The funding deadline is March 15 just days away
By Ruth Luse
The goal now is $202,000.
That’s quite an accomplishment for the D&R Greenway Land Trust, considering that a month ago the organization needed $1,500,000 in private donations to help fund the preservation of the 337-acre St. Michael’s property just outside of Hopewell Borough.
The funding deadline is March 15 just days away.
Progress toward meeting the goal has been steady since early February.
Three weeks ago, the D&R Greenway needed only $500,000. That was because the Willard T.C. Johnson Foundation made a promise to donate $1 million if $500,000 more could be raised by the deadline.
As of last week, the goal was down to $330,000, thanks to the Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space, which has committed $100,000, and the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, which has committed $50,000.
"As with the $1,000,000 commitment from the Willard T.C. Johnson Foundation, these donations will be made available only to close the gap and complete the $11 million public-private funding package needed to acquire the land," Jo-Ann C. Munoz, director of communications for the D&R Greenway Land Trust, noted.
Ms. Munoz had more good news Monday.
"D&R Greenway is delighted to announce that we received a $100,000 contribution from an anonymous private donor in support of the St. Michael’s Preservation Project," said Ms. Munoz. "D&R Greenway Land Trust has raised $2,798,000 in private funds and, with 15 days (from today, March 1) to go until our contract with the Diocese expires, we still need to raise $202,000 to complete the $11 million purchase price."
And citizens of the Hopewell Valley area can help by attending or participating in several events planned for the benefit of the St. Michael’s preservation project. A list of these can be found in the HELP SAVE ST. MICHAEL’S TRACT (www.hopewellvalleynews.com).
"By attending one or more, you can help make a difference in preserving this environmentally significant and historic farmland and open space," said Ms. Munoz.
To make a direct donation, send a check, payable to D&R Greenway Land Trust, to One Preservation Place, Princeton, 08540. Donations may be made by using Visa or MasterCard or by calling D&R Greenway at 924-4646.

