Princeton Celebrates the Grand Opening of the 153-Acre Wood

Expanding Protected Green Space and Community Access to Nature

Princeton, Mercer County, New Jersey – On Friday, November 15, the Municipality of Princeton, together with its acquisition partners and the community, 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 marked the grand opening of the preserve to the public and Princeton’s continued commitment to the stewardship of local ecosystems. 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.

The event featured remarks from Councilmembers Eve Niedergang and Mia Sacks, 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. 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 also thanked the community for “supporting the Council in its efforts to protect an invaluable environmental resource for future generations.” Building on this, Councilmember Eve Niedergang emphasized the next steps in Princeton’s conservation efforts, stating, “This marks a pivotal moment in our Emerald Necklace initiative as we work to ensure access for all. 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, many of them old-growth. This acquisition was made possible through a public-private partnership led by Councilmembers Sacks and Niedergang, with support from Municipal Administrator 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,” said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson. “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.”

Preserving this land offers many ecological benefits, such as protecting wetlands and streams and creating a safe habitat for wildlife. The mature oak, beech, maple, and hickory trees help support local biodiversity and provide a home for songbirds and other species. They also absorb rainfall, acting as a natural buffer for preventing flooding along Cherry Valley Road. Beyond that, these trees play an important role in Princeton’s climate goals by capturing an estimated 340 megatons of carbon each year.

"Thanks to the commitment of Princeton residents, generous donors, and dedicated partners, the Municipality has preserved one of our community’s most vital ecological resources, aligning with the greenway loop (known as the Emerald Necklace Initiative) and Climate Action Plan," said Princeton Open Space Manager Inga Reich. "The Emerald Necklace Initiative aims to preserve and connect the municipality’s open spaces, creating a walkable and bikeable network around the entire municipality through public land. Now, as we move forward, our focus is on building and improving trails, installing signage, and ensuring these areas are connected and open to all."

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 on amenities and community programs, please visit the Municipality’s website.