The Ricciardi Property consists of approximately 14 acres that is located entirely or substantially on the Princeton Ridge, a unique ecological area that extends from the Millstone River and D&R Canal State Park, across the northern region of Princeton Township into Hopewell Township, where it is known locally as the Mount Rose Ridge.
Since at least 1959, Princeton’s Master Plan has identified the Princeton Ridge as among the most important and sensitive environmental features in the community. The area contains regionally important forested habitat. According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the Ridge’s mature forests provide habitat for several endangered and threatened species, including the Wood turtle, Eastern box turtle (species of concern), Cooper’s hawk, and Barred owl. In addition to the endangered and threatened species, the Ridge provides migration and nesting habitat for a number of migratory birds that require large patches of unfragmented forests to live and breed.
The Ricciardi property has the potential of helping connect nearly 300 acres of undisturbed, forested habitat on the eastern Princeton Ridge.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- avoided deforestation
Biological Diversity: Habitat- federal threatened/endangered species habitat protection
Total Project Cost: $3.95 million
Status: Project partners include Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, New Jersey Conservation Foundation and Friends of Princeton Open Space. Partners anticipate support from Princeton Township, Mercer County, and neighboring homeowners who are committed to protecting open space near their residences.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources Inc.
