Johnson Education Center History

Originally the lower farm of Archibald Douglas Russell’s 274-acre Edgerstoune Estate, at the turn of the 20th century the property stretched from beyond Rosedale Road all the way to the King’s Highway, now called Route 206. The land now known as Greenway Meadows Park was purchased by General Robert Wood Johnson in 1949.

Through an innovative collaboration spearheaded by D&R Greenway Land Trust, the 60-acre property was permanently preserved in 2001.  Public and private partners encompassed a broad community including the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres Program, Mercer County, Princeton Township, Princeton Borough, Friends of Princeton Open Space, Bristol-Myers Squibb and dozens of  individuals and families.

General Robert Wood Johnson’s daughter, Sheila Brütsch, Francois Brütsch, Betty Wold Johnson, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes, D&R Greenway CEO Linda Mead, and Princeton Mayor Phyllis Marchand

Of the 60 protected acres, 55 were deeded to Princeton to create Greenway Meadows Park.  As a former estate, Greenway Meadows is home to large specimen trees and other plantings, including a sweep of London plane trees that creates a shady allee separating the passive and active parkland.  This allee originally formed an impressive gateway between the formal grounds of Edgerstoune’s “upper estate” and the working farm of the “lower estate”.

The majority of Greenway Meadows Park is dedicated to passive uses including walking trails and a meadow for informal picnicking and enjoyment of the peace and beauty of the natural landscape.  The park’s gently sloping hill is a perfect venue for cross country skiing and sledding.  A view of Mount Rose, in the foothills of the Sourland Mountains, may be glimpsed from the high point of Greenway Meadows Park. The Stony Brook runs along the park’s western border.  Twelve acres of Greenway Meadows Park is in active recreation, creating two soccer fields and one softball field, a tot lot with outdoor tables and restrooms, and a landscaped parking area.

An additional 14 acres across Rosedale Road were subsequently preserved by D&R Greenway and Friends of Princeton Open Space with support from public and private partners.  This wooded stretch along Rosedale Road links Greenway Meadows Park to the Johnson Park School nature trail and to other Princeton open space and parkland including Farmview Fields and Coventry Farm (also preserved by D&R Greenway and partners in 2001), Mountain Lakes Preserve and Woodfield Reservation.

Our Mission: To Preserve & Care for Land and Inspire a Conservation Ethic, Now and Forever

Land Preserved
323 stories of preservation and 22,000+ protected Acres
Upcoming Events
Mar 24

Reception with Nationally Known Local Artists, James Fiorentino and Patrick McDonnell

Sunday, March 24 - 2 pm - 4 pm
Johnson Education Center, One Preservation Place, Princeton

JOIN US! Reception with James Fiorentino, National Baseball Hall > Read More

Apr 12

Art Sale featuring local artists Deb Brockway, Liz Cutler, James Fiorentino & Patrick McDonnell, EXTENDED BY POPULAR DEMAND through April 12, 2024!

Monday - Friday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Johnson Education Center, 1 Preservation Place, off Rosedale Road, Princeton, NJ

Art Sale EXTENDED BY POPULAR DEMAND through April 12, > Read More

Business Partners in Preservation - Leaders