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The Celery Farm is a 107-acre wetland preserve in Allendale, New Jersey. The park was once a celery farm and was part of the John Fell estate, dating back to the Revolutionary War era. You can see my post about the John Fell House, which is across the street from the preserve, by clicking here.
In the 1950s, a non-profit organization called Fyke formed with the mission of saving some of Bergen County’s last undeveloped tracts of land. Today, this group maintains the trails and viewing platforms in the Celery Farm.
The preserve is an important habitat for birds…over 240 species have been seen here and it is a breeding site for over 50 bird species. I’ve also seen turtles, deer and was even surprised by a mink carrying a fish it had just captured (alas, I was in the middle of changing lenses!)
The main trail is an easy level loop around a large lake. At one end, you can branch off into other trails over streams and through marshy meadows.
In some sections, you will find yourself passing by residential homes and the entrance to the preserve is right off the busy Franklin Turnpike. In spite of being in the midst of a densely populated area, most of the preserve is serene and quiet.
Location: Franklin Turnpike, Allendale, NJ 07401
Designation: Preserve and Bird Sanctuary
Date designated or established: 1952
Date of my visit: 2013, 2014
