Morris County has officially launched its 2026 Open Space Trust Fund grant cycle, opening applications to all 39 municipalities in the county, including Denville, as well as qualified charitable conservancies.
The program funds land acquisition and preservation for parks, greenways, natural areas, and ecologically sensitive properties. Last year, the county approved nearly $7 million in grants, preserving more than 190 acres across Morris County.
New for 2026, all application materials, including appraisals, must be submitted through a redesigned online portal. The county is hosting a free virtual training session on Monday, April 13, from 7 to 8 p.m. to walk applicants through the new system.
Barbara Murray, program coordinator for the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund, noted that any of the county’s 39 municipalities and qualified charitable conservancies are eligible to apply for grant funding.
The deadline for applications and appraisals is June 12, 2026.
Since the program’s creation in 1994, the Open Space Trust Fund has helped preserve more than 18,400 acres across Morris County, backed by more than $300 million generated through a voter-approved preservation tax.
To apply or register for the virtual training, visit the online portal or the Morris County Open Space Preservation page.
