Morris County is taking significant steps to safeguard its natural and historic resources, with the Open Space Trust Fund Committee recommending $6.95 million in grants to preserve over 192 acres in Denville, Mendham Township, and Rockaway Township. The recommendations were formally presented during a Board of County Commissioners meeting in Morristown, with approval expected before the end of the year.
The proposed grants cover a range of properties, from 11.7 acres to more than 123 acres, each carefully evaluated to prioritize local environmental and community needs. Since the program’s inception, the county has preserved over 14,750 acres through Municipal and Non-Profit grants, and more than 18,300 acres total through all open space initiatives. Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, the board’s liaison to the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation, noted that this work not only protects the county’s natural heritage but also enhances quality of life for residents by maintaining public access to green spaces.
“This year’s recommendations are the result of months of thoughtful review and collaboration with our local partners,” said Jay Thomson, chair of the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund Committee. “Each property represents our ongoing commitment to conserving natural resources, protecting wildlife habitats, and expanding public access for generations to come.”
Funding for these initiatives comes from the voter-approved Morris County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, supported by a dedicated county tax. The fund supports a variety of projects including farmland protection, parkland acquisition, historic preservation, trail construction, and the purchase of residential properties in flood-prone areas.
Key Properties Recommended for Preservation
Tingley Road, Mendham Township – Mendham Township is recommended to receive a $214,000 grant to protect 11.72 acres along Tingley Road within the Washington Valley Historic District. This scenic tract provides a natural buffer between nearby historic sites and lies adjacent to the Whippany River, a designated trout production waterway. Preservation would maintain woodlands, wetlands, and meadows, while improving trail connectivity via a spur trail linking to Patriot’s Path. The property also borders Lewis Morris County Park, further integrating it into the county’s greenway network.
Wildcat Ridge Preserve, Rockaway Township – The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is recommended to receive a $1.04 million grant to preserve 123.30 acres of the Wildcat Ridge Preserve. Surrounded on three sides by state-owned open space within the Wildcat Ridge Management Area, this property will expand protected land, enhance wildlife habitat, and reinforce long-term conservation in the county’s mountainous terrain. The site features dense deciduous forest and a two-acre pond, and sits immediately south of the Egbert’s Lake tract, partially preserved through a previous $400,000 county grant. The property also contains a portion of the West Morris Greenway, enhancing regional trail networks.
St. Francis and Pocono Field, Denville – Denville is recommended for a $5.7 million grant to preserve 57.29 acres spanning the historic St. Francis and Pocono Field properties. Purchased in 1895 by the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, the northern parcel served as a senior living facility for more than a century, while the southern parcel was historically farmland and later developed into recreational fields still in use today. The original barn now functions as a thrift store. Recent plans to construct a modern senior living complex were abandoned, creating an opportunity for preservation that will protect both historical significance and community open space.
These 2025 recommendations reflect a continued commitment by Morris County to protect its natural landscapes, historic sites, and recreational spaces. Residents can expect these properties to remain accessible and preserved for public enjoyment, ecological sustainability, and historical significance, ensuring that the county’s open spaces continue to serve the community for decades to come.
To explore more parks, trails, and natural destinations across northern New Jersey, visit Explore New Jersey North and discover the state’s rich array of outdoor experiences.
