More than twenty years have passed since the Tewksbury Land Trust (TLT) held its first meeting. It was 1994, Bill Clinton was in the White House, the Dow finished the year at 3,834 and suburban sprawl was consuming New Jersey farmland and open space at an unprecedented rate -- the highest in the country. So much has changed in the world around us over the past 20 years, but the charm and quality o
f life in Tewksbury has endured. A group of local residents organized TLT to actively promote the preservation of the town’s existing agriculture, open space and historic character. The TLT's leadership has always emphasized the need to work with, and reach out to, local residents concerning the importance of protecting natural areas and historic features, creating linkages and greenway corridors and preserving the culture and natural heritage of Tewksbury and the surrounding area. From the start, TLT has partnered with other groups to build support for conservation efforts and to establish effective stewardship programs to care for this special place. We are grateful for the support we have received from the Township of Tewksbury, the Hunterdon County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the New Jersey's Green Acres Program. We are indeed fortunate to live in this place where government at all levels is an active funding partner in our preservation efforts. We are grateful for all the partnerships we have been a part of over the past 20 years. The New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Raritan Headwaters Association, Hunterdon Land Trust, The Lamington Conservancy, The Open Space Institute, Tewksbury Trail Association, New Jersey Audubon Society, and other organizations, have played a big part in our accomplishments. As everyone in this business knows land conservation can get very complicated and we are grateful for the expertise we receive from all of our professional firms (legal, surveyor, appraisal, environmental, land acquisition, land stewardship, and accounting) as they all have contributed to our achievements, often at discounted rates. Most of all, we are grateful for the broad community support we receive each and every year from individuals and families who live here and appreciate the importance of our mission. Over the past 20 years, with your support, we have been instrumental in preserving over 700 acres of Tewksbury’s landscape. The Lance Farm on Fox Hill Road, The Christmas Tree Farm on Saw Mill Road and the Jeffrey Property on Water Street are spectacular properties that have been preserved in perpetuity for the enjoyment of this and future generations. Our partnerships in preserving Hill and Dale Farm, Fox Hill Preserve and the Elizabethtown Reservoir have made these properties available for public enjoyment. These are just a sampling of the significant accomplishment we have attained.
