HILLSBOROUGH, N.J. — Somerset County has reached a major milestone in its long-standing commitment to land conservation, surpassing 15,000 acres of preserved open space with the recent acquisition of the Hillsborough Country Club property.
The 407-acre purchase marks the county’s largest single open space acquisition in two decades and expands the Sourland Mountain Preserve to over 6,000 acres. The acquisition brings Somerset County closer to its current preservation goal of 24,000 acres, set in its 2022 Open Space Preservation Plan.
“Somerset County is consistently identified as one of the most desirable places to live in New Jersey, and our dedication to preserving open space is one core reason why,” said Deputy Director Melonie Marano.
Somerset County spans over 195,000 acres and includes downtowns, mountain ranges, farmland, and public parks. Preserved open space refers to undeveloped lands—such as forests, grasslands, streams, parks, and farms—that remain unbuilt to support recreation, agriculture, and environmental protection.
Notable properties preserved under the program include the 437-acre Neshanic Valley Golf Course, 411-acre Natirar Park, 359-acre Mountain View Park, and 247-acre Skillman Park.
“The motivated County staff who continue to champion this conservation effort does so with one important goal in mind — keeping Somerset County desirable for all — residents, students, senior citizens, visiting tourists, and businesses,” said Commissioner Paul M. Drake.
The county now oversees a network of recreational facilities including five golf courses, an environmental education center, and public parks offering trails, athletic fields, birdwatching, and fishing access.
