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Tenafly Nature Center asks borough for $65,000 annual open‑space contribution
Summary
The Tenafly Nature Center requested an annual $65,000 allocation from the borough's open space fund to support maintenance, habitat protection and educational programming for roughly 380–400 acres it manages; councilmembers asked questions and public commenters urged sustained municipal support. The council scheduled a first reading on May 20.
The Tenafly Nature Center asked the borough council on Tuesday to provide an annual $65,000 contribution from the borough's open space fund to support maintenance, habitat protection and environmental education for the preserve the center manages.
The request was delivered by Deborah Davidson, executive director of the Tenafly Nature Center. "These 400 acres help filter groundwater, absorb carbon, buffer storm impacts, and provide critical habitat for native species," Davidson said, and she called continued borough funding essential for maintaining trails, habitat restoration and educational programming.
The center said it serves large numbers of residents and visitors. "We get roughly 50,000 visitors to the Nature Center annually," said Hyak Wee, a resident and member who spoke during public comment, adding that school and adult programs bring an additional tens of thousands of visits. Board members and volunteers described recent capital and habitat work completed at the preserve, including new signage, a pavilion and an aviary.
Why it matters: the preserve represents a large portion of preserved open space within Tenafly and is used for daily passive recreation, school programs, and biodiversity protection. Supporters said municipal funding would recognize the preserve's community value and help sustain operations that volunteers and grants cannot fully cover.
Council questions and next steps: Councilmembers asked about grant timing for an accessible‑trail project and about the Nature Center's fundraising strategy. Davidson said the center has sought federal grants and corporate partnerships and continues to pursue other funding opportunities. The council agreed to place the matter on the agenda for formal action: the mayor indicated the first reading of whatever ordinance or appropriation the council pursues will be at the May 20 meeting, with a public hearing tentatively scheduled for June 3.
Public comment: multiple residents and Nature Center board members spoke in favor of the request. Board member Andrew Mikesch and new board member Dahlia Sabari described ongoing outreach to corporations and guided‑walk programming, and residents stressed the preserve's role in community health, education and property values.
No vote was taken on the funding request at the meeting. Council staff were directed to add the item to the May 20 agenda for a first reading so the public may comment at that hearing.
