Friends of the Rutgers Ecological Preserve (FREP) is a grass-roots organization that dates back to the late 1980’s. FREP successfully prevented an attempt by Rutgers University to develop this piece of open space in 1988 for housing development. In addition, FREP made efforts to minimize the damage caused by the Route 18 extension in 1998. In 2007, we are again concerned with the University’s future intentions to either develop, lease or transfer development rights of this precious piece of Delaware & Raritan greenway.
Our mission is to preserve the only tract of old growth forest left in a highly developed, densely populated part of central New Jersey. We want to have the 370-acre Rutgers Ecological Preserve designated for permanent preservation in its natural state. After all, this was the intention when the Johnson Family donated the site to our State university decades ago.
Preservation of open space is essential for the State of New Jersey. According to an article published by the Rutgers Targum back in the 1980’s, “the preserve contains some of the finest old-growth forests of oak, ash, maple and beech in central New Jersey. It is also home to a variety of species of mammals... as well as reptiles and amphibians and species of birds, including many classified as rare.” This still holds true today, albeit there is an even more diverse population of both animals and birds.
In 2007, the Friends of the Rutgers Ecological Preserve are undertaking a campaign to save New Jersey's natural oasis on the Raritan River so that New Jerseyans can enjoy this scenic, one-of-a-kind place forever.