COMMISSION INAUGURATES MILL CREEK TRAIL

Meadowlands Commission Opens Mill Creek Restoration

Wetlands trail now available to the public for fishing, birding and more

By Hugh M. Carola

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 23, the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission opened the brand-new Mill Creek Trail to the public. NJMC Chair Susan Bass Levin and NJMC Executive Director Bob Ceberio welcomed Capt. Bill and other dignitaries in attendance before leading them on the preserve’s inaugural hike.

Captain Bill, NJMC Executive Director Bob Ceberio, Secaucus Mayor Dennis Elwell and other dignitaries gather for
the ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 23.

Earlier in October, students from Secaucus Middle School took part in an intensive clean-up of the new park and its trail system. Working under the direction of Secaucus DPW Director (and NJMC Trustee) Mike Gonelli, the students prepared the 1.5 mile-long Mill Creek Trail to welcome the public. “Many people have already discovered the trail,” said Capt. Bill. “I’m sure that many more will take advantage of the opportunities for passive recreation that this new preserve affords.”

During the 1990s, the 200-acre Mill Creek marsh was the site of an intensive wetlands mitigation program that was often criticized for its “heavy-handed approach” in dealing with phragmites plants. At the end of the process however, the tidal flow which had been cut off from the marsh for many years was restored and fish returned. And then came the birds. As a result, flocks of ducks, shorebirds, wading birds, birds of prey and many other species can be observed throughout the year. On a recent trip to the site, Capt. Bill and I were treated to the sights of hunting Northern harriers, groups of Semi-palmated sandpipers and large flocks of Green-winged teal.

A distinctive feature of the Mill Creek preserve is the hundreds of stumps – remnants of the Atlantic white cedar forest that once covered the Meadowlands. Sections of cedar logs are also used as benches throughout the preserve, some whose growth rings show them to have been more than 200 years old when they were cut down many years ago.

The Mill Creek Trail is open from sunrise to sundown, seven days a week. The trailhead is located adjacent to Stop and Shop at the Mill Creek Mall. Ample parking is provided and facilities are available inside the mall. As mentioned above, the birding is very productive. Fishing is permitted, encouraged and very also very good (see the photo of Capt. Bill and one of the many Striped bass he has already caught – and released – at the site).

Hackensack Riverkeeper is already planning a series of Eco-Walks at Mill Creek in 2003 and we hope to see YOU on the trail.

Capt. Bill decided to enjoy a bit of
catch and release fishing on the new
trail. He's holding a 15 inch Striper.