Dunham Trail in Ridgewood Temporarily Closed for Ho-Ho-Kus Brook Bank Stabilization Project

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Restoration work is officially underway on Dunham Trail, a beloved 1.75-acre nature preserve along the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook. The project, aimed at stabilizing the brook’s bank near one of Ridgewood Water’s 20-inch mains, began today and is expected to be completed within a month.

During the duration of the project, Dunham Trail will be closed from Spring Avenue to Grove Street to ensure public safety and uninterrupted construction activity.

🌿 About Dunham Trail: A Hidden Gem in Ridgewood

Nestled in the heart of Ridgewood, Dunham Trail offers a quarter-mile peaceful walking path that runs alongside the scenic Ho-Ho-Kus Brook. The trail is a favorite among nature lovers, birdwatchers, and families, thanks to its:

• Serene brookside views

• Historic sandstone walls and two charming dams

• Rich biodiversity including birds, mammals, and native wildflowers

• Towering trees and dense shrubbery offering cool shade

This natural sanctuary stands as a tribute to the Village’s commitment to environmental stewardship and historical preservation.

🕰️ A Legacy Rooted in History

The origins of Dunham Trail trace back to 1921, when Dr. Charles D. Silleck donated a portion of the land to the Village. Earlier, during World War I in 1917, the area was part of Ridgewood’s local farming initiative, with onions grown on-site by the Village Farm Committee as part of the war effort.

The park is named after Dr. Anna (Ann) Dunham, a Ridgewood resident and renowned educator who devoted her life to environmental education. A graduate of Wellesley College (1932) and Cornell University (PhD, 1944), Dr. Dunham taught at Smith and Colby College, and served as a nature consultant to Ridgewood schools. Her passion for outdoor learning continues through the Ridgewood Wildscape Association, founded in 1976 as a living memorial to her.

🐾 Visiting Guidelines for Dog Owners

Dogs are welcome on Dunham Trail but must be:

• Leashed at all times (maximum 6 feet in length)

• Wearing adequate collars

• Cleaned up after — please help keep the trail beautiful and safe for all

🚧 Project Details

• Project Type: Brook bank stabilization near Ridgewood Water infrastructure

• Duration: Approximately 1 month

• Trail Closure: From Spring Avenue to Grove Street

This essential work ensures the long-term sustainability of the brook and the safety of Ridgewood’s water infrastructure while preserving one of the Village’s most treasured green spaces.

📍Location

Dunham Trail
West side of the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook
Between Spring Avenue and Grove Street, Ridgewood, NJ

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