Morris County, Denville Announce Preservation of 57 Acres
Published on May 04, 2026
$5.7 Million Open Space Trust Fund Grant Supports Preservation Project
Morris County and Denville Township have announced the preservation of more than 57 acres of open space through the St. Francis and Pocono Field Preservation Project, supported by a $5.7 million grant from the Morris County Open Space Preservation Trust Fund.
The project includes the 17-acre former St. Francis property on Diamond Spring Road and a 40-acre portion of 18 Pocono Road, including the Pocono Fields, barns and festival grounds. Together, the properties will be permanently deed restricted as open space, ensuring their protection for future generations.
View the Denville Open Space Preservation Video Announcement
“This project highlights the strength of our partnerships with municipalities such as Denville and our shared commitment to protecting land in Morris County,” said Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo, liaison to the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation. “Since 1994, Morris County has helped preserve more than 18,400 acres of open space, protecting natural resources while expanding recreational opportunities for residents.”
To mark the milestone, Commissioner Mastrangelo joined Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw, Denville Mayor Thomas Andes and Joe Barilla, director of the Office of Planning and Preservation, to record a video announcement filmed onsite at the St. Francis property in Denville.
“I’m pleased to share that Denville has taken major steps to acquire and preserve both the St. Francis property and the Pocono Fields,” said Mayor Andes. “Together, these properties will be permanently preserved as open space and remain an important part of our community’s history. Projects like this show what’s possible when we work together.”
The announcement follows the successful execution of contracts between Denville Township and Springpoint Realty, Inc. for both properties. The township is expected to take ownership in July.
View Photos of the St. Francis Property Video Shoot
The properties reflect more than a century of local history. In 1895, the land was acquired by the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, who established the St. Francis Residential Community on the northern portion. The southern parcel evolved from farmland into the recreational fields that continue to serve residents today.
Portions of the preserved land trace back to the historic Glover estate, a nearly 200-acre property established in the early 1800s by Col. John Heyward Glover along the Rockaway River. Known as “Rockaway Farms,” the estate was home to one of the largest residences in Denville at the time and played an important role in the community’s early development. Glover quickly became one of Morris County’s leading citizens, serving on committees of local dignitaries -- including in 1825 to welcome the Marquis de Lafayette during his return visit to Morristown, and in 1827 to help plan the opening of the Morris County Courthouse.
Historical details about the Glover estate have been documented by the Denville Historical Society and local historian Vito L. Bianco, a former Denville councilman and retired Superior Court judge.
Today, preservation of this land maintains a direct connection to Denville’s early history while supporting both passive and active recreation. Township officials envision a community park at the St. Francis site while continuing recreational use of the Pocono Fields.
“We’re proud to help preserve sites that connect our past with our future,” said Director Shaw, liaison to the Morris County 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee. “These properties have served the community for generations, and through partnerships like this, we’re making sure they continue to do so for years to come.”
Denville has been an active participant in the county’s open space program since its inception and was among the first municipalities to receive funding with the preservation of the Ayres-Knuth Farm in 1994. The township’s purchase of the 53-acre parcel in 1996 for $1.7 million was its first acquisition funded through both the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund and the Denville Open Space Trust Fund, with Morris County contributing $725,000.
Since then, the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund has helped preserve more than 18,440 acres across nearly all 39 municipalities, supported by more than $300 million in funding generated through a voter-approved preservation tax.
The newly released video also highlights the county’s Open Space StoryMap, an interactive online resource developed by the Office of Planning and Preservation. The StoryMap features maps, photos and local history from preserved sites across the county, illustrating the impact of more than three decades of open space investment.
The 2026 Open Space grant application cycle is now open, with a new online portal designed to streamline the application process for municipalities and eligible organizations. The deadline for submitting open space applications and appraisals for 2026 funding is Friday, June 12, 2026. Further information and details of all application requirements are available on the program website.
To learn more about this project and explore preserved open space throughout Morris County, visit morriscountynj.gov/OpenSpace.
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Photo 1: The 17-acre former St. Francis property on Diamond Spring Road in Denville, recently preserved through the Morris County Open Space Preservation Trust Fund.
Photo 2: A group photo during the April 16, 2026 video shoot at the former St. Francis property. (l-r) Joe Barilla, director of the Office of Planning and Preservation, Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo, Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw and Denville Mayor Thomas Andes.
Photo 3: A bench in front of two blossoming trees on site at the former St. Francis property in Denville in April 2026.