In 1993, a group of local residents organized The Tewksbury Land Trust (TLT) to actively promote the preservation of the town’s existing historic, agricultural, and rural (open space) character. The land trust has focused on both the land itself and on our relationships with the local residents to facilitate the protection of natural areas and historic features through the creation of conserved properties, conservation easements and passive recreation linkages and greenway corridors.
TLT has historically partnered with numerous other groups to build support for conservation efforts and to establish effective stewardship programs to care for this special place. We are grateful for the active support for our preservation efforts from funding partners including the Township of Tewksbury, the Hunterdon County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the New Jersey's Green Acres Program.
Additionally, for over 30 years we’ve enjoyed fruitful partnerships with The New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Raritan Headwaters Association, Hunterdon Land Trust, The Lamington Conservancy, The Open Space Institute, Tewksbury Trail Association, New Jersey Audubon Society, each essential to our successes.
Most of all, we are grateful for the continuous broad community support we receive from individuals and families who live here and appreciate the importance of our mission.
The Tewksbury Land Trust Board
OFFICERS
Gia-Raquel Esposito
President
Kenneth H. Klipstein
Vice President
Christopher J. Teasdale
Secretary
Kristin Hassett
Treasurer
TRUSTEES
Tim Dempsey
Maura Obercian
Roderic L. O'Connor II
Wm. Duncan Rose Sr.
Sandy Ross
John S. Sommer
TED KOVEN COUNCIL
Jason DeSalvo
Ira Flood
Sara Ike
Milene Miller
Jonathan N. Olsen
Adam Palmer
Hilary J. Prouty
Louisa B. Sargent
LAND ACQUISITION MANAGER
Richard Dodds
Affiliated with the New Jersey Conservation Foundation
STEWARDSHIP MANAGER
Sarah Crosby
Affiliated with the Hunterdon Land Trust
Theodore G. Koven
Ted Koven: A Legacy of Conservation in Tewksbury
Ted Koven, co-founder of the Tewksbury Land Trust, moved to Mountainville with his wife, Stephanie, in 1962. As Tewksbury shifted from a rural farming community to one facing rapid development in the 1970s and 80s, Ted stepped into leadership roles across the township. He served on the Board of Health, Environmental Commission, Planning Board, Township Committee, and as mayor, while also leading the Raritan Headwaters Association. He was an avid runner and longtime “whipper-in” with the Tewksbury Foot Bassets.
Champion for Local Land Preservation
Inspired by his parents’ donation to the Harding Land Trust, Ted began building support for a land trust in Tewksbury in 1991. The Tewksbury Land Trust was incorporated in 1993, and Ted played a central role in shaping its early vision, including the Ten Mile Trail initiative to link preserved lands with a continuous trail network. His efforts helped secure landmark properties such as Hill and Dale Preserve, setting the foundation for long-term conservation and public access.
Commitment to Conservation and the Arts
Ted’s influence extended beyond Tewksbury. He served over two decades on the Board of Trustees of both The Newark Museum and New Jersey Audubon Society, contributing to conservation, education, and the arts. Even after stepping down from formal roles, he remained active in both organizations, offering guidance in an emeritus capacity.
A Lasting Impact
Ted worked with countless residents to encourage land preservation across the township. His legacy is honored at the Treanor Preserve and through the annual Tewksbury Land Trust Ted Koven Conservationist of the Year Award, recognizing individuals who carry forward his commitment to protecting open space. His vision lives on in every acre preserved and every trail enjoyed by future generations.
