Celebrating Two Years of Stewardship at Scudder Preserve
April 3, 2026
By Lauren Orme, Monmouth Conservation Foundation
This month, MCF will proudly celebrate our two-year anniversary of owning Scudder Preserve. The acquisition of this remarkable property, along with ongoing maintenance and infrastructure improvements, was made possible by a transformative $1 million donation from an anonymous donor. This critical seed funding laid the groundwork for our long-term vision to transform Scudder Preserve into a vibrant community hub for environmental education and nature-based recreation, while protecting its ecological integrity and role as essential wildlife habitat.
Spanning 90 acres in the Navesink section of Middletown, New Jersey, Scudder Preserve remains largely unaltered, offering a rich mosaic of natural habitats. Woodlands with pockets of old growth, wetlands, ponds, a stream corridor, and open meadows together support an impressive diversity of life. The preserve connects directly to a 40-acre preserved farm and Huber Woods Park, contributing to more than 520 acres of contiguous open space in New Jersey’s coastal plain. This connected landscape is vital for supporting a wide range of species, including threatened and endangered wildlife. Positioned along the Atlantic Flyway, Scudder Preserve also serves as an important stopover for migratory birds, making it a particularly special place for birdwatching and seasonal discovery.
Stewardship on the Ground
With the acquisition of Scudder Preserve in April 2024, MCF reached a historic milestone by becoming landowners for the first time. To guide our stewardship, we commissioned a comprehensive natural resource inventory to better understand the site’s ecological features and inform our strategy for future management. This process was officially completed last summer, and among the incredible discoveries made, it was determined that the preserve is home to New Jersey’s second largest tulip tree, a magnificent 202-year-old specimen.
Today, active stewardship efforts are underway to address Scudder Preserve’s environmental challenges, including managing invasive species, erosion, and flooding; familiar pressures that threaten the health of natural landscapes across New Jersey.
This work is made possible by a generous five-year grant of $500,000 from New Jersey Resources through their Coastal Climate Initiative, along with contributions from our dedicated supporters. MCF is grateful to ESNJ for facilitating volunteer opportunities at Scudder Preserve for businesses and environmental nonprofits across the Garden State. In November, we welcomed MJH Life Sciences for a Scudder Preserve service day where volunteers came together in community to remove invasive plant species, create ecologically beneficial leaf-litter piles, and clean up trails.
Join us!
While Scudder Preserve is still a work in progress, it is open to the public and ready to be explored. Visitors can park near the main house at 85 Browns Dock Road in Middletown and enjoy the trails and surrounding landscape. We also invite you to join one of our free monthly programs, offering opportunities for all ages to engage with the preserve through activities like birding, guided hikes, nature-inspired art, and photography. Visit our website to RSVP for a program today!
As a nonprofit land trust (and proud founding member of EarthShare New Jersey), Monmouth Conservation Foundation is committed to preserving the open spaces, farmland, and natural habitats that define our region. Scudder Preserve reflects MCF and EarthShare New Jersey’s joint purpose to create healthier places to live, work, and play for us all. Happy Spring from Monmouth Conservation Foundation!