Davies Arboretum & Wildlife Preserve

For New Jersey residents seeking a peaceful escape into nature without venturing far from home, Davies Arboretum & Wildlife Preserve in Demarest offers a truly unique local gem. Nestled in the heart of Demarest, this remarkable 18-acre property serves as a vibrant testament to the power of community dedication and the beauty of preserved open space. While some visitors note its need for ongoing care, Davies Arboretum provides a natural sanctuary that is both accessible and rich in biodiversity, offering a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in Bergen County.

Purchased by the Borough of Demarest in 1973 with Green Acres funds, Davies Arboretum & Wildlife Preserve is more than just a collection of trees; it's a living, evolving landscape managed by the passionate volunteers of the Demarest Garden Club. This long-standing commitment underscores the deep roots and local pride associated with this cherished green space. It's a place where history intertwines with nature, as the site once housed the old Van Davies farmhouse and ice house, with remnants still visible today, including a magnificent copper beech tree dating back to around 1815.

The preserve is thoughtfully divided into two primary sections: the Davies Arboretum, covering the front 7 acres, and the Davies Wildlife Preserve, encompassing the back 11 acres which are maintained in a more undeveloped, natural state. This dual approach ensures that visitors can enjoy both curated botanical collections and a more wild, untouched natural environment. It’s a place designed for exploration, learning, and quiet contemplation, providing vital green infrastructure for the community.

Davies Arboretum & Wildlife Preserve truly embodies the essence of a local natural haven. It's a testament to the fact that significant natural beauty and ecological importance can thrive even within developed areas. For New Jersey locals, it represents an accessible opportunity to reconnect with nature, observe local wildlife, and appreciate the diligent efforts of community volunteers in preserving these invaluable green spaces. It's a quiet corner of the state where the beauty of the natural world is celebrated and nurtured for all to enjoy.

Davies Arboretum & Wildlife Preserve is conveniently located at 35 Anderson Ave, Demarest, NJ 07627, USA. This address places it squarely in the charming borough of Demarest, within Bergen County, New Jersey. Its central location makes it highly accessible for residents of Demarest and neighboring towns, offering a quick and easy getaway into nature.

One of the key advantages of Davies Arboretum is its accessibility by car. Visitors will find plenty of parking available directly across the street from the arboretum entrance. This dedicated parking area ensures that arriving and departing is hassle-free, even during periods of higher visitation. The ease of parking makes it a convenient choice for families, individuals, and groups looking to spend time outdoors without the stress of navigating complex parking situations.

Furthermore, Demarest's layout means that the arboretum is often within walking or biking distance for many local residents. This encourages active transportation and allows the community to integrate visits to the preserve into their daily routines. The trails within the wildlife preserve also make it a pedestrian-friendly destination once inside.

While public transportation options directly to the entrance might be limited compared to major urban attractions, Demarest is generally well-connected by local bus routes that serve Bergen County. Those traveling from further afield can likely reach the vicinity of the arboretum via a combination of public transit and a short walk or ride-share, though driving remains the most straightforward option given the ample parking. The very nature of a "natural place in the heart of town," as one review notes, highlights its inherent accessibility and integration into the local landscape.

• Nature Trails: The Davies Wildlife Preserve section features a system of trails that wind through the wooded site. These trails are designed for nature walks, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural environment and observe local flora and fauna.

• Educational Plant Collections: The arboretum section showcases various themed gardens and collections. These include the Bartke Grove (Stellar dogwoods, hybrid andromeda), Hansen Holly Grove (unusual hardy hollies), and collections of low-maintenance flowering trees, shrubs, and plantings hardy in Zone 5/6 (New Jersey climate zones).

• Bird Identification Center: The Janet Van Gelder Bird Garden (2002-2006) provides an interactive space designed around a granite bird bath, bird feeders, and bird-friendly plantings, making it an excellent spot for bird identification and observation.

• Themed Gardens: Several themed gardens are part of the South End Project (2000-2008), including Four Seasons Gardens, Deer Resistant Gardens, Butterfly Gardens, Children's Gardens, and a Vertical Garden, each offering a unique focus on specific plant types or ecological principles.

• Ed's Garden Railroad: A charming and unique feature, Ed's Garden Railroad (2008) includes solar-powered tracks for running G-gauge model trains, adding an element of whimsical interest for visitors of all ages.

• Open Space Preservation: The primary service is the preservation of 18 acres of Borough-owned land, maintaining it as open space in the heart of Demarest for public enjoyment and ecological benefit.

• Community-Driven Maintenance: A significant highlight is that the selection of all plantings and ongoing maintenance are overseen by the Demarest Garden Club Arboretum Committee. This volunteer-driven effort speaks to the deep community involvement and dedication to the preserve's upkeep, even if, as one review notes, some areas could benefit from "TLC."

• Historical Elements: The site's history adds to its charm, with remnants of the old Van Davies farmhouse and ice house, as well as a massive copper beech tree dating back to around 1815. These elements provide a glimpse into Demarest's past as a self-sufficient farm community.

• Biodiversity Focus: The preserve actively works to conserve and showcase biodiversity, including a Helen's Wildflower Walk featuring 65 surviving species out of 90 planted, with 15 endangered in New Jersey and 8 rare or infrequent in the wild. This focus on native and at-risk plants is a crucial ecological feature.

• Varied Botanical Collections: From specific groves like the D'Antoni Grove (rhododendrons) and Centennial Grove (flowering trees and shrubs for the Millennium and Demarest's Centennial) to specialized collections like the Hardy Fern Collection, the arboretum offers a diverse range of plant species to observe and learn about.

• Eagle Scout Projects: The involvement of local Boy and Girl Scouts in various projects, such as creating trails, installing deer watering holes, and establishing a Grove of Angels, highlights the intergenerational community effort in maintaining and enhancing the preserve.

• Seasonal Beauty: The thoughtful selection of plants, including spring-blooming shrubs and perennials, ensures that the arboretum offers changing beauty throughout the seasons, inviting repeat visits.

As a publicly owned arboretum and wildlife preserve, Davies Arboretum & Wildlife Preserve does not typically offer commercial promotions or special offers in the traditional sense, as it is a community resource maintained primarily by the Demarest Garden Club. Admission to the arboretum is generally free and open to the public, emphasizing its role as an accessible natural space for all New Jersey locals.

The "special offer" of Davies Arboretum lies in its inherent value as a preserved natural area within a suburban setting. This includes free access to:

• Educational Opportunities: The various themed gardens and plant collections, along with signage (where available), offer a free educational experience about diverse plant species, ecosystems, and wildlife habitats.

• Recreational Access: Locals have free access to walking trails for exercise, relaxation, and nature appreciation, including bird watching and simply enjoying the tranquility of the environment.

• Community Events: While specific events and their associated "offers" would be advertised by the Demarest Garden Club or the Borough of Demarest, these might include free guided nature walks, plant sales, or educational workshops. These events are often designed to engage the community and promote environmental awareness.

Visitors interested in specific activities or special happenings at Davies Arboretum should refer to the Demarest Garden Club's website or local community calendars for announcements. The ongoing, volunteer-driven maintenance and enhancement of the preserve, often through community donations, can also be seen as a continuous "offer" of a well-maintained public space that enriches the lives of local residents.

For general inquiries about Davies Arboretum & Wildlife Preserve, or to learn more about the Demarest Garden Club's activities and volunteer opportunities, the best approach is to contact the Demarest Garden Club directly or the Borough of Demarest.

• Address: 35 Anderson Ave, Demarest, NJ 07627, USA

• Demarest Garden Club:

  While a direct phone number for the arboretum specifically is not widely published, inquiries can often be directed through the Demarest Garden Club, which manages the arboretum.

  Their website (e.g., DemarestGardenClub.org) would be the primary source for contact details, committee information, and event schedules.

• Borough of Demarest:

  For broader municipal information or if specific contact for the Garden Club is hard to find, the Borough of Demarest's main offices can often provide guidance.

  Borough Hall Address: 118 Serpentine Road, Demarest, NJ 07627

  Borough Hall Phone: (201) 768-0167

Checking local Demarest community websites and bulletin boards would also be advisable for the most up-to-date information on events, volunteer days, or specific contact persons for the arboretum.

Davies Arboretum & Wildlife Preserve is exceptionally suitable for New Jersey locals, particularly those in Demarest and surrounding Bergen County communities, for a multitude of reasons. Its most significant appeal lies in its role as a readily accessible natural retreat. In a densely populated state like New Jersey, having an 18-acre preserve offering varied natural environments right in the heart of a town is an invaluable asset. This allows residents to easily connect with nature, whether for a quick stroll, a leisurely afternoon of bird watching, or simply to find a moment of peace away from urban demands.

The diverse features of the arboretum cater to a wide range of interests. Families can enjoy the unique Ed's Garden Railroad and the Children's Garden, providing engaging and educational experiences for younger visitors. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the various themed plant collections and the extensive wildlife preserve with its trails, offering opportunities for observation and learning about local flora and fauna. The focus on native and endangered species, as seen in Helen's Wildflower Walk, also underscores its ecological importance and its contribution to regional biodiversity.

Furthermore, the volunteer-driven nature of the arboretum, primarily managed by the Demarest Garden Club, fosters a strong sense of community ownership and pride. This local involvement ensures that the preserve remains a cherished and well-maintained resource, even with acknowledged areas needing "TLC." It offers unique opportunities for residents to engage in environmental stewardship through volunteering, deepening their connection to the land and their community.

The ease of access, with ample parking conveniently located across the street, makes spontaneous visits a breeze. This convenience, combined with the fact that admission is free, removes barriers to entry, making it an inclusive space for everyone. Davies Arboretum is not just a place to visit; it’s a living classroom, a recreational space, and a community hub that enriches the lives of locals by providing an essential green oasis. It truly offers a blend of natural beauty, educational opportunities, and community spirit, making it an ideal destination for New Jersey residents seeking to embrace the outdoors close to home.

Davies Arboretum & Wildlife Preserve

35 Anderson Ave, Demarest, NJ 07627, USA