Rapid development and urbanization in the state of New Jersey have taken its toll on the environment, especially the waterways. The New Jersey Meadowlands, also known as Hackensack Meadowlands, is a 8,400-acre wetlands ecosystem that was once a beautiful sight but is now slowly falling victim to human neglect and abuse. Large landfills, improper waste disposal and environmental abuse ruined the once pristine flowing waters. The Meadowlands is created by the tributaries of Hackensack and Passaic Rivers.

The Meadowlands, despite the dangers it is facing, still retains some of its splendor. Its wetlands are home to several species of birds, fishes, crustaceans and mollusks. In order to protect the waterway and its resources, the New Jersey Legislature created the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission. The commission?s primary goals are to protect the meadowlands, and to address economic and environmental issues the region is facing.