By Lauren Orme and Karen Keene
JANUARY
Representatives from the US Navy, Monmouth County, and MCF commemorating our inaugural preservation projects.The U.S. Navy announced $3 million more in funding was awarded for Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle through the U.S. Department of Defense REPI program. Since 2018, partners at NWS Earle, Monmouth County, MCF, and local municipalities have mobilized REPI program funds to preserve farmland and wetlands, prevent incompatible development, and support military readiness around NWS Earle’s nearly 12,000-acre footprint. The partnership has already preserved 339 acres across three properties in Howell and Colts Neck, with additional properties advancing in the preservation pipeline.
FEBRUARY
Photo courtesy of Monmouth University.MCF was proud to continue participating as a nonprofit partner in the Climate Change Learning Collaboratives (CCLCs), through a grant renewed in 2025 by the New Jersey Department of Education to Monmouth University. The statewide CCLC program trains K–12 educators in teaching climate change across grade levels and subject areas. As part of this effort, MCF’s Director of Educational Outreach, Doug Caum, hosted a new series of free, experiential field-based trainings for educators and students on implementing and understanding the still-new statewide climate change curriculum.
MARCH
Photo by Karen Keene.Before the approach of warmer weather, MCF plans its annual monitoring season. MCF’s Director of Acquisitions, Jena Cosimo, conducts monitoring for all easements held by MCF and for select easements held by Monmouth County through annual site visits, detailed reporting, and ongoing landowner communication. In 2025, we oversaw the stewardship of 46 conservation and agricultural easements protecting approximately 900 acres of open space and farmland throughout Monmouth County. With only so much land remaining that is not yet developed or preserved, fostering protected lands is increasingly important.
APRIL
L-R: NJR’s Ray Bukowski and Katie Feery with MCF’s Matthew Cohen and Marty McHugh at a site visit at Scudder Preserve. Photo by Bill Kastning.As MCF celebrated its first anniversary as owner and steward of Scudder Preserve, we finalized a long-term management plan to guide restoration and improve habitat health across the 90-acre property. The important plan and its implementation are generously supported by a New Jersey Resources (NJR) grant and seed funding from an anonymous donor. MCF was also awarded an American Water Charitable Foundation grant to protect water quality in Scudder Preserve’s pond and stream system, in line with the management plan.
MAY
Photo by Marcella Shook Photography. MCF was grateful to welcome friends and community members to the 2025 Spring for Conservation Family Day fundraiser, at which we launched MCF’s Conservation Wagon. Generously donated by Ray Catena Auto Group, the Conservation Wagon is designed to serve as a mobile hub for environmental learning and hands-on exploration. Reflecting MCF’s belief that nature belongs to everyone, many families linked to nonprofit partners enjoy free admission to our Family Day each year, and Conservation Wagon programs are free and prioritized in underserved communities – all thanks to generous sponsor support.
JUNE
Samaha Farm, one of the properties MCF is dedicated to preserving. Photo courtesy of the Samaha family. MCF’s fiscal year closed with 13 properties in the preservation pipeline, reinforcing our role as a trusted facilitator among landowners and public partners. As a land trust, MCF works with partners to navigate the many steps of land preservation. Every property is unique, and the process advances on a case-by-case basis, often shaped by years of negotiation and changing circumstances. MCF can act swiftly and impartially, supporting or leading projects while sustaining long-standing relationships essential to successful land preservation, driven by support from our donors.
JULY
Photo by DuBois and Associates. As part of a year-long Natural Resource Inventory, measurements revealed that Scudder Preserve is home to New Jersey’s second-largest tulip tree. Estimated to be more than 200 years old and in excellent health, the tree was officially measured by the New Jersey Forest Service in July. With a 17-foot, 5-inch circumference, 124-foot height, and 112-foot crown spread, it earned a Signature Tree designation, highlighting the exceptional natural resources protected by Scudder Preserve.
AUGUST
Photo by Fred Yahn, Eagle Drone Solutions.In partnership with the U.S. Navy, Monmouth County, and Colts Neck Township, MCF completed the preservation of the 84-acre Spinella Family Farm. A conservation easement permanently protects the privately owned property from development while keeping it agriculturally productive. The project also supports sustainability goals for NWS Earle and safeguards water quality, wildlife habitat, and the Yellow Brook watershed, which feeds the Swimming River Reservoir, an important regional drinking water source.
SEPTEMBER
.MCF received national accreditation renewal for an additional five years from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, following a rigorous review process. First accredited in 2014, MCF has continued to meet the highest national standards for conservation permanence, governance, and stewardship, remaining among fewer than 500 accredited land trusts of the nearly 1,300 nationwide. The process included a detailed evaluation of policies and practices and a public comment period, reaffirming MCF’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and long-term land protection.
OCTOBER
MCF’s Matthew Cohen (L) and Bill Kastning (R) with honoree Jean Scudder (C). Photo by Marcella Shook Photography.The MCF community gathered at the Riverhouse at Rumson Country Club for our signature Fall for Conservation Cocktail Party, our biggest fundraiser of the year. On this memorable evening, MCF honored the Scudder Family and their commitment to land preservation, posthumously recognizing Richard “Dick” and Elizabeth “Libby” Scudder. The Scudder family’s legacy lives on through the 90-acre Scudder Preserve, MCF’s first landholding, where we are restoring habitat, improving water quality, and expanding public access. Fall for Conservation raises critical funds for MCF’s operations, preservation, and education efforts.
NOVEMBER
Photo by Karen Keene.This month, Monmouth County voters strongly supported open space referendums, affirming the importance of protecting local green spaces. The Open Space Trust Fund increases passed decisively in Monmouth County, Manasquan, and Little Silver, with countywide approval rising from 58 percent in 2017 to 67 percent in 2025. MCF proudly endorsed these measures, which align with our dedication to preserving land for clean water, wildlife, agriculture, and recreation amid growing development pressures statewide.
DECEMBER
Danny Seo. Photo by Marcella Shook Photography.MCF celebrated our annual Holiday Style Luncheon and Shopping Spree, another key fundraiser and cherished December tradition, bringing supporters together for an eco-friendly shopping experience featuring local vendors. Guests heard from keynote speaker Danny Seo, a nationally recognized leader in sustainable living, who shared practical ways to make small, meaningful changes for environmental impact. His message highlighted how everyday choices can benefit the planet, personal health, finances, and community well-being. This memorable event raised critical revenue to drive MCF’s ongoing efforts.