42 acres in Somerset Hills donated to NJCF

Fifty-seven years ago, Betsy and Carl Shirley moved their young family into a new home in a picturesque section of the Somerset Hills just a short distance from Ravine Lake. Over nearly six decades, the family developed a special attachment to the land off Pennbrook and Post Kennel Roads, which recently led Betsy Shirley to donate 42-acres of the beautiful Highlands property to NJCF as an estate gift.

Betsy and Carl Shirley, pictured in the 1940s

In May, NJCF announced the land's permanent preservation to protect its important natural resources and provide public access for passive recreation. The steeply sloped woodlands shelter a feeder stream of the North Branch of the Raritan River, which provides drinking water to 1.5 million people in Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex and Somerset counties. Old carriage roads on the property will serve as the basis for a trail system.

"Preservation of key resources in the Highlands region have been advanced thanks to the efforts of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation and the generosity of individuals seeking to share their family's legacy," said Amy Cradic, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Assistant Commissioner of Natural and Historic Resources. "Private citizens continue to play a lead role in Highlands preservation, working cooperatively with nonprofits, the State and municipal and county governments."

"My parents lived here for so many years, loved the land the way it was and were determined to keep it unspoiled," said Betsy Michel of Gladstone, the Shirley's daughter. "My dad loved taking care of the property and spending time on the land and that's what we did on the weekends."

Over the years, the Shirleys purchased about 75 acres of land surrounding their home, including land in both Far Hills and Bernardsville. The family donated 42 acres of the valuable property to NJCF.

"Carl and Betsy Shirley were great stewards of this beautiful land and we are indebted to them for their generosity," said Michele S. Byers, NJCF Executive Director. "This is truly a spectacular property which will provide hiking trails in an area with few public lands."

"Donating the land to the New Jersey Conservation Foundation was their way of giving back to the community," said Betsy Michel. "The community was very good to them and they wanted to make sure this special place was preserved forever."

In addition to being in the critical Highlands region, the Shirley property is located in NJCF's Black River Greenway project area which includes parts of Hunterdon, Morris and Somerset counties. NJCF and its partners have preserved over 3,300 acres of land throughout the area, which is characterized by rolling open farms and dramatic dark forests. Preserved lands provide both public access and the protection of environmentally sensitive resources. This 180-square mile area is named after the Black River (also known as the Lamington River), a tributary of the North Branch of the Raritan River.

To learn more about NJCF's preservation efforts in the Black River Greenway or the benefits of making an estate gift of real estate or other assets, please call1-888-LAND-SAVE (1-888-526-3728)or visit our website at www.njconservation.org.