About Laport Reserve
Laport Reserve is named after its formerproperty owner, Edmund Laport (1902-1983). He was one of the most recognized experts in the field of radio wave communication. In the 1920s, he developed the circuitry for airplane
receivers that provided the ability to communicate by radio. In 1928, he married his wife Gertrude, and they moved to China to
build radio stations. When political tensions between China and Japan mounted, the Laports moved back to the U.S. where Edmund landed a job with the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) in Camden and learned to design
broadcast transmitters. In 1944, he became the chief engineer of RCA International. A decade later, he was promoted to Corporate Director of Broadcast Engineering at the RCA facility
in Princeton, NJ. It was at this time that the
Laports purchased this 48-acre farm in East
Amwell to practice organic gardening. Before
Gertrude's death in 1991, she bequeathed the
property to the county, which took possession
the following year.
PRIVATE RESIDENCE:
A private residence is located within the property. Therefore the house, the immediate area around it, and a portion of the driveway are
off limits to the general public. Please do not encroach on this restricted area or disturb the
resident.
Habitat of Laport
The habitat of the Laport Reserve is composed of two grassland meadows, and a few small wooded areas. The first of the two meadows is along the entrance road. The larger meadow is located along the eastern side of the property
and supports grassland birds like Eastern Bluebirds. The trees and brush along the edge of the field offer shelter for foraging animals such as Eastern Cottontails and Gray Squirrels. Search the tree line and the sky for perched and hunting raptors as they scan the meadow for prey. Red-tailed Hawks are a common predator.
The wooded areas provide shelter for larger wildlife. Tracks and other evidence can be found from the animals moving through the
area. Signs of turkey and deer are common, but evidence of fox and raccoon has also been
found.
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Location:
PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 216 MOUNTAIN ROAD, RINGOES, NJ 08551
The Laport Property is located in East Amwell Township at 216 Mountain Road, Ringoes 08551. The park is open from dawn to dusk. No restrooms facilities are available.
Directions from the Flemington Area: Take Route 202/31 south for 5 miles, and take the exit for Route 31 south. Stay on Route 31
south for approximately 1 1/4 miles until the
junction with Rocktown Road on the left. Turn onto Rocktown Road and proceed 1/2 mile to Mountain Road. Make the right onto Mountain
Road, proceed 3/4 mile, and turn left into the driveway of the park. Proceed down the driveway to the parking lot on the left. Note: The remainder of the driveway is part
of the private residence. Do not hike down the
driveway.
Directions from the Lambertville Area: Take Route 202 north until the exit for Route 31 south. Then proceed as above.
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Recreation Opportunities
The Laport Property offers an easy loop trail through small meadows and a young wooded area. Mountain biking and other uses are not permitted on this trail. Some areas of this trail are often wet.
Trail Map and Guide Information
NOTE: Trail Guides are set up as foldable brochures. Please print and fold in half vertically to view in proper order. Additionally, you may have to rearrange pages. Maps should be printed on Legal Size Paper
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