Top Nature News & Ideas for April

Dear friend of MCF,

First and foremost, I hope this message finds you safe and healthy during this uniquely challenging time. As we welcome April and continue to shelter in place, I invite you to appreciate the simple pleasures spring has to offer. Whether it is a daffodil or a flowering tree, take some time to notice and enjoy the simplicity of nature’s wonders. Doing so will soothe some of your anxieties.

As for upcoming events, please note we have postponed the Winter Classic Dinner featuring National Geographic Environmentalist and Explorer, Alize Carrere for Monday, November 30, 2020.

We are currently proceeding with plans for our Annual Fall party on Saturday, September 26, 2020.

And please mark your calendar for the annual Holiday Style Lunch and Shopping Spree - Tuesday, December 1, 2020.

I look forward to seeing you all in the months to come, but in the meantime, stay healthy and stay home.

Sincerely,

William D. Kastning, AICP

Executive Director

P.S. Did you know that this April 22nd marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day? Take a moment to visit the Earth Day website and learn all about this important day.

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Mother Nature's Rebound: Air, Water & Climate

The lifestyle we have all had to adapt to in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis is expected to have a silver lining for our earth. Whether it is reduced carbon emissions , improved water quality in Italy or air quality here in New Jersey, we are providing Mother Nature with a much needed break from the intense pollution. That is something to appreciate and when things rebound to a new normal, perhaps some of the improvements will continue.

Learn more about improved air quality in New Jersey here.

Sea Bright Makes Progress on their New Riverfront Park

The Borough of Sea Bright is transforming vacant land adjacent to the Sea Bright-Rumson bridge over the Shrewsbury River into the town's latest park. As this drone shot shows, the park is currently under construction. Funding for the park was made possible thanks to anonymous private donors and the County of Monmouth.

Learn more about the park here.

Nature Rx Photo Contest

Nature is truly our medicine! Our local parks have been busier than ever as people strive to keep physically and mentally fit while social distancing (increasing the physical space between each other). We invite you to take part in our photo contest meant to encourage time spent in nature. Submit your favorite photo(s) that demonstrates an outdoor activity, or how nature is helping you and your family cope and you could win a prize that supports a local business.

Learn more about the Nature Rx Photo Contest here.

Please Support Local Farms!

Avoid crowded grocery stores and get the freshest produce around by supporting local farms and nurseries this spring. Whether you are looking for hydroponic greens or the best vegetable “starts” in the county, the Grown in Monmouth website offers up-to-date information about our local farms and garden centers. Many remain open and offer curbside pick-up. Please visit the website and explore what all the directories have to offer.

Find local farms and nurseries here.

(732) 671-7000