Guests enjoying the Monmouth County Park System Nature on the Move activities at our Spring for Conservation Family Day. |
|
Dear Friend of MCF,
New Jersey does spring well! We hope you have been enjoying the return of green in our natural areas, the many flowers, and the start of farmers markets. Spring migration is underway with numerous birds coming through; horseshoe crab spawning season is here; and soon the Jersey Shore will be bustling with beachgoers. It’s another wonderful season to enjoy Monmouth County’s open spaces.
It has been a very busy spring for MCF, and we are delighted to share exciting land preservation and park development news this month, detailed below. Our Spring for Conservation Family Day was a fun-filled afternoon with old and new friends at Bayonet Farm! This beloved annual event kicked off our 2023 event season, and participants helped us raise $11,000 in support of MCF’s operations and preservation work. We hope to see you at our upcoming fundraising events and encourage you to bring your family, friends, and colleagues.
We appreciate your ongoing involvement and support to #KeepMonmouthGreen.
Cordially,
William D. Kastning, AICP
Executive Director
|
|
|
|
Become a Land Steward! Join MCF’s Land Stewards Monthly Giving Program for as little as $5 per month. Your recurring gift helps MCF protect the land we need and love, forever. Click to learn about special benefits for our Land Stewards and Join Today!
|
|
17.23-acre Waterfront Property Acquired as Expansion
to Hartshorne Woods Park!
|
|
MCF congratulates the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners and Monmouth County Park System for preserving 17.23 acres on the Navesink River on Hartshorne Road in the Locust neighborhood of Middletown Township. Through a fee simple purchase, the land acquisition expands the footprint of Hartshorne Woods Park. Monmouth County provided the lion’s share of the $8.4 million estate purchase finalized last month, and MCF contributed $35,000 from a small fund restricted to Middletown acquisitions. This project took more than 20 years to come to fruition, thanks to the owners’ commitment to preservation, county funding and vision, and MCF’s longstanding relationship and our brokerage facilitation with the owners. MCF is delighted to have played an important role. This project is exemplary of the long and often winding road to preservation.
|
|
Photo by Jill Sahner Photography |
|
If you have visited the Monmouth County Fair or watched the Freehold Memorial Day Parade, chances are you have seen the Mosley Family’s beautiful, historic tractors. What you may not know is that the Mosleys run Triple L Farms in Colts Neck and recently preserved it. Ensuring their farm will never be developed and will remain agricultural land forever, Triple L Farms was preserved through an agricultural easement via the New Jersey State Agriculture Development Committee’s Farmland Preservation Program, in partnership with Monmouth County through the support of the Board of County Commissioners and the County Agriculture Development Board, and the Township of Colts Neck. Although MCF was not directly involved in the preservation of the farm, we initiated conversations with the family to discuss preservation options and connected them with the appropriate preservation partners to make it happen. We recently spent time with the Mosley family to discuss their farming operation and brainstorm ways MCF and partners can save additional farms – an effort the Mosleys also hope to further advance.
|
|
Through the US Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program, MCF has been working with the US Navy to permanently protect additional land that buffers Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle’s nearly 12,000 acres from the Leonardo community in Middletown to Howell – containing one of the largest wooded areas in the County. Together we will prevent incompatible development, preserve farmland and wetlands, protect wildlife, and add to existing parks, which will allow NWS Earle to maintain operations security and decrease potential risk to the public.
We have several eligible properties in the pipeline for preservation via easements through the REPI program and are working hard with our partners at the Navy, Monmouth County, and townships like Colts Neck and Howell to hopefully close this year. Our team is also working hard to fundraise for the necessary matching funds to meet the Navy’s $2 million contribution to date. Additional REPI funding is available, and the program is a fantastic opportunity to conserve green space, providing countless, long-term benefits.
|
|
 |
L-R: MCF Newly appointed President Matt Cohen, Trustee Andrew Spears, NWS Earle Former Commander Captain Edward Callahan, Trustee Valerie Montecalvo, Director of Development Karen Keene |
|
|
|
L-R: MCF Trustees Ron Gumbaz, Jerry Buffalino, NWS Earle Community Plans and Liaison Officer Nicholas Ginther, LLA, PP, Trustees Dave Hoder, Benson Chiles |
|
|
|
In April, NWS Earle hosted MCF trustees and staff for tours of the base and strategic discussions regarding our partnership (pictured above). MCF was honored to take part in the April 21st NWS Earle Change of Command ceremony in Colts Neck to commemorate the retirement of Commander Captain Edward L. Callahan and welcome Commander Captain Kent "Brewski" Smith. We congratulate former Commander Captain Callahan on his impressive 40-year career with the Navy; we thank him, and his family, for their service to our country and for Callahan’s collaboration with MCF through the REPI program. We welcome Commander Captain Smith and his family and look forward to working with him.
|
|
|
L-R: MCF President Matt Cohen, MCF Staff: Kathleen Kenney, Jena Cosimo, Karen Keene, Executive Director Bill Kastning
|
|
|
|
Former Commander Captain Edward Callahan waving farewell at the Change of Command ceremony. Photo by Matt Cohen |
|
|
|
Monmouth County hosted a ribbon-cutting event on May 1st to officially open Swimming River Park in Middletown. MCF staff and trustees are thrilled to have attended the ceremony, and we congratulate the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners and Monmouth County Park System on this successful collaboration among them and MCF.
|
|
MCF Trustees and Staff at May 1st Swimming River Park Ribbon-Cutting. L-R: Jack Tassini, President Matt Cohen, Kathleen Kenney, Valerie Montecalvo, Executive Director Bill Kastning, Anne Delaney, Jena Cosimo
|
|
New signage at Swimming River Park. Photo by Larry Fink |
|
Located in the River Plaza section of Middletown, Swimming River Park includes land that was once privately owned and home to Chris’ Landing and Chris’ Deli & Liquor. The County acquired the waterfront property in 2015 and former site of the deli in 2018, both with financial and logistical assistance from MCF, working together to make approximately 18 acres at the confluence of the Navesink and Swimming Rivers into a new Monmouth County Park.
MCF oversaw the initial site clean-up and remediation investigation and plan performed by VHB on behalf of Monmouth County after they acquired the main parcel to cap and seal contaminants from asphalt road millings and other waste discarded at the site over the years, toward making the site safe and usable by the public. The County oversaw its completion and recently finished Phase I construction at the park to install a new bulkhead, dock, kayak launch beach, ¼-mile paved walking path, parking lot, and a 30-foot-wide public boat ramp. Parkgoers can now enjoy activities such as fishing, crabbing, boating, nature watching, and strolling along the riverfront.
Stay tuned for news soon on additional phases of construction led by the County and the installation of an overlook memorial paying tribute to MCF co-founder Judith Stanley Coleman (1935 – 2010), which was funded by donations made to MCF to honor Judy and carry on her legacy for the benefit of the public.
|
|
Additional Grant Secured for Pollinator Garden at Edgemere Park
|
|
Future site of pollinator garden at Edgemere Park.
Photo by Karen Keene
|
|
Concept plan for garden.
Drafted by Flower to the People
|
|
MCF has been granted an additional $5,000 anonymous grant through the National Philanthropic Trust to support the new pollinator garden being constructed at Edgemere Park in the Borough of Sea Girt. This grant will bolster the original $10,000 award from the funder, received last year. Led by the Sea Girt Conservancy, the 9,600-sq.ft. garden will be constructed this year through spring 2024. Native pollinator plants, a walkway, benches, educational and interpretive signage, and bird and pollinator feeders will comprise the garden in the 2.69-acre park. Thanks to this grant support, the garden will be irrigated using well water on site and protected with deer fencing. The garden will reintroduce native plants in place of harmful, non-native invasives that are choking out specimen trees and other plants – creating a sustainable, much-needed ecosystem for various types of species. As the Sea Girt Conservancy executes its Strategic Landscape Plan for Edgemere Park and improvements continue to be made, the pollinator garden will serve as its centerpiece. |
|
Steps Forward for Red Bank’s Future Sunset Park |
|
Future site of Sunset Park. Photo by Fred Yahn, Eagle Drone Solutions |
|
Early Sunset Park concept. Drafted by T&M |
|
Thanks to a donation from an anonymous donor, MCF has contracted environmental consulting firm VHB to continue work at Red Bank’s former landfill, working toward the creation of Sunset Park at the site. VHB will audit past assessments and investigations at the site and assign a Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) to review the site’s case history against current NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) rules, regulations, and guidance. The purpose of the review is to identify data gaps and evaluate potential impacts from updates to soil and groundwater remediation standards, emerging contaminants investigation requirements, and revisions to several NJDEP guidance documents. Coordinating with MCF, the Borough of Red Bank, and NJDEP, VHB will develop a remedial investigation workplan (RIW) and aim to apply for additional Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund (HDSRF) grant funding to conduct planning and clean-up at the site. |
|
Volunteer Efforts Continue
to Enhance Jackson Woods Park
|
|
EarthShare New Jersey (ESNJ) hosted its 7th annual Green Day Challenge to get businesses involved with our environment. This challenge invites employers large and small from across the state to partner with an ESNJ member or friend for an environmental project, and Jackson Woods Park in Long Branch was again selected as a site. On April 28th, more than 40 volunteers from Geoscape Solar helped the Friends of Jackson Woods with ongoing restoration at the site. They collectively worked 120 hours, cleared invasive plants over a 6,000-sq. ft. area, weeded areas totaling 800-sq. ft., and spread mulch over 7,000 sq. ft.
|
|
Photos by Kathy Buchan, Friends of Jackson Woods Co-Founder |
|
MCF is a proud founding member of ESNJ, 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. We are pleased to support the volunteer-run Friends of Jackson Woods and act as their representative 501(c)3 organization to secure grants and donations, leverage partnerships, and promote their efforts.
|
|
Friends of Jackson Woods Co-Founder Featured in Woman’s Day Magazine
|
|
Kathy Buchan, Co-Founder of Friends of Jackson Woods, an all-volunteer, citizens organization working to revitalize Jackson Woods Park in Long Branch, was celebrated in the May 2023 issue of Woman’s Day magazine! Kathy initiated and continues to co-direct efforts to restore the 13-acre park, working to create a special place where nature and the arts thrive together.
|
|
MCF OPERATIONS HIGHLIGHTS
|
|
Thank you to New Jersey-based landscape and wildlife photographer Scott Miller for donating images for our new brochure, 2022 Annual Report, and other materials! We are always grateful to local photographers and nature enthusiasts who lend their talents in support of our mission! If you are interested in partnering with MCF, please email Karen Keene or call her at 732.671.7000.
|
|
|
|
Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) is delighted to officially welcome five new trustees to our board: Jerry Buffalino, Nora King, Tony MacDonald, Michael Rubin, and Andrew Spears (ex-officio). These individuals are volunteering their time, energy, and resources to advance MCF’s mission of creating parks, saving open space, preserving farmland, teaching environmental sustainability, safeguarding waterways, and protecting wildlife throughout Monmouth County.
|
|
Our Work on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)
To address the lack of diversity across our staff and board and to serve and engage all residents of Monmouth County, MCF formed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee of trustees and staff in 2022. We sought expert guidance to drive organizational change and best serve our community as quickly as possible. This spring we began working with locally based Vanzant Consulting, led by Dr. Semaj Vanzant, Sr. and Carla Vanzant to create equitable spaces and an inclusive culture at MCF.
We are committed to evolving our organization and see this important work on DEIB as critical to our mission. It is vital that all communities have nearby access to parks, open land, clean air, and fresh water. MCF’s goal is for every person to have access to green space within ten minutes’ walking or biking distance from their homes.
|
|
L-R: Tina Kastning, MCF Executive Director Bill Kastning, Dr. Semaj Vanzant,Sr., Carla Vanzant at MCF’s Spring for Conservation Family Day
Photo by Marcella Shook
|
|
Thank you to all our sponsors, donors, attendees, and partners for making our 2023 Spring for Conservation Family Day one of the best yet! You helped us connect with many new families and friends, while raising $11,000 in net proceeds to help keep MCF running and drive our preservation work! More than 350 guests joined us at Bayonet Farm in Holmdel on Saturday, May 13 to enjoy live music by The Black Ties, Happy Trails Petting Zoo & Pony Rides, Triple L Farms tractors and hayrides, Nature on the Move wildlife encounters, guided trail walks, tours of the historic Harding House led by CILU, facepainting, arts & crafts, barbeque by Jacques Exclusive Catering, craft beer & wine, and ice cream courtesy of Crazees, Rumson. We were delighted to host guests from the Boys and Girls Club, Inspire Life Foundation, and across Monmouth County.
|
|
The Black Ties got everyone moving and happy at the event!
MCF Executive Director Bill Kastning, wife Tina Kastning, MCF Director of Acquisition Jena Cosimo with Eileen and Mike Stivala, who preserved their Colts Neck farm last year
Children enjoying the Happy Trails Petting Zoo
Facepainting and fun!
|
|
Look for MCF in the Freehold Memorial Day Parade! |
|
We will be riding along with the Mosley Family and Triple L Farms on their colorful tractors on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, 2023! The Freehold Memorial Day Parade is the oldest and largest such parade in western Monmouth County, with an average of more than 70 units participating each year. The parade features many military units, veterans groups, bands, fire departments, EMS squads, youth groups, custom designed floats, and civilian units. We hope to see you there! |
|
|
|
|
Thursday. July 13. 2023
The Seafarer. Highlands. NJ
Live music, food, and fun overlooking the New York City skyline!
Tickets: $50
Includes 2 drink tickets & charcuterie
Additional food by Local Smoke available for purchase
|
|
Come out for a fun evening to get to know MCF! Proceeds support our work to preserve open space in Monmouth County.
|
|
Mark your Calendars!
Please save the dates for upcoming MCF signature fundraising events! Proceeds provide discretionary funding to support MCF’s operations and preservation projects.
|
|
Saturday. Sept 23. 2023
Hosted by Arthur & Jill Kontos
Fairway Farm. Middletown. NJ
(a stunning, preserved farm!)
Featuring music by The Moroccan Sheepherders
|
|
Wednesday. Nov 29. 2023
The Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury. NJ
Featuring keynote by Caroline Jones. Senior VP, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc.
|
|
Your donation supports Monmouth Conservation Foundation’s mission of
Creating Parks . Saving Open Space . Preserving Farmland .
Teaching Environmental Sustainability . Safeguarding Waterways . Protecting Wildlife
|
|
www.monmouthconservation.org _ 732.671.7000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
