The Mercer County Open Space Preservation Trust Fund Tax, a voter-approved tax, funds the acquisition and preservation of open space and farmland in the County. Since 2013, the Open Space Preservation Trust has funded ecological stewardship on county parkland and open space.

History:

The Mercer County Open Space Trust Fund (OSTF) was established by a voter referendum in 1989 to provide funding for open space preservation, since then, the County has acquired over 22,800 acres of open space.  Initially, the fund supported land acquisition, park development, and historical preservation.

The Open Space Preservation Board requested a voter referendum on the 2012 election ballot that would allocate 10% of the funds to be used for ecological stewardship of the County’s open space and parks. Mercer County voters overwhelmingly supported the referendum.

Grant Assistance Program:

Mercer County's Open Space Preservation Program, funded by the OSTF, provides grant funding to Mercer municipalities and qualified non-profits for the preservation of open space in the County.  Applicants submit grant requests to the County's Open Space Board and grant agreements are approved by the County Board of Commissioners. 

Projects must meet one or more regional and local preservation objectives outlined in County and municipal master plans, such as the protection of wildlife habitat and water quality, connections to other preserved land and opportunities for public recreation.  The grant program is administered by the County's Planning Department. More information can be found on the Department website by clicking here. 

Open Space Trust Fund Habitat Restoration:

• Roebling Park Freshwater Tidal Wetland Restoration: This multi-phase restoration will improve ecosystem functions and wildlife habitat while enhancing the viewshed and the recreational opportunities of this bucolic urban park.  
• POP Up Meadows: By creating small pollinator meadows on municipal lands, this program establishes wildlife habitat and corridors, while providing opportunities for people to enjoy natural landscapes throughout Mercer County. 
• Meadow Restoration: Through funding from OSTF, a number of meadows and native plant communities have been restored.  These projects create wildlife habitat, especially for pollinators, enhance biodiversity, mitigate erosion, and enhance park aesthetics.
• Reforestation Efforts: Our reforestation efforts include protecting existing old forest habitats and establishing new forested lands throughout the County to increase and connect forest cover.

Maps

Mercer County Open Space Map

Link & Downloads

Mercer County Open Space Element of Master Plan