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RARITAN TWP., N.J. (Hunterdon County) — In Jun. 2025, Raritan Township acquired two properties totaling approximately 48 acres on Johanna Farms Road for public open space. The acquisition of these properties continues the Township’s mission of preserving undeveloped land and protecting local environmental resources.
The properties are situated at 50 and 101 Johanna Farms Rd. They are approximately 18 and 30 acres, respectively, and will become part of the Township’s Neshanic River Preserve – consistent with the Raritan Township Master Open Space Plan.
“Of critical importance is that the properties are within the Neshanic River watershed, just upstream of where significant flooding resulted in loss of life in Raritan Township during Hurricane Ida,” said Amy Greene, chair of the Open Space Advisory Committee. “Preventing development and appropriate stewardship of these properties can mitigate future flooding.”
The 30-acre property at 101 Johanna Farms Rd. is now known as the Neshanic River Preserve Heron Tract, pays homage to the great blue herons which frequent the area and have a rookery downstream along the Neshanic River. Great blue herons are designated as a species of “Special Concern,” according to the State’s Department of Environmental Protection.
The 18-acre property at 50 Johanna Farms Rd. was named the Neshanic River Preserve Kestrel Tract to honor the American Kestrel, a threatened species in the Garden State that nests on the nearby Micek Farm Park.
Funding for the acquisition of both the properties on Johanna Farms Rd. was covered by the Township’s Open Space Fund and N.J. Green Acres Program. Additional funding was provided by the Hunterdon Open Space Assistance Fund to acquire the newly named Neshanic River Preserve Kestrel Tract.
The Township and its Open Space Advisory Committee also thank Hunterdon Land Trust for their assistance during the entire acquisition process of both properties.
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