PRESS RELEASE: MARCH 14, 2005

Montgomery Friends of Open Space Announces $400,000 pledge of Green Acres funds at Third Anniversary Celebration

Montgomery Friends of Open Space celebrated its third anniversary on Sunday, March 13 with a wine and cheese event at the 1860 House/Montgomery Center for the Arts.
 
With over 75 people in attendance, Montgomery Friends President Loraine Otis announced that the Board of  Trustees had approved a $400,000 pledge of the group’s Green Acres funds to assist Montgomery Township in the preservation of the Nicolaysen tract .  “This 100 acre parcel of land fronts on Cherry Valley Road.  It contains extensive wetlands and forested areas.  It provides critical linkages to the preserved Opatut tract to the northwest.  Just as importantly, the Nicolaysen property is adjacent to the Yorkshire Woods residential development.  All the residents of Yorkshire Woods will have access to a significant trail network, virtually from their doorsteps.  We are thrilled to be able to assist Montgomery Township in its preservation of this valuable piece of land,” said Ms. Otis.
 
Trustee Mary Penney, who organized the event announced that the group had 200 members and had plans for a township wide membership drive this Spring.
 
Ongoing efforts to preserve other parcels along Cherry Valley,  Dutchtown-Harlingen and Hollow Roads were discussed. Ms. Otis thanked the Township Committee for its support, and praised Mayor Louise Wilson for her foresight in urging the formation of Montgomery Friends in 2002. Also acknowledged for their assistance and support were the D&R Greenway Land Trust, Hopewell Valley Friends of Open Space Chair Ted Stiles, and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation.
 
Trustee Kim Rowe discussed plans for the Montgomery Friends Farmers Market, opening for its third season in June.  Trustee David McAlpin described progress in establishing a grassfed beef and organic grain operation at his own farm, Manor Brook Farm, on Opossum Road.  This farm will be the first of its kind in Montgomery Township.

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