A New Leader in Conservation Launches the Sea Girt Conservancy

Bringing together a dedicated team of volunteers is no easy feat. To launch a new nonprofit organization with volunteers committed to improving parks and open spaces is equally, if not more, challenging.  Yet, Sea Girt resident and councilwoman, Diane Anthony, navigated these challenges with grace and persistence, amidst a global pandemic, and in 2020 formed the Sea Girt Conservancy (SGC).

Diane Anthony, pictured in front of an interpretive sign at Edgemere Park in Sea Girt. 

Diane Anthony, pictured in front of an interpretive sign at Edgemere Park in Sea Girt. 

“After living here for many years, I didn’t know about Edgemere Park until joining the borough council.  That was the moment the light bulb went off for me that more needs to be done to raise awareness and improve our Sea Girt parks ”, explained Diane.  “I’m self-taught on the subject of conservation, but it’s something I’m passionate about because I know how important it is to maintain our natural spaces for the community.”

It became evident quickly that more funds were needed to accomplish park improvement plans and as a fiscal conservative, she did not want to introduce an additional tax burden on residents.  A fellow resident and supporter of her park improvement plans, now SGC chair, Alan Zakin, Esq. suggested forming a nonprofit that could raise funds for the park and leverage resources without increasing taxes.  From there the idea for the Sea Girt Conservancy was born.

Like many a great leader, Diane knows how to bring people together and began by reaching out to various friends and members of the community to join forces to tackle the challenge.  Diane shares that “it’s the gentle, but persistent approach” that she has tried to convey given that not everyone agreed with this project being a priority for the borough.

Talking to some people about the importance of removing invasive species to make way for native gardens and you will observe their eyes glaze over.  Yet, Diane was able to capture the attention of  local residents, who were unaware of conservation challenges in their parks.  She remains active educating the public about these issues at borough council meetings and through other community activities held by SGC. 

A quick look at the Sea Girt Conservancy website and you will observe that she has pulled together a team of board members with the right mix of talents to successively launch the organization. 

“We have legal, accounting, engineering, horticulture, marketing, and fundraising specialists who are all dedicated to the cause and working together to improve and maintain our parks for current and future generations,” explains Diane, “not to mention, our incredibly supportive Buildings and Grounds Department here in Sea Girt.”

Even with all the talent they have, there are significant challenges ahead to achieve SGC’s goals.  “When parks are overrun with invasive species, they can’t last as individual healthy ecosystems.  We need these important places to endure for generations to come and they will need to be maintained.”

Diane Anthony

“When parks are overrun with invasive species, they can’t last as individual healthy ecosystems.
We need these important places to endure for generations to come and they will need to be maintained.”

For a quiet seaside community that is only 1.05 square miles, Sea Girt boasts a small but impressive list of municipal parks which include significant natural resources.  For now, the SGC is focusing on Edgemere and Crescent Parks.  Edgemere Park, situated along the Wreck Pond, boasts a history dating back to the Victorian Age and is remembered fondly by many long-time locals as a Boy Scout camping spot that was enjoyed by many generations. Crescent Park, located a stone’s throw from the beachfront, is a unique wooded park that offers passive and active recreation uses and represents one of the last remaining maritime forests in the area.

A visit to Edgemere Park will demonstrate the progress made by SGC, including the park entry way revitalized with fresh mulch and an array of newly planted native flowers and shrubs.  The group is working to remove a significant area of invasive species from the park to make way for native plants that will attract pollinators and other wildlife.  Additionally, they have plans to establish an outdoor classroom for the nearby school and other groups to enjoy.  The initial phases of the project are underway due to funding received from the Monmouth County Open Space Grant Program and numerous private donations.

SGC has just celebrated its first birthday in June and a fundraiser is planned for Saturday, July 24th at a private residence in Sea Girt.  To learn more and donate, visit the Sea Girt Conservancy website https://seagirtconservancy.org/.

Did you know?

In built-out communities like Sea Girt and many other Monmouth County municipalities, parkland stewardship is becoming increasingly important. Monmouth County has been a leader in acquiring land for parks, but the work doesn’t stop there. MCF is devoting increased attention and fundraising efforts to ensure our local parks are maintained, properly stewarded, and accessible for the people to enjoy.

New Source of Land Protection Funds to Buffer Naval Weapons Station Earle Is a Significant Opportunity and Challenge

Encompassing nearly 12,000 acres, Naval Weapons Station Earle is a huge military installation located in the middle of Monmouth County and in Sandy Hook Bay with one of the largest piers in the world. Although the base is an important military site, the property remains largely undeveloped and serves as one of the largest wooded areas in the county, providing a significant wildlife habitat. The area will remain a military base for the foreseeable future and the U.S. Department of Defense is actively working to permanently protect land around the base through a program known as the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program.

Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) and the County of Monmouth were awarded a total of $2,065,070 in funding through the REPI program from two allocations of funding in 2018 and 2019. The funding, to permanently protect land that buffers the military installation, must be spent within a five-year period and must be matched from other sources of funding.

The REPI program marks a significant opportunity for MCF, the County of Monmouth, and municipalities near the base to access a new funding source to protect a large land area around the installation.  The map below shows eligible areas buffering the installation and where land is targeted for protection. MCF has identified several large land parcels for protection and is actively negotiating with interested landowners. Land is protected through a legal document that will restrict further development and uphold conservation values found on the property. Interested landowners must be willing to sign the land protection agreement.

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The challenge remains to identify matching funds and obtain them in order to access the REPI-awarded $2,065,070.

MCF is working with Monmouth County and municipal partners, as well as private parties, to match the REPI funds and protect land through the REPI program. If MCF and other partners are successful in preserving land around the installation with the awarded and matching funds, this may become a new stream of funding accessible to preservation partners when additional DOD REPI funds are granted.

To learn more and donate, please contact Karen Keene, MCF Development Director, at kkeene@monmouthconservation.org.

Monmouth Conservation Foundation’s Spring for Conservation

Thank you to all that attended our Spring for Conservation event on Saturday, May 15th 2021!  Thanks to our wonderful supporters and sponsors, we raised nearly $10,000 to continue our work of creating parks, saving open space, preserving farmland, safeguarding waterways, protecting wildlife, and teaching environmental sustainability.  Bayonet Farms in Holmdel was the perfect location for the outdoor barbecue and family friendly event.  MCF is thrilled that the day was enjoyed by many new and old friends! It was exciting to see people of all ages come together to enjoy a beautiful day in support of our mission.

We look forward to holding the event again next year!

Thank you to the event sponsors

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Brookdale Student’s New Garden Addresses Needs of Two Populations in Crisis - Butterflies & Students

Maeve Maguire, pictured above in the garden during the construction phase, is the driving force behind Brookdale’s Butterfly Garden, set to open on May 11th on the Brookdale Campus in Lincroft.

Maeve Maguire, pictured above in the garden during the construction phase, is the driving force behind Brookdale’s Butterfly Garden, set to open on May 11th on the Brookdale Campus in Lincroft.

“Mental health has been a problem among college students even before the pandemic,” explained Maeve Maguire, a Brookdale student, President of The Innovation Network, and driving force behind the establishment of a new Butterfly Garden located at the Brookdale Campus in Lincroft. 

“The pandemic only made an existing problem worse and now a lot of students are struggling from the change, loss, and isolation exacerbated by the pandemic.  Originally, the idea was to create a butterfly garden to address their decline.  Then the pandemic made it clear that students needed a place to boost their mental health while on-campus and I realized that the garden would also make the perfect meditation space.”

After determination and perseverance through the pandemic, the Butterfly Garden is set to open in May 2021.

“Originally, the idea was to create a garden to attract butterflies due to the sharp decrease in butterfly populations, but with so many students suffering with anxiety and depression, I knew I wanted to create a garden on campus to provide a place to support, not just butterflies, but students in need.” Maeve went on to explain.

In addition to hosting an array of butterfly attracting native plants, the garden will host meditation and other mindfulness events open to Brookdale students.

Numerous studies point to what many of us intrinsically know, that nature helps improve our mental health and overall sense of wellbeing.  The simple act of sitting in a garden has powerful and swift impacts on our central nervous system that can quickly calm a worried mind. 

The garden boasts a colorful and fragrant array of native plants that is sure to attract butterflies, particularly Monarchs, that are facing sharp declines in population numbers due to loss of natural habitat, climate change, and pesticide usage. 

The garden, opening for the first time on May 11th, will provide a much needed reflective, restful, and environmentally sustainable place for students and butterflies to enjoy.

Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) congratulates Maeve, The Innovation Network, and Brookdale Community College on the grand opening of the garden.  MCF promotes the important role that nature helps in the health of people and wildlife.  For more information about how to plant a butterfly garden in your backyard or community, please visit our website that provides a plant list and other information.  

 

The Facts:

  • Mental health studies reveal that as many as 71% of college students reported an increased level of stress, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

  • The number of migratory  Eastern Monarch Butterflies declined 80% over the past two years per the Center for Biological Diversity.  

  • Studies show that spending time in nature significantly improves mental health of patients suffering from major depression.

Remembering George

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I really enjoyed reminiscing on the porch with George Callan the day this photo was taken shortly after his landmark farm in Holmdel was preserved in 2018.  George shared many stories with me about what the area was like years ago and how much he and his wife, Margie, enjoyed living on the farm. 

George recalled when as far as he could see, farms dotted the roads here in Holmdel. The fields, one after another, full of dazzling strawberries in early summer, corn, tomatoes, and cucumbers in the summer, and in the fall, brilliant sunflowers, and pumpkins.

“Fresh, local, healthy and delicious food—where you know who grows it and how it’s grown—that’s what made this area so special,” reflects George, “We knew our neighbors and the land grew amazing things.” For George, and his wife Margie’s family, New Jersey really was the “Garden State.” Margie’s family had farmed the land here in Monmouth County for almost 150 years—George was a new-comer when he married Margie 60 plus years ago and started farming with her.

But It turns out that fantastic, “it can grow anything”, farmland is also a place where it’s easy to grow houses and George knew that the farm had to be protected.

“I know people need places to live,” explains George, “but we also have to conserve some of the best land for our community’s well-being. Once this land is gone, and under housing, it’s never coming back.”

Staring across the porch, where he and his wife had enjoyed countless warm evenings, George explained to me that “This is a place of amazing history, something that just shouldn’t be paved over. Margie’s grandfather and father, while plowing with work horses, discovered arrowheads, pre-dating the Lenape people who lived here hundreds of years ago. Margie and I have so much respect for those ancient people, they are part of this county’s legacy too.”

In April 2021, after a lifetime of farming and enjoying the land, George passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on the farm that he and Margie preserved.  Now their farm stands as a last remembrance of the area’s agrarian past and an opportunity for a new, young, farmer to take over the reins.

“Margie and I used to talk about it. If we did nothing, we knew this land would eventually go under the axe, just like all the other farms did in this area. That’s a loss for clean water, for wildlife, for our community.” George explained. 

So, George and Margie decided to conserve their farm as a gift to future generations and a tribute to all those who have been there before them.

“No matter what happens, this farm will now remain part of this community, as a farm or as open space,” reflected George, “Margie and I always wanted that.”

I am truly grateful that George made the decision to preserve their family farm and that it will forever stand as a reminder of the rural past of the area.  One of my favorite parts of my job is getting to know people like George who understand the importance of protecting our remaining lands. 

In Remembrance,
William D. Kastning, AICP
Executive Director

Howell Township & Monmouth Conservation Foundation Create New Parks as Development Pressure Soars

This wooded tract of land on Fort Plains Road in Howell Township was just purchased on March 18th, 2021 to become a passive park area.  Just next door, a new house development is under construction.

This wooded tract of land on Fort Plains Road in Howell Township was just purchased on March 18th, 2021 to become a passive park area.  Just next door, a new house development is under construction.

Howell Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey

New residential and warehouse construction is occurring all over the area and Howell Township is no exception.  Despite this, new parks and park additions are on the rise in Howell Township.  On March 18, 2021, Howell Township purchased a 35-acre property on Fort Plains Road through a partnership among the township, Monmouth Conservation Foundation (“MCF”), and the New Jersey Green Acres Program.  This accomplishment comes amidst climbing real estate values in Monmouth County as families from New York City and northern New Jersey have increased demand for housing.  As a result, developers are seeking to build on the remaining undeveloped land in the area.

“Development pressure in Howell has been intense for decades, the pandemic only intensified the trend,” explained Councilwomen Evelyn O’Donnell and Pamela Richmond “as our community grows, we recognized the need for a plan to ensure we have adequate parks, trails, and farms in Howell.  After all, it’s the reason so many people decided to live here in the first place and we want to ensure it remains a sought-after place to live.”

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In this competitive development market, land preservation doesn’t happen by accident, it often takes years of planning and partnerships to locate suitable properties and to obtain the funds to purchase the land.  For over 20 years, Howell Township has teamed up with MCF, a nonprofit land trust, founded in 1977, dedicated to strategically create and expand parks, preserve farms, and protect natural resources throughout the township.  Howell Township contributed $525,000, MCF $50,000, and Green Acres $575,000 to permanently protect the wooded Fort Plains Road tract of land that could have been developed into a large-scale residential development, increased traffic and congestion significantly on the now rural road.

“It takes a winning team of players dedicated to open space success to make these projects happen.  We are happy to be a part of the winning partnership with Howell Township to preserve yet another property for the community to enjoy,” remarked William D. Kastning, Executive Director of Monmouth Conservation Foundation.

Over the past year, Howell Township has preserved three different properties in partnership with MCF and other partners.  In addition to this 35-acre parcel on Fort Plains Road just acquired, other recent projects include the preservation of a 9.5-acre property on Lakewood Allenwood Road in December 2020 to expand Deerwood Park, and a 4-acre addition to Bear Swamp Natural Area, located on Maxim Road, preserved in October 2020.

But the progress doesn’t stop there!  MCF and Howell Township continue to work together to create more parkland and preserve additional farms through projects currently in the pipeline.  A partnership with the Department of Defense is also in the works to protect land around Naval Weapons Station Earle.  MCF continues to raise private funds from donors in the community, which in combination with state and local government funding, are leveraged to purchase and protect parks, open spaces, and farmland.

“We are dedicated to ensuring Howell remains a wonderful community for its residents and we must continue to find opportunities to protect our remaining natural areas and ensure residents continue to have access to safe outdoor places to enjoy,” remarked Pamela Richmond, township council member, confirming Howell’s ongoing dedication to protecting open space and farmland in the township.

Monmouth Conservation Foundation partners with municipalities throughout the county to increase access to parks, open space, and farmland.  For more information about Monmouth Conservation Foundation and how they can help in your community, please visit www.monmouthconservation.org.

Recognizing African American History at Allentown’s Newest Park

“The theme of the park is inclusive history” said Allison Arnone, Chairwoman of the Allentown Open Space and Parks Committee and Secretary of the Historic Preservation Review Commission.

“The theme of the park is inclusive history” said Allison Arnone, Chairwoman of the Allentown Open Space and Parks Committee and Secretary of the Historic Preservation Review Commission.

In the westernmost reach of Monmouth County is the charming historic Borough of Allentown.  The municipality is brimming with history, including the story of many African American residents from the period preceding the Civil War when Allentown was once a stop on the Underground Railroad.

In celebration of African American History Month, MCF wishes to acknowledge one particular member of the Allentown community, Sgt. George Ashby, who became New Jersey’s last surviving Civil War veteran, and the namesake of the newest park in Allentown.  In 2016, MCF dedicated funding towards the purchase of the land that is now being transformed into a beautiful neighborhood park, in the borough’s downtown, that honors Sgt. George Ashby and his contributions.

Sgt. George Ashby was born in 1844 and died in 1946 at ripe old age of 102.  He was a Black farmer that tilled the fields in the area around Allentown that is known even today for having some of the most fertile agricultural soils in New Jersey.  It is hard to imagine the incredible risks he must have taken when at age 19, he joined the Union Army in 1864, to fight for his country and face the possibility of slavery if captured in the South at that time.

After serving with the 45th U.S. Colored Infantry and managing to survive the battles that ultimately led to the Union Army winning the Civil War, he was promoted to sergeant and returned to Allentown where he lived out the remainder of his life.

It is no wonder that the citizens of Allentown voted in 2016 to name the new park, located adjacent to the cemetery where Ashby and many other members of the black community from that time, are buried.

Photo of Sgt. George Asbhy on his porch with a rifle.  Photo provided by John Fabiano from the Monmouth County Archives.

Photo of Sgt. George Asbhy on his porch with a rifle.  Photo provided by John Fabiano from the Monmouth County Archives.

The three-acre park is currently undergoing several phases of construction before it is completed and will feature reflective walkways through the center of the park that will lead to a monument overlooking the African American cemetery.  Upon completion, the park will include numerous contemplative park design features for the public to recognize the contribution of Sgt. George Ashby and the presence of the African American cemetery adjacent to the park, while offering a place for passive enjoyment within the downtown.

After donating funds towards the initial purchase of the land to become a park in 2016, MCF is proud to be a part of this important project and applauds the work of borough residents to relate stories of the American Revolutionary period and the contributions of the local African American community.  The park has received grants in 2019 and 2020 through the Municipal Open Space Grant Program to fund the park development work necessary to transform the park from an empty lot into a beautiful place for the community to enjoy.

Photo from app.com Jerry Carino

Photo from app.com Jerry Carino

Why Neighborhood Parks Matter More than Ever & How Monmouth Conservation Foundation Is Helping

Kids playing at Springwood Avenue Park, located on the west-side of the city, that MCF helped fund in partnership with the County of Monmouth and City of Asbury Park in 2016.

Kids playing at Springwood Avenue Park, located on the west-side of the city, that MCF helped fund in partnership with the County of Monmouth and City of Asbury Park in 2016.

One silver lining of the pandemic has been the increase in people going outside and visiting parks.  Parks have taken on an entirely new importance in our lives as they serve as an option for social interaction for children and adults alike as we continue to endure through this pandemic.  For those of us blessed with beautiful patios and garden spaces, we have never utilized them more as we all strive for places to safely socially distance while trying to remain connected to the people we love.  But what about people that don’t have access to yards and outdoor spaces of their own?  Where do they go for fresh air or a stroll to clear their head during these trying times?  For the many people in our community living in spaces with little natural light or private outdoor options, access to parks within walking distance to their homes has taken on critical importance.  Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) believes that access to safe, outdoor spaces is a basic human right and is working to create and revitalize existing neighborhood parks – now more important than ever.

The importance of neighborhood parks in our suburban and urban areas of Monmouth County is not lost on MCF.  It is our goal to ensure everyone in our communities has access to safe outdoor spaces, ideally within walking distance to their residence.  In addition to the farms and rural open spaces we preserve and are perhaps better known for through our 44-year history as a community land trust in Monmouth County, creating and revitalizing neighborhood parks remains high on our priority list.

Here are two of the neighborhood park projects we are currently working on:

Jackson Woods Park, Long Branch

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The City of Long Branch, community advocates, and MCF have joined forces to bring a dynamic new vision to this wooded urban park to reality. The 13-acre oasis, located near the oceanfront within the north-end neighborhood of Long Branch, provides a quiet place for wildlife and pets, and reflection by people within an urban setting.   Its location next to a large apartment complex and a school, render it an important component of the neighborhood, providing a peaceful place for dog walking or a calm stroll after a long day.

When the park fell into disrepair, a group of residents acted and turned to MCF for help.  The City of Long Branch and community groups are now working towards the revitalization of the park into a thriving and well-maintained space for people of all ages to enjoy.  Improvements to date include a gazebo, improved parking area, and countless landscape beds.  Plans for 2021 include a significant upgrade to the trails within the park and installation of a butterfly garden.  Yet, more funding is needed to bring the full vision to reality for this unique urban space that will include sculptures, native plant beds, and security lighting to ensure safety for visitors and protection of newly installed park infrastructure.  Jackson Woods Park is the only wooded public green space for many of the residents that live nearby and we need financial assistance to complete a safe and vibrant passive recreation space for neighboring residents to enjoy.  To make a tax-deductible donation to support the revitalization of this park, please visit our website here:

Jackson Woods — MCF (monmouthconservation.org)

Shrewsbury Riverfront Park, Sea Bright

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After Superstorm Sandy washed away the former Anchorage Apartment complex that was once located on the one-acre site, the Borough of Sea Bright wanted the land to remain available to the public as open space.  The borough recognized the need for public access to the riverfront and joined forces with MCF to transform the land into a park for the entire community to enjoy.  Progress is already under way at the park, but 2021 will welcome more park improvements as fundraising efforts continue. The second phase of improvements at the park will include a shaded patio space, fish cleaning station for the vibrant fishing community in the area, and various walkways to allow for passive enjoyment of the beautiful riverfront views and ocean breezes.  Surrounded by private beach clubs and residences, this small park is the only major public space along the riverfront available for fishing and passive enjoyment.  To make a tax-deductible donation to support the revitalization of this park, please visit our website here:

Shrewsbury River Park — MCF (monmouthconservation.org)

Do you know of a neighborhood park needed for your community?  MCF is looking to help communities in need of support to ensure everyone has access to a neighborhood park.  As your community land trust, we want to hear about the needs in your community.  Contact us at (732) 671-7000.

Great News! More Land Protected

Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) is excited to start off 2021 with the announcement of nearly 10 acres of land permanently protected in Howell Township.  The wooded tract of land was targeted by the Township of Howell to expand Deerwood Park, located adjacent to this newly acquired acreage.  Through MCF’s municipal assistance program, the necessary expertise was provided by staff to acquire the land in partnership with Howell Township for a total purchase price of $450,000.  MCF dedicated $100,000 of funding towards the total cost of the land.

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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

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.

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”.

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?

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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.

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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.

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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

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.

2019 Land Conservation Successes

2019 was such an excellent year for land preservation here at Monmouth Conservation Foundation.  We’d like to take a moment to reflect on the lands that were preserved this past year.  It’s important to note that MCF staff and partner organizations worked on these projects for years before successfully completing them:

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McDowell (Wall Township) – MCF worked with the State of NJ Green Acres Program to acquire 190 acre tract of natural habitat as an addition to Allaire State Park. The closing occurred in August 2019 and the total purchase price was $3,819,000.

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De Groot Farm (Colts Neck Township) – MCF worked with the County of Monmouth, the State Agriculture Development Committee and the Township of Colts Neck to acquire a farmland easement on 42 acres on Route 34 in Colts Neck. The closing occurred in September 2019 and the total purchase price was $1,604,772.

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Druesne Farm (Colts Neck Township) – MCF worked with the County of Monmouth, the State Agriculture Development Committee and the Township of Colts Neck to acquire a farmland easement on 20-acres on Route 537 in Colts Neck. The closing occurred in October 2019 and the total purchase price was $1,012,940.

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Shark River Hills Estates (Neptune Township) – MCF worked with Neptune Township and the NJ Green Acres Program to acquire 3 acres near the Shark River for public open space, storm surge protection, and water access. The closing occurred in November 2019 and the total purchase price was $1,255,000.

None of these projects would be possible without the commitment of donors like you and our board of trustees.  It is the shared commitment to the mission that unites us all in this important work.  Thank you for making 2019 a wonderful year!

Protect the Planet While You Shop!

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SUSTAINABLE STYLE

by CINDY WEBER-CLEARY

When you hear the words “eco-friendly fashion,” do visions of crunchy, shapeless garments made of hemp dance in your head? Time for a reality check!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The advent of “fast fashion,” which allows mass brands such as Zara, H&M, ASOS and Forever 21 to offer their customers on-trend styles at very low prices, bolstered the illusion that fashion is a disposable commodity. Instead of the seasonal model of manufacturing, these companies produce an almost-constant stream of new items. The short inventory cycle and cheap price tags entice shoppers to return to these stores and websites every few weeks to view incoming designs and to make new “guilt-free” — in terms of cost — purchases. Social media compounded the problem. When users of sites such as Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook embraced the “selfie,” few wanted to be seen wearing the same outfit more than once or twice.

In a recent interview with journalist Bridget Foley of Women’s Wear Daily, fashion designer Stella McCartney said, “We literally wear fast fashion a maximum of three times before it becomes landfill or is burned. That’s … a truckload of fast fashion every second being incinerated into our Earth” (wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/bridget-foleys-diary-stella-on-sustainability-1203114682).

Some fast-fashion brands have taken steps to mitigate their environmental footprint. In 2010, H&M launched its first Conscious Collection, using organic cotton and recycled materials, and earlier this year announced the new line will be available worldwide. In 2013, the company introduced a garment collection program that encourages shoppers to turn in used clothing in return for store vouchers. Other companies, such as Patagonia, The North Face and American Eagle Outfitters, followed suit (saturdayeveningpost.com/2018/01/ready-waste-americas-clothing-crisis).


HOW AND WHERE TO SHOP

It’s hard to say whether it’s better to drive to a store to shop versus shopping online. Overall, consumer shopping trips may be more detrimental to the environment depending on several variables including the distance driven. Shopping locally is always a good option. Designer Eileen Fisher (eileenfisher.com) has been at the forefront of the sustainability movement for decades. According to her company’s website, “by 2050, the global economy is projected to consume three planets’ worth of resources annually. To change that trajectory, we’re committing to less. Leaving less fabric waste on the cutting room floor. Using less water; emitting less carbon. And we’re investing in renewable energy and cutting our reliance on air shipping.” Misha Nonoo, a relatively new designer (mishanonoo.com), offers another environmentally friendly business model: made-to-order, or “on demand,” goods. Instead of producing large batches of clothing, her eponymous company produces garments after they have been ordered, thus reducing waste and harm to the environment.

As Brian Bolke, founder of The Conservatory, a concept store that combines on and offline shopping at New York’s Hudson Yards development (theconservatorynyc.com), sees it, “It’s fine to buy stuff online that you know you are going to use, such as paper towels or dog food. Your time is worth money, after all. But when it comes to fashion, free shipping and free returns are terrible. People order things in multiple sizes and return what doesn’t fit. I say, touch it and try it before you buy it.” The Conservatory partners with sustainable brands and offers a highly curated selection of clothing, home goods and beauty products for both men and women. Customers can visit the store, touch and try on the clothing goods (for many items, The Conservatory is the only opportunity to do this before purchasing), and place an order to be delivered to them directly, thus eliminating the environmentally damaging effects of online returns. Some in-store items are stocked and can be carried home.

Clothing-rental sites, such as Rent the Runway (renttherunway.com), and consignment and resale sites, such as The RealReal (therealreal.com) and thredUP (thredup.com), also help to extend the life of a garment, as do clothing swap events and vintage stores. It’s part of what’s called “the circular economy” and “collaborative consumption.”

The bottom line is not to stop shopping altogether, but to be more mindful about your purchases: Try to buy fewer, better-made garments that you truly love and that you will wear for a long time as opposed to this season’s “must-have” items. Buy more than one item at a time when possible. When ordering online, plan ahead so you aren’t opting for same-day or next-day shipping. Do some research about the manufacturer’s sustainability practices and whether they use eco-friendly packaging. And remember to donate your unwanted clothing — if the items are in decent condition — to organizations such as Goodwill or Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA.org). Garments that are torn or stained can often be recycled too at specific locations. Check your local recycling center or clothing bank.

ECO-FRIENDLY
FASHION FINDS

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STELLA MCCARTNEY - Keep calm and carry on … the fight for sustainable practices! Made of faux leather and lined with recycled polyester, this iconic tote bag from British designer Stella McCartney signals your commitment to the environment. Ruby Red Falabella Shaggy Deer Tote $695.00 SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM

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ALBERTA FERRETTI - Get your message across, loud and clear! This heartwarming sweater is made with recycled cashmere and certified recycled yarn. It's part of the brand's, Love Me eco-capsule collection, which expresses a love for the Earth. “It's a Wonderful World” Sweater $595.00 THECONSERVATORYNYC.COM

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ALLBIRDS
A soft, wool men’s runner with laces made of recycled polyester, this shoe has super powers! It’s washable, breathable, wicks moisture and minimizes odor. Men’s Wool Runner (Color: Natural Grey) $95.00 ALLBIRDS.COM

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SOKO
Make a bold statement with a chainlink necklace of recycled brass and ethically sourced horn and wood. Malindi Charm Collar Necklace $115.00 SHOPSOKO.COM

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EILEEN FISHER
Effortlessly chic and as comfy as a bathrobe, this charcoal wool topper meets The Responsible Wool Standard, ensuring that the land on which the sheep live is protected. Brushed Wool Doubleface Shawl Collar Coat $598.00 EILEENFISHER.COM

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BAUME
Keep up with the times by sporting a timepiece made from upcycled multiple materials, including skateboard and ocean plastics. Baume Moonphase Watch $630.00 THECONSERVATORYNYC.COM

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RILEY STUDIO
Pay it forward with kindness. Crafted of recycled cotton fibers that come from waste, including yarn discards and fabric scraps, this unisex t-shirt celebrates equality. "Human Kind" Classic T-shirt (Color: Forest) $52.00 RILEY.STUDIO

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PATAGONIA
Calling all outdoorsmen! Stay cozy and dry in an ultra-light, recycled nylon puffer with a water-repellent finish. M’s Micro Puff Hoody (Color: Balkan Blue) $349.00 PATAGONIA.COM

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EVERLANE
Get ready for the weekend in this feel-good fleece pullover made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. ReNew Sherpa Fleece (Color: Dark Navy) $60.00 EVERLANE.COM

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ACE & JIG - Give yourself a color boost! This puffy-sleeved blouse is to jeans what peanut butter is to jelly: the perfect complement. Woven and custom yarn-dyed in India by the brand’s ethical manufacturer partners, it’s 99% cotton with gold flecks of metallic yarn. Goldie Blouse (Fabric: Rhumba) $235.00 ACEANDJIG.COM

 

In the spirit of holiday shopping, we hope you will shop at Boon Supply. It is a terrific site that donates 40% of every purchase back to MCF! There is a terrific array of clever, sustainable items for everyone on your list - all at very modest price points.  Simply click here and please be sure to share with friends and family.

 
 

The other link we LOVE is Mab & Stoke who will plant a tree for each person who joins their waitlist. www.mabandstoke.com - don’t forget to forward and share!

The more green you spend, the more green you save. Thank you!

Neptune Adds a New Waterfront Park

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Neptune Township and Monmouth Conservation Foundation are pleased to announce the creation of a new waterfront park in Neptune Township

At a time when sustainability and waterfront access have never been more important, Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) teamed up with the State of New Jersey Green Acres Program and the Township of Neptune to create a 2.5-acre public waterfront park along the Shark River in the Shark River Hills section of Neptune Township. The property was approved to be developed into a 9-lot single family subdivision had the land not been preserved.

After the area was submerged during Superstorm Sandy, Neptune Township officials lead the effort to ensure the property did not become developed. The location of the land, adjacent to the already popular municipal marina, made it the perfect location for a new park that not only creates new recreation opportunities for the community, but also ensures the landscape remains undeveloped to mitigate against future storm damage. Monmouth Conservation contributed $127,000 of private funding to the overall purchase price of $1,255,000. The remaining funding was provided by the Township of Neptune and the State Green Acres Program.

“Public access to the waterfront and sustainability are two driving priorities of Monmouth Conservation when choosing projects we preserve. It was a no-brainer for MCF to provide funding to ensure this land along the Shark River was preserved. However, it would not have been possible without the thought leadership, vision and sustainability planning efforts shown by the Township of Neptune,” explained William D. Kastning, Executive Director for Monmouth Conservation.

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“It is a gift for our residents, especially our young people, to be able to explore this beautiful natural park. There is a time for development and a time for preserving land just for enjoying the richness of our environment. We are so very fortunate to have a staff of professionals who understand and appreciate the importance of preservation and I do wish to acknowledge Mr. Gadaleta [Neptune Township Administrator] for his commitment to driving this initiative,” remarked Mayor Carol Rizzo.

“I’m proud to see Neptune Township continuing its conservation efforts by securing this waterfront land for public access. It’s important to protect our open spaces for future generations to enjoy, and I’m grateful for Neptune’s excellent leadership in environmental protection within Monmouth County,” remarked Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling, Chairman of the Agriculture and Natural Resource Committee, lifelong resident, former Mayor of Neptune Township and dedicated environmental advocate for District 11.

Contact Monmouth Conservation Foundation for more information about land preservation at www.monmouthconservation.org or (732) 671-7000.

NATURE’S SPEAKEASY -by TAMSIN SMITH

“I laughed. I laughed because I did not believe that we could stop Mother Nature.”

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The quote above comes from John McPhee’s The Control of Nature, a seminal account of various battles in which human beings pit their ingenuity against the Earth’s lava flows, flooding rivers and tectonic shifts. I discovered this wise and beautiful book when it first came out in 1989; I was fresh out of college and hungry to chart a new path, one no longer dependent on the place and people from which I’d come. Even then, I sensed that the hubris of the book’s civil engineers might be an echo of my stubborn relentless drive to control my own future. That intuition stuck with me and has become fundamental to thinking about human behavior and how to direct and harness it for the collective better.

1988 was the first year the global concentration of carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere averaged 350 parts per million, a level seen by some climatologists as the tipping point of irreversibility. The Exxon Valdez oil spill followed in 1989, and that same year was the last time the now-extinct golden toad was ever spotted. Where are we now? In May of 2019, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere eclipsed 414 parts per million for the first time in human history. The temperature near the entrance to the Arctic Ocean in northwest Russia surged to 84 degrees Fahrenheit.

In California, where I live, drought, flooding and catastrophic fire may not be new phenomena, but recent devastating examples only make our efforts to establish dominion over nature seem that much more insanely self-defeating.

Scientific data confirms what we know inherently to be true through experience and observation: we are out of balance with ourselves, with each other and with the lifegiving force of nature. In seeking to wrest control, we have lost it. And, yet, here we are, agreeing that Conservation Matters Now! I am writing, you are reading, and countless others are working across all sectors of society and in all corners of the globe to restore the vital symbiosis between human and planetary health.

I look back over my years of tackling large scale social challenges and see a through-line; the environmental movement does not lack brilliant voices and compelling data, but it’s difficult to drive mainstream shifts in behavior and mass political support in that people tend to have a visceral dislike for the words “no” and “stop.” We act like teenagers resisting Mother Nature’s wise counsel. And, yet, it’s also clear that reconciliation is something we crave at a cellular and spiritual level. I’ve found that a gentle nudge is often more powerful than threats.

“How we connect each person to the plants, the ocean, the air that sustains us, is a creative challenge, but one we must meet.”

Depressing images and guilt-inducing appeals may work once, but generally they make people run away or give up entirely. Human beings like to feel good. The pleasure principle was a key element in the DNA of (RED), a pro-social brand collaboration that I launched in 2006 with Bono and Bobby Shriver. To date, (RED) has generated over $600 million and impacted over 140 million lives. At a certain level, the result of this movement has gone well beyond (RED)’s specific target of helping eliminate HIV/AIDS in Africa. Everyday shoppers now widely vote with their wallets, and more businesses see activism as an essential evolution beyond basic corporate responsibility. Key to this transformation was the notion of making the purposeful choice every bit as desirable — if not more so — than the generic alternative.

It’s up to all of us to seek and demand more truly sustainable alternatives. But for those of us who build companies and run nonprofits, let’s remember that human nature and responsible action will align if the message is positive. How we tell the story restores a sense of innate power. How we connect each person to the plants, the ocean, the air that sustains us, is a creative challenge, but one we must meet with the best of our inspirational and innovative capacity. Transformation depends on can-do energy. Nature abhors a vacuum, and so does the human spirit.