Government and Environmental Groups Open
Mehrhof Pond Wildlife Observation Area In Little Ferry
Project Increases Public Access to Meadowlands Natural Areas

(Little Ferry) – Yesterday, a partnership of governmental and environmental groups opened the Mehrhof Pond Wildlife Observation Area. The site features a fully accessible wildlife observation blind, interpretative wildlife and historical displays, and hundreds of new native plantings.

The public access project was made possible through generous contributions by the Meadowlands Conservation Trust, the Bergen County Utilities Authority, the County of Bergen, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA), and the Bergen County Audubon Society (BCAS), which funded the construction of the observation blind, the area’s centerpiece.

The MCT spearheaded the project and provided funding to clear the site of overgrown and invasive vegetation, install plantings beds, and enclose the area with protective fencing around the pond. The BCUA, through a site access agreement with the MCT, made its property available for creation of the park and will be responsible for monitoring and maintaining the property.

The Mehrhof Pond Wildlife Observation Area is a significant wildlife and plant habitat that includes watershed, wetlands, forestry and other sensitive natural resources of great environmental importance. The natural area includes native plants such as Coneflower, Black Eyed Susan, Arrowwood Viburnum and Switchgrass.

It is also a great place for bird watching. Species that can be seen include Mallards, Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, and Black-crowned Night Herons. The site abuts Losen Slote Creek Park, a 28-acre upland forest.

NJSEA staff was instrumental in the design of the observation Area, interpretive and historical signs, and the various planting beds accenting the observation blind. The County of Bergen funded design and construction of the accessibility ramp to the observation blind, removal of decaying trees and the placement of recycling receptacles. They also refurbished the park benches.

The Mehrhof Pond Wildlife Observation Area is open from dawn to dusk daily. It is located on Mehrhof Road between Dietrich Street and McCabe Court.

“This project is a great example of government entities and civic organizations pooling their resources and knowledge for the benefit of the public,” said Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco. “Bergen County is a strong proponent of shared services and we look forward to future collaborations that further protect the environment and improve county residents’ quality of life.”

“The Meadowlands Conservation Trust, in keeping with its mission of increasing open space and raising awareness of the importance of environmental conservation within the Hackensack River Watershed, is pleased to give the public access to the natural beauty of Mehrhof Pond and the vegetation and wildlife that inhabit this important ecological area,” said Bill Sheehan, Chairman, Meadowlands Conservation Trust. “We thank all of our partners that contributed their time and resources to make this great project possible.”

“The Bergen County Utilities Authority is dedicated to benefitting the environment and expanding opportunities for our neighbors to enjoy peaceful natural areas,” said Robert Laux, Executive Director, Bergen County Utilities Authority. “We are excited to share this environmental gem with visitors and commend the Meadowlands Conservation Trust for their hard work in ensuring the preservation of treasured natural areas throughout the region.”

“The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority is steadfast in its commitment to preserving the delicate balance of nature in the Meadowlands,” said Vincent Prieto, President and CEO, New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority. “We are always pleased when we are able to lend the technical expertise of our staff to projects that conserve and beautify open space in the region.”

“The new bird blind will allow nature lovers to observe the amazing diversity of wildlife that inhabit the area, especially during migration season,” said Don Torino, President, Bergen County Audubon Society.  “The Bergen County Audubon Society is proud to be part of a project that brings more attention and appreciation to the wonders of nature that we have so close to home.”

“The Borough of Little Ferry is thrilled to have the Mehrhof Pond Wildlife Observation Area open to the community and appreciates everyone’s hard work in making this beneficial project a success,” said Little Ferry Mayor Mauro Raguseo.  “We invite everyone to take advantage of this remarkable natural resource.”