Our Mission

The Washington Township Land Trust of Morris County, NJ is a 501(c)(3), non-profit corporation, organized in 1990 and incorporated in 1991. The Washington Township Land Trust was organized to protect and preserve those natural areas, including but not limited to woodlands, meadows, farmlands, wetlands, marshes, ponds, water courses, and related structures, that contribute to and enhance the rural character of Washington Township, and to promote the public interest in conserving land for open space, aesthetic, recreational, cultural, ecological and agricultural uses in harmony with the natural environment. In furtherance of such purposes the Washington Township Land Trust acquires interests in land by purchase and donation, manages land uses for the benefit of the public, and makes itself available to the Township of Washington to assist in the stewardship of public lands and easements.

The  Washington Township Land Trust of Morris County, Inc.is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes, and making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501 (c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).

In 1991 the Land Trust acquired the Obadiah LaTourette Mill and the surrounding 10 acres of land. Now over 20+ acres, it has been preserved as a wetlands park. Named Mill Pond Park, as it’s the original location of, yes, the mill pond.  Nestled in the center of downtown Long Valley and connected to Columbia Trail.

To date, we have placed over 1,000 local acres into preservation. The Land Trust also administers the hunting programs for both Land Trust and Washington Township open space properties. Lastly, the Land Trust works with other land trusts, open space groups, and conservation organizations to provide an organized approach to meet our common goals and we are grateful for their partnership.