Pollinator Pathway
Hackensack
Welcome to the City of Hackensack New Jersey Pollinator Pathway
The Hackensack Pollinator Pathway is led by the Hackensack Green Team, a citizen-driven group dedicated to creating a more sustainable, resilient, and environmentally healthy community. Established by the City of Hackensack in January 2023, the Green Team develops plans, implements programs, and supports educational initiatives that help residents, businesses, and municipal departments reduce their environmental impact and protect local ecosystems.
The Green Team’s work includes:
Supporting the City’s participation in the Sustainable Jersey program
Leading Hackensack through the successful completion of actions required for certification
Encouraging City employees, residents, and businesses to take part in local green initiatives
Collaborating with public agencies, nonprofits, schools, and neighboring communities to share best practices
Gathering and evaluating sustainability ideas from the community and presenting recommendations to city leadership
In September 2024, the Hackensack Green Team achieved Bronze Certification through Sustainable Jersey, reflecting its commitment to advancing local sustainability and community engagement.
The Hackensack Pollinator Pathway builds on this work by expanding native plant habitats, educating the community about pollinator-friendly practices, and connecting green spaces throughout the city.
Learn more: https://www.hackensack.org/green-team/
Hackensack Community Rain Garden
Hackensack High School, 135 First St Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
What: The garden features a number of native plants, flowers, shrubs and a Paw Paw tree. The garden incorporates stunning public eco-art, thanks to commissioned artist Suzie Gerace, who collaborated with Hackensack High School art students to create unique clay plant markers and an elegant bird bath.
When: On June 1, 2024 as the dream became reality as Dave Chalek of Sprout Farms led the design and installation process, coordinating with an army of volunteers who rolled up their sleeves to plant the future.
Why: To inspire the creation of rain gardens throughout Hackensack and the region, supporting the environmental education of Hackensack High School students and finally creating a new community asset for neighbors to enjoy.
Who: Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, the Hackensack Public Schools and funding supporters like TD Bank Community Foundation, The Jefferson and others.
Union Street Park
97 Union Street Hackensack, NJ 07601
What: Native trees, native pollinator plants seed mix of Mixed Cosmos (Cosmos Bipinnatus), Yellow Cosmos (Cosmos Sulphureus), Plains Coreopsis (Coreopsis Tinctoria), Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckkia Hirta), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea Pupurea), Lanced Leaved Coreopsis (Coreopsis Lanceolata), Blanketflower (Gaillardia Aristata)
When: Planted in October 2022 and early December 2022.
Why: The Union Street School stood at this location from 1878 until the 1950s. Graffiti artists from all over the world create art on the walls flanking the park. The park is known in the community as the Graffiti Temple.
Who: Hackensack Environmental Commission, Hackensack Shade Tree Advisory Committee, Hackensack Department of Public Works and Community Volunteers. It was funded by the 2022 ANJEC Open Space Grant.
Hackensack Community Garden Johnson Park
444 River Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
What: /When: In 2023, we added colorful planter pots with flowering plants to decorate the entrance fencing of the community garden.
Why: Mission is to educate, facilitate and collaborate to advance the knowledge of gardening, sustainability, and environmental concerns in the City of Hackensack.
Who: The Garden Club of Hackensack and Girl Scout Troop #5880
Our Partners
Hackensack Environmental Commission, Hackensack Shade Tree Advisory Committee, Hackensack Department of Public Works, The Garden Club of Hackensack, Girl Scout Troop #5880, Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, the Hackensack Public Schools and funding supporters like ANJEC Open Space Grant, TD Bank Community Foundation, The Jefferson and Community Volunteers.