Incorporated as a borough over 100 years ago, Hawthorne, New Jersey, has a diverse history dating back to the Lenni-Lenape Indians, who likely occupied the area in seasonal campsites.  Hawthorne was first settled by Europeans as a farming community in the 1700s.  The borough has seen a lot of growth since then and currently, the majority of Hawthorne is developed with residential communities, commercial districts, and some older industrial properties.

Hawthorne lies in a shallow valley that rises in elevation toward the north and has localized high points.  The First Watchung Ridge, a volcanic extrusion of ballast that created precipitous cliffs and steep slopes, lies along the western edge of Hawthorne.  Goffle Brook, a tributary to the Passaic River, which is part of the Newark Bay-Hudson Harbor estuary, flows through the valley.

Although Hawthorne is a well-developed borough, due to its location in the Passaic River watershed, and its diverse topography, it still contains many valuable natural resources.  In 2001, a Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) was developed to establish a baseline of these resources.  This information can be used to facilitate smart development and/or redevelopment so the existing natural resources are protected for this generation, and future generations of Hawthorne's residents to enjoy.