Saving land, preserving open space and protecting wildlife have never been more important. Natural lands and the wildlife that inhabit those lands, play a vital role in supporting our ecosystem and helping to abate the impact of climate change. Additionally, the loss of open space and farms throughout Monmouth County has had a major, detrimental impact on our quality of life.

Traffic, pollution, flooding, and the stress of general overpopulation have put our communities under significant strain. These impacts are reaching a critical juncture. The breakneck pace of overdevelopment and the loss of irreplaceable open space is not slowing down.

We are at a critical crossroads in terms of our shared environmental fate, so in 2020 Monmouth Conservation is taking the following actions to focus on these climate-smart priorities:

Overbrook-Colts Neck. Fred Yahn — Overbrook-Colts Neck. *Fred Yahn*

CREATE MORE GREEN SPACE FOR URBAN AREAS. Most of Monmouth County’s population is located within the built-out eastern shore municipalities. Many of these communities were established long ago without adequate, or in some cases, antiquated, parks. Providing the opportunity to spend time outside to all residents and neighborhoods in Monmouth County is an important aspect of our priorities. One of our current projects involves partnering with the City of Long Branch and its residents to provide the amenities they want and increase access to Jackson Woods Park. Do you know a neighborhood near you that is lacking a park? Please let us know.
PRESERVE FARMLAND AND AID FARMERS. MCF is dedicated to protecting fertile farm fields from development through the purchase of agricultural easements. We are actively working in towns such as Colts Neck and Upper Freehold to preserve over 250 acres of farmland. Providing aid and resources to local farmers through our Field to Farm Project will also remain a focus in 2020.
SAVE OPEN SPACES AND PROTECT WILDLIFE. We are working to expand existing municipal, County and State parks throughout Monmouth County to protect critical natural resources (including wildlife!) and provide more opportunities to immerse you and your families in nature. We are actively working in towns like Middletown and Howell to protect seven parcels totaling 105 acres.
EXPAND OUR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS. Over the past three years, we have brought the opportunity for students, ages four through thirteen, to grow fresh, organic food, aeroponically indoors in classrooms throughout Monmouth County. The program has been growing steadily and, in response, we are developing custom lesson plans to bring the issues of sustainability and conservation deeper into the classroom through this interactive school program.
KICK OFF A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FOR PRESERVING LAND AND CREATING URBAN PARKS. The irony of all the recent land preservation successes and upcoming plans is that we must replenish our funds in order to have the financial flexibility to preserve the remaining undeveloped lands that are strategically important to save. The cost of Monmouth County real estate, even vacant land, is one of the highest in the country. Despite the availability of government preservation funds, these funds are not accessible to MCF without having a cash match available. MCF is raising funds to ensure there is sufficient cash and state matching funds to carry out our mission of preserving parks, farms, and open spaces. We must save open space and protect the natural balance of the environment while there is still time.
Conservation matters now more than ever.