New preserve opens in Hunterdon County

TEWKSBURY TWP., NJ - More public green space was recently established in Hunterdon County with the permanent protection of the Matarazzo Preserve, a 26-acre property that includes a mature oak forest, tributary of the Rockaway Creek, pine stands, meadow edges, and key wildlife corridors.

Located in New Jersey's ecologically important Highlands region, this project is a testament to the partnerships that are key to preserving land. The Tewksbury Land Trust (TLT) and New Jersey Conservation Foundation (NJ Conservation) worked with landowner Jim Matarazzo to ensure the property's protection and public access. The purchase of the property, which will be managed by TLT, was made possible thanks to a grant from the New Jersey Green Acres Program and additional funding from the Hunterdon County Open Space Trust Fund.

"The Matarazzo Preserve is not only an incredible piece of Jim's legacy, but also a shining example of what it means to be a steward of the land," said TLT Board Member Chris Teasdale. "Thanks to his stewardship, and assistance from our partners in preserving this amazing property, we can hike past the same groves of pine trees Jim planted 50 years ago. We hope the public will come to love this place as much as he has."

TLT hosted an inaugural hike at the Matarazzo Preserve earlier this summer and the property is generally open to the public for hiking and bird watching. The Preserve expands the greenway linking TLT's Christmas Tree Farm to a larger network of conserved lands leading toward Tewksbury Township's Christie Hoffman Farm Park.

"We're thrilled to have been part of the joint effort to protect this beautiful property in the heart of Tewksbury Township's conserved open space," said Richard Dodds, NJ Conservation's Regional Manager of the Highlands, Black River & Wickecheoke Greenways. "Preserving land in the Highlands is critical to providing clean drinking water to more than half of New Jersey's residents and habitat for hundreds of rare plant and animal species. We couldn't be happier to continue our longstanding conservation efforts in this region by helping establish the Matarazzo Preserve."

"The Green Acres Program is happy to have partnered with the Tewksbury Land Trust and New Jersey Conservation Foundation on this important acquisition," said Kerry Lynn Owen, Project Manager in Green Acres. "The Department of Environmental Protection is committed to preserving forested land to support diverse wildlife habitat, mitigate climate impacts, and provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors."

"The preservation of the Matarazzo Preserve reflects Hunterdon County's long history of protecting the landscapes that make our county such a special place to live and visit," said County Commissioner Director John Lanza. "By investing in projects like this through the County Open Space Trust Fund, we are protecting critical wildlife habitat, safeguarding water resources, and strengthening opportunities for residents to experience and enjoy the outdoors. We are grateful to New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Tewksbury Land Trust, the Green Acres Program, and Mr. Matarazzo for making this outstanding conservation success possible."

A portion of the Preserve is within the County's Fairmont Historic District, adding cultural significance to its natural value. The 409-acre Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996 for its significance in the areas of architecture, exploration/settlement, and industry.