DENVILLE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — Morris County and Denville Township have announced the preservation of more than 57 acres of open space through a project supported by a $5.7 million grant from the Morris County Open Space Preservation Trust Fund.
The St. Francis and Pocono Field Preservation Project includes the 17-acre former St. Francis property on Diamond Spring Road and a 40-acre portion of 18 Pocono Road, including the Pocono Fields, barns and festival grounds. The properties will be permanently deed restricted as open space.
“This project highlights the strength of our partnerships with municipalities such as Denville and our shared commitment to protecting land in Morris County,” said Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo, liaison to the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation. “Since 1994, Morris County has helped preserve more than 18,400 acres of open space, protecting natural resources while expanding recreational opportunities for residents.”
County and local officials marked the announcement with a video filmed at the St. Francis site, joined by Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw, Denville Mayor Thomas Andes and Office of Planning and Preservation Director Joe Barilla.
“I’m pleased to share that Denville has taken major steps to acquire and preserve both the St. Francis property and the Pocono Fields,” said Mayor Andes. “Together, these properties will be permanently preserved as open space and remain an important part of our community’s history. Projects like this show what’s possible when we work together.”
The announcement follows contracts executed between Denville Township and Springpoint Realty Inc. for both properties, with the township expected to take ownership in July.
Officials said the land reflects more than a century of local history, including ties to the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, who established the St. Francis Residential Community in 1895, and the historic Glover estate, once a prominent property along the Rockaway River.
“We’re proud to help preserve sites that connect our past with our future,” said Director Shaw, liaison to the Morris County 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee. “These properties have served the community for generations, and through partnerships like this, we’re making sure they continue to do so for years to come.”
Township officials said the preserved land will support both passive and active recreation, including plans for a community park at the St. Francis site while continuing recreational use of the Pocono Fields.
Since its creation, the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund has helped preserve more than 18,440 acres across nearly all municipalities in the county, supported by more than $300 million in funding from a voter-approved tax.
Officials also announced the 2026 open space grant application cycle is now open, with a deadline of June 12.
