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.<\/strong><\/p>\n The Green Acres Program was created in 1961 to meet New Jersey’s growing recreation and conservation needs.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Together with with public and nonprofit partners<\/a>, 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\u2019s protected lands, with the total preserved open space in New Jersey reaching 1,669,874 acres.[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”3″ css=”” accent_color=”#346697″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/a><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Follow Green Acres on Instagram \u00a0\u00a0 [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n New Scope of Survey Services in Effect January 1, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n An updated Scope of Survey Services affecting all surveys for State acquisitions and all local and nonprofit projects in which Green Acres is involved is in effect as of January 1, 2026, and is available on our Survey Section Standards page<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]Tax Exemption Program \u2013 Question & Answer Session<\/strong><\/p>\n Tuesday March 17, 2026<\/strong><\/span> Did you know that Green Acres has a Tax Exemption Program? That\u2019s right!\u00a0 The program provides property tax exemption for nonprofit organizations(501-C3) that purchase land for the purpose of conservation and recreational resources and are willing to open their private land to the public.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]The 2026 Funding Round is now closed. We anticipate the 2027 Funding Round will be announced this fall.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Green Acres Announces 2026 Funding Round<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n The Green Acres Program is pleased to announce its 2026 funding round.\u00a0 Applications for land acquisition, park development, and stewardship projects will be accepted. \u00a0The deadline is February 27, 2026<\/b>.\u00a0 Supplemental funding requests for active projects are also due on February 27, 2026. To help potential applicants, Green Acres hosted a number of informational workshops.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]Local Government Engagement on State Land Acquisition Initiatives<\/strong><\/p>\n Green Acres State Land Acquisition Program: Engaging with Urban Local Governments for New\/Expanded Parks<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Webinar\u00a0Description (Recorded)<\/strong>:\u00a0 Learn how to access Green Acres State Land Acquisition funding and tools to create close-to-home recreational opportunities for your residents.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Green Acres State Land Acquisition Program: Engaging with Local Governments to Protect Land for Wildlife<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Webinar Description (Recorded):\u00a0 Learn about the DEP\u2019s Connecting Habitat Across New Jersey (CHANJ) initiative and how your municipality can help preserve critical land for wildlife by collaborating with Green Acres.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=””]Nonprofit Open Space and Recreation Plan Guidelines<\/strong><\/p>\n UPDATE<\/strong>:\u00a0 Green Acres previously announced the requirement for nonprofits to submit Open Space and Recreation Plans for multi-site \/ regional \/ statewide acquisition efforts.\u00a0 We have decided to delay implementation<\/strong> of that requirement.\u00a0 More information will be provided in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n 3\/7\/2025<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes”][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/5″][info-box-shortcode removebg=”true” targetlink=”true”] Program Areas<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n [\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/5″][info-box-shortcode removebg=”true” targetlink=”true”] Forms and Regulations<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n [\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/5″][info-box-shortcode removebg=”true” targetlink=”true”] Green Acres Success Stories<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n [\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/5″][info-box-shortcode removebg=”true” targetlink=”true”] Enjoy Your Green Acres<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n [\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/5″][info-box-shortcode removebg=”true” targetlink=”true”]News and Notices<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
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