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 2010, the Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI) was updated.  The Environmental Resource Inventory will continue to be reviewed and updated at that time of the Re-Examination of the Borough's Master Plan in accordance with the Municipal Land Use Law. 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. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

I.     Land Resources    
       -Geology
       -Soils
       -Soil Limitations Table

II.    Air Resources
       -Air Quality
       -Climate

III.  Biological Resources
       -Vegetation
       -Wildlife

IV.   Hydroplogy
       -Water Resources

V.    Natural Resource Use
       -Land Use and Open Space
       -Transportation

VI.    Historical Resources

VII.  Noise

VIII. Literature Cited 

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