Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance

Dondero Farm

HLTA is responsible for monitoring the easement that restricts the property from development. On 17 acres of open fields and farmland, the easement allows for agricultural use with no public access. On another 17 wooded acres, public access is allowed. The farmhouse and two acres are excluded from the agreement.

The historic property, formerly the estate of Cornelius Coryell, an aide to General George Washington during the American Revolution, dates from 1750. It is environmentally significant, serving as a headwaters area for a tributary to the D & R Canal, contributing to an international flyway for migrating birds along the Delaware River corridor, and helping to preserve the water quality of the canal, an important drinking water source for central New Jersey.

Dr. Dondero explained how preserving the farm helped his family: "Just because you have a big property doesn't mean you're rich. We had a big mortgage on this place so we had to preserve it in a fashion that would help us pay some bills and keep some assets for our children to inherit." By selling the development rights to the property, the Donderos obtained immediate cash, yet still own the property and can leave it to their children. And since they agreed to a bargain sale, accepting less than the market value for the development rights, the Donderos were eligible for a charitable deduction from their income tax.

Since the 1800s, the once larger property has been whittled away to its current size. Dr. Dondero said, "I wanted to stop the erosion so it would always be a farm. The house is a special place and it needs the property." He also talked about the need for open space for wildlife habitat. A trail will be developed on part of the property for public access. Dr. Dondero said that, "nobody really owns nature," and he and his family are happy to share their property with visitors from Lambertville and beyond.

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