Howell Park Expands, Provides Sanctuary for People and Wildlife

Bear Swamp Natural Area boasts miles of trails, a charming pond, and over 900 acres of woodlands.  Access the park on Maxim Road in Howell Township. Photo by Kathi Novak

Looking for a new place to enjoy the fresh air and safely social distance?  Look no further than the Bear Swamp Natural Area! This spacious nature preserve located on Maxim Road in Howell Township just expanded thanks to the land conservation partnership between MCF and the Township of Howell.  In November 2020, MCF successfully facilitated the acquisition of a 4-acre property with the Township of Howell to enlarge the park at a time when people need access to outdoor places more than ever as the pandemic endures. 

The newly acquired land was owned by the Van Schoick family for many years until the family agreed to sell the land to expand the park.  The family’s decision will ensure the land is never developed and remains available for the community and the wildlife that call it home.

The COVID-19 pandemic has sent residents to parks in droves as they seek safe outdoor options for overall wellness.  Bear Swamp Natural Area is a hidden gem to enjoy nature with miles of walking trails, a fishing hole, and a diverse array of wildlife.

“I love to see the mama fox with her cubs”, recalls Elizabeth Naskiewicz, a Howell resident and local environmental advocate, during one of her many visits to this park that she has been influential in protecting for decades.  Starting in 1987 local environmentalists like Elizabeth have been working with the township and MCF to preserve this expansive wildlife sanctuary that now connects Allaire State Park and Manasquan Reservoir, making it one of the largest and most critical areas for wildlife habitat in Monmouth County. 

“The pond is a favorite fishing spot for so many in the area. Generations of locals have enjoyed fishing there and catching frogs,” explains Elizabeth as she describes the peaceful shaded pond area that is local favorite.

“If you’re lucky, you’ll see a Heron hunting along the edges”.

Habitat loss is the greatest threat to species diversity and the natural world, occurring when natural land cover is destroyed, fragmented, or degraded. When an ecosystem has been dramatically altered or destroyed by human activities, it can no longer provide the basics for species to survive - food, water, shelter, and places to raise their young.  Without the ability to navigate through these changing landscapes and climates, healthy wildlife populations will continue to decline and be unable to survive much less thrive.  Knowing how critical habitat is to species survival, MCF works with municipalities across Monmouth County to preserve natural lands.

“We must continue to preserve these natural places not only for human and wildlife wellness, but to protect our property values and the quality of life that we all enjoy.  Access to parks and nature is why people love Monmouth County.  We can’t stop the all-important struggle to protect it,” remarked William Kastning, Executive Director for MCF.

With your help, MCF can continue to preserve these precious habitat sanctuaries like Bear Swamp Natural Area that countless wildlife call home.  The clock is ticking on preserving the remaining natural areas before they are lost forever.  Your love of wildlife and the wonders of nature will make a difference. There are many areas ready to be conserved—all we need is you.

Can you spot these at Bear Swamp Natural Area?

You need to be very patient to catch a glimpse of a Pine Barrens Tree Frog or Gray Fox, but they can be found at Bear Swamp Natural Area.  The Blue Heron can often be seen fishing at the pond.

MCF Welcomes New Director of Development

Jonathan Meer Joins the MCF Team as Director of Development

Jonathan and his wife Elyse, in the Adirondack mountains, one of their favorite parks to enjoy with their three grown sons and two rescue dogs “Rascal” and “Happy”.

November 1, 2020

The board and staff at Monmouth Conservation Foundation have recently welcomed Jonathan Meer as the land trust's new Director of Development.  Jonathan comes to MCF on a part-time basis following a successful career in academic fundraising, including Chief Advancement Officer roles at Rider and Monmouth Universities. At present he is the Senior Philanthropic Advisor for the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music at Monmouth University and has served as a board member for a host of community organizations around the nation, making him an excellent addition to the MCF team.

Here are a few fun facts about Jonathan to help you get to know him.

What are some of your favorite parks or places to enjoy outdoors?

We spend a lot of time every year hiking in the Adirondack Park in upstate NY. Our base in the Park is Schroon Lake, about a half hour north of Lake George. In the Garden State, we've enjoyed the Mercer County Park system the most since we lived in Hopewell Township for 14 years before moving to Monmouth County in 2019. Our all-time favorite National Park is probably the Grand Canyon.  We've spent some time at Sandy Hook and certainly look forward to getting to know the other parks here in Monmouth County! 

If you could brag for a moment, what professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

My biggest professional accomplishment was the success of a $200 Million comprehensive campaign I designed and managed at University of the Pacific in California from 2000-2005. That was my first Chief Advancement Officer role and I learned so much about the importance of volunteers and how to motivate staff.

As a newer resident of Monmouth County, we hope you are enjoying all the great restaurants and downtown districts in the area.  Do you have any favorites?

We love Stella Marina for pasta and Capitoline for pizza in Asbury Park. Taka is also a real treat. For breakfast, we love The Buttered Biscuit in Bradley Beach and, of course, Amy's Omelet House in Long Branch. We look forward to getting back to all of our favorite haunts post Covid-19.

What Are Trade Lands?

A trade lands opportunity can help you reach your financial goals while improving our community through conservation. 

It probably comes as no surprise to you that here at Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) we are experts in land and, more specifically, in real estate transactions that preserve land for conservation. Simply stated, we have specialized knowledge and experience to ensure preservation-minded property owners achieve their goals.   

As a land trust, MCF’s objective is to facilitate how a property will be best preserved and utilized so the public-at-large benefits. We work alongside public and private partners to permanently preserve land as open space through fee acquisition (outright purchase of land) or an easement (voluntary legal agreement that permanently limits the uses of the land to protect its conservation or agricultural values).  

However, there is another way we can work together to preserve more open space, create new parks, and preserve our farmlands. That is a charitable donation of land to us with the intention of selling it, with or without the imposition of restrictions, and the proceeds from the sale benefiting our conservation work.  

Trade Lands are real property donated to a land trust that may or may not have significant conservation characteristics. The property can be residentially or commercially developed, or undeveloped. Trade lands are donated to a land trust specifically to be sold (sometimes they are protected with restrictions and then sold), with the proceeds going to the land trust. 

Great for us, but what is in it for you?  By donating the land, you may avoid capital gains tax and may also receive a charitable deduction for the fair market value of the property. 

Land trusts across the country just like MCF facilitate trade land transactions because they can assist the donor in benefiting financially while also helping them achieve their conservation goals.  By donating land to MCF and allowing us to leverage our real estate skills, we can use the proceeds from the sale of the land to put towards our most important conservation initiatives and programs.  Trade lands are important sources of unrestricted revenue. 

Illustrated below are two examples of how donating land to be sold, known as Trade Lands, benefit families while also meeting conservation goals: 

Example 1: Ethel, a retired schoolteacher, often worried about what would happen to the single-family home she lived in for the past 50 years after she died.  Ethel was a life-long county resident and nature lover whose daily walk in a nearby park was often the highlight of her day.  She had no heirs for her home, situated on one-acre of land in her highly developed neighborhood.  After celebrating her 85th birthday she decided to stop worrying and amend her will to list a land trust as her sole beneficiary.  She and her estate attorney met with MCF staff to discuss her goals and legacy.  She determined that the proceeds of the sale should be dedicated towards purchasing land for parks and helping fund the land trust’s education programs in recognition of her rewarding career as a teacher.  She took a lot of comfort in knowing this gift would leave a legacy that benefited the entire community after she was gone.  The proceeds from the sale of Ethel’s home achieved her wishes – more land was added to a park, and environmental educational programs were expanded. 

Example 2: John, Sam, and Mary inherited a three-acre undeveloped commercial lot situated on a highway in a commercially developed area.  They knew the sale of the land could be complicated due to a zoning issue that needed to be sorted out.  After consulting with their attorney and accountant, they determined that a donation of the land to a land trust would offer them a significant tax incentive from the charitable deduction.  The land trust proceeded with an environmental investigation and appraisal of the property.  Once donated, the family received a significant tax deduction.  The land trust had the expertise on-staff to resolve the zoning issue and sell the property at fair market value.  The proceeds of the sale will allow the land trust to help a local town create a new neighborhood park in an underserved area that previously had no access to greenspace or playground for the residents. 

To learn more about Trade Lands, please contact William Kastning, Executive Director at wkastning@monmouthconservation.org or by phone at (732) 671-7000 for more information. 

County Completes Milestone Preservation Project on Route 34 in Holmdel

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The County of Monmouth acquired a 62-acre farmland easement on the western side of State Highway 34, near the County Route 520 intersection.  They also acquired 44-acres on the eastern side of 34 as an expansion to Holmdel Park.

The 62-acre farmland preservation easement was purchased through funding provided by the State Agriculture Development Committee, the County of Monmouth and the Township of Holmdel.

The preservation of farmland allows land to remain in private ownership while ensuring it is not subdivided further.  Although public access is not permitted on preserved farms, the public benefits through the protection of fertile farm soils, stormwater retention and a viable farm community.

MCF’S TOP FIVE CONSERVATION PRIORITIES IN 2020

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Jackson Woods Aerial

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

1. 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.

2. 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. 

3. 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. 

4. 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.

5. 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.