Greenway Gala (Virtual) Watch Party May 9, 5:30

Princeton, N.J. -- D&R Greenway Land Trust responded quickly to the COVID-19 global health crisis by emphasizing its “Open Space is Open” for public enjoyment. Today, the non-profit that has preserved 21,000 acres in central New Jersey announces the transition of its traditional spring fundraiser into a “Virtual Gala” with a participatory After-Party via Zoom for donors. Princeton TV will broadcast [pre-recorded awards ceremony and tribute videos] on May 9 at 5:30, featuring the land preservation accomplishments of Phyllis Marchand and John Rassweiler, co-winners of the Donald B. Jones Conservation Award.

“While it is not safe to gather physically, we can celebrate electronically to these two pillars of the Princeton community. Both have contributed mightily to preserving New Jersey open space: legendary former Princeton Mayor Phyllis Marchand; and highly reputed businessman, John Rassweiler. He served longest of anyone on D&R Greenway Land Trust’s Board of Trustees,” declared D&R Greenway President & CEO Linda Mead.

Also winning a community service award will be the family and friends of the late Michael “Iron Mike” Snyder, in whose honor the generous new trail off Rosedale Road was created.

This virtual gala will be broadcast on Princeton TV public access with special access to the After-Party for ticket holders and sponsors. Virtual party-goers will connect with the honorees via Zoom. Sponsors will also be acknowledged in the film credits.

D&R Greenway’s ‘Our Open Space is Open’ messages are garnering attention nationally and locally. People in this critical situation are experiencing the vital importance of preserved lands and regular walking in healthy nature is to their inner and outer well-being. D&R Greenway’s awardees have been way ahead of the environmental curve over decades, championing open space and safe, appealing trails.

Funds raised from D&R Greenway's Gala will fund the creation of two important habitats on the non-profit's preserved lands. “Marchand Meadows” will be created on the footprint of the former St. Michael’s Orphanage in Hopewell, now St. Michaels Farm Preserve. It will be a pollinator meadow, its plants chosen to nourish and shelter songbirds, bees and butterflies. Where the St. Michaels building once stood, black-eyed Susan, butterfly milkweed, little bluestem and many other native wildflowers will literally "bloom and grow." The Rassweiler Restoration Forest will fill in a major gap in D&R Greenway's Sourland Mountain Ecosystem. Native black cherry, chestnut oak, flowering dogwood and wild persimmon will be among newly chosen native species to support New Jersey's neotropical migratory birds in two seasons.

Honoree Phyllis Marchand served twenty-three years as an elected official in Princeton Township, including twelve years as Mayor, before retiring in 2009. She became involved with D&R Greenway in earlilest days, preserving land in her community, namely and Coventry Farm, then Greenway Meadows . Phylllis joined D&R Greenway's Board of Trustees in 2010, serving as Chair from 2016 until retiring from the Board in 2019. Always an ardent advocate for preservation of open space and a healthy environment, Phyllis was appointed by the Legislature and Governor to the Delaware and Raritan (D&R) Canal Commission. An avid runner, Phyllis has completed 18 marathons in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia.

Commenting on the announcement of her award, Ms. Marchand said: “I care about D&R Greenway because I care about the legacy I will leave to my grandchildren and to all future generations: Take care of each other; take care of our planet; enjoy ‘Land for Life!’”

Honoree John Rassweiler is a long-time supporter of D&R Greenway, having served over two decades, longer than any other board member. A renowned businessman, Rassweiler worked with American Cyanamid and Johnson & Johnson, before founding his own company in 1982, to retire 1995. He holds a B.A. from Amherst College, and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. His leadership roles strengthened many local boards, including the Princeton Public Library Foundation, the Friends of the Institute of Advanced Study and The Friends of the Princeton University Arts Museum. Many a splendid art exhibition owes its presence to his influence and generosity. Rassweiler also owns and manages a registered tree farm in Vermont.

Mr. Rassweiler explains his support over the years: “D&R Greenway is one of my lead charities. Its objectives have been consistent and are ones I strongly support. Its organization and execution always have been at a high professional level.”

A special community conservation award is also being given to the friends and family of the late Michael Snyder. This group completed a successful journey, envisioning, funding, then building the memorial “Iron Mike Trail.” Across Rosedale Road from D&R Greenway, this new trail has already become a favorite among dog-walkers, including the Snyder family itself. More than two hundred donors, with a new wave of forty young adult volunteers, joined in this labor of love. Besides designing and building the trail itself, they plant over two hundred native trees, shrubs and perennials. They created a living legacy in memory of Michael Snyder, appreciated now and in perpetuity, by all walks this land.

To participate in the May 9th event, and to learn the scope of the land trust , visit http://www.drgreenway.org.

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D&R GREENWAY LAND TRUST IS IN ITS 31ST YEAR of preserving and protecting natural lands, farmlands and open spaces throughout central and southern New Jersey. Providing continuous preservation and stewardship [-- caring for land and easements to ensure they remain protected and ecologically healthy in perpetuity --] D&R Greenway nurtures a healthier and more diverse environment for people and wild species in seven counties.

Accredited by the National Land Trust Accreditation Commission, D&R Greenway’s mission is to preserve and care for land and inspire a conservation ethic, now and for the future. Since its founding in 1989, D&R Greenway has permanently preserved 21,000 acres, an area 25 times the size of New York City’s Central Park, including 32 miles of trails open to the public.

The Johnson Education Center, a circa-1900 restored barn at One Preservation Place, Princeton, is D&R Greenway’s home. Through programs, art exhibits and related lectures, and rental of galleries to local organizations, D&R Greenway increasingly inspires greater public commitment to safeguarding land.