Historic Dower Farm Preserved!

The historic Dower Farm in the Peapack Valley has been preserved by The Land Conservancy of New Jersey in partnership with the Somerset County Agriculture Development Board, State Agriculture Development Committee, and the Borough of Peapack & Gladstone. Overlooking the Sourland Mountains, these scenic 47 acres were permanently protected on March 23, 2010 through an agricultural easement purchased for $1,960,817. “The Land Conservancy is extremely grateful to the van den Bergh family for their dedication to preservation, and also to the SADC, the Somerset CADB, and the Borough of Peapack & Gladstone for their support in preserving Dower Farm. The preservation of this farm is central to the future of this lovely and historic landscape. This project is unique in that in addition to preserving land for agriculture, we have also protected a cultural icon that well represents a very special place in our state,” said Sandy Urgo, Land Preservation Manager for The Land Conservancy of New Jersey.

A long-standing Christmas Tree farm, Dower Farm produces Christmas Trees, boxwoods, and provides pastures for its cows and horses. In 2006, The Land Conservancy applied to the SADC for a Non-Profit Cost Share Grant for the Dower farm. As a result, the SADC awarded the Conservancy $1,000,000 for the project. The Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the County’s Farmland Preservation Program provided the 50% match needed to purchase and preserve this scenic farmland in the heart of the Borough.

On behalf of the Peapack and Gladstone Borough Council, Mayor William Horton stated, “We are delighted with the news, which we hope will encourage other landowners to follow the path blazed by Mark and Anne van den Bergh. We were very pleased to provide the Borough's support, and congratulate the van den Berghs and The Land Conservancy on their diligence and very hard work over the past several years. They should be very proud of their extraordinary commitment to the land and environment, which has resulted in the preservation of one of the most beautiful and historic farms in the State.”

Part of the former “Blairsden” estate purchased by Mr. & Mrs. Blair in 1899, Dower Farm includes the large stone gates and concrete fountains, known as Blairsden Gate, which was the entrance to the former estate on the top of the hill. Adjacent to the property is the lime kiln from Todd’s Quarry, where they burned limestone for the production of lime for fertilizer.

“For years I have hoped that this land, so loved by my mother and grandmother, and indeed by my entire family, could be saved from development and kept in its open state now and in the future. Today I am so grateful and happy that my wish has come true. The process has been a long one, and its successful outcome has been the product of many hands and much work over the last few years. In this, I am particularly indebted to the unstinting efforts of Sandy Urgo of The Land Conservancy of New Jersey and my husband, Mark van den Bergh,” explains Anne van den Bergh, owner of the Dower Farm. “I believe that preserving this land as open space for farming brings important associated benefits to our community. Dower Farm, which has been in continuous operation since the early 1700's will remain productive. Clear, clean water will continue to flow from the springs in our pastures to the Peapack Brook and hence to the Raritan River. Christmas tree customers, their families, friends and dogs, will come each December as they have over the last thirty five years, seeking a tree and a day out in the country. And a landscape designed in the Gilded Age, within which lies this farmland, will remain for the enjoyment of future generations. This is a day for celebration for us and for the future of New Jersey.”

This property could have supported up to ten residential building lots, along a County designated scenic roadway in the Borough. With the foresight and support of the landowners, Borough, County, State and the Conservancy, this property will instead continue to be farmed and enjoyed by generations to come.