations and food, and we’ll put together an interesting program for the birthday party guests to enjoy.
Homeschool
Botany is the topic for this spring season!
Students from Tenafly Nature Center, Teaneck Creek Conservancy, and Flat Rock Brook are welcome to join instructors from the organizations Tenafly Nature Center, Teaneck Creek Conservancy, and Flat Rock Brook as they learn about fundamental botany and how to recognize aquatic macroorganisms.
Each program will include hands-on/minds-on investigation that is suitable for everyone from a fledgling to an experienced naturalist.
Moreover, meet other homeschooling families as your children improve their environmental awareness and respect. Registration required.
During their exploration of diverse outdoor habitats in small socially dispersed groups, students will broaden their environmental knowledge. Moreover, they will enjoy while also learning about themselves.
Precautions for Covid-19 are in force, and students are required to wear masks at all times. Group numbers are severely restricted, so make your reservation as soon as possible.
Summer Camp
Flat Rock Brook Summer Camp is a physically and intellectually stimulating program. If the weather permits, campers will spend the majority of their time outside. Camp is open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Moreover, camp registrants must be members of a family membership organization. You’re not a member, are you?
You may purchase or renew a membership at the same time you register for camp; simply scroll to the bottom of this page and add a membership to your shopping cart.
This year’s camp will be a little different than usual in order to ensure that everyone has a safe time. Most important is the safety of camp families and staff members.
The Bottom Line
Over the course of the year, Flat Rock Brook provides a range of chances to interact with and appreciate nature. Including hiking, public programming, and volunteer opportunities.
Many people come to the preserve to take in the peace and beauty of the surroundings. Moreover, to learn about the ecosystems of the area through programs and the interpretive nature center.
Come have a look around Flat Rock and discover all it has to offer!
