Herrontown Woods Arboretum
Nestled in the heart of Princeton, New Jersey, the Herrontown Woods Arboretum serves as a serene escape for nature enthusiasts and residents alike. Spanning 142 acres, this preserved landscape offers a rich tapestry of hardwood forests, wetlands, and diverse wildlife, providing a vital green lung for Mercer County.
The arboretum is open to the public every day of the year at no cost. Visitors can explore several miles of walking trails that wind through the forest, leading up to the Princeton ridge and the headwaters of a tributary of Harry's Brook. While the trails are welcoming to pedestrians, please note that trail bicycles are prohibited to preserve the natural environment.
Key Facts
- Location: 624 Snowden Lane, Princeton, New Jersey.
- Total Area: 142 acres (57 ha).
- Established: 1957.
- Biodiversity: Over 60 species of native trees and shrubs, plus rare birds and wildflowers.
- Special Features: A Botanical Art Garden ("Barden") featuring sculptures and 150+ native plant species.
- Geology: Presence of diabase rocks containing magnetite.
Natural Features and Biodiversity
The land at Herrontown Woods is largely preserved in its natural state, with the exception of a pipeline right-of-way. The ecosystem is highly diverse, supporting a variety of amphibians, including frogs and salamanders, and a wide array of native flora.
A unique addition to the landscape is the Botanical Art Garden, known as "Barden." Created by the Friends of Herrontown Wood after storms damaged a pine forest, this garden blends art and nature by incorporating sculptures and found objects alongside more than 150 species of native plants.
History and Expansion
The arboretum's origins date back to 1957, when Professor Oswald Veblen, a world-renowned mathematician from the Institute for Advanced Study, donated the first 81 acres to the Mercer County Park Commission. This gift, valued at $154,000, established the first nature preserve for both Mercer County and the town of Princeton.
Over the following decades, the preserve grew through several key additions:
- 1966: An expansion of 47 acres was approved by the Park Commission.
- 1974: Following the death of Elizabeth Veblen, an additional 14 acres—including a house and cottage—were added.
- 2019: A further 7.5 acres were donated by a developer from the Windy Top homeowners association.
Autumn Hill Reservation
Located north of Herrontown Road and across from the main arboretum, the Autumn Hill Reservation is a 72-acre stretch of former farmland that has returned to woodland. Often called the Herrontown Woods extension, this area features a trail loop originally installed as an Eagle Scout service project by Boy Scout Troop 43. Access is provided via a small parking lot on Herrontown Road.
Trail Access and Connectivity
Visitors can access the woods via a parking lot on the east side off Snowden Lane. The network of trails has expanded significantly through community partnerships:
- D&R Greenway Land Trust: In 2010, the purchase of 35 acres from All Saints Episcopal Church allowed for southern trail extensions reaching the church and the former Church & Dwight headquarters.
- Stone Hill Church: In 2014, a joint effort between the church youth group and the Friends of Herrontown Woods opened western access via Stone Hill Church on Bunn Drive.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 624 Snowden Lane, Princeton, NJ |
| Total Size | 142 acres |
| Admission | Free |
| Operating Hours | Open all year, daily |
| Primary Operator | Mercer County, New Jersey |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an admission fee to visit Herrontown Woods?
No, the arboretum is open to the public every day at no cost.
Are bicycles allowed on the trails?
No, trail bicycles are prohibited within the arboretum to protect the natural state of the preserve.
Who originally donated the land for the arboretum?
The first 81 acres were donated in 1957 by Prof. Oswald Veblen of the Institute for Advanced Study.
What is the Botanical Art Garden?
Known as "Barden," it is a specialized garden created by the Friends of Herrontown Wood that features sculptures, found objects, and over 150 species of native plants.
Where can I park to access the trails?
Parking is available off Snowden Lane on the east side, at a small lot on Herrontown Road for the Autumn Hill Reservation, and at Stone Hill Church on the west side (except Sunday mornings).