Green Acres
Green Acres Mission
To achieve, in partnership with others, a system of interconnected open spaces, whose protection will preserve and enhance New Jersey’s natural environment and its historic, scenic, and recreational resources for public use and enjoyment.
The Green Acres Program was created in 1961 to meet New Jersey’s growing recreation and conservation needs.
Whether in rural, suburban, or urban areas, Green Acres is committed to preserving New Jersey’s rich natural, historic, and cultural heritage. Over the years, voters have authorized $3.3 billion in Green Acres funding, approving every bond referendum put before them.
Together with with public and nonprofit partners, as of December 2024 the Green Acres Program has directly protected more than 725,000 acres of open space and parkland and has funded 1,256 local and nonprofit park development and stewardship projects in communities around the state. Overall, the Green Acres Program has helped to plan and grow the state’s protected lands, with the total preserved open space in New Jersey reaching 1,669,874 acres.
News and Notices
Upcoming Webinars for Local Government Engagement on State Land Acquisition Initiatives
Learn more about our new initiatives that will increase our prioritized and cooperative preservation of open space and parkland across New Jersey.
We invite local governments and their representatives to participate in our upcoming webinars designed to provide valuable insights and opportunities for collaboration.
| June 12, 10:00 to 11:00 AM: Green Acres State Land Acquisition Program: Engaging with Urban Local Governments for New/Expanded Parks
Description: Learn how to access Green Acres State Land Acquisition funding and tools to create close-to-home recreational opportunities for your residents. Join Webinar:Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 278 781 974 619 Passcode: NE7Xv2YF Dial in by phone +1 856-338-7074,,388437544# United States, Camden Contact: Rhonda Coe Rhonda.Coe@dep.nj.gov |
| June 12, 1:00 to 2:00 PM: Green Acres State Land Acquisition Program: Engaging with Local Governments to Protect Land for Wildlife
Description: Learn about the DEP’s Connecting Habitat Across New Jersey (CHANJ) initiative and how your municipality can help preserve critical land for wildlife by collaborating with Green Acres. Join Webinar: Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 236 731 351 46 Passcode: Ln9eb33F Dial in by phone +1 856-338-7074,,413492088# United States, Camden Contact: Larry Fink Larry.Fink@dep.nj.gov |
Don’t miss the opportunity to gain valuable insights and engage with experts in the field. We look forward to your participation!
5/14/2025
Green Acres Funding Awards
NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette has announced the 2025 Green Acres and Urban Parks funding awards for local government and nonprofit park development, land acquisition, Completely Inclusive Playgrounds, and stewardship projects across New Jersey. Read the Press Release
2025 Green Acres awards
Please see below for the Local and Nonprofit project approval list and project descriptions:
2025 Urban Parks awards
Please see below for the Urban Parks approval list and project descriptions:
4/25/2025
Nonprofit Open Space and Recreation Plan Guidelines
UPDATE: Green Acres previously announced the requirement for nonprofits to submit Open Space and Recreation Plans for multi-site / regional / statewide acquisition efforts. We have decided to delay implementation of that requirement. More information will be provided in the future.
3/7/2025
