top of page
about_us.png

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.

Group 8.png

About Us

Tewksbury Land Trust logo
Tewksbury Land Trust logo

The Tewksbury Land Trust Board

OFFICERS

Kristin Hassett
President

John S. Sommer
Vice President

Christopher J. Teasdale
Secretary

Jason DeSalvo

Treasurer

TRUSTEES

Kenneth H. Klipstein

Maura Obercian

Roderic L. O'Connor II

Wm. Duncan Rose Sr.

Gia-Raquel Esposito

Sandy Ross

TED KOVEN COUNCIL

Tim Demspsey

Ira Flood

Sara Ike

Milene Miller

Jonathan N. Olsen

Liz Porter

Hilary J. Prouty

Louisa B. Sargent

LAND ACQUISITION MANAGER

Richard Dodds

Affiliated with the New Jersey Conservation Foundation

STEWARDSHIP MANAGER

Emily Dunn
Affiliated with the Hunterdon Land Trust

TedKoven 2.jpg

Theodore G. Koven

Ted Koven: A Visionary for Conservation in Tewksbury

Ted Koven, co-founder of the Tewksbury Land Trust, moved to Mountainville with his new bride, Stephanie, in 1962. Tewksbury Township was a close-knit, rural farming community where most everyone knew each other. In the 1970s and 80s, however, the development of subdivisions skyrocketed, changing the nature of the once bucolic farming community. By the late 1980s, Hunterdon County was one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation. From the start, Ted and Steph immersed themselves in the community. Ted served as chair of the Board of Health and the Environmental Commission, a Planning Board and Township Committee member, and even as mayor. He was also president of the Raritan Headwaters Association (formerly the Upper Raritan Watershed Association) and had a long-standing passion for running and "whipping-in" with the Tewksbury Foot Bassets.

 

Championing Land Conservation

Ted started to rally support for a local land trust in 1991, inspired by his parents’ gift of 35 acres to the start-up Harding Land Trust. It became clear that large tracts of land would need protection to preserve the beloved rural character of the area. The Tewksbury Land Trust was officially incorporated as a New Jersey nonprofit in June 1993. Ted was instrumental in the Ten Mile Trail Vision, an initiative to create a continuous network of trails connecting preserved lands across Tewksbury. His leadership helped secure key properties, including the Hill and Dale Preserve, which became a cornerstone of the project. The preserve, managed by the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, has expanded significantly since its establishment, furthering Ted’s goal of maintaining Tewksbury’s rural charm and providing public access to nature.

 

A Legacy in Conservation and the Arts

Ted Koven’s dedication to conservation extended beyond Tewksbury. He served on the Board of Trustees for both The Newark Museum and New Jersey Audubon Society (NJAS), furthering his commitment to conservation, education, and the arts. He was a trustee of The Newark Museum from 1992 to 2013, serving on both the executive and building committees, totaling 21 years of service. He was also a trustee of New Jersey Audubon Society for 20 years, demonstrating his long-standing dedication to environmental preservation and cultural advocacy.

After stepping down from his formal roles, Ted continued his involvement with both The Newark Museum and NJAS in an emeritus capacity, providing guidance and support for conservation and educational initiatives. His lifelong dedication to these organizations ensured that his influence in environmental preservation and cultural advocacy remained strong, even beyond his official tenure.

 

A Lasting Legacy

Ted worked with many residents to inform and encourage them to preserve various properties in the community. His legacy is honored with a kiosk at the Treanor Preserve, and each year, the Tewksbury Land Trust Ted Koven Conservationist of the Year Award is presented to a community member who embodies his dedication to land preservation. Ted Koven’s vision for Tewksbury lives on in every acre preserved, every trail maintained, and every individual inspired by his unwavering commitment to protecting the land for future generations.

ROSS2091 1.png

Help Protect the Land You Love

bottom of page