Check out two community science initiatives to see what can be found at Teaneck Creek.

eBird is an online database of bird observations providing scientists, researchers and amateur naturalists with real-time data about bird distribution and abundance. Join a Bergen County Audubon Society walk to check out the birds for yourself.

As of September 2022, 1303 checklists identifying 162 species of birds have been submitted.

iNaturalist is a social network of naturalists, citizen scientists, and biologists built on the concept of mapping and sharing observations of biodiversity across the globe.

By September 2022, 835 lists by 33 observers detailing 195 species have been submitted.

Natural History

Natural History is the observation-style study of animals and plants in their habitats. Natural History has given rise to the many of the “ologies”: biology, ecology, limnology (study of lakes), geology, paleontology, and more. Famous Natural Historians include Charles Darwin, John Muir, as well as lesser known Natural Historians such as Dorothea Bate, Elizabeth Twining, Soloman Brown, George Washington Carver, MaVynee Betsch, and Captain Charles Young. At the time when Natural History became a popular pursuit it required wealth or wealthy backers. Most of the known early naturalists were white and male although their contributions to the field were supported by enslaved and/or indigenous people who were mostly not acknowledged for their contributions. Travel for specimen collection around the world was feasible, in part, due to naval ships mapping new shorelines for colonizing and ships participating in the slave trade.

Despite these problematic origins, most of our natural history collections began with these efforts. Today efforts in the field work to include and center indigenous knowledge, expand access to who can study natural history, and recognize the inhumane practices in the early days. Expanding who can study the natural world has grown in leaps and bounds through community science initiatives (formerly citizen science).

Hidden figures: Forgotten contributions to natural history
Five Indigenous Authors on Land and Nature

Five LGBTQ+ pioneers of the natural world

Latin American Naturalists Step Out of the Shadows

Latino Natural History: Recognizing the contributions of Latino naturalists

Learn more about female Natural Historians.

Learn more about early Black Natural Historians and here.

Meet 13 Asian and Asian Diasporic Nature and Environment Writers

Pride Month: 6 Inspiring LGBTQ+ Environmentalists to Know