Monmouth Conserv. Foundation Now Owns Middletown's Scudder Preserve

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — This week, New Jersey Audubon Society announced the transfer of the 90-acre Scudder Preserve in Middletown to Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF).

Monmouth Conservation Foundation is a nonprofit land trust focused on preserving open space throughout Monmouth County.

The Scudder Preserve consists of 90 acres of preserved habitat, and the plan is to have it remain as woods forever. The preserve sits on both sides of Browns Dock Road, with nature trails winding their way through wooded, rolling hills, grasslands, streams and a pond along the Scudder homestead.

With Scudder Preserve, Monmouth Conservation Foundation has a home base the organization never had before. While Scudder Preserve is and always has been open to the public, accessibility is limited. MCF says they are looking forward to improving and enhancing public access, specifically to demonstrate sustainable practices and offer educational and recreational opportunities like hiking trails.

The property was originally owned by Richard and Elizabeth Scudder. In 2007 Richard Scudder donated around 60 acres to New Jersey Audubon, and in 2012 the remaining 30 acres and homestead were gifted to the organization in Richard Scudder’s will.

The Scudder Preserve will remain permanently preserved as woods under the current conservation easements.

“This collaboration enables MCF to solidify our organizational relevancy long into the future," said William Kastning, executive director at Monmouth Conservation Foundation. "In our 47 years, MCF has often acted behind the scenes to help preserve some of Monmouth’s most cherished parks, green spaces and farms. Having our own preserve will allow us to engage with our community directly."

Kastning's group also secured a private $1 million donation from an anonymous donor to support all costs related to the Scudder Preserve's improvements to the infrastructure, maintenance needs, as well as general operating expenses.

Stewardship of the easements will be co-held by MCF’s peer organization, the D&R Greenway Land Trust based in Princeton, and Monmouth Conservation Foundation.

“D&R Greenway was happy to jump in to assist MCF with this permanent protection,” said Linda Mead, President and CEO of Monmouth Conservation Foundation. “This solution that brings together two sister land trusts and NJ Audubon is truly a partnership model that brings public benefit to everyone who lives in the region.”