An Innovative and Unique Resource for the Land Preservation Community

A recent study by Rutgers University warns that if development continues at its current pace, New Jersey will become the first completely "built out" state within the next 30 years. The governor's office has reported that 50 acres of open space are lost to development every day - the equivalent of over one square mile of new development every two weeks! As the remaining lands of high conservation value become increasingly scarce and pressures for development intensify, the work of the conservation community must be accomplished with utmost efficiency and effectiveness.

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The Johnson Education Center Jeremiah Ford, Ford 3 Architects, LLC		Johnson Education Center RWJ Room Jeremiah Ford, Ford 3 Architects, LLC

In response to this critical situation, D&R Greenway Land Trust has opened the Johnson Education Center. A focal point for land preservation activities in New Jersey and our permanent home, the Johnson Education Center is housed in a circa 1900 barn on the former Robert Wood Johnson estate in Princeton, New Jersey. Now known as Greenway Meadows Park, the estate's 60 acres were preserved in 2001 at a cost of $7.4 million. D&R Greenway Land Trust spearheaded the model public/private partnership, including the State of New Jersey, Mercer County, Princeton Township and Borough and numerous private individuals.

The mission of the Johnson Education Center is to strengthen the capacity of local governments, grassroots organizations and state, county and nonprofit partners to protect and effectively manage land. D&R Greenway Land Trust's professional staff and other industry experts are introducing hands-on education and technical assistance to empower leaders who can accelerate the pace of open space preservation in the most densely developed state in the nation. The programs at the Johnson Education Center, responding to an urgent need to protect as much viable land as possible as quickly as possible. By increasing the knowledge base of individuals and groups involved in land conservation work and encouraging regional cooperation, more acres can be preserved and the stewardship and use of already preserved acres can be integrated with community interests. 

The initial series of programs, workshops and seminars focuses on land preservation and stewardship tools, techniques and best practices. Some of the forums hosted at Johnson Education Center include:

• Appraisals and Environmental Assessments: Meeting State Requirements to Complete Your Acquisition
• How to Leverage Your Open Space Dollars with Public and Private Resources
• Utilizing Financial Planning Techniques to Compete Against Development Offers
• Creating a Stewardship Plan BEFORE You Buy the Land
• HR4 Tax Seminar to Explain Important Tax Opportunities When Landowners Preserve Land in 2007

Facility Use

Space at the Johnson Education Center is available for use by grassroots organizations and community groups. Available spaces include the RWJ Auditorium & Presentation Facilities, Stewardship Room, Children's Art Gallery, Conference Room, Art Gallery, and the Partner Resource Center. For more information, see facility usage and contact us at (609) 924-4646 or email info@drgreenway.org.

Named Gift Opportunities

Would you like to further the mission of D&R Greenway Land Trust? A contribution to name a part of our new Center (see named gift opportunities below),
or an in-kind gift can help us achieve our goals faster.
Contact Linda Mead at (609) 924-4646, ext.120 to find out
more about how you can become involved.

Naming Opportunities Still Available - Beams and Benches

We invite you to consider two unique opportunities to help support the Johnson Education Center:

• You could "name" one of the structural beams visible
  in the Center's upper rooms. These beams are hand-hewn and date from the 18th and 19th centuries. Plaques provide space for recognition, which could include a poem or photo. Six beams are still available
  at $10,000 per beam.
  
• Purchasing a whimsical bench with a commemorative plaque is a lasting way to celebrate a milestone, such as a wedding, birth of a child, or remember a special person. Each bench is $2,500 and the first has been installed in the Edward T. Cone Grove.

If you would like more information about these gift

opportunities, please speak with Linda at
(609) 924-4646, ext. 120.

For directions to the Johnson Education Center, please click here.

Outdoor Art and Sculpture at Johnson Education Center

"Passage" by Harry Gordon is currently on display at Greenway Meadows
The sculpture consists of black granite and weighs approximately 40,000 lbs.
The depressions in the granite create ringing sounds when hands are placed over the openings. The artist's asking price is $50,000

"Pencils" created by Walter Channing (in photo above) is a lasting tribute to Charles "Chuck" Hartman, who served as Chairman of D&R Greenway Land Trust Board of Trustees from 2002-2004. He was a driving force and visionary for the Johnson Education Center.

History of the Land and Buildings Where the Johnson Education Center Stands Today

What's in a name?

The Johnson Education Center, located on the land that belonged to General Robert Wood Johnson and his family for many years, has become a reality thanks to the generosity of the Johnson family. Their contribution that named the Center will carry on the General's commitment to the environment and the health and viability of the communities of New Jersey.

Historic Photos

Edgerstoune Farms, later became Longleat as the estate of General Robert Wood Johnson
Historic photos of the Johnson Education Center		Map of Edgerstoune, former estate of Constance R. Winant