A Zabriskie Black Walnut Returns to Historic New Bridge Landing
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
River Edge, N.J. — A historic piece of North Jersey’s natural heritage is putting down fresh roots. The Bergen County Historical Society has announced the return of a Zabriskie Black Walnut tree to Historic New Bridge Landing, restoring a vital piece of the landscape that shaded the iconic Von Steuben House for generations.
Historically prized for both their valuable lumber and nutrient-rich nuts, black walnuts hold a special place in regional history. While Historic New Bridge Landing and the Von Steuben House still feature a few older black walnut trees, local historians and volunteers set out with a specific goal: to replace the ancient black walnut tree that once stood directly behind the historic home.
Grown from Local Roots
Finding a true local specimen proved to be a unique challenge. Black walnut trees are not commonly sold at standard plant nurseries, and ordering a mail-order sapling felt out of step with the site’s historical mission.
Instead, volunteers took matters into their own hands last fall. Gathering walnuts directly from the property’s largest black walnut tree, volunteers planted the seeds—and achieved success.
The first new sapling has officially been planted in the meadow to replace a tree previously damaged by local deer. Over time, this native addition will mature into a lush canopy, offering shade to visitors and vital habitat for local wildlife.
Preserving History in the Landscape—and Inside the Home
The restoration efforts won’t stop with a single tree. Plans are already set for a second black walnut tree to be planted this coming fall, further enhancing the historical narrative of the site’s landscape.
Interestingly, Bergen County is home to the largest black walnut tree in all of New Jersey.
As for the original historic tree behind the Von Steuben House? Though age and past storm damage eventually required its removal, its legacy remains alive indoors. Enough of the historic wood was salvaged to craft a custom wooden table, which still resides inside the Von Steuben House today.
About the American Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
The Black Walnut is a large, native deciduous tree renowned across eastern North America for its dense timber, distinctive dark nuts, and ecological importance.
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Canopy & Shade: Broad, rounded canopy developing throughout spring and summer.
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Wildlife Value: Produces nutrient-rich nuts that support local ecosystem species.
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Structural Strength: Deep root systems and heavy branching make it an enduring landscape specimen valued for centuries.
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Tags: #BergenCounty #HistoricNewBridgeLanding #NJHistory #VonSteubenHouse #NativeTrees #RidgewoodNJ #LocalHistory #BlackWalnut
