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Dear William,
As we enter the final weeks of summer weather, we also have “hot” off the press news to share.
First, let’s talk about all the fresh, abundant local produce like just-picked vegetables, mouth-watering peaches and watermelon, and Jersey sweet corn and juicy tomatoes. MCF is proud to help families find partners and funding sources to help preserve local farms in our region of the Garden State.
Next time you stop off at a Monmouth County farm stand, consider the fact that it truly is the fruit of our collective labor to #KeepMonmouthGreen. Yet, MCF can’t do this work alone.
Each of us can be a farmland and green space supporter by using our voice and voting for open space. Should your community include an open space referendum on its ballot this November, a yes vote will set funds aside to help preserve land for open space, local agriculture, and access to the outdoors, benefiting all of us.
In recent news, MCF received a major 5-year funding commitment for Scudder Preserve in Middletown that will make this oasis even more accessible to the public. Read more here: Scudder Preserve
Finally, the September onset of Autumn marks the cherished time of year when we celebrate open space at our biggest fundraiser of the year — our Fall for Conservation Cocktail Party. We hope you will join in honoring the US Navy and our partners at NWS Earle at this signature event on September 21, 2024, at The Barn at Laird in Colts Neck.
We are grateful to each of you who help us and our partners to preserve the natural habitats, farmland, and open spaces which make Monmouth County so special.
Warmly,
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William D. Kastning
Executive Director, AICP
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Farm field, Colts Neck, NJ Photo: Jena Cosimo | |
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Land preservation requires funds from multiple sources. Advocating and voting lets residents have a direct impact on where and how land can be preserved in their communities.
Specifically, a yes vote for upcoming referendums on open space funding ensures local and regional governments will be able to set aside sufficient funds. These funds are often matched by state agencies (Green Acres and State Agricultural Development Committee) to preserve farmland, save open space, and create new outdoor spaces, such as the many parks we all enjoy in Monmouth County.
With past referendums and a variety of public and private partnerships, MCF proudly has helped to preserve 25% of the County’s parks that benefit each resident.
Keep an eye out this fall for municipal and County ballot measures to support secured open space trusts in support of outdoor recreation, agriculture, clean water, public health and wellbeing, our economy, and long-term sustainability. To learn more about the myriad benefits of open space, click here.
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Photo: New Jersey Resources (NJR) | |
In case you missed it, in late June, New Jersey Resources (NJR) announced a 5-year, $500,000 commitment to MCF to enhance public access to Scudder Preserve, restore its natural habitats, and create educational programming at the site. MCF became the owner of this special 90-acre property earlier this spring, and the NJR funding will support our long-term management goals for our first preserve with the community. To follow along on our efforts at the Scudder Preserve, click here. |
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What Are Trade Lands?
Why Are They Good for Conservation?
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✔ Definition: Trade lands are real properties donated to a land trust such as MCF, specifically for the purpose of selling them. These properties can be residential, commercial, or undeveloped.
✔ Purpose: The proceeds from the sale of trade lands are used to support the land trust's conservation initiatives and programs.
✔ Benefits to Donors:
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Tax Advantages: Potential to avoid capital gains tax and receive a charitable deduction based on the property's fair market value.
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Legacy: Opportunity to contribute to conservation goals and leave a lasting impact on the community.
✔ Land Trust Role:
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Expertise: Land trusts manage the sale of trade lands, including handling any issues like zoning and environmental investigations.
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Conservation Goals: Proceeds from the sale are used to create parks, preserve farmland, and support other conservation efforts.
Read more about Trade Lands here.
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New Open Space in Fair Haven | |
Photo: Fred Yahn, Eagle Drone Solutions | |
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Recently, MCF partnered with the Borough of Fair Haven to obtain 21 Fair Haven Road. The preservation of this historically significant property creates open space and recreation opportunities to complement the existing Fair Haven Dock next door and will offer the community enhanced, direct access to the Navesink River in an area where waterfront access is coveted. Often MCF supports government agencies in navigating the nuances of preservation by providing important expertise and guidance.
A collaboration with Monmouth County through their Municipal Open Space Grant Program, the NJDEP Green Acres Program, and the Borough of Fair Haven, partners have worked together over the past five years to preserve the 0.79-acre parcel.
Fair Haven is in the process of establishing a local stakeholder committee to evaluate the best use of this new open space to fit the needs of the neighborhood and borough residents.
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Did You Know?
It’s the Summer of CHANJ! -
Supporting wildlife is a pillar of MCF’s mission. We work with property owners to identify and permanently protect land with conservation values like biodiversity, species of special concern, critical habitats, and connectivity to preserved lands. Doing so helps species like the endangered bog turtle survive and thrive.
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Photo NDEP/NJ Fish & Wildlife | |
Federally Threatened and State Endangered Bog Turtle, Photo: Jena Cosimo | |
MCF Takes Part in Inaugural Wall Township Green Fair | |
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We enjoyed taking part in the Wall Township Environmental Committee Green Fair on August 2, 2024 at Allaire State Park. It featured 15 environmental groups and businesses that offered education and information about environmental challenges specific to the Garden State and Monmouth County.
Wall High School students and visitors enjoyed the MCF Farm Stand exhibit and added their artistic talents to our #KeepMonmouthGreen collage.
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Allaire State Park, Wall, NJ
Photo: Judy Musa
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MCF Seeks Accreditation Renewal! | |
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Since first being accredited in 2014, MCF has continually met the highest national standards for excellence and conservation permanence, as determined by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. We are part of a select group of 471 accredited land trusts among the 1,100 in the nation. To earn and maintain the accreditation seal and designation requires each land trust to complete a rigorous review process. MCF completed the application process earlier this month and will hear back later this year.
Thank you to our supporters who shared their comments during the public review period this summer. We appreciate your support and continually work to #KeepMonmouthGreen for all future generations of Monmouth County residents.
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EVENTS UPDATE
Our events raise awareness of our nonprofit mission and provide critical revenue for our operations and important preservation projects. They’re also fun!
| Photo: Jill Sahner Photography | |
It might still be a steamy summer, but we’re already planning for the cool autumn breezes at our premier event of the season on September 21, 2024, at The Barn at Laird in Colts Neck.
Hosted by Triple L Farms and the Mosley family on their beautiful, preserved farm, we will honor the US Navy and our partners at NWS Earle at our signature Fall for Conservation Cocktail Party. Guests will enjoy fantastic culinary delights, open bar, live music by the Sundries, and exclusive live and silent auctions at this indoor/outdoor event. Proceeds benefit MCF’s charitable work to preserve open space in Monmouth County.
| Fall for Conservation Honoree Spotlight: | Representatives from the US Navy, Monmouth County, and MCF commemorating our inaugural preservation projects through the REPI program. Photo: US Navy/NWS Earle | MCF is pleased to recognize the US Navy and our partners at Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle for their support and collaboration to permanently protect lands buffering Earle’s nearly 12,000 acres. With over $3 million in federal funding awarded thus far through the US Department of Defense REPI program since 2018, MCF and Monmouth County have been working with NWS Earle and municipalities to preserve land surrounding the base, which transects the County from the Leonardo community in Middletown through Colts Neck to Howell and contains one of the largest wooded areas in Monmouth. This honor is bestowed on the heels of our inaugural conservation projects achieved through this partnership – preserving 255 acres encompassing two properties in Howell and Colts Neck in 2023 and greatly benefiting our community. | Thank you to our Sponsors | |
FARMLAND & GREENSPACE PATRONS | |
PARK DEVELOPMENT SUPPORTERS | | |
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Leslie and Matthew A. Cohen | |
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Lillian and Donald Burry
Anne and Larry Fink
Donna and David J. Hoder
Nora and Kenny King
Commissioner Ross Licitra
Vikki and Bill Marraccini
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Veronica and Chris Meagher
Karen and Chris Rodriguez
John L. Ryan
Frank Scheuer
Gerri and Richard O. Venino Jr.
Susan and Louis Zinterhofer
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LIVE AUCTION CONTRIBUTORS | |
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Chapel Beach Club
The Mulheren Family
Scothigh Estates
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Our second annual Summer Bash gathered friends – new and old – for a fabulous evening with cool breezes, great conversations, and delightful bites and drinks overlooking Sandy Hook Bay at The Seafarer in Highlands. View the photo gallery to relive the evening. Proceeds from this event support MCF’s work to #KeepMonmouthGreen. | |
Join us for our Holiday Style Luncheon and Shopping Spree featuring guest speaker Ann Pennington, Mrs. USA Earth 2023. A Monmouth County resident with deep roots to farm life and open space, Ann has been an advocate, fundraiser, and board member for numerous New Jersey charities. She will share her passions for sustainable fashion, pre-loved luxury, and reducing the impact of “fast fashion” on the environment and treat us to a sustainable fashion show. Click here for details. Proceeds from this event support MCF’s charitable work to preserve open space in Monmouth County. | |
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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