Princeton Celebrates Expansion Of Green Space With Grand Opening Of 153-Acre Wood

PRINCETON, NJ - The Municipality celebrated the Open Space preservation of 153-Acre Wood,” a sprawling tract of woodlands with frontage on Province Line and Cherry Valley Roads.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Friday that marked the grand opening of the preserve to the public.

The preserve is now one of Princeton’s largest areas of protected land and provides residents and visitors with expanded access to green space, recreational opportunities, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Councilmembers, and representatives from the consortium of partnering nonprofit and State agencies, including Ridgeview Conservancy, The Watershed Institute, Friends of Princeton Open Space, New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Mercer County, and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres Program were present for the ceremony.

Following the ribbon-cutting, attendees enjoyed a guided walk led by the Ridgeview Turtles, a local youth conservation group.

Council President Mia Sacks expressed gratitude to the consortium partners, describing the “organic, collaborative nature” of the process to acquire the property, which began in 2020.

She thanked the community for “supporting the Council in its efforts to protect an invaluable environmental resource for future generations.”

“This marks a pivotal moment in our Emerald Necklace initiative as we work to ensure access for all,” Councilmember Eve Niedergang said. "Our shared vision is to create connections that allow every Princetonian to enjoy these woods and experience their benefits for both physical and mental well being.”

In October 2021, the Municipality of Princeton reached an $8.8 million agreement with Bryce Thompson and Lanwin Development, LLC, to secure this ecological resource for conservation and recreation. The 153-acre preserve was once slated for the development of large homes, which would have led to significant deforestation and ecological fragmentation, including the loss of approximately 4,000 trees.

The acquisition was made possible through a public-private partnership led by Sacks and Niedergang, with support from Municipal Administrator Bernie Hvozdovic and regional conservation groups.

Funding sources included $3 million in private donations, highlighted by a leadership gift from the George H. and Estelle M. Sands Foundation, along with grants from the State Green Acres Program, Mercer County’s Open Space Program, and the Municipal Open Space Tax Trust Fund.

"Today's opening of the 153-Acre Wood is an example of what we can achieve with the power of collaboration,” Mercer County Executive Dan Benson said.

“I'm proud that Mercer County was able to play a crucial role in supporting Princeton's purchase of the Lanwin Tract so that it can continue to be enjoyed by the public for generations to come.”

The 153-Acre Wood is now open to the public, with the trailhead and small parking area located on Province Line Road between Cherry Valley and Drake’s Corner Road. For more information visit the Municipality’s website.

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