EDITORIAL
By Ruth Luse
The D&R Greenway Land Trust, according to an Oct. 10 account in this paper, expects to receive about $8 million in state, county and municipal funding to help it purchase most of the 337-acre St. Michael’s tract for the purpose of open space preservation and related uses.
The nonprofit organization began a fundraising campaign at the Hopewell Harvest Fair to raise the remaining $3 million it needs in private donations.
Just last week, we reported that young Callie Considine of Hopewell and her mother went door-to-door on Halloween to collect some of the needed money. Callie managed to get over $50 and plans to continue collecting money at Failte Coffeehouse. Her goal is $500. It will be efforts like this both big and small which will help D&R reach its goal.
The cause of preserving the St. Michael’s land is dear to the hearts of many in the Valley area. They do not want to see this land, which lies just south and east of the Hopewell Borough line, given over to housing development or some other intrusive use. We agree that this beautiful piece of property once home to an orphanage and a private school should be allowed to remain as it is, but, we and many others who want to see it preserved, know it’s going to take a lot more money than the Greenway itself will get from government sources.
Those who have just heard about or read about the plan to preserve the St. Michael’s tract will have an opportunity Sunday to see it first-hand. As readers will note in a letter to the editor this week, three area women are inviting those interested in the preservation plan to join them on a walk.
Jamie Sapoch, Leslie Potter and Lori Saporito are asking people to show up at the site at 2 p.m. There will be a short presentation about the proposed purchase of the property and an hour’s walk of the property with a guide. Because of the recent heavy rains, they suggest walkers be prepared for a muddy stroll, which will be followed by refreshments. In other words, dress for the conditions.
Individuals and families are urged to take the walk. Parking is available at Hopewell Elementary School (located off Princeton Avenue) across the street from the site.
Those planning to take advantage of this chance to learn more about the preservation plan are asked to contact Ms. Sapoch at [email protected] or at 466-3127; or Ms. Saporito at [email protected] or 466-0990. If possible, they’d like to know how many might be coming.
They are hoping those who take the tour can help them come up with ideas about ways to raise the $3 million or so the Greenway needs to buy the land. Those who cannot find the time Sunday to take this walk are welcome to come up with ideas, too. We are sure the Greenery and these ladies will appreciate any help they can get.
Why? Because the preservation of the St. Michael’s land is a very worthy cause, indeed!

