Nature Day

Sunday, June 8, 2025, was a picture-perfect day at Tenafly Nature Center—sunny skies, a gentle breeze, and more than 250 smiling faces gathered for one unforgettable Nature Day.

From the moment the gates opened at 10:00 a.m., the trails buzzed with excitement and discovery. Families, friends, and nature lovers of all ages came together to celebrate the season and the skies with this year’s uplifting theme: “Soaring Skyward.”

Throughout the day, the forest transformed into a vibrant outdoor classroom and playground. Children gasped in awe as they met live raptors up close—hawks and owls that seemed to look right into their eyes. Just a few steps away, a curious snake made new fans as educators shared its secrets with fascinated onlookers.

And then there was the big moment everyone had been waiting for: the grand opening of the 2025 Butterfly House. Visitors wandered through the sunlit enclosure, watching butterflies flutter freely around them, landing on flowers—and occasionally, on shoulders.

Pfister’s Pond was a hub of peaceful paddling, as families climbed into canoes and glided across the water, soaking in the serene beauty of the preserve from a new perspective.

Back on land, laughter echoed through the trees as kids joined STEM experiments, games, and nature-themed arts & crafts. Creativity flourished at every table—some even claimed their paintings were worthy of Monet! Storytime with the Tenafly Library brought tales of the natural world to life under the shade of tall trees, while the aroma of delicious treats from local food trucks added a delicious touch to the day.

Throughout the event, visitors had the opportunity to connect with several local and regional organizations who hosted engaging, interactive tables to share their missions and offer fun educational activities. The Teaneck Creek Conservancy inspired guests with stories of urban land restoration and native habitat protection. Wild Birds Unlimited offered insights into backyard birding and tips on how to support feathered friends at home. Mathnasium delighted young minds with math games that made learning fun and approachable. Over at The New Weis Center’s table, guests explored hands-on nature activities and learned about ongoing environmental education programs. TVAC (Tenafly Volunteer Ambulance Corps) shared vital information about community health and emergency preparedness, while representatives from the NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife educated guests about local wildlife conservation efforts and how to get involved in preserving New Jersey’s natural treasures.

Guests enjoyed the thoughtful touches that made the event seamless—like in-town parking and shuttle service, keeping everything accessible for visitors of all ages.

Nature Day wasn’t just about fun—it was a celebration of community, connection, and conservation. Every smile, every new discovery, every muddy shoe was a reminder of why we gather here: to spark curiosity, to deepen our bond with the natural world, and to support the mission of Tenafly Nature Center.

As the sun dipped behind the trees and the event came to a close, families headed home with butterflies in their hearts, stories to share, and a renewed love for the outdoors.

Thank you to everyone who joined us!
We’re already looking forward to next year. Until then, keep soaring skyward—and stay wild.