Mission

We're a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with several goals:
  • To promote and work for the preservation of open space and the conservation of natural resources;
  • To encourage and assist local governments in their open space and conservation programs;
  • To raise funds for financing the acquisition of land for open space and recreation purposes;
  • To foster knowledge and study of ecological and natural resources conservation;
  • To encourage farmland preservation; and
  • To engage in other charitable and educational enterprises related to the above goals. 
To learn WHY we do what we do, click HERE.

"behind the scenes"

FOWWOS helps West Windsor Township acquire property for use as farmland, recreational venues, preserved wildlife habitats, and more. FOWWOS members are keeping their eyes on the remaining undeveloped parcels in West Windsor and are in “quiet phase” discussions with several property owners. The Township cannot acquire land from a private owner unless and until they are ready to sell. Even then, if the owners sense we are too eager, they could subdivide the property, seek zoning changes, or submit development applications to the West Windsor Planning Board - all just to increase the potential sale price.

​So, secrecy and diplomacy are important components of FOWWOS’s work. It is often “behind the scenes” until the final negotiated action can be announced. Another important part of FOWWOS’s service toward land acquisition is our ability to pay for appraisal and environmental investigation work of parcels before the township has allocated capital funds toward the property. These costs are typically $5,000 to $10,000 per property. FOWWOS’s support helps the Township officials move more quickly through the time-sensitive pre-purchase process. Finally, FOWWOS’s “behind the scenes” work includes seeking grants from the New Jersey Green Acres program and Mercer County toward purchase of properties. Since the Township can also apply for grants at the same properties, the grant funds can be doubled and amount to more than 50% of the final purchase cost!