By: Brian Roach – Staff Writer
A July 8 press conference to celebrate the preservation of 132 acres of land along the Delaware River was canceled because of high heat indices, D&R Greenway Executive Director Linda Mead said.
But, the event is being rescheduled for the fall, although a specific date has not been confirmed, she added.
According to Ms. Mead, the preserve – known locally as the historic Hollystone property – includes 110 acres of fields, woods and stream corridors, 12 acres of farmland and 10 acres of residential property.
The Hollystone land connects the Washington Crossing State Park and Baldpate Mountain preserves, a D&R Greenway press release said, creating "an 8-square-mile greenway spanning Mercer and Hunterdon counties."
"They’re not making land anymore," Ms. Mead said, "so when you have the opportunity to preserve a significant sized tract, like (Hollystone), you have to take it – now. This project is significant because there is an urgency to preserve land in the area."
The Hollystone tract is important both ecologically and historically, Ms. Mead said, noting the property’s links to George Washington as well as its role as a supporter of rare and endangered species of plants and wildlife.
According to the press release, Hollystone’s woodlands are part of a 9,500-acre contiguous forest – an area with no, or low-density, roads and little, or no, human development.
Hopewell Township – collaborating with D&R Greenway, Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space and Mercer County – provided a $2.76 million funding package to acquire the 110-acre plot. The original owners retained the remaining 22 acres. A conservation easement, which will restrict development on the property, was placed on the 12-acre plot that surrounds a 10-acre residential property once owned by the Titus family – founders of Titusville, Ms Mead said.
According to the press release, D&R Greenway spearheaded the project for funding partners – negotiating with landowners, structuring the preservation agreement and obtaining appraisals and surveys.
"We knew this property – a natural and historic gem – had to be preserved and that its preservation could only happen through a partnership," Patricia Sziber, executive director of Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space, said in the press release. "Thankfully, that partnership did come together."
Mayor Michael Markulec cited the importance of preservation for Hopewell Township’s future when asked about the newly acquired Hollystone property.
"In Hopewell, we have a Master Plan that focuses on preserving open space and farmland," Mr. Markulec said. "(These properties) maintain the rural character of the township. And (the Hollystone property) protects the (Stony Brook-Millstone) Watershed while providing a great connector between Baldpate and Washington Crossing State Park."
The New Jersey Trails Association will work on the creation of trails between the parks, Ms. Mead said in the press release.
"As trails continue to be built through this land and other preserves in the area, this entire region will be accessible," Ms. Mead said. "That’s our goal – to preserve lands and to provide the public with access to be able to enjoy them."
To learn more about the Hollystone property or to find out about upcoming events, visit the D&R Greenway website, www.drgreenway.org, or call 924-4646.
