by Karen Keene

JANUARY

2022 marked MCF’s 45th anniversary working to preserve open space and #KeepMonmouthGreen, and we entered the year in a strong financial position despite COVID-19, thanks to our loyal supporters!

FEBRUARY

MCF received the appraisal on our first property to be preserved through our new partnership with the US Navy and Monmouth County to permanently protect land that buffers Naval Weapons Station Earle.

MARCH

Monmouth County, the Borough of Sea Bright and MCF completed Phase One of Shrewsbury Riverfront Park in Sea Bright, with walking paths and open space, and tribute benches and bicycle racks thanks to generous sponsors.

APRIL

We received a $10,000 anonymous grant through the National Philanthropic Trust to build a 1600-sq. ft. pollinator garden at Edgemere Park in Sea Girt in partnership with the Sea Girt Conservancy.

MAY

Old and new friends came out in the rain for our annual Spring for Conservation event at Bayonet Farm in Holmdel, featuring a barbecue, craft beer and wine, live music, wildlife encounters, and more!

JUNE

We preserved a 19-acre farm in Colts Neck contiguous to an already-protected 63-acre farm, working with the State Agriculture Development Committee, Monmouth County, and Colts Neck Township.

JULY

The all-female Wave Peddlers team completed the Ride for Jackson Woods, cycling 655 miles from Niagara Falls, Canada to Jackson Woods Park in Long Branch to raise awareness and funds for the Park.

AUGUST

MCF committed $500,000 toward Millstone Township’s purchase of 122 acres for open space and recreation, using State Green Acres granted program funding.

SEPTEMBER

We raised nearly $200,000 at our Fall for Conservation cocktail party hosted by Robin and John Klein, where we honored Gloria and Len Nilson, whose remarkable support inspired our Nilson Society for estate plan donors. 

OCTOBER

MCF assisted Howell Township in preserving nearly six acres as an addition to Deerwood Park as compensation for a water main infrastructure project through elsewhere-preserved property.

NOVEMBER

Lee Woodruff, co-founder of the Bob Woodruff Foundation, was the highlight of our Holiday Style Luncheon & Shopping Spree, speaking about the importance of nature in rehabilitating health-affected veterans. Our wonderful vendors, sponsors, and guests helped MCF raise over $50,000. 

DECEMBER

We finished out the year with key steps forward in the development of Sunset Park, transforming Red Bank’s former landfill into an eight-acre park, kickstarted by a substantial anonymous donation in 2021.