MISSION STATEMENT

The Essex County Environmental Center is dedicated to creating awareness, understanding and appreciation of the environment and its relationship to Essex County residents. Essex County Environmental Center is devoted to uniting its twenty-two municipalities through developing and delivering holistic educational programs and action projects that foster earth stewardship to the County’s diverse populations and habitats. The Essex County Environmental Center promotes environmental sustainability and encourages individuals and communities to live responsible lifestyles that minimally compromise the earth’s resources planning for the future of Essex County.

The former Park Commission first began acquiring land for West Essex Park in 1955. Money to purchase the first piece of property came in part from the sale of Oraton Parkway to the New Jersey Highway Authority. Over subsequent years, other land was purchased from more than 70 individual landowners.

The Center for Environmental Studies was established in 1972 and functioned for over 23 years as a place to educate students about the environment.  It was officially closed in 1995 due to lack of funding but organizations such as Rutgers Cooperative Extension, the 4-H, and Master Gardeners continued providing services and programs at the site on a limited basis to meet the needs of the community.