Heilemann Preserve

Sisters Kirsten Zinkann (left) and Nancy Barrett preserved a 71-acre forested property in Bethlehem Twp. in memory of their parents, Volkmar “Val” and Helga Heilemann.

January 2009 - A 71-acre forested property with scenic vistas originally owned by Helga and Volkmar Heilemann and inherited by their two daughters Kirsten Zinkann and Nancy Barrett has been preserved in Bethlehem Township. Ms. Zinkann and Ms. Barrett now live in South Carolina and wanted to preserve this property which meant so much to their family. They first contacted the New Jersey Green Acres program but didn’t meet the criteria for a state acquisition. A representative from Green Acres referred the women to the Hunterdon Land Trust.

“We were very interested in this property because of the proximity to other preserved land and the natural resources it possessed,” commented Margaret Waldock, Hunterdon Land Trust executive director. “We contacted Bethlehem Township and worked with them and Hunterdon County to identify funding for the project.” Kate Buttolph, land acquisition specialist for the Land Trust negotiated with Ms. Zinkann and Ms. Barrett on a bargain sale, which would make the property more affordable while providing tax benefits to the sellers. Ms. Buttolph also contacted the New Jersey Audubon Society (NJAS) to see if they would be interested in managing the preserved property.

The daughters accepted a bargain sale price of $500,000 compared with a certified market value of $702,650. Funding to purchase the land came from Bethlehem Township’s New Jersey Green Acres local grant ($351,325), Hunterdon County’s nonprofit open space grant program to The New Jersey Audubon Society ($100,000), and Bethlehem Township’s open space funds ($48,675).

“Lovingly nicknamed 'the Rockpile,' this preserve is dedicated in memory of our parents Volkmar 'Val' Heilemann (1942-1978) and Helga C. Heilemann (1945-2006)," commented Ms. Zinkann. Originally born in Germany, Val and Helga immigrated to the U.S. in 1960 and 1953, respectively.  They met in Flushing, New York and married in 1967. Both worked hard for the American dream and fell in love with the beauty of the United States.

This preserve is the remaining property of a larger portion of land that was subdivided in 1970. Val was an electrical contractor and also built many homes in the surrounding area. In the early 1970s, he invented and patented the “Solar Tube.” After Val’s death, Helga worked hard to continue his passion for the sun and also began a career in real estate.“ Our mom always thought of this property as a gift from our Dad. We hope that future generations will continue to enjoy this gift as well,” said Ms. Barrett.

The preservation of this pristine Hunterdon County property fits with the acquisition of parcels both pre- and post-Highlands Preservation Act and it creates important links to other preserved lands on Turkey Hill Road and Tunnel Road. Preservation under the Highlands Act is important to provide continuity of habitat for natural species and to create public access to passive recreation. This property could have had one house built on it, thereby remaining in private hands and disturbing the unbroken canopy of woodlands.

The Heilemann property will be managed by the New Jersey Audubon Society. NJAS also manages two other nearby preserved properties. Bethlehem Township has 80% ownership in the property, while NJAS has a 20% interest. All properties are managed to support and improve wildlife habitat and to foster environmental education. The properties are available to the public for passive recreational use such as bird watching, hiking, and nature study. By adding the Heilemann Preserve to existing properties managed by NJAS on Turkey Hill and Tunnel Roads, there are numerous wildlife viewing opportunities, from mature forests to fields, right here in our backyard.