Welcome to Hawk Rise Sanctuary, a 95-acre ecological preserve and wetland complex, which was carved out of a former landfill in Linden, New Jersey.
This park is open from dawn to dusk and includes a “double-legged" lollipop trail of about 1.5 miles that alternates between boardwalk and gravel paths. In addition to panoramic views of the Rahway River, trails are equipped with interpretive signage to provide visitors with habitat descriptions and information regarding over 120 species of birds and other wildlife that have been seen in the area.
A Brief History
The story of Hawk Rise Sanctuary begins in the mid-1800s when Linden was incorporated. Like most communities in the 1800s and early 1900s, refuse was either burned or thrown into open pits. As Linden grew, refuse was collected and deposited into “the swamp” which, at the time, was considered useless land.
The first “sanitary landfill” was opened in 1937. Instead of burning garbage or leaving it exposed, it was collected, compacted, and covered with soil each day. Linden’s sanitary landfill was opened in the 1950s and operated until it was ordered to close in 2007 because of antiquated practices that did not comply with new landfill regulations.
After the 55-acre landfill was officially closed, Linden began to develop its vision for a greenway along the Rahway River. With 50 acres of wetlands and 36 acres of forest, Hawk Rise Sanctuary currently comprises over 140 acres of open space for people and wildlife.