35 acres of farmland preserved in NJ Highlands

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ - The Borough of Peapack & Gladstone, in Somerset County, advanced its farmland preservation goals this summer by permanently dedicating the 35-acre Tucker Farm on Willow Avenue to agriculture. The farm was one of the Borough's highest priority farms for preservation, and serves as grazing land for Black Angus cattle raised nearby at River Bend Farm in Far Hills.

Somerset County purchased an agricultural easement on the farmland from Andrew and Judith Tucker. The easement ensures the permanent protection of the property for agricultural purposes. The couple generously donated 25 percent of the value of the easement. The estimated total purchase price of the easement was $1.5 million.

New Jersey Conservation Foundation (NJ Conservation), which managed the preservation process on behalf of the Borough, secured a grant from the New Jersey Highlands Council for 50 percent of the value of the easement through the Council's Highlands Open Space Partnership Funding Program. The Council finances this program using federal funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Highlands Conservation Act Grant Program.

The purchase of the farmland preservation easement was also made possible using direct funding from Somerset County's Open Space Trust Fund, as well as a State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) Municipal Planning Incentive Grant. The Borough also contributed to the acquisition utilizing funding from its Open Space and Recreation Trust Fund. The Tucker Farm is the first farm in New Jersey to be preserved using a combination of SADC and Highlands Council funding.

"We are grateful to New Jersey Conservation Foundation for inviting us to participate in this superb farmland preservation project," said Ben Spinelli, executive director of the New Jersey Highlands Council. "Many people believe that the passing of the New Jersey Highlands Act 21 years ago meant the entire region was permanently protected. It is not. Roughly 19,000 undeveloped but developable lots - about 230 square miles of the Highlands - remain vulnerable to inappropriate development. Agriculture is a defining characteristic of the New Jersey Highlands and an essential economic driver. Its protection is critical to the entire state."

The Tucker Farm is located at the edge of the densely populated center of the Borough. With sweeping open views, it serves as a gateway to the more rural area of the municipality. Immediately across the road from the Tucker Farm are two preserved farms totaling nearly 100 acres.

"Judy and I are delighted to contribute to the preservation of open spaces and farmland in our community and would encourage others to do the same," said Andrew Tucker, owner of the Tucker Farm.

"The Borough is thrilled to be able to preserve another farm for indefinite agricultural use," said Mayor Mark A. Corigliano. "From the recent Tucker Farm acquisition to other farms previously preserved within the Borough, the Borough is fulfilling the objectives of its Master Plan and Farmland Preservation Plan. The acquisition also pays respect to the Borough's agricultural roots."

The Borough has been making great strides in farmland preservation through an ongoing partnership with NJ Conservation, ensuring continued agricultural viability in the area. In 2024, the Borough worked with NJ Conservation, Somerset County, and SADC to preserve a 42-acre family farm along the North Branch, a tributary of the Raritan River. This farm was also a priority for preservation in the Borough's Farmland Preservation Plan.

"The preservation of the Tucker Farm is a prime example of how partnerships are key to protecting land," said Alison Mitchell, executive director of NJ Conservation. "We are thrilled to have joined this team effort that, for the first time in New Jersey, utilized a combination of federal Highlands conservation funding and State funding to preserve farmland - ensuring it remains intact for future generations."

"The SADC is pleased to participate in the preservation of this important farm and grateful to the landowners for choosing to keep this land as a farm forever," said Chuck Roohr, executive director of SADC. "Congratulations to NJ Conservation, Somerset County, and The Borough of Peapack & Gladstone for solidifying creative ways to fund this project with multiple partners and for the generosity of the landowners."

"Farmland preservation is more than a policy: it's a promise," said Somerset County Deputy Director Melonie Marano. "It's a promise that Somerset County will continue to honor its agricultural roots, protect its natural resources, and secure a strong future for generations yet to come. That promise is only possible because of the incredible collaboration we share with our towns and nonprofit partners. Together, we're ensuring that these lands remain productive and protected forever."

New Jersey Conservation Foundation recognizes that this property, like the rest of New Jersey, is part of the traditional homelands of the Lenape people. We pay respect to the Lenape and other Indigenous caretakers of these lands and waters, those who lived here before, and the generations to come.