MCF staff recently sat down with Erica Muller, a Neptune, New Jersey resident and the sole owner of Heartwood Ecological Consulting, as she embarks on developing a forestry management plan for the 90-acre Scudder Preserve in Middletown, New Jersey that MCF acquired earlier this year. With a passion for forestry and a commitment to sustainable land management, Erica shared her journey and insights into the world of forestry in New Jersey and highlights of her work with MCF.

Meet Erica Muller

Erica's love for trees took root in a dendrology (the study of trees) class at Stockton State College, now Stockton University. This fascination led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with a Concentration in Forestry and set her on a path that led her to work for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) Forest Service office as a GIS Specialist. (GIS stands for Geographic Information System, which is a computer-based tool that combines maps and databases to analyze, store, and visualize spatial data.)

“Studying trees and then going on to work as a GIS Specialist for the NJ Forest Service really strengthened my comprehension of the importance of forest mapping to better understand connections within a forest ecosystem,” said Erica.

In 2013, Erica joined Heartwood, and within five years, she took over reins as sole owner of the consulting firm. Since 2019, Erica has served on the Monmouth County Shade Tree Commission, where she actively promotes the health and sustainability of local forests and their trees, including Monmouth County’s official tree, the white oak. Erica also serves as the Chair of the NJ Division of the Society of American Foresters and as a member of the NJ Tree Farm Program.

What Does a State-Approved Forester Do?

Erica explained that New Jersey-approved foresters assist landowners and municipalities in managing their forests for long-term viability, particularly in response to climate change, pests, and human impact. Her team tailors comprehensive forest stewardship and woodland management plans that span a decade, aimed at addressing challenges that include restoring biodiversity, controlling of invasive species, the sequestration of carbon, preventing soil erosion, and maintaining water quality. Forestry management plans also address the social and environmental needs of the region.

Erica noted that most forests and woodlands have been disturbed from their natural state in recent past, such as by harvesting, burning, or clearing for development. This allows for an overgrowth of shade-tolerant species. Foresters seek to restore balance by fostering regeneration of iconic, sunlight-loving species such as hickory, oak, and short-leaf pine here in New Jersey.

Foresters employ best practices for reforestation and habitat conservation by seeking various plant sources, ideally from local seed purveyors, tree farms, and nurseries that provide native or regionally adapted plants. They work to maintain diverse species and restore ecosystems that foster resilience against environmental changes. Forest management plans may also incorporate fire management protocols to promote forest health.

Forestry management looks beyond just the forest and trees to their many connected attributes, such as water sources, topography and soil conditions, and wildlife habitats, as well as their applications, including recreation and sustainable forestry practices, like “forest stand improvement,” where land is managed to promote a healthier forest community.

“Managing our forests properly is crucial for ensuring their health and resilience,” Erica emphasized.

*Aerial image of Scudder Preserve. Photo by Kevin Knecht.*

Goals for Scudder Preserve

MCF aims to restore Scudder Preserve’s natural habitats and improve and expand public access at the site. The Preserve contains a mix of ecological features that include wooded areas with old growth forest, century forest, wetlands, ponds, a stream/riparian corridor, and grassy meadows. Erica will draft a recommended forestry plan to support MCF’s goals at Scudder Preserve with a four-pronged approach that includes:

Data Collection to gather information on overall species, invasive plants, and shrub cover;
Invasive Species, Disease, and Pest Management to address such invasive species as tree of heaven and Norway maple, as well as future tree pests and diseases;
Habitat Improvement to support a diversity of habitats for local wildlife and to promote a healthy forest; and
Public Engagement to enhance trail systems and amenities that encourage community interaction with the forest.

Erica and her team will devise site-specific plans to promote long-term forest health and resiliency. For instance, in her initial assessment, Erica has noted a need to address the threat of beech leaf disease — a recently introduced nematode affecting beech trees throughout the state, in specimens found at Scudder Preserve.

The Current Landscape of Forestry in New Jersey

New Jersey's forests cover just under 2 million acres or about 45% of the total land in the Garden State. Despite this vast amount of forest, there are fewer than 50 state-approved foresters across the state, and there is a critical need for more professionals in this field.

Erica noted this scarcity often surprises people when they learn about the important work involved in forest management. Many people are unaware that forestry management is a profession in New Jersey, which Erica often encounters in conversations with landowners.

“I often receive calls that start with, ‘I had no idea this was even a thing!’” she laughed.

Erica hopes to raise awareness about the importance of forestry management and to inspire future generations to pursue careers in this field.

The Art and Science of Forestry

One of the most fascinating aspects of Erica's job is the blend of art and science involved in forestry management. This duality fuels her passion for creating sustainable environments that will endure for generations.

“Getting to a particular forested area and using maps and other tools to gain an understanding of what it once was, how it is changing in the face of human intervention, pests, and climate change and then getting to create a plan to positively impact the resiliency of that forest by visualizing what it could be in 10, 20, 30 years’ time is always so exciting for me. Truly a perfect combination of art and science,” she said.

Erica shared that she is excited to work with MCF on a forest management plan for the Scudder Preserve. There is a great deal of potential for the site to be revitalized through the removal of invasive species, restoration of native plants and trees, promotion of wildlife habitat and climate resiliency, and the addition of amenities for sustainable public access. And, MCF is uniquely poised to do so while bringing the public along for the ride through demonstration projects and educational outreach programming. The Scudder Preserve will look quite different in several years!

Keeping Monmouth Green

When not conserving forests, Erica finds joy in cycling along New Jersey's rail trails, through green spaces like Hartshorne Woods and Allaire State Park. She said Sandy Hook – Gateway National Recreational Area stands out as her favorite Monmouth County location, thanks to its beautiful landscapes, rich biodiversity, wonderful trails to bike and walk, access to the bay and ocean, and historical attributes.

Beyond her personal and professional commitment to supporting green spaces, Erica enjoys performing with her father’s band, Dead on Live, and she is an advocate for civic engagement. She believes grassroots efforts can make a significant impact and suggests several ways individuals can contribute to forest preservation:

Advocate for local green spaces;
Stay informed about state and federal policies affecting forests; and
Plant native species in your own yard to create wildlife habitats.

Final Thoughts

MCF appreciates Erica Muller and her foresters at Heartwood Ecological Consulting for their expertise, dedication, and passion for environmental stewardship. Their work not only helps to sustain New Jersey’s forests but also inspires others to appreciate and protect these vital ecosystems. Together, we can help #KeepMonmouthGreen!

To follow along on MCF’s journey at Scudder Preserve, visit our webpage.