We started our adventure in becoming “NVEF” back in 2012 when the Norwood Environmental Commission (EC), which had been having its own annual Earth Day, reached out to Cresskill’s EC (which had an Earthfest from 2009-11), and to Old Tappan’s EC (which was active with its own activities). These ECs joined forces to put on one event to represent all 3 towns and the Northern Valley of New Jersey. The volunteers relied on support from their own EC budgets for seed money for the events. The event rotated towns each year so that each town could lead the efforts and be the host town.
However, no matter the host town/location, the volunteers worked as one group, united in their passions for educating others on environmental issues such as plastic waste, alternative energy, earth friendly and green/sustainable goods, organic products, animal welfare, community gardens, green vehicles, and more.
Each year we have grown, attracting new Northern Valley towns as sponsors (2016: Tenafly; 2017: Closter & Demarest; 2018: Haworth; 2019: Harrington Park), which means new volunteers, and new event ideas!
Host Towns:
2014: Norwood
2015: Old Tappan
2016: Cresskill
2017: Closter
2018: Demarest
2019: Tenafly
2020 - 2023: Cancelled due to COVID-19
2024: To be announced
In 2017, we established ourselves as a NJ not-for-profit organization, with a set of trustees representing the 6 towns involved at the time. In early 2018, we received our tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. The granting of nonprofit status to NVEF is a major milestone for our growing organization.
We hope you continue to support us, whether with a charitable contribution, sponsorship, exhibit, as a volunteer, or as a Fair visitor. See you at the Fair!