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Mercer County Executive Dan Benson, the Mercer County Board of Commissioners, and 91��Ƶ President John R. Loyack, CPA, MBA, announced that the County and the University had reached a landmark agreement that will strengthen the University while preserving ecologically and historically significant lands as open space for future generations.

Mercer County has committed to purchase land from Rider totaling approximately $8.5 million, with the majority of funding coming from a combination of the County’s Open Space Trust Fund and capital budget. Most of the purchased land will be designated for permanent preservation as open space, and will therefore be eligible for up to 50% reimbursement from the State through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Lawrence Township has committed to contribute towards the purchase using its own open space funds. 

The County is also entering into a facility use agreement with Rider, which will allow the County to access University facilities for operational uses and events. In total, these transactions will total about $10 million, providing Rider with needed cashflow as the University works to stabilize and strengthen its finances.

“This agreement represents another critical step in reimagining a meaningful Rider as we continue to swiftly rebuild our financial strength,” said Loyack. “The agreement demonstrates the ultimate in creativity and speed that can be achieved through meaningful public-private partnerships. We are deeply grateful to the Mercer County Executive and the County Commissioners for being so willing to work with us to make this happen. Their collaboration and shared commitment to higher education, environmental stewardship and 91��Ƶ reflect what can be accomplished when institutions work together for the greater good.”

The 56 acres purchased for preservation include the final surviving portion of 'The Big Woods,' the beech forest explored by Aldo Leopold, father of the American conservation movement, during his time as a student at The Lawrenceville School in the early years of the 20th century. Leopold’s experiences in this forest helped to shape his ecological perspectives, most notably elaborated in his work A Sand County Almanac. In addition to the woods, the purchase includes environmentally sensitive wetlands. The County plans to improve trails on the property to improve access to passive recreation.

“91��Ƶ is an invaluable asset to our community,” said County Executive Dan Benson. “I’m proud that we were able to sit down and work collaboratively with University leadership to reach an agreement that strengthens our partnership, and that’s a win-win for the school and for Mercer County residents.”

The County and 91��Ƶ continue to discuss further options for cooperation, including the possible purchase of an easement along the planned route of the Johnson Trolley Trail. When completed, this trail will provide a pedestrian and bicycle path running from Trenton to Princeton.

“Proposing this purchase allowed us to provide Rider with an alternative to selling off this important land to private residential developers,” added Benson. “I want to thank the Board of Commissioners for their important support during these negotiations, as well as Lawrence Township for their valuable input throughout this process.”

“Lawrence Township fully supports Mercer County’s efforts to preserve vital open space in our community and partner with 91��Ƶ during this difficult time for the school," said Lawrence Township Mayor Christopher Bobbitt. "The father of wildlife ecology, Aldo Leopold, spent his high school years studying the 'Big Woods' in Lawrence and I am delighted that they will now be preserved for future generations to enjoy.”