The Helen Kimberly Jones Charitable Trust Fund

The Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation is offering a 2024 Grant for open space projects through the Morris County Preservation Trust. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to preserve land and water for recreation and conservation, protect ecologically sensitive areas, safeguard exceptional flora and fauna, and maintain areas of scenic, historic, and cultural value. The grant also supports passive and active outdoor recreational opportunities, as well as the protection of critical water supplies and the acquisition of historic sites. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include the thirty-nine municipalities within Morris County and charitable conservancies. The impact goals are to enhance and protect Morris County's natural resources, provide recreational opportunities for residents, and preserve the county's unique historical and cultural heritage. The program aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of these valuable assets for future generations. The program prioritizes projects that involve land or water areas for recreation and conservation, including parkland, natural areas, and greenways. It also focuses on the protection of ecologically sensitive areas such as freshwater wetlands, steep slopes, and stream corridors, as well as the preservation of lands with exceptional flora or fauna. Furthermore, the grant supports the preservation of areas with scenic, historic, and cultural value, and the protection of critical water supplies. Expected outcomes include an increase in protected open space, improved access to recreational facilities, and the safeguarding of vital ecosystems and historical sites. Measurable results will include the number of acres preserved, the number of historic sites acquired, and the extent of critical water supplies protected. The program's strategic priorities are rooted in a theory of change that posits by investing in land and water preservation, the county will foster a healthier environment, stronger communities, and a richer cultural landscape for its residents.