Natural Lands Trust

The New Jersey Natural Lands Trust was created in 1968 by the Legislature as an independent agency in but not of the Division of Parks & Forestry in the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Its mission: to preserve land in its natural state for enjoyment by the public and to protect natural diversity through the acquisition of open space. The Trust acquires open space primarily by donations of land and easements. In creating the Trust, the Legislature’s goal was to establish an agency with the protective power of the State that would have the support of private-sector open space preservation and conservation organizations. The Trust’s autonomy is a key factor in garnering the confidence of individuals interested in preserving their land and that of the conservation community.