About Us

Harding Land Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the farmland, woodlands and natural areas that give Harding its distinctive quality of life.  Harding Land Trust works to safeguard our natural resources and preserve the rural character of our community for current and future generations.   

In late 1989, Harding resident Jay Kemmerer was traveling past one of New Vernon's most beautiful views, the 56 acres of open field on Blue Mill Road, now known as Margetts' Field. Who could imagine driving out of New Vernon without catching a glimpse of this field with its incredible seasonal surprises. Margett's Field was saved and was purchased by the Township, but its preservation inspired the conservation of may other treasured landscapes. Jay wanted his children to enjoy the same beauty and open spaces that he had loved and enjoyed for so many years. Working with members of the Harding Township Committee and a few others committed to his vision, Jay labored on to form a group that would save Harding's open space. The group formally incorporated in 1990. However, their decision to name the organization, Harding Land Trust, was denied by the State who felt the word "Trust" should be reserved for banks. The group continued to submit the name until it was later accepted in 1992.

At the time, many residents were concerned about the proposed development along the streams and wetlands of New Vernon waterways. Environmentalists and many local residents believed that the Great Swamp was threatened by lawn fertilizers and road chemicals and other toxins running into the waterways. The Dickson's Mill Road home of Jane and Gustav Koven overlooked Pine Brook and they enjoyed hours of watching their children swim and play in the stream. When Jane's children saw signs posted, "Three Acre Lots For Sale" along the stream, the children ran home to tell their parents. The Kovens purchased the 30 acre property in 1950 to preserve the beautiful stream, meadow and surrounding wooded hillside. Many year's later, Mrs. Jane Koven gifted that 30 acres to the newly formed Harding Land Trust. HLT members immediately plunged into work to accept their first donation from the Koven family, almost at the stroke of midnight, New Year's Eve, 1990. Jane Koven saw her dream of preserving the beautiful land for passersby and many variety of nesting and feeding birds and wildlife, come true forever. And, Harding Land Trust was off to a great start with those 30 acres to steward.

From 1992-1997 HLT experienced many hurdles and conservation battles along with the Harding Township Committee and other local conservation-minded organizations. By educating the community and raising awareness, the Harding Land Trust was able to help residents understand the importance and the benefits of conserving land. The Land Trust's efforts also increased grassroots support for environmentally protective zoning laws. The residents' battle to keep Harding rural was a success with the assistance of so many dedicated members along with the assistance and passion of the first Executive Director of the Harding Land Trust, Penny Hinkle. Penny was hired by the Land Trust in 1992 and served until her retirement in 2007.

Through those important years, HLT continued to seek land conservation and easement opportunities in the town. Now, twenty years later, the Harding Land Trust has preserved over 300 acres of open space and environmentally sensitive land by working with its neighbors, the township and its conservation partners. The original mission statement of the Harding Land Trust, which sought to protect the entry ways into our community, protect large open space parcels, bridle trails and water resources has changed very little. By preserving open space, the HLT seeks to protect the character of Harding's countryside and ensure integrity of its water sources.

How to donate

http://www.hardinglandtrust.org/member.php

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Coming Soon...Harding Land Trust 2013 House and Garden Tour

The much anticipated 2013 House and Garden Tour will be held on Monday, June 3rd.  This event will sell out, so please reserve your tickets by ordering today. Contact info@hardinglandtrust.org for a ticket sales and information about the Preview Party on June 2nd.  Volunteer and docent opportunities are still available.  House tour volunteers will receive a discounted ticket for their assistance.    Please call 973-267-2515 or visit the link below to sign-up...

Frelinghuysen Fields

Many thanks to our friends and supporters who attended the Harding Open Space Trust Committee meeting last night.  This project will also be discussed at the Township Committee meeting on Monday, June 11.  The Township Committee meeting begins at 7:30 pm.  Invite your friends and neighbors to attend to learn more about this remarkable preservation opportunity.

Public Open Space Presentation - June 6

Harding Open Space Trust CommitteeIs holding a special public meeting.There will be a presentation about the opportunity for our town to preserve a portion of the beautiful FrelinghuysenProperty. Please join us on June 6th, 2012, 7p.m. at The Municipal Buildingto learn about this once in a lifetime opportunity to preserve one of Harding’s most treasured places.

Join us for some fun in the Swamp

Please join us at the Great Swamp Scavenger Hunt!When: Saturday, May 19, 2012, 9 a.m to 6 p.m.Where: Start and end at the Kitchell Pond Pavillion, Loantaka Brook Reservation, 75 Kitchell Road, Morristown, NJ.Check in and pick up your Scavenger Hunt Clue Kit.Visit as many places around the Great Swamp Watershed as you like.Return to the Kitchell Pond Pavillion for free food and prizes.For More Information click on the following link To GSWA website

Primrose Farm Estates Preservation Boosted by Morris County Support

On November 9th, the Morris County Freeholders voted to provide $2,880,000 in funding for the preservation of Primrose Farm Estates in Harding Township. Primrose Farm Estates is a 69.7-acre property where the development of 5 home sites is eminent. It is part of a multi-year project that preserves 115 acres of contiguous land in Harding Township. This property is less than ½ mile upstream of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. It straddles the Upper Passaic River to the south and...