An owl resident of Scudder Preserve. Photo by Emilee Carton, Jersey Shore Wildlife Photography.
Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) is Monmouth’s only County-wide land trust. Founded in 1977, MCF has been preserving land and protecting the natural habitat and agricultural heritage of Monmouth County for nearly 50 years. As more farms and open space are developed into residential communities or commercial properties, there is a constant challenge to balance progress with preserving the inherent value and unique character of our natural landscapes.
New Jersey is a small state, and MCF’s work is bound by the borders of our County. With the inevitability of total buildout in sight, the Foundation has long dreamed of creating a dedicated nature preserve and community space for environmental education. In 2024, that dream became reality when MCF acquired Scudder Preserve, 90 acres of vital natural habitat in Middletown.
The pond at Scudder Preserve. Photo by DuBois & Associates.
Securing the land was only the beginning. Improvements to the land were needed to bring MCF’s vision for Scudder Preserve to life. These improvements were made possible by a visionary $500,000 commitment from New Jersey Resources Corporation (NJR), a remarkable partner in both conservation and community service.
With NJR’s grant distribution shaping Scudder’s future over the next five years, MCF can restore and enhance the ecological health of the preserve while expanding its role as a place for learning and connection. NJR’s generosity has empowered MCF to envision this special place as a living classroom, a community gathering space, and a model for conservation and climate resilience.
Scudder Preserve has natural features with high ecological value. Photo by DuBois & Associates.
One of the many animals that will benefit from wetland restoration at Scudder Preserve. Photo by Emilee Carton, Jersey Shore Wildlife Photography.
With just the first installment, NJR’s grant has driven remarkable progress. We have completed wetland delineations and ecological assessments. Stewardship efforts are also well underway, including planning for bioswales that protect the pond and stream, a deer management program to restore ecological balance, and a natural resource inventory that is shaping strategies for long-term preservation. For example, Scudder Preserve was recently recognized for safeguarding habitat for the endangered black skimmer bird, a rare species of silver-haired bat, and a 201-year-old tulip tree, which was recently recognized as the second largest in New Jersey.
Scudder Preserve’s Signature Tulip Tree. Photo by DuBois& Associates.
At the same time, NJR’s gift is strengthening our conservation community. This summer, MCF was able to begin hosting guided walks, tours, and nature programs at Scudder Preserve. Trails have been mapped and listed on AllTrails, marked with new signage, and long-term plans for accessibility and gathering spaces are moving forward. Looking ahead, NJR’s support will allow us to hire a dedicated on-site Stewardship Manager to ensure Scudder Preserve continues to thrive as a hub for conservation, education, and public enjoyment.
Red foxes are among the many animal species that call Scudder Preserve home. Photo by Emilee Carton, Jersey Shore Wildlife Photography.