By Blake Jackson
The Town of Warwick has expanded its conservation efforts with two major projects that permanently protect nearly 400 acres of open space and farmland, strengthening the community’s commitment to preserving natural resources, recreation opportunities, and agricultural heritage.
Town officials recently partnered with the Open Space Institute (OSI) to secure 316 acres along the New York-New Jersey border, creating the foundation for a future public park.
The property, purchased by OSI for $3.4 million from Warwick Conference Center, Inc., will eventually be transferred to the Town of Warwick. Plans call for opening existing trails to the public and developing additional amenities to support outdoor recreation.
“Land preservation and open space are fundamental to Warwick’s identity and to the quality of life we work so hard to protect,” said Warwick Town Supervisor Jesse Dwyer.
“Preserving these lands is about more than protecting beautiful landscapes — it is about safeguarding our rural character, protecting natural resources, and ensuring residents have meaningful access to the outdoors. As our community continues to grow, these investments become even more important. This is the kind of lasting investment that will help ensure Warwick remains the special place we know and love.”
The property is located near Wawayanda State Park and the Appalachian Trail, providing important wildlife habitat and protecting waterways that ultimately flow into the Hudson River.
In a separate effort, Warwick permanently preserved the 62-acre Burt Farm through a conservation easement funded by the town’s Community Preservation Fund and a USDA grant. The easement ensures the historic farm remains dedicated to agriculture and protected from future development.
“The family has been on The Burt Farm since 1760. As the 7th generation steward, I felt it was important to preserve the land for future generations as well as maintaining a greenway to the Village of Warwick,” said landowner Donald R. McFarland.
“This conservation easement provides the foundation for sustaining the property for those future generations. I am proud to be able to take this step in preserving farmland in the Town of Warwick.”
Together, the projects add to more than 5,000 acres of protected farmland and open space in Warwick, helping preserve the town’s rural character, support environmental conservation, and provide lasting benefits for future generations.
Photo Credit: town-of-warwick-new-york
Categories: New York, Government & Policy