By Lauren Orme
Graphic awarded by Charity Navigator.
Winter on the Farm: A Season of Care and Preparation
By Lauren Orme
Photo by Jena Cosimo.
Winter is when Monmouth County’s farmers lay the groundwork for a successful year ahead. While fields may look empty, agriculture remains active throughout the winter months as farmers shift their focus from harvest to preparation. According to the Samaha Farm family, this season is essential for maintaining equipment, reviewing budgets, buying seeds, and for some operations, planning crop rotations that sustain healthy future yields. Some farms continue growing cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and broccoli, or remain active in winter farmers’ markets by selling stored produce, honey, and handmade goods. Winter is also a time for planning; an opportunity, when possible, to evaluate and prepare for the busy seasons ahead.
Photo by Ray Shrewsberry on Unsplash .
Stewardship is not seasonal. It is a year-round commitment that ensures the long-term vitality of both the land and the local food system, and caring for the land is a critical winter task. Many farmers plant cover crops including rye and clover to protect against erosion, improve soil health, and replenish nutrients, while others apply manure to enrich fields for spring planting. Farmland requires constant attention, even during its dormant months. Livestock care can also intensify in winter. Farmers work daily to ensure animals have adequate shelter, unfrozen access to water, and enough nutritious feed, often increasing the caloric intake to help cattle, sheep, and horses withstand colder temperatures.
Photo by Jena Cosimo.
Photo courtesy of Triple L Farms’ Mosley Family.
At Triple L Farms in Colts Neck, the Mosley family feels this shift in rhythm as winter settles in. “In the winter months responsibilities begin to lessen a bit,” Luke Mosley says. “The garden gets buttoned up for the winter, the beehives become dormant, and the pastures become sparse. We turn to supplementing our livestock with hay and feed to make sure they are happy until spring.”
The Mosley family’s days still start early and end late, filled with tending to chicken coops to keep water from freezing, processing cattle, and selling their beef at their on-site retail facility. Winter also opens the door for work that is harder to tackle during the growing season, like repairing equipment, maintaining their shop, and planning their business approach for the year ahead. This colder, quieter window gives the Mosleys something rare in farming: a moment to pause.
“The winter gives us a minute to reflect on the year we had, both with our livestock and our venue, and to spend time together as a family.” One of their favorite parts of the season is returning to the antique trucks and tractors they’ve restored over the years, projects that fuel their creativity and connection to the land. “Farming in any season is tough but always rewarding. We are happy to be a part of the agricultural community here in Monmouth County.”
“A farmer’s work is never truly done, but their enduring relationship with the land reflects their passion for that work,” Jena Cosimo, MCF’s Director of Acquisitions, reflects. “Farms protected by conservation easements and supported by Monmouth Conservation Foundation receive ongoing assistance to ensure the land is cared for in every season. It’s work we are incredibly proud to do together.”
Photo by Jena Cosimo.
Farmland helps define Monmouth County’s identity, and MCF is honored to partner with the dedicated farmers and landowners who keep our agricultural heritage alive. We wish all members of our community, from farmers and landowners to everyone who benefits from their work, a happy, peaceful, and restorative winter season.
If you are curious about preserving farmland or wish to explore the process of saving open space, visit our website. We can’t do this work without help; your support makes the difference for Monmouth County farms, parks, waterways, and green spaces.
MCF 2025 Year In Review
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.
Monmouth Conservation Foundation Announces Leadership Change
For Immediate Release
Contact: Karen Keene
Kkeene@monmouthconservation.org
M. 908-839-0324
Middletown, NJ. (January 27, 2026) – Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) announces that after 14 years, William D. Kastning, Executive Director, is transitioning out as part of a long-planned move out of state and to pursue other opportunities nearer to his new geography. This announcement comes as part of a succession planning process that the MCF Board of Trustees established in early 2025 to work closely with leadership and staff on the transition, and to facilitate the search for Kastning’s successor.
Photo by Tine Colella Photography.
“The Board of Trustees is thankful for Bill’s leadership during a meaningful period for the organization,” said Matthew Cohen (Board President). “We appreciate his service and look ahead with confidence as the organization enters its next phase.”
During his tenure at MCF, Kastning hired and mentored an outstanding staff and guided the organization through major milestones. Under Kastning’s leadership, MCF worked alongside federal, state, county, local community, and landowner partners to support the creation and revitalization of multiple community parks and preserve open space, farmland, and critical wildlife habitats. The organization engaged in local advocacy efforts for the statewide Keep it Green Campaign, expanding recreational access and funding for open space, farmland, and historic preservation throughout the state. Additionally, funds were raised for the acquisition, restoration, and stewardship of the historic 90-acre Scudder Preserve, the organization’s first permanent land holding featuring conservation education and community outreach as a strategic anchor to be incorporated into MCF’s next chapter.
“It has been a privilege to lead the organization during a period of growth and evolution,” Kastning said. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in advancing MCF’s mission and strengthening the organization for the future, and I’m confident in the foundation in place for the next chapter of leadership.”
During the transition period, MCF will be ably led by senior staff members Jena Cosimo (Director of Acquisitions) and Karen Keene (Director of Development and Communications) as Acting Co-Directors.
The MCF Board of Trustees has retained DSG | Koya, an executive recruiting firm that specializes in mission-driven search, to conduct the search for MCF’s next leader, which will formally launch in February, 2026. The search firm can be reached at monmouth@koyapartners.com.
###
2/4/26: View the Executive Director Position Profile HERE.
About Monmouth Conservation Foundation
Founded in 1977, Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) works to acquire and preserve open space and farmland and conserve natural habitats throughout Monmouth County in support of outdoor recreation, agriculture, clean water, and wildlife for long-term sustainability. An independent nonprofit organization that works with Monmouth County and its 53 municipalities, MCF’s vision is to lead conservation and education efforts to preserve and protect our natural environment, so all individuals and communities have access to and can benefit from open space and nature for generations to come. MCF received accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission in 2014 and has continued to maintain this status since. Accreditation is awarded to land trusts meeting the highest national standards for excellence and conservation permanence. MCF is one of 478 accredited land trusts out of 1,281 nationwide. For more information, visit www.monmouthconservation.org.