Five years ago, as part of the N.J. Meadowlands Commission’s Oral History Project, we interviewed lots of folks about the region in the old days. We are going to reprint the best of them here, every Tuesday, for 11 weeks. This week: Don Smith. 

Note: Don is giving a talk about the region’s marshes this Sunday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Meadowlands Environment Center. Scroll down for more info.

Don Smith, born and raised in Little Ferry, is a long-time naturalist who knows the Hackensack River and its marshes better than just about anyone.

Don has been with the Meadowlands Commission for most of its 40-year history.

In this audio interview, Don has plenty to say about his childhood, his efforts to fight pollution and save wetlands, and some of the challenges the commission faced — especially in the early years.

Click “Continue reading…” immediately below to hear Don’s comments.

In this clip, Don discusses the changes in the region he has seen over the years:

In this audio clip, Don talks about the most important day in the Meadowlands Commission’s history:

In this audio clip, Don talks about the Meadowlands Commission’s key role in improving the region:

In this clip, Don discusses the changes in the region he has seen over the years: