Morris County Approves $1.8 Million for Open Space Preservation

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ - The Morris County Board of County Commissioners approved $1.8 million in grants on November 18 to protect over 65 acres through the 2024 Open Space Program. The funding will support conservation projects in Denville, Madison Borough, and Mendham Township, with properties ranging in size from 3.5 acres to 51 acres.

"We are proud to approve these projects for funding, as they protect critical habitats, expand recreational opportunities, and ensure the long-term health of our environment,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, the board’s liaison to the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation. “Since 1994, we’ve preserved more than 18,300 acres of open space, which is an area larger than the Township of Parsippany, reflecting our commitment to protecting and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.”

The projects, recommended by the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund Committee, include:

Jonathan’s Woods Extension on the Whitney Property, located in Denville Township

• Jonathan’s Woods Extension – Whitney Property (Denville Township)
  • Award: $265,000
  • Size: 3.5 acres
  • This property adjoins the 430-acre Jonathan’s Woods conservation area and represents one of the last sizable tracts to be added.

The Schiff Preserve Addition, known as Civille, located in Mendham Township

• Schiff Preserve Addition – Civille Property (Mendham Township)
  • Award: $447,234
  • Size: 11 acres
  • Situated near the Somerset County border, this parcel includes the North Branch of the Raritan River and will expand the Schiff Natural Lands Trust’s existing preserve.

The Drew Forest Project, located in and applied for by Madison Borough,

• Drew Forest Project (Madison Borough)
  • Award: $1,087,766
  • Size: 51 acres
  • A critical aquifer recharge area, the Drew Forest supports regional water supplies, endangered species like the Indiana Bat, and serves as an ecological classroom for Drew University.

The funding comes from the Morris County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, supported by a voter-approved county tax. Since its inception in 1994, the program has preserved over 18,300 acres through $300 million in grants, complementing the nearly 94,600 acres of open space managed by various agencies across the county.

These grants underline Morris County’s ongoing commitment to environmental preservation, recreational access, and ecological education. The latest updates on the county's master plan for open space are available on the county website.

Did you know that county, municipal, federal, state, and nonprofit-owned open space totals nearly 94,600 acres, accounting for approximately 30.7% of Morris County's total area?

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