153-Acre Wood Ribbon cutting

The land which is now the 153-Acre Wood had long been listed in Princeton’s Master Plan as a property that should be acquired because of its environmental significance – it was the largest remaining tract of undeveloped land in Princeton and contained rare old-growth forest. In 2021, an agreement was reached to preserve the land for conservation and passive recreation and to save it from development which would have resulted in the loss of 4,000 trees, the destruction of wetlands and other valuable habitat. The agreement was the product of an active collaboration spearheaded by Council members Mia Sacks and Eve Niedergang, along with Municipal Administrator, Bernie Hvozdovic, Mercer County and local non-profits including the Friends of Princeton Open Space, the Ridgeview Conservancy, the Watershed Institute, and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation.

The 153-Acre Wood now continues to offer a home to hawks, owls, coyotes and many other species of animals. Nearly 2 miles of trail invite visitors to experience the forest in all its beauty and to learn about the natural and human history of the 153-Acre Wood along the way.

Further reading:
Planet Princeton Article October 2023
Patch Article October 2023
Friends of Princeton Open Space Announcement
Reading the forest - Clues to the Ecology and History of the 153 Acre Wood (PDF)