St. Mary’s Abbey

In 2009 TPL purchased 188 acres of land from the Order of St. Benedict of New Jersey. One of the last large, undeveloped tracts of land in Morris County, the St. Mary’s Abby property adjoins Lewis Morris County Park and Morristown National Historical Park. The land had been targeted for development for decades until TPL secured an option to purchase the property. Conservationists, government agencies, and neighbors partnered to ensure the property would be conserved for future generations to enjoy.

The sale of this land enables the Order to provide some financial support for its monks, preserves a significant portion of Abbey land for public open space, and will expand the Patriot’s Path trail system.