Who We Are
The Closter Nature Center (CNC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation. Located in the heart of Closter, New Jersey, our 136-acre preserve of ponds, brooks, meadows, and forested wetlands serves as both a sanctuary for wildlife and a resource for the community.
Our Mission:
To protect and maintain natural habitats for local wildlife and plant species, to educate people of all ages about the natural world, and to offer recreational opportunities that foster a strong connection between people and nature.
Since our founding in 1962—driven by local concern over growing development—we have worked in partnership with the Borough of Closter to safeguard this land for public benefit. This long-standing collaboration enables us to focus on three core priorities:
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Conservation and Preservation: Actively managing our land to address invasive species, climate threats, and habitat degradation.
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Environmental Education: Offering hands-on, science-based programs for children and adults to build environmental awareness and stewardship.
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Community Recreation: Maintaining over three miles of trails and offering public access for hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and quiet exploration.
Whether you’re joining us to volunteer, hike the trails, or support our mission, the Closter Nature Center is a place where nature and community come together. Volunteers are essential to everything we do—from education and event support to trail maintenance and habitat restoration. We invite you to be a part of our work to protect this remarkable place for future generations
Don’t see the right volunteer opportunity for you right now?
Join our volunteer mailing list to stay in the loop about new ways to get involved throughout the year. Visit Volunteer with Us! to sign up.
Have an idea for a project or a way you'd like to contribute?
We’d love to hear from you! Email us anytime at info@closternaturecenter.org.
What We Do
At Closter Nature Center, everything we do is guided by our three-part mission: Conservation, Education, and Recreation. These pillars shape our programs, projects, and the ways we engage with the community. Volunteers play a vital role in every aspect of our work.
Conservation is our foundation. CNC was created to protect and care for 136 acres of forest, wetland, and open space in Closter. In 2017, we launched a Forest Stewardship Plan—a long-term effort to restore and reforest the land in the face of threats like invasive species, deer overpopulation, climate change, and habitat loss. This work is ongoing, and volunteer support is critical.
Volunteer opportunities in stewardship include:
Trail maintenance and monitoring
Invasive species removal
Native planting and habitat restoration
General grounds upkeep
Support during large-scale projects and workdays
Education is at the heart of our community outreach. We believe that connecting people with nature builds environmental awareness and inspires stewardship. CNC offers hands-on programs for children and adults, including summer camp, after-school sessions, nature lectures, and seasonal events. Volunteers assist with setup, activities, and outreach—especially helpful for teens and young adults looking to mentor younger children alongside our staff naturalist.
Recreation helps people build lasting connections to nature. Our trails, pond, and meadows are open year-round for hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and quiet reflection. We also host public events like guided hikes and family nature days. Volunteers help extend our reach by supporting outreach events, managing social media, and serving as visitor greeters—welcoming guests, answering questions, and highlighting our programs.
Whether you're passionate about wildlife, education, outdoor spaces, or community-building, there's a place for you at CNC. As a small nonprofit, we rely on volunteers to bring our mission to life. Join us in protecting this special place and sharing it with others.
Details
| (201) 800-2008 | |
| info@closternaturecenter.org | |
| Riley Schwengel | |
| Executive Director | |
| https://closternaturecenter.org/ |
