Becker’s Hidden Spring Farm in Raritan Township Preserved

RARITAN TWP., N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Owned by Lynn and her late husband Walter “Bud” Becker, the 32-acre Hidden Spring Farm on Old Clinton Road joined the list of permanently preserved farms in Raritan Township, Nov. 2025.

With its long driveway and historic 1760 stone house, it was love at first sight for the Becker family. Before moving on to the property 32 years ago, their predecessor had Black Angus cows in the pastures which were central to the farm’s appeal. The Beckers would follow suit with a herd of their own and Bud Becker loved referring to himself as a “Cattle Rancher.”

A few weeks after they moved in, the Beckers were approached by a developer eager to buy ten acres from them on which to build houses. Bud Becker walked the would-be buyer to a high point on the property. “Look at this view!” he said. “Why would I want to be looking at rooftops?” End of discussion.

A few years later, Lynn Becker volunteered to join the Hunterdon Land Trust (“HLT”) Board of Trustees. There she learned of the possibility of permanent preservation for farmland.

The Beckers decided they wanted that protection for their place. Their friend Amy Greene, chairwoman of the Township’s Open Space Advisory Committee, recommended they apply through the State Agriculture Development Committee (“SADC”), a New Jersey Department of Agriculture program. Following an informative meeting at the farm with SADC and Open Space Advisory Committee members, Bud said …

”Filling out that application was what made it real for me.”

Lynn Becker stands next to her preserved farmland sign for her 32-acre Hidden Spring Farm located on Old Clinton Road in Raritan Township. (Courtesy photo by Valerie Burns)

Unfortunately, Bud Becker passed away in 2024 before the application process was completed. Because of changes to the funding formula, the SADC required additional time to determine the amount of compensation for the development rights.

While Lynn Becker said the wait was worth it to receive additional funds under the new and more generous State funding formula, she also said …

“It was never about the money … it’s what Bud would have wanted.”

Located on Old Clinton Road’s historic district designated by the Township’s Local Historians Committee, the farm also adjoins extensive existing County- and Township-owned open space preserves along the South Branch of the Raritan River.

What Lynn Becker particularly likes is the “River Friendly Farm” sign they qualified for that was awarded by the Raritan Headwaters Association. It acknowledges their adherence to proper soil and water conservation practices, and elimination of polluted runoff from manure or pesticides. She proudly displays it with the “Preserved Farmland” sign as well.

The preservation of Hidden Spring Farm contributes to a growing network of protected agricultural lands in the region. These conserved lands help maintain local food production, protect natural resources, and sustain the scenic viewsheds that define Hunterdon County’s unique charm.

“There has never been a better time to preserve your farm in New Jersey,” said Jacqueline Middleton, HLT Senior Director of Land Acquisition and Stewardship. “The new funding formula has been a powerful tool in further incentivizing farmers and ensuring that more crucial farmland is preserved, to support local agriculture for future generations. We are thrilled to celebrate Lynn’s leadership and her commitment to land preservation.”

To date, Raritan Township now has 5,079 acres of preserved open space (21.1% of the Township) including: 1,836 acres of privately owned preserved farmland (7.6%); 2,631 acres (10.9%) of Township, County, State and Non-Profit-owned publicly accessible open space; and 612 acres (3%) of Township-held conservation easements on private lands. Many more conservation and preservation projects are currently in progress.

“Preserving our farmland is about more than just protecting acreage; it’s about safeguarding the very soul of Raritan Township and continuing to honor our agricultural heritage,” Mayor Brad Perry said. “By preserving sites like the Becker Farm, we ensure future generations will get to enjoy the 'rural charm’ and open spaces of our town.”

Property owners interested in preserving their farm or selling their property for open space are encouraged to contact Township Administrator Karen Gilbert via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call: (908) 806-6108 to learn more.

About Hunterdon Land Trust:

Hunterdon Land Trust (“HLT”) is a registered 501(c)(3) tax exempt non-profit organization with the IRS and is headquartered in Flemington, N.J. Their mission is to foster healthy ecosystems and communities in the Hunterdon County region through permanent preservation of open space and farmland and stewarding natural resources. To date, the organization has helped protect more than 12,600 acres. To learn more, visit their website.

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