Keeping monmouth Green
Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) is Monmouth’s only county-wide land trust. Founded in 1977 by Michael Huber and Judith Stanley Coleman as a 501(c)(3), Monmouth Conservation Foundation has been preserving land and protecting the natural habitat of Monmouth County for over 46 years.
MCF is steadfastly dedicated to ensuring a permanent legacy of open space and natural habitat throughout the county. As more farmland and open space are developed into residential communities or commercial properties, the unique character of our community becomes compromised.
Mission
To acquire and preserve open space and farmland and to conserve natural habitats throughout Monmouth County, supporting outdoor recreation, agriculture, clean water, and wildlife for long-term sustainability.
Vision
To lead conservation and education efforts that preserve and protect our natural environment, so all individuals and communities have access to open space in nature for generations to come.
Approach
Facilitating land preservation and stewardship alongside government and community partners for today and tomorrow’s generations
History
In the 1970s, James J. “Jim” Truncer (1936-2023), longtime director of Monmouth County Park System, invited thirty-five people to dinner and shared his vision for a nonprofit to work hand-in-hand with Monmouth County to preserve land and create parks. A local attorney, Chet Apy, acted as a moderator for Jim’s presentation during the dinner, which was modeled after a California state parks foundation.
INCORPORATION
Twenty or so of the dinner guests signed on to help, including Judith Stanley Coleman (1935-2010), who went on to become one of MCF’s co-founders. Michael Huber (1927-2009), MCF’s other co-founder, joined the effort shortly after. Jim acted as secretary to the incorporation, and a group of six to eight individuals served as incorporators.
ESTABLISHMENT
MCF was officially established in 1977 by this passionate group of citizens “to acquire, hold, preserve, and protect the open lands, historic areas, and park and recreational areas of Monmouth County, New Jersey, together with any buildings located thereon.” MCF began as a park foundation, but our founders – Judy, in particular – felt it should be a land trust. During the establishment phase, the organization changed names and direction to become the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization it is today.
Nearly a half-century later, MCF is a thriving nationally accredited land trust. Driven by community support, we work together with local to federal partners to permanently preserve land and to protect and enhance the natural resources in our communities.
Explore More at MCF.
Featuring photography by: Ray Hennessy, Fred Yahn, Some Tale, Tina Colella Photography†, Emilee Carton, Jersey Shore Wildlife Photography, Kevin Knecht, Jena Cosimo, and Kathy Buchan.
