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Aerial photo of former nursery lands

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Where are the Princeton Nursery Lands?

They are in central New Jersey, USA. They are the site of the former headquarters for "Princeton Nurseries", once the largest commercial nursery in the USA. The 500+ acres of land are just east of Princeton University, and lie in South Brunswick Township and Plainsboro Township, both in Middlesex County. On a map, the land is almost exactly half way between New York City and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or between Trenton and New Brunswick, New Jersey. MAP

Directions & Map Link :

Drive to Kingston, NJ on state highway 27. Turn south on Academy street, and continue out of the historic district. After crossing a bridge, you will see signs for the D & R Canal State Park and Mapleton Preserve on the left. The parking area is behind the first building (D & R Canal State Park Headquarters). MAP

Why do people care about the Princeton Nursery Lands?

The Nursery Lands lie along the Delaware and Raritan Canal, which is surrounded by the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park. Many people from central New Jersey use the D&R Canal tow paths for recreation-- jogging, bird watching, bicycling and fishing. The Nursery Lands are part of the landscape, and in a portion of the canal where the state park was only a few feet wider than the canal itself. Preservation of key sections of the Princeton Nursery Lands provided a much needed buffer for the park, as well as a large section of the greenbelt for the historic village of Kingston.

What is Mapleton Preserve?

Mapleton Preserve contains the historical heart of the Princeton Nurseries lands. In 2005, this 53-acre property was jointly purchased as open space, by the New Jersey Green Acres program and South Brunswick Township. The newly restored main office for Princeton Nurseries' Kingston site has appropriately has now become the D & R Canal State Park Headquarters. An adjacent building is used for interpretive programs.   Several other historic buildings dot the grounds, including eight greenhouses.   If suitable funding can be obtained, they will be restored.  

Sand roadways winding through the Nurseries Lands provide a natural trail network, rich in wildlife and birds.   Mapleton Preserve's location is well situated to create trail connections to both the D & R Canal State Park's historic towpath and to other open space areas, such as the bird-rich Cook Preserve.   

The New Jersey Dept. of Environmental Protection and the Township of South Brunswick jointly administer Mapleton Preserve. The Mapleton Preserve Commission coordinates oversight of the property.   This partnership between the State of New Jersey and South Brunswick Township is charged with "guiding the preservation, improvement, restoration and maintenance of the historical, cultural, natural and scenic resources of the former Princeton Nurseries Kingston Site", as well as "interpretation for the education and enjoyment of the public."

The entrance to the Mapleton Preserve is at 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston.   If approaching the Preserve from Rt. 27, the entrance is on the left, marked by a wooden sign for the D & R Canal State Park.   Entrance is free, and the park is open from sunrise to sunset.

Why does the D&R Canal State Park need more room?

The Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park is a linear park. It extends from Trenton to New Brunswick, and along the Delaware to Stockton, NJ. In many places, the park consists of the canal itself and a "tow path", where mules once pulled barges. The tow path has become very popular with walkers, joggers and bicyclists. On a spring afternoon it can be full of all three uses. Unfortunately, a congested towpath can frustrate users, and ruin a good afternoon. Expanding the park allows new places to walk or jog, and minimizes user conflicts.

Does Princeton Nurseries still exist?