Garden Club of Englewood - The Palisades Interstate Park

Established in 1900, The Palisades Interstate Park [PIP] stretches twelve miles along the Hudson River and encompasses 2,500 acres of shorefront, uplands, and cliffs which give visitors access to recreation and incredible vistas. The history of the site is as big as its views: from Revolutionary War battles, to numerous WPA projects, to the 1976 Bicentennial. The Park was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965.

The Garden Club of Englewood (GCE) has been involved with the PIP throughout the years. In 1948 GCE received a GCA Founder’s Fund Grant to develop a Sphagnum Bog in the Greenbrook Sanctuary, a 165-acre woodland preserve which sits on top of the Palisades. For many years Eric Nelsen, the Parks’ historical interpreter, has educated our members with historic programs and field trips. Beginning in 2017 GCE members planned, planted, and continue to maintain an 18th century herb garden at The Kearney House, an original 1760’s family homestead and tavern that sits on the Hudson’s shoreline within the Park.

Looking forward, the GCE is planning to assist the Palisades Parks Conservancy, a nonprofit partner of the PIP system, with future renovations of the Palisades’ Fort Lee Historic Park, which anchors the south side of the Park system. These renovations are being done in preparation for the Historic Park’s 50th anniversary and the country’s semi quincentennial in 2026.

Hurricane Ida devasted the Palisades Interstate Park in September 2021. The extraordinary rain fall and wind caused significant damage, including fallen trees, mud, and rock slides. Many of the damaged roads leading down to the river remain closed, cutting off access to recreation and the historic Kearney House. The repair of the roads cannot begin until the trees and other vegetation have been cleared.