Exploring Kearny, NJ Uniting Nature and Industrial Heritage

For travellers who appreciate the intersection of nature and industrial heritage, Kearny in New Jersey has a lot to offer. This bluecollar town is bustling with diverse communities that have shaped its rich history over time. And while its factories may be long gone, what remains are lush forests, winding creeks, and parks that offer an oasis of greenery for visitors.

One such place is the Gunnell Oval Park (Washington Ave &, Beech St,), which has undergone many transformations since it was first established as a public park in 1898. Today it features walking trails around the pond where visitors can spot various species of birds like mallards and Canadian geese. Its also worth mentioning that this park offers one of the best vantage points for viewing sunsets over Manhattan!

Another mustvisit destination is Riverbank Park (River Rd &, Newark Turnpike), which follows along Passaic Rivers banks offering visitors an opportunity to explore remnants from areas past like old brick kilns or rusting train tracks hidden amid trees. The park itself is packed with amenities too basketball courts, playgrounds but also scenic overlooks ideal for birdwatchers hoping to spot bald eagles soaring overhead.

Finally we recommend visiting Frank A Vincent Marina (West Hudson Park Drive,) located adjacent to Laurel Hill County Park on lake in West Hudson County Park. Visitors can rent kayaks or paddleboats here and enjoy cruising down placid waters surrounded by thickets of reeds teeming with small fish jumping about.

For those interested in delving deeper into Kearnys industrial past check out Thistle Mill Complex(470 Schuyler Ave) waterfront site home half acre garden wildlife sanctuary transformed from former worsted woolen textile manufacturing factories;Marion Junction Freight Yards at left bank closing up shop back before WW2/ Fascinatingly educational signage from National Railway Historical Society abound!

Kearnys various parks and open spaces offer an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of this region while also learning about its rich history. Visitors interested in exploring Kearny should know that theyll be embarking on a journey full of unique experiences, hidden gems and interesting wildlife sightings.

Scientifically speaking, these green spaces provide crucial habitats for birds like Blackcrowned Night Herons (Nycticorax nycticorax), Least Terns(Sternula antillarum) , Ospreys(Pandion haliaetus) and Green Heron(Butorides virescens). Plus the forests around Passaic River are home to rare plant species like American Chestnut(Castanea dentata).

So go ahead strap on your hiking boots or rent some wheels just as long as you take time to explore all that Kearny has waiting for you!

Websites:

https://www.kearnynj.org/departments/parksrecreation/

https://www.nature.org/enus/getinvolved/howtohelp/placesweprotect/newjersey/

Twitter Handles:

@NewJerseyAudubon

@NJHiking