D&R Greenway recently invites local community to ‘Thanks-Giving for the Land’ celebration
HOPEWELL, N.J. — On Sunday, Oct. 18, Community members were invited to join D&R Greenway Land Trust for a magical evening at the Betty Wold Johnson Hillside Farm Preserve, Hopewell.
The festivities were planned with a special guided tour of the future preserve for event sponsors and their guests at 3:45 p.m., followed by a reception in the historic Red Barn, and dinner at 5:30 p.m.
Betty Wold Johnson, a philanthropist who lived in Hopewell, and was passionate about land preservation, supported D&R Greenway and the local community in preserving many acres of land during her lifetime. Her own property was assembled over 40 years, expanding to nearly 800 acres of land that is contiguous to other D&R Greenway preserves. Mrs. Johnson’s sons donated her land to D&R Greenway Land Trust in her memory.
In 2027, a ribbon-cutting will take place when new trails and facilities will become available to the public.
This preview event was a unique opportunity for the community to learn what it takes to create a preserve of this magnitude for public enjoyment. Event sponsors had the unique opportunity to enjoy a guided walk showcasing special features including the All Abilities Trail and a tour of the south woods with unique educational signage along the way. Surprises were discovered as participants delighted in seeing the joy that Mrs. Johnson found in her land, surrounded by big sky, native plants and the songs of birds on an autumn afternoon.
After the guided tour, both sponsors and dinner ticket holders heard about the future preserve’s key features at a special “Thanks-Giving for the Land” reception and dinner at 5:30 p.m. The “Thanks-Giving” dinner includes a traditional feast at family-style tables, with vegetarian and vegan options.
Keyboardist Glenn McClelland of Blood, Sweat and Tears provided music. Glenn has spent his musical career playing with WEEN, a band that originated locally, and the well-known band Blood Sweat and Tears with whom he has traveled internationally. In addition, experts were at the reception to answer questions about the birds, plants, and history of this significant land. Its history goes back to the Lenape who lived in the area thousands of years ago and includes a Continental Army encampment that took place on this land and the surrounding Hopewell area in 1778.
“Surrounded by autumn colors and expansive views, this celebration of the land will be a time of Thanks-Giving for all the benefits the land provides – beauty, habitats and the essential ingredients of life,” said Linda Mead, President & CEO of D&R Greenway Land Trust.
“The richness of natural and historic resources on this land makes it a place of special significance, preserved forever.”
About D&R Greenway Land Trust
D&R Greenway Land Trust is an accredited nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve and care for land and inspire a conservation ethic, now and forever. Since 1989, D&R Greenway has permanently preserved more than 22,500 acres of land throughout New Jersey, protecting farms, forests, historic landscapes, clean water resources, and wildlife habitat while connecting people to nature through stewardship, education, and public access.
