Celery Farm
Directions
Find your way to Franklin Turnpike in Allendale. The park entrance is on the east side of the road, 500 feet north of Cottage Place. Look for signs with "Green Acres" and "Wildlife Sanctuary" and a small parking area that will hold a half-dozen cars. If the parking area is full, proceed north on Franklin Turnpike to Pittis Avenue, where street parking is permitted (parking is not allowed on Franklin Turnpike). GPS Coordinates: 41.034113, -74.127214
- Public transportation: Take NJ Transit's Main Line/Bergen County Line to the Allendale station. From the east (northbound) side of the tracks, turn left onto Central Avenue and follow it to its end at Myrtle Avenue. Turn left on Myrtle Avenue and continue to Pittis Avenue. Turn right on Pittis Avenue and follow it to its end at Franklin Turnpike. Turn right on Franklin Turnpike and continue for about 500 feet to the entrance to the Celery Farm Natural Area, on the left. The distance from the train station to the park is about half a mile.
Train Directions
Take NJ Transit's Main Line/Bergen County Line to the Allendale station. From the east (northbound) side of the tracks, turn left onto Central Avenue and follow it to its end at Myrtle Avenue. Turn left on Myrtle Avenue and continue to Pittis Avenue. Turn right on Pittis Avenue and follow it to its end at Franklin Turnpike. Turn right on Franklin Turnpike and continue for about 500 feet to the entrance to the Celery Farm Natural Area, on the left. The distance from the train station to the park is about half a mile.
Park Overview
A small but wonderful sanctuary with more than 250 species of birds recorded here. It is a short, easy walk for families. In addition to birding – there are Osprey fishing views most days, and the area is also known for its many butterflies.
Trail Overview
Behind the kiosk at the parking area, a mile-long loop trail goes around Lake Appert [named after the original owner] following a stream for most of the way, with off-shoots at the northern end. The loop is totally flat and consists of a footpath covered with wood chips and several foot bridges; some families report even taking their young children in strollers. Three raised observation platforms and seven benches are along the way, as well as the Pauline Oxnard Butterfly Garden [just east of Fox Lane].
Use Web Map link on this site for a trail map. Click for a detailed description of a hike in the Celery Farm.
Park Description
The Celery Farm is a 107-acre freshwater wetland and, as its name implies, a former celery farm. Its entrance is easily missed traveling along the busy Franklin Turnpike in Allendale. However, once inside it is a small but magnificent oasis with a meadow and small streams providing a habitat for many species of birds, small mammals, fish, reptiles and insects. The Fyke Nature Association (use Contact Information on this site) and the Borough of Allendale co-manage the sanctuary.