The Burlington County Commissioners and Evesham Township’s Mayor and Council are excited by the news that an ecologically-sensitive property next to the Black Run Preserve will soon be permanently preserved.

The New Jersey Conservation Foundation announced the execution of a binding contract of sale with the owners of the 835-acre Samost property in Evesham this week. Located between Kettle Run, Tomlinson Mill, Kenilworth and Egret roads, the property is part of the New Jersey Pinelands and contains the headwaters of the Black Run, an important freshwater tributary that feeds into the southwest branch of the Rancocas Creek. The property also contains critical habitat for numerous native plants and animal species.

Burlington County is partnering with the New Jersey Conservation Foundation on the property’s acquisition by contributing $5 million of County open space funds towards the purchase. The County funding represents about a third of the $15 million acquisition.

Evesham Township is another partner and will ultimately take ownership of the property and incorporate it into the existing 1,300-acre Black Run Preserve.

“Open spaces like the Black Run and its watershed are a big part of what makes Burlington County special, and we are thrilled to partner with the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Evesham Township, the Pinelands Commission, New Jersey Green Acres and the property owners to make sure it remains protected for current and future generations,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, the liaison to the County Department of Resource Conservation. “Partnerships like this one allows us to preserve this ecologically-sensitive property while also making it more accessible so people can visit and enjoy what makes it unique and exceptional.”

"Preserving the Black Run Headwaters Property means water quality, critical plant and animal habitat, and the overall ecological integrity of the area will be protected for generations to come. This effort is a testament to the conservation values of the property owners, who have been a pleasure to work with,” said Robyn Jeney, NJ Conservation's South Jersey Regional Manager.

Evesham Mayor Jaclyn Veasy said the conservation was a win for all parties.

"This agreement marks a historic milestone for Evesham Township and a victory for every resident who treasures our natural landscape. Working to bring this property into our protected lands means more than just saving 835 acres from development — it means securing the heart of our local ecosystem for generations to come,” said Mayor Veasy. “We are incredibly proud to partner with Burlington County and NJ Conservation to prove that when we prioritize stewardship over sprawl, everybody wins.”

“Evesham created the Black Run Preserve to serve as an outdoor sanctuary for people to visit from throughout South Jersey,” added New Jersey Assemblywoman Andrea Katz. “This deal will protect more of this fragile natural ecosystem. I applaud the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Burlington County, Evesham and all the other partners involved.”

A possible regional trail connection to the Black Run Preserve was analyzed and recommended in the Southern Regional Trails Feasibility Study the County recently completed. The 251-page document describes possible routes, objectives, benefits, challenges, projected costs and available funding mechanisms to expand the County’s trail network through Evesham and seven other towns in central and southern Burlington County. 

The full report is available online on the County’s website at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/23227/Southern-Regional-Trails-Feasibility-Report---January-23-2026.

“Preserving Burlington County’s landscape and natural resources is a worthwhile investment on its own,” said County Commissioner Randy Brolo. “But we’re also excited by this land deal because it may create additional opportunities to expand our trail network. We believe this can be done responsibly in a way that enhances access for all residents, including those with mobility challenges, while also protecting the unique natural resources that make this property so special.”