Hunterdon Land Trust (HLT) has achieved a major milestone, surpassing 12,000 acres of land preserved in the Hunterdon County region by the end of 2024.

HLT was busy in 2024, with 10 preservation projects completed in 12 months. HLT helped to preserve 5 farms for a total of 335 acres and 5 open space projects for a total of 232 acres which equates to 567 acres last year. 

One of the ways HLT helped preserve these properties is by obtaining grant funds in the amount of $716,989.20 to put towards the capital costs of these projects. The grants come from a variety of sources, including the NJ Green Acres Program, Hunterdon County, and the US Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. 

“HLT has now preserved 12,207 acres – and each acre counts!” says Jacqueline Middleton, HLT Senior Director of Land Acquisition and Stewardship. “Because for every preserved acre comes cleaner water, more wildlife habitat, healthier soils, less flooding, and a healthier environment for all of us who live in this region and beyond.”

Tipping HLT past the 12,000-acre mark was its preservation of 177 acres of forested land in Bethlehem Township. The property is adjacent to a portion of NJ Audubon’s Deerpath Sanctuary and is close to other preserved properties. This preservation enlarges the greenway corridor, which has many benefits including aiding wildlife and enhancing water quality. 

Most of the property has never been farmed, and it contains a healthy forest and understory. Streams flow through the woodland, and an area of groundwater seeps support the growth of wet woodland plants such as sensitive fern, jewelweed, and skunk cabbage. Native sedges, ferns, mayapple, and other native plants compose the understory of much of the woodland under a diverse canopy of native hardwood tree species.

This property is located in the William Penn Foundation’s Delaware River Watershed Initiative focus area. Acquisition of this property is a part of a larger preservation effort in the Musconetcong River watershed aimed at improving water quality.

Bethlehem Township will own and manage the property. HLT wants to thank the NJ Green Acres Program, Hunterdon County, Bethlehem Township, NJ Conservation Foundation, and the William Penn Foundation for supporting this acquisition.

“This project is a testament to the power of partnership to build on conservation efforts and benefit our region’s communities for future generations.” said Catherine Suttle, HLT’s Executive Director. “Having been involved with Hunterdon Land Trust since 2007, I am familiar with the challenges and joys that led to this 12,000-acre milestone, and I am humbled by the efforts that went into making this happen. I also am inspired to continue our work, to ensure that we live in a region with clean air and water, connected and resilient landscapes for native flora and fauna, thriving local agriculture, and spaces for our community to enjoy the natural world.”

Looking forward, HLT plans to continue its vital work to preserve the places you love throughout the Hunterdon County region. With its new strategic plan in 2024 came a refreshed mission: to foster healthy ecosystems and communities in the Hunterdon County region through permanent preservation of open space and farmland, stewardship of natural resources, and cultivation of the Dvoor Farm as a center for inspiration, education, and connection.

“This is an incredible achievement for all of us at the Hunterdon Land Trust, as we reaffirm our commitment to land preservation efforts throughout our region,” says Nancy Cunningham, president of HLT’s board of trustees. “Our dedication to the preservation of natural resources benefits our entire community, and we are excited to build on this work in the years to come.”

To learn how you can preserve your land, or to support our efforts in the Hunterdon County region, visit www.hunterdonlandtrust.org.