Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve is home to Raritan Headwaters Association. A former dairy farm, the 170-acre property now serves as a living classroom. Habitat restoration projects and scientific studies are underway to support native flora and fauna, including a number of threatened and endangered species.  Fairview Farm is a “Birding Hotspot” on eBird.

Visitors to Fairview Farm will find five miles of hiking trails through fields and woods, a scenic pond with a fishing dock, a colorful bird and butterfly garden, two rain gardens and a restored 1800s barn complex. Hikers, birders, artists, dog walkers, photographers, school groups, catch-and-release fisherman and other daily visitors experience nature’s beauty at Fairview Farm, which is open to the public every day from dawn to dusk. The preserve hosts summer nature day camps and family-oriented programs throughout the year. Check out our calendar of events! Volunteers regularly help with stewardship projects aimed at habitat restoration to support native species. Learn more about volunteering here.

Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve is owned and managed by Raritan Headwaters. Stewardship of the trails, gardens, buildings and wildlife habitats are all funded by voluntary donations. Learn how you can support this special place.

Trail Brochure (pdf)

Plan Your Visit

Learn About Fairview Farm

Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve is home to Raritan Headwaters Association. A former dairy farm, the 170-acre property serves as a model of environmental stewardship and responsibility. Habitat restoration projects and scientific studies are underway to support native flora and fauna, including a number of threatened and endangered species.

Fairview Farm is open every day from dawn until dusk. Captivated by its beauty and historic buildings, first-time visitors often feel as though they have discovered a natural treasure, tucked away off a quiet country road. RHA works hard to maintain a balance between sharing this unique property with the public and protecting it from negative impacts that could arise from intensive human activity.

Passive recreational pursuits – nature walks, bird watching, photography, painting en plen aire, nature-journaling, catch and release fishing – can all be enjoyed here. Leashed dogs are welcome. The preserve includes five miles of trails through fields and woods, a small pond, a bird and butterfly garden, two rain gardens, a restored 1800s barn complex, and a historic farmhouse and cottage that house the RHA staff. Many members of the local community serve as volunteers to help maintain the property.

Pictures of Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve

Eastern Bluebird

Fairview Farm has 13 Bluebird Nest Boxes made out of cedar and mounted 4 feet off the ground in grass meadows. This height allows good predation of insects for the parents and a safe height for the young to begin fledging.

Bird and Butterfly Garden

The bird and butterfly garden in the barn complex at Fairview Farm peaks in mid-August, when a plethora of colorful flowers set the backdrop for fluttering butterflies, birds and other native pollinators.

Pollinator Habitat Areas

The pollinator habitats serve to attract and feed native pollinators.

Fairview Farm's Pond

Raritan Headwaters' Headquarters