Teaneck Creek Conservancy Celebrates the 13th Annual “Migrate Back to Teaneck Creek” Dinner
Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III among Honorees
Teaneck, NJ - October 27, 2023 - Teaneck Creek Conservancy held its 13th Annual Honors Dinner at the Knickerbocker Country Club yesterday with the theme “Migrating Back to Teaneck Creek.”
"This dinner commemorates twenty-two years of the Teaneck Creek Conservancy. This year we celebrate the newly established wetlands park and recognize people who helped make it happen," said Board President Adam Strobel.
“We are delighted to honor three outstanding individuals and organizations whose remarkable contributions have made a lasting impact on the park and its mission,”
Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III was recognized for being an invaluable ally for Teaneck Creek's restoration. Upon the park’s reopening earlier this year after a two-year, 20-acre wetland and habitat reclamation project, Tedesco noted “This project is about the continuation of reclaiming parkland for Bergen County residents, a major principle laid out in our 2019 Bergen County Parks Master Plan. My administration remains committed to righting the environmental injustices that have occurred in the past at Overpeck County Park and its surrounding areas. Through innovative infrastructure and clean, nature-based stormwater management practices, this restoration allows wildlife to thrive in a beautiful, healthy environment.”
The generous volunteers from Stantec were also honored. Stantec volunteers annually have dedicated their time to joining TCC staff for the past several years, including lending many extra hands to park maintenance projects during the pandemic. Most recently, Stanec worked with the third honoree, Dave Chalek, to install deer-proof fencing around the new native plants surrounding the Peace Labyrinth.
Dave Chalek of Sprout Farms and Gardens serves as both a park maintenance volunteer through the “Weed Warriors” and as an Eco-Artist for the Conservancy. Chalek’s contributions in 2023 include the design and implementation of the Native Plant gardens surrounding the Peace Labyrinth and the construction of a wood rain catchment structure to increase rainwater storage within the park. This water is used for the new plants in the garden, new trees throughout the park, and for the restoration of the Five Pipes. He also volunteers his time for program support.
Proceeds from the "Migrate Back to the Creek" Dinner will play a crucial role in advancing TCC’s mission, which encompasses community activism, environmental reclamation and protection, cultural and artistic celebration, and the preservation of Teaneck Creek Park's historical legacy and its watershed.
The annual event not only brings TCC volunteers and supporters together in celebration, but funds raised also enable TCC to make a significant impact on the Teaneck Creek Park ecosystem. Silent auction donors included Amarone Ristorante in Teaneck, Bergen County Department of Parks, Jerry's Gourmet & More in Englewood, Miller’s Ale House in Paramus, Room & Board, Sprout Farms & Gardens, Wegmans, Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop, and local artists.
“Teaneck Creek Conservancy extends heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors who made the 13th Annual ‘Migrate Back to the Creek’ Dinner possible, " said Kathleen Farley, PhD., executive director. “We acknowledge the support of The Puffin Foundation Ltd., Wiss & Company, and the LiRo Group, whose sponsorship not only provides crucial financial support but also demonstrates their commitment to our mission.”
MEDIA CONTACT:
Destiny Chatman
connect@teaneckcreek.org
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Teaneck Creek Conservancy is a member-supported non-profit organization dedicated to the reclamation and protection of the cultural, historical, and environmental legacy of the Teaneck Creek watershed. Since 2001 we have been working hard to transform a once-neglected dumpsite into a place of natural beauty. Visit our park complete with almost two miles of groomed trails, an Outdoor Classroom for learning, and beautiful artwork such as our Five Pipes Mural and a Peace Labyrinth for quiet reflection. Teaneck Creek Conservancy acts as stewards for this unique space, providing educational opportunities and passive recreational amenities to the surrounding community. www.teaneckcreek.org
