From left: Karen Linder, president, Friends of the Princeton Nurseries Lands; Robert von Zumbusch, chairman, Mapleton Preserve Commission and Anne Zeman, chairwoman, Kingston Village Advisory Committee, worked to preserve the former Princeton Nursery as the Mapleton Preserve.

By: Carolyn Foote Edelmann

Princeton Nursery Lands, preserved as open space, is a pathway to a historic landscape.

   People fly to Florida to find the Enchanted Kingdom, but one has existed in historic Kingston since 1913. Princeton Nurseries once had 1,500 acres in full horticultural operation. Renowned for almost 100 years, Princeton Nurseries continuously developed legendary cultivars as well as technological innovations for the planting, harvesting and shipping of trees. Today, that land is preserved open space, with trails to explore its scenic history.
   Princeton Nurseries has moved its operation to Allentown. The Kingston operation succumbed at the sudden demise of Dr. John Flemer in the mid-1980s, within two years of that of his father, William. Estate taxes proved devastating, since William Flemer Sr. had purchased these lands to expand his Springfield nursery operation in the early 1900s. Kingston offered rich alluvial soil, as well as superb transportation through the Delaware and Raritan Canal and the Camden & Amboy Railroad. In 1986, the family reluctantly sold most of the Mapleton property to Princeton Forrestal Associates, the not-for-profit land-development arm of Princeton University. Until recently, all these storied acres off Mapleton Road faced a tempest of commercial and residential development. Barclay Square, a residential community, has arisen alongside the canal, across from St. Joseph's Seminary, and 2.9 million square feet of corporate space still loom.
   After seemingly endless hearings and spirited negotiations, 53 acres in the heart of the PN Lands has been set aside as open space as Mapleton Preserve. In January 2005, ceremonies announced the transfer of 127 key acres of land from Princeton Forrestal Associates to state and municipal governments. Situated in Plainsboro and South Brunswick, this exchange transpired through New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Green Acres Program. The parcels are within state-designated Princeton Nurseries Historic District, buffering the D&R Canal State Park and the village of Kingston. In the words of town activist Anne Zeman, "Mapleton Road could have become a four-lane highway with densely clustered housing on both sides. Instead, we have this welcome preservation of 200-plus acres."
   A PN building that served as headquarters for Congressman Rush Holt's first campaign has been restored as D&R Canal State Park Headquarters. Other historic buildings dot the grounds. When suitable funding is obtained, they will be restored and put to nature-related use. Vicki Chirco, resource interpretive specialist/historic resources for D&R Canal State Park, says she is "very excited to be in our new home." The public is welcome to explore PN's original sand roadways, a natural trail network, rich with wildlife and birds.
   It has been said that politics makes strange bedfellows. Skilled negotiators applaud "whatever works!" The DEP, South Brunswick and Plainsboro townships, Princeton University, William Flemer's Sons Inc., local green organizations and committed individuals have successfully united to create Mapleton Preserve.
   Among dedicated locals named to the Mapleton Preserve Commission, charged with watching over the fate of the new state park, are Robert von Zumbusch, chairman, Mapleton Preserve Commission; Karen Linder, president, Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands; and Anne Zeman, chairwoman, Kingston Village Advisory Committee.
   New members and volunteers are welcome in the citizens' group, Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands. Part of FPNL's mission is "to work in collaboration with state and local officials to preserve and restore this scenic landscape and its historic buildings, and to build public awareness of its rich cultural and natural history."
   Ms. Linder says she knew she had to be involved in saving PN lands the moment she first encountered the territory. "This landscape, with its stately windrows (long rows of trees planted to block wind) is incredibly beautiful," she says. "The remaining Nursery buildings are striking and full of potential. Trees and plants are especially appealing to birds during spring and fall migration. Sensitively preserved and restored, this property will be a tremendous resource for the region."
   The public was welcomed to the new Mapleton Preserve at an open house honoring Arbor Day, 2006. Ceremonies included Congressman Holt, DEP Commissioner Lisa Jackson and South Brunswick Township Mayor Frank Gambatese. The Mountain View Band and the Riverside Bluegrass Band (including William Flemer IV) provided lively music. Revolutionary re-enactors demonstrated the finer points of musketry. Trees were planted to launch the new Flemer Arboretum, and tree seedlings were distributed to participants. William Flemer IV presented a slide show of archival photographs in the old blacksmith shop.
   Since the early part of the 20th century, PN has been a gleaming star in America's crown of industry. Flemer tree cultivars grace cities and towns not limited to America. Without Flemer horticultural ingenuity and persistence, tragedies such as Dutch Elm disease would have left many a Main Street barren. Horticultural history was made at this site, initially chosen because the D&R Canal carried more water traffic than the Erie.
   Every bisque-colored house on PN lands is alive with stories. The Henry Van Dyke house, still inhabited by the Flemers, was begun in 1742. This home bears scars of British cannon fire. Midnight Masonic meetings were held there to plan the Revolution. Certain doors retain their peepholes. Washington's troops marched near and through these fields. Local tradition holds that Lincoln passed through Kingston on the Camden & Amboy Railroad to his inauguration and his grave.
   Princeton Nurseries, now headed by Ivan Olinsky, has a thriving wholesale business on 3,000 acres of fertile farmland in Allentown. Its Web site, www.princetonnurseries.com, offers a detailed account of its history. Mapleton Nurseries, established by William Flemer IV, is situated directly across from Mapleton Preserve on land that once served as Princeton Nurseries seedbeds. It, too, is a wholesale business.
   Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands seeks to preserve and restore this scenic landscape and its historic buildings, and to build public awareness of the rich cultural and natural history that resides in this site.