Quakertown Preserve - Bodine Woods

Mary Bodine and Margaret Waldock at the Bodine Property closing

2009 Day on the Land participants explore the Bodine Woods section of the Quakertown Preserve.

Frenchtown, NJ, March 31, 2006 - An undeveloped 28 acre, wooded property directly adjacent to hundreds of acres of preserved farmland has been preserved through the efforts of the Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance and Franklin Township. The property is of significance for watershed protection as it contains springs that form the headwaters of the Capoolong Creek, as well as a mix of cedar and hardwood forest. Coyotes, snakes, salamanders, and great horned owls have been seen on the site.

The purchase was a cooperative effort. The acquisition totaled $283,500. Franklin Township contributed $141,730 towards the purchase with the balance provided by the Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance, using funds it received through the New Jersey Green Acres program. The Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance has ownership of the property and will manage it for the use and enjoyment of the general public. "In addition to the State of New Jersey Green Acres Program, and Franklin Township, we are grateful to the owner of the property, Mary Bodine, for choosing to permanently preserve her land as a natural area for all to enjoy", commented Margaret Waldock, Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance executive director. "Mrs. Bodine has ensured that her beautiful woodlands will be preserved forever, and has helped the land trust in its goal to protect the watersheds of Hunterdon County".

When asked why she chose to preserve her property, Mary Bodine said, "My roots go deep in Hunterdon County. I was born in Franklin Township and lived there for 81 years. My husband inherited this property from his grandparents who had a farm and pastured their cows here. The locals used to call the wooded area on the property "the pines" even though the trees were cedar. There is a pond my husband excavated. I always enjoyed watching the birds and other wildlife. We also gave a local horseback riding club permission to use the property which connected with other trails. I didn't want to see the land developed. I really appreciate the Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance for helping us to preserve the property for future generations."