Executive Director Riley Schwengel joined the Closter Nature Center in 2024. Originally from Rhode Island, Riley earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Behavior from Bucknell University. Following graduation, he immersed himself in conservation work, beginning as an Ecological Contractor in New Zealand and later serving four years as a Park Ranger with the State Park Services of Rhode Island and Maryland. Most recently, Riley worked as a Grant Coordinator at Cornell University.

At Closter Nature Center, Riley is excited to return to hands-on environmental preservation and education, advancing the Center’s mission to connect communities with nature. He resides in Sloatsburg, NY, with his wife, Aden, and enjoys hiking the scenic landscapes around him as well as exploring the vibrant local communities.

Riley can be contacted at 201-614-4639 or at executivedirector@closternaturecenter.org

Naturalist Marc Gussen has been teaching at the Closter Nature Center for more than twenty-five years. Having taught hundreds of children and adults, he is affectionately known as “Nature Marc”. In 2017, Marc was awarded the Patricia F. Kane Environmental Education Award from New Jersey Audubon. Gussen has a Bachelor of Arts degree in applied ecology from Rutgers University.

Marc can be contacted at 201-750-2778 or at naturalist@closternaturecenter.org