U. gives 127 acres of land to state

As part of an ongoing effort to conserve open space in New Jersey, the University recently donated 127 acres of land in Plainsboro and South Brunswick.

The donation is a part of a five-year collaborative effort between the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Plainsboro Township, South Brunswick Township and the University to preserve a total of 187 acres of open space.

The donated property lies within the state-designated Princeton Nurseries Historic District and adjacent to the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park. The land will be a part of the DEP's Green Acres program, which aims to protect both environmentally sensitive spaces and those with natural or historic importance.

"The residents and the members of the University community felt that the lands along the canal are very important to retain as open space, historically and environmentally," Director of Community and State Affairs Pamela Hersh said. "We subscribe to the concept of smart growth, and this seemed like the perfect way to illustrate our commitment."

Fifty-three acres of the donated land will be maintained as a park in South Brunswick, while seven acres will become a part of the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park. The rest of the land will be preserved as open space.

Since the 1970s, Princeton University has preserved 650 acres of land in Plainsboro and South Brunswick.

"Princeton University has long been a partner in trying to improve the economic vitality and quality of life in the area," DEP spokesman Peter Boger said.

The DEP also acquired 60 acres from Princeton Nurseries. The University has allocated $100,000 to help develop plans to rehabilitate buildings there for use as public education and recreation venues.