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Dear Friend of MCF,
Autumn is here, and we encourage you to enjoy the rich agritourism our Garden State has to offer. Corn mazes, hayrides, apple picking, farm stands, pumpkin patches, and more fall fun can be found at Grown In Monmouth member farms. Also, fall foliage is reaching peak brilliance in New Jersey! The best leaf peeping times are across last and this week according to the 2023 Fall Foliage Prediction Map. Our State, County, and municipal parks offer terrific viewing opportunities and time in nature.
We are excited to share land preservation and park development news, along with highlights of MCF events and community efforts to #KeepMonmouthGreen. Read on…
Cordially,
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William D. Kastning, AICP
Executive Director
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Millstone Township in western Monmouth County is getting greener or, more accurately, staying greener thanks to the permanent preservation of 122 acres as an addition to Millstone Park. The land was acquired via a fee simple purchase in partnership with Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF), the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Green Acres Program, Monmouth County, and Millstone Township. The property, surrounded by existing municipal and state open spaces and preserved farmland, represents one of the largest remaining, undeveloped tracts of land in the area. This site has been on our preservation wish list for decades, and we are so pleased to help permanently protect this land for Monmouth County residents and visitors. Click here to learn more. | |
Stivala Farm in Colts Neck, preserved in 2022 by MCF through the NJ Farmland Preservation Program in collaboration with Monmouth County and Colts Neck Township. Photo by Fred Yahn, Eagle Drone Solutions. | |
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All This Rain and the Role of Land Preservation in Flooding Mitigation
Our region just experienced its seventh consecutive weekend with rain. Precipitation has fallen each weekend since Labor Day weekend – in some cases, at extreme levels brought by a tropical storm or nor’easter. In a recent series by NorthJersey.com, “NJ Flooding Is Getting Worse," experts identified four conditions that are exacerbating flooding in parts of the state. “Intense storms caused by climate change, combined with continued development, aging stormwater infrastructure, and the forbiddingly high cost of flood mitigation projects…” are pinpointed as the culprits.
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Land preservation is a powerful tool and plays a critical role in the sustainability of our coastal home. Preserved land consists of areas of protected or restored tracts and protects against storms and flooding through natural green infrastructure solutions – many of which are particularly relevant to our region, including restoring wetlands, enhancing riparian buffers, creating living shorelines, and augmenting dunes. Natural climate solutions such as these offer environmental and economic benefits. They deliver a multitude of cost-effective advantages to society and biodiversity, provide critical ecosystem services like improved water and air quality, and protect against flooding. | |
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As residential and commercial development increases in our region, so does the prevalence of paved, impermeable surfaces which allow water to run right over and through into storm drainage systems, taking away any natural shield our environment would otherwise offer. MCF continues to work with our public and private partners to preserve land and find balance between development, its impacts, and open space.
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Just One Less Cup of Coffee per Week
Progress takes hard work, dedication, and often sacrifice. MCF is working to permanently protect as much as the remaining seven percent of Monmouth County that remains undeveloped and yet to be preserved. We need funding for our operations and to support our collaborative role with government and private partners to save open space. You can help by becoming a Land Steward – by making a monthly donation to MCF.
Just one less cup of coffee per week adds up to $20 per month. This small sacrifice would make a major impact for us.
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PARK DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
Special Visitor at Fisherman’s Cove in Manasquan
As summer peaked this year, a female American Avocet, a stunning shorebird rarely found in Monmouth County, was seen from July 19 to 24, 2023 at Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area in Manasquan. The last undeveloped tract on the Manasquan Inlet, Fisherman’s Cove was preserved as a Monmouth County Park in 1995 after a group of determined residents, conservation groups (including MCF) and government agencies worked together for more than fifteen years to help save a one-of-a-kind parcel of land from development.
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Photo by Peggy Cadigan. Fun Fact: The American Avocet is a favorite bird of MCF’s Director of Development and Communications, Karen Keene, who is also a birder! | |
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“I have seen American Avocets in Florida, but seeing this elegant beauty right in our own backyard was a special treat. I watched it swish its upturned bill from side-to-side, trying to catch invertebrates and enjoyed seeing it rest, gracefully standing on one leg. Isn't it wonderful that we could provide this bird with a place to rest during its migration? Thanks to everyone involved in preserving Fisherman's Cove - it's a treasure,” shared local birding enthusiast, Peggy Cadigan.
Michael Heine, Shorebird Monitor for the State of New Jersey, shared, “With fewer than fifteen records in eBird, American Avocets are a difficult bird to find in Monmouth County, despite being expected in other parts of the state. This can be attributed to the lack of suitable habitat in the county, which is why habitat restoration projects like the one at Fisherman's Cove are so important.”
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“Rising Waters,” a metal sculpture by artist Dorsey Lucas, was dedicated this weekend at Jackson Woods Park in Long Branch at a free community event hosted by MCF, the Friends of Jackson Woods, and the City of Long Branch. This artwork is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the New Jersey Coastal Management Program (CMP), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in partnership with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts through a Community-Based Art program grant secured by MCF. The grant program is intended to bring attention to and start conversations around climate change in our coastal areas through art installations in geographically diverse locations across the state. In doing so, the CMP aims to have a more widespread and effective approach to communicating risk. Click here to read more.
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Sea Girt Conservancy Honored for Efforts at Edgemere Park
The Sea Girt Conservancy received a special 2023 Environmental Achievement Award presented by the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC) on October 13, 2023. The organization was nominated twice, including once by MCF, and Sea Girt Borough Council President, Diane Anthony was nominated for her work in founding the Sea Girt Conservancy. In recognition of their efforts to establish a 9,600-sq.ft. pollinator garden and of their founding, the Conservancy was given The Community Legacy Award.
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L- R : Donna Thurston, Diane Anthony, and Leanne Hoffman from Sea Girt Conservancy receiving the award from ANJEC executive director, Jennifer Coffey (second from left) | |
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Edgemere Park’s new pollinator garden was supported by two anonymous grants totaling $15,000 secured by MCF through the National Philanthropic Trust. MCF applauds the Conservancy’s dedication to community involvement and feedback, effective and ecologically-friendly mitigation of invasive plants, thoughtful use of native plants, commitment to sustainability, employment of local contractors and businesses, and successful deer control measures – all facilitated by volunteer leadership and legwork. ANJEC, a non-profit organization, helps New Jersey environmental commissions, individuals, local and state agencies preserve natural resources and promote sustainable communities.
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VHB Honored for Work at Swimming River Park in Middletown | |
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On October 12, 2023, environmental consultant VHB received the New Jersey Alliance for Action’s 2023 Distinguished Engineering Award for the Swimming River Park project in Middletown at the 10th Annual Distinguished Engineering Awards Program. Awards are given for projects which have made a significant and extraordinary impact on the state’s economy and environment. Alliance for Action is a non-partisan and non-profit association representing thousands of business, labor, government, utility, education, professional and other New Jersey leaders. Representatives from MCF and Monmouth County Park System (MCPS) joined VHB in receiving the award, given our collaborative work to establish Swimming River Park, which opened in May 2023.
| Photo L-R: MCF Executive Director Bill Kastning, VHB Principal Laura Brinkerhoff, VHB Senior Project Manager Yvonne Jamieson, and MCPS Supervisor of Land Preservation Services, Acquisition & Design Andy Coeyman | |
MCF EVENTS
Our events raise awareness of our nonprofit mission and provide critical revenue for our operations and important preservation projects.
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WEDNESDAY . NOVEMBER 29 . 2023
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
THE SHADOWBROOK AT SHREWSBURY . NEW JERSEY
Featuring Guest Speaker CAROLINE JONES
LUNCHEON AND PROGRAM BEGIN PROMPTLY AT 12:00 PM
SHOP OUR HOLIDAY STYLE BOUTIQUE BEFORE AND AFTER THE LUNCHEON!
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“I grew up in Monmouth County and have seen our landscape change from open spaces and farmlands to developments and shopping malls over time. I prioritize spending time outdoors in nature with my family and our environment and sustainability are important to me. For Jersey Mike’s, green space and farmland directly impact the availability of our three main ingredients of onions, lettuce and tomatoes that go on every submarine sandwich we serve.” – Caroline Jones
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Thank you to our Vendors! | |
Thank you to our Sponsors! | |
FEATURING A SUSTAINABLE FASHION SHOW
DIRECTED BY MRS. USA EARTH ANN PENNINGTON
SHOWCASING DESIGNS BY ENGINEERED BY ANDREA T
BESPOKE . MADE IN NYC
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Honoring James J. “Jim” Truncer at Fall for Conservation | |
Thanks to you, we raised more than $237,000 for the Jim Truncer Memorial Fund, which will carry on Jim’s legacy and help to preserve green space and create parks, in line with our mission. | |
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County Park Headquarters Named for and Dedicated to Jim Truncer
On Sunday, October 22, 2023, the MCPS Headquarters at Thompson Park in Lincroft was named for and dedicated to James J. “Jim” Truncer by the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners. The memorial ceremony included remarks by County, New Jersey Legislature, and Friends of the Park representatives, along with Rebecca Watkins, Jim Truncer’s daughter. Friends of the Park announced the establishment of the James J. Truncer Memorial Scholarship Fund, open to any Monmouth County high school senior entering college with a major in Environmental Studies, Forestry, Land Stewardship, Conservation or Recreation. The application process will be announced in 2024.
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MCF Trustees and Staff in Attendance with Jim Truncer’s Daughter, Becky Watkins: L-R: Larry Fink, Bill Kastning, Becky Watkins, Chris Meagher, Ron Gumbaz, Jena Cosimo, Kathleen Kenney, Gloria Nilson, and Michael Rubin | |
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OUR COMMUNITY
HELPING TO #KeepMonmouthGreen
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MCF is grateful to Daniel Mariano with Bogabee Apiaries based in Monmouth County for donating proceeds from this year’s honey sales to MCF! Daniel works with Garden State Apiaries in Jackson and tends to his personal hives in Manalapan. We applaud his efforts to raise bees, which are important pollinators facing decline.
“This was my first year selling honey, and I wanted to give back a portion of my sales to a local conservation group. Bees are incredibly important creatures that play a vital role in our ecosystem, and I believe that more people should learn about and appreciate these amazing insects,” said Daniel.
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This summer, Briar Hill School & Camp based in Freehold Township organized a change collection via World of Change and chose MCF to be one of the beneficiaries.
"We felt passionate about your efforts to preserve open spaces for both recreation and agriculture. We appreciate the persistent passion to protect land, water, and natural habitats in our own backyard. We believe in the value of our natural world and the animals that we share this planet with. It was clear to me that MCF has a commitment to making strides to better educate and support long-term sustainability within our community," said Juliana Mariano, Program Coordinator for Briar Hill.
World of Change is a Maine nonprofit that uses the $10 billion in spare change sitting idle here in the US as a low-barrier and accessible tool to inspire and empower kids about their capability to change the world around them. They rally groups of kids around essential community needs, empowering them to invest their collective change where they choose, with 100% of the change collected going to help those in need.
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MCF benefited from a recent convening of metal detectorists who took part in the inaugural event, Dig it Dude, the Gathering. Coming from across the country and Canada, 110 participants of all ages joined this exclusive opportunity to explore the 21-acre Spy Hill Nature Preserve in Middletown, a private property owned by the Montecalvo family. Proceeds from the event totaling over $11,000 were donated to MCF to benefit our operations and land preservation efforts.
Spy Hill is located along the British retreat route after the Revolutionary War Battle at Monmouth in 1778. Items found at the event include numerous coins from as far back as the 1780s and colonial artifacts. Click here to view the photo gallery and learn more.
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1783 Spanish real found by Teresa the Treasure Hunter | |
Dig It Dude, The Gathering Presenting MCF with our Check | |
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Volunteer Efforts Continue to Beautify Jackson Woods Park in Long Branch
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Forty “WaveMakers” volunteers from OceanFirst Bank spent the day working at Jackson Woods Park in Long Branch on September 12, 2023 as part of this year’s CommUNITY First Day. They removed invasive plants, spread mulch, and planted hundreds of daffodil bulbs. The park now boasts close to 60,000 daffodils – both beautiful and lasting, since they are perennial and safe from deer!
CommUNITY First Day is a collaboration between OceanFirst WaveMaker volunteers and nonprofit organizations throughout OceanFirst Bank’s footprint. WaveMaker volunteers set out for an afternoon of volunteering by completing various projects and freeing up time and resources for organizations to better serve their mission.
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MCF Receives OceanFirst Foundation Grant | |
L-R: MCF Staff Anne Delaney, Jena Cosimo, Kathleen Kenney, Karen Keene, and Bill Kastning with OceanFirst Foundation Executive Director, Kathleen Durante | |
MCF is grateful to be the recipient of a $4,500 general operating / flexible spending grant from OceanFirst Bank Foundation to support our work. The hardest funding to come by and count on is general operating support, and raising funds for general operating support is often the most time-consuming. Receiving this generous grant from OceanFirst Foundation provides some security to MCF to drive our operations, allowing us to focus on our highest impact, priority projects to better our community. | | |
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MCF is thrilled and honored to be the beneficiary of the 2024 Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade! Please mark your calendars and join us on Sunday, March 10, 2024 with Grand Marshall, Michael Del Priore. | |
MCF OPERATIONS HIGHLIGHTS | |
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Gaining Ground at the Land Trust Alliance Rally
MCF’s Executive Director, Bill Kastning, and Director of Development and Communications, Karen Keene, attended the Land Trust Alliance (LTA) 2023 Rally in Portland, Oregon from September 6 to 9, 2023. Rally: The National Land Conservation Conference hosted more than 2,200 conservation professionals to inspire and celebrate the work of land trusts across the country. The week included awards for land trust excellence, inspiring plenaries, and more than 100 educational workshops on topics ranging from stewardship to community-centered conservation to funding opportunities. As the only national gathering of the land trust community, Rally serves as an important vehicle for learning and networking.
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Annual Audit Underway
Each year MCF goes through a thorough budgeting process, working with an external accounting firm, and our Finance Committee within our Board of Trustees provides oversight. We also conduct an annual third-party audit of our financials, and that rigorous process is currently underway. MCF is a fiscally sound 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in good standing as so noted by our most recent audit, and it is important for us to maintain this standard.
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We Share with EarthShare New Jersey | |
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MCF’s Bill Kastning has just stepped down from his 4-year service on the EarthShare NJ Board of Directors, most recently serving as Treasurer, and Karen Keene was welcomed as a new board member. MCF is a proud founding member of EarthShare New Jersey, working collectively to mobilize the people of New Jersey to protect our land, water, air and wildlife, making the state a healthier place to live, work and play. EarthShare New Jersey bridges corporate partners with leading environmental organizations, making charitable giving and volunteering easy for their employees and customers.
On October 8, 2023, Karen Keene represented MCF at EarthShare New Jersey’s annual Earth Care Day at Cheesequake State Park, teaching children and families in attendance about pollinators and farmland preservation and leading guests on introductory bird walks.
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Land Trust Portrayed in Bestselling Mystery Novel | |
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Land preservation was a pivotal story line in cable’s most popular show, “Yellowstone,” last year, as we previously reported. Now a fictional land trust plays a key role in Nina Simon’s bestselling mystery novel, “Mother-Daughter Murder Night.” Read more here.
"Mother-Daughter Murder Night" was Reece Witherspoon's September book club pick.
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Your donation and attendance at our events supports Monmouth Conservation Foundation’s mission of acquiring and preserving open space and farmland and conserving natural habitats throughout Monmouth County in support of outdoor recreation, agriculture, clean water, and wildlife for long-term sustainability. | |
www.monmouthconservation.org _ 732.671.7000
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