James A. McFaul Environmental Center
150 Crescent Ave., Wyckoff, NJ
201 891-5571
The James A. McFaul Environmental Center was founded in 1967. Originally
an 81-acre pig farm, the property was purchased in 1962. In 1966 the 2.5-acre
waterfowl pond was excavated. The paved drive, animal shelters and parking
areas were added soon after. In 1987 the name of the park was changed
to the McFaul Wildlife Center in honor of longtime Bergen County Parks
executive director, James A. McFaul, who had been instrumental in the
development of the site. Then in 1990 the name was changed to the James
A. McFaul Environmental Center to better reflect the park’s programs.
The main building, which overlooks the waterfowl pond, has an auditorium,
browsing library and nature exhibits. Winding paths on this 81-acre site
brings you to woodland gardens and animal shelters. A wheelchair-accessible
boardwalk takes you along the edge of the pond to a two-story observation
platform.
A covered picnic pavilion is available near the main building and another
open, wooded picnic area sits on top of a hill. There are free Tuesday
films and other special events throughout the year.
Today the 81-acre Wildlife sanctuary offers nature programs and workshops.
The site includes a waterfowl pond, bird shelters, a boardwalk, nature
trail, memorial gazebo and natural science exhibits. The Environmental
Center gardens include specialties such as flowering trees, Daffodil Hill,
rhododendrons, ornamental grasses, the herb garden, a secret scented garden
and various memorial plantings. A naturalized field area and woodland
contain many plant species that provide food and shelter for a variety
of wildlife species, including insects, birds and mammals.
Center Map
Environmental Center
Model
James A. McFaul Environmental Center
Information Amenities and Regulations
The James A. McFaul Environmental Center is open year-round to the public.
All groups of 10 or more must have a Park Use Permit.
Admission is free; call for seasonal hours.
For schools and other groups, a large selection of nature education programs
are conducted weekdays by staff naturalists.
The indoor exhibit contains live native animals, freshwater aquariums,
natural history displays, and monthly art displays.
The observatory overlooks a butterfly/ hummingbird garden and a pond
which supports various species of waterfowl.
Nature-study workshops and lectures are offered to children and adults
throughout the year. Call Center for times.
The 81-acre park has flowering displays throughout the warm-weather months.
The park is carry-in/carry-out so trash must be removed or placed in
dumpsters located in each parking area.
NO PETS ALLOWED
