StoryMap Celebrates Three Decades of Open Space Preservation

Locate, View, Access Audio/Visual Presentations of Each Preserved Site

Morris County is marking more than three decades of land preservation by launching an interactive online ArcGIS StoryMap© that highlights the history, scope and impact of the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund.

Developed by the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation, the Open Space StoryMap offers a detailed look at the nearly 300 projects supported by the fund since it was established by voter referendum in 1992. The platform includes interactive maps, photographs, and data showing the extent of preserved lands by municipality and region, as well as multimedia features to enhance the user experience.

Check Out the Open Space StoryMap!

“Morris County has long recognized the value of preserving our natural resources and open spaces, and this StoryMap highlights the incredible success we’ve had in doing that,” said Joe Barilla, director of the Office of Planning and Preservation. “It shows how our commitment to quality of life, recreation and environmental protection continues to benefit every community in the county.”

Since its inception in 1994, the Open Space Trust Fund program has helped to preserve more than 14,750 of the estimated 18,300 acres Morris County has preserved through its larger Preservation Trust Fund. The StoryMap also commemorates the important role played by the original Open Space Committee and reflects key milestones, such as the first three county preservation projects undertaken in Jefferson, Mount Olive and Denville in 1994.

The online resource includes maps that illustrate preserved open space by municipality and region, along with examples of active and passive recreation areas, trails, wetlands, farmland and water supply sources that have been protected through the program.

“This is more than just a history lesson; it’s a celebration of the partnerships and people who have made Morris County one of the most desirable places to live, work and play in New Jersey,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen H. Shaw, liaison to the Office of Planning and Preservation. “We invite the public to explore this StoryMap and see the impact open space preservation has had in their own neighborhoods.”

Twelve land conservation non-profits and 37 of Morris County’s 39 municipalities have successfully participated in and preserved lands through the program. The county open space funds have been matched with both public and private resources to preserve parcels, including municipal trust funds, New Jersey Green Acres, and private foundations.

The StoryMap also introduces the 15-member Open Space Trust Fund Review Board, whose volunteer members annually evaluate grant applications and make funding recommendations to the Morris County Board of County Commissioners. Applications for the 2025 grant cycle are now available through the county website, with a deadline of Thursday, June 19, 2025.

The Open Space Trust Fund is part of the larger Morris County Preservation Trust Fund, which also supports farmland and historic preservation, county parkland acquisition, recreational trails projects, and the purchase of flood-prone residential properties.

To explore the StoryMap and learn more about open space preservation in Morris County, visit morriscountynj.gov/OpenSpace.