McFaul Environmental Center

Where: James McFaul Environmental Center, Bergen County
More Info: Open all year round. Admission is free.
Trip Assessment:
Ease ✮✮✮
Expense $
Family Fun ♥♥♥
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FrugalNJ recently visited the James McFaul Environmental Center, located in Wyckoff. The nature center is set in 81 acres of scenic surroundings. The center contains many interesting exhibits, including snakes and turtles and offers educational programs throughout the year. There is a man made waterfowl pond which opened in 1966. We saw swans, birds and ducks during our visit. Just outside the nature center are animal shelters containing eagles, hawks, red foxes and other animals. Those who enjoy hiking can explore the different trails. The trail we went on winds around the pond and along the way is a lookout post that offers scenic views. The 81 acre property was purchased in 1962 and opened in 1967.

More information about the center can be found here.

Directions:

150 Crescent Avenue, Wyckoff

From Route 17 North: Take the Hollywood Avenue/HoHoKus Exit. Turn left onto Hollywood Avenue. Follow the signs for Bergen Co. Route 502 west. Go straight at the traffic light and up a hill to a stop sign. Turn right onto Franklin Turnpike. At the first light, turn left onto Wyckoff Avenue. Stay on Wyckoff Avenue through three lights. Look for Environmental Center sign on the left. Turn left onto Crescent Avenue. The park is on the left at the bend in the road (about ¼ mile).

From Route 4 West to Route 208 North: From Route 208 North take the 1st Goffle Road Exit to Midland Park/Ridgewood. Follow Goffle Road all the way to the end. At the light, make a left onto Godwin Avenue and go approximately 1.8 miles. Look for the Environmental Center sign indicating a right turn. Turn right onto Crescent Avenue (by the Brick House Restaurant). The park is on the right at the bend in the road.

From Interstate 287 North or South to Route 208 South: From 208 South take the Ewing Avenue Exit. Turn left at the bottom of the ramp. At light turn right onto Franklin Avenue. Go through two traffic lights. Take third right turn between guard rails onto Crescent Avenue. Park is on the left at the bend in the road.

From the Garden State Parkway North or South: Take Exit 165 for Ridgewood Avenue West (going toward Ridgewood). Follow Ridgewood Avenue until you enter the village of Ridgewood. Go to the top of the hill to the R.R. station. Turn right onto Broad Street. Turn left at the light and go under R. R. trestle. Stay to the left and go straight through the next light. This becomes Godwin Avenue. Follow Godwin for approximately two miles. Look for Environmental Center sign indicating a right turn. Turn right: onto Crescent Avenue. Park is on the right at the bend in the road.

A full list of directions can be found here.