About Us

How We Got Started

Forty years ago, most Montgomery Township residents looked out their window at open fields and farmlands, and forests. Today, such a view is becoming far more difficult to find. Montgomery Township’s rural appeal has attracted tremendous growth in population which in turn has created a need for new houses, schools and shopping centers, along with rising taxes to pay for them. A population of 9,612 in 1990 has mushroomed close to 24,000 in 2019. Hundreds of acres that were once fields and farmland have vanished in the face of explosive development. MFOS was formed in 2002 in an effort to preserve what remains of the Township’s farmland and natural areas.

Our Mission

Montgomery Friends of Open Space was formed in 2002 in an effort to preserve what remains of the Township’s farmland and natural areas. MFOS is an all-volunteer non-profit organization, made up primarily of residents of Montgomery Township and Rocky Hill. The organization’s purpose is three-fold:

  • To preserve remaining open lands in Montgomery Township
  • To provide and support stewardship of the land that is preserved
  • To sustain active farming by increasing awareness of agricultural issues and supporting local farmers’ markets and farm stands in the Township

Our Goals

Guided by the Township’s Conservation Plan, Montgomery Friends of Open Space (also known as “Montgomery Friends”) has been awarded over  $2.5 million in grants to preserve farm- lands, forests, streams, and flood plains, as well as to protect water quality and maintain historic and scenic views. 

Preserving Open Space

Montgomery Friends often works in partnership with the NJ Green Acres, Farmland Preservation Programs, Montgomery Township, Somerset County, New Jersey Conservation Foundation, private foundations, landowners and other land trusts, including D&R Greenway and Sourland Conservancy. To date, the organization has participated in the preservation of close to 500 acres.

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Stewardship

Preserving open space is just the first step. Preserved properties need to be maintained to preserve wildlife habitat. Pathways need to be created so that the public can safely enjoy these spaces. Stewardship includes analyzing a parcel of land and deciding how it may have been in the past, what changes have taken place -some man-made, others from natural occurrences- and determining how to maintain or restore the land.

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Jardineira flowers

Farmers' Market

MFOS runs an outdoor farmers’ market every Saturday from June through November, and monthly during November through February. By offering fresh, locally grown produce, meat, flowers, bread, and more, MFOS supports local farmers and New Jersey agriculture.

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