About Us
Mission
Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space is an accredited non-profit land trust
that is dedicated to preserving the Valley’s character by partnering with the community to
preserve land, protect natural resources, and inspire a new generation of conservation.
History
| Preserved Land in Hopewell Valley 1987 Prior to FoHVOS’ inception  |
Preserved Land in Hopewell Valley 2016 Prior to FOHVOS’ inception  |
In 1987, a simple ad was run in the local newspaper looking for people who were interested in open space conservation in the Hopewell Valley. Weeks later, a group of concerned citizens gathered together to discuss the growing impact of suburban sprawl on their community. The impetus for action was a major roadway that was slated to intersect a beautiful 116-acre plot of land on the edge of Pennington Borough that contained a mature beech forest and a 17-acre lake.
Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS) was formed in response to this threat and its roots remain firmly planted in the community. In 1993, years of effort resulted in a tremendous success – the preservation of Curlis Lake Woods. FoHVOS brokered a deal whereby Mercer County purchased all 116-acres for approximately $3 million. The preserve, located off of Pennington’s Main Street, now contains hiking trails and serves as a connector to the Mercer County Equestrian Center and Rosedale Park/Mercer Meadows.
In the late eighties, FoHVOS began working on its largest property acquisition, Baldpate Mountain. FoHVOS learned there was a proposal to quarry the entire mountain, despite the presence of threatened species, gorgeous vistas and acres of significant habitat.
Through the use of grassroots petitions, public meetings and the successful placement of the Pleasant Valley Rural Historic District on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places, the organization, under the leadership of its then president Ted Stiles, spearheaded the development of a network of advocates to push for the protection of the mountain.
The bulk of the land was acquired from Trap Rock Industries in partnership with the State of New Jersey, Mercer County and Hopewell Township for more than $11 million in 1998. In recognition of Ted Stiles’ efforts to save Baldpate Mountain, Mercer County named the area as the “Ted Stiles Preserve at Baldpate Mountain” in 2007. A history of the 9-year campaign to preserve Baldpate Mountain is detailed in a FoHVOS publication entitled The Kusers at Baldpate Mountain and the Creation of the Ted Stiles Preserve.
This 1,200+ acre park now stands at the western edge of the Valley, supporting rare plant and animal communities and providing beautiful vistas of the Delaware Valley. FoHVOS is pleased to call home its offices atop Baldpate Mountain in the restored Kuser house, called Strawberry Mansion.
Financial Information
Financial Statements and Independent Auditor’s Report 2021-2022