D&R Greenway preserved the 51-acre Muscente farm, but is now looking for a conservation buyer
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP -- When the 51-acre Muscente farm was put on the market, the D&R Greenway Trust acted quickly to buy it and keep it from being developed.
But now the group is looking for a conservation buyer as part of its Revolving Land Fund.
Under the program, D&R uses private funds to permanently protect land that otherwise might be developed and then resells it to supporters. The sale helps to replenish the fund.
"Being able to move quickly to secure a property for open space preservation is critical, especially now when the availability and timing of public funds is uncertain," trustee Betsy Sands said.
The property off of Route 518 has a renovated historic farmhouse surrounded by fields.
The renovated and expanded farmhouse on the Muscente farm. D&R Greenway President and CEO Linda Mead called the farm a "critical piece" of Hopewell's farming community.
Its wide, rectangular shape lends itself to a number of agricultural activities from a pick-your-own fruit orchard to a wine vineyard, sustainable market garden or horse farm, the group said.
"Preserving land in our community is critical to protect special places that mean so much to the people who live and work here and to future generations," Mead said. "We're protecting woods for migrating songbirds, farms that grow wholesome food and recreational areas for people to enjoy. Preserved land protects water quality, improves health and sustains life."
Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.