8-Acre, Century-Old Chester Farm Preserved for $570,333

An eight-acre farm in Chester Township is now part of Morris County’s preserved farmland thanks to a $570,333 easement acquisition, the county announced Wednesday.

The Morris County Open Space, Farmland, Floodplain Protection and Historic Preservation Trust Fund provided the funding for Parks Farm, which was originally purchased by William Parks in 1906.

The acquisition marks the 21st preserved farm in Chester Township and 127th preserved farm in Morris County since the program began in 1987.

Under the agreement, Parks Farm retains ownership of the land and ensures the property will only be used for agricultural purposes.

The county is targeting three more farms to preserve before the end of the year, including another property in Chester Township, and one each in Mt. Olive and Washington Townships.