RARITAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Raritan Township has acquired two properties totaling approximately 48 acres on Johanna Farms Road, furthering its commitment to preserving open space and protecting natural resources within the Neshanic River watershed.
The acquisitions, finalized in June, include properties at 50 and 101 Johanna Farms Road — approximately 18 and 30 acres, respectively. Both will become part of the Township’s Neshanic River Preserve in accordance 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 parcel at 101 Johanna Farms Road has been named the Neshanic River Preserve Heron Tract, recognizing the presence of great blue herons in the area. The species is classified as one of “Special Concern” by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
The 18-acre parcel at 50 Johanna Farms Road has been named the Neshanic River Preserve Kestrel Tract, in honor of the American kestrel — a threatened species in New Jersey known to nest nearby at Micek Farm Park.
Funding for both acquisitions was provided by Raritan Township’s Open Space Fund and the New Jersey Green Acres Program. Additional funding for the Kestrel Tract came from the Hunterdon County Open Space Assistance Fund.
The Township and its Open Space Advisory Committee also acknowledged the support of the Hunterdon Land Trust for its role in facilitating the acquisitions.
