Welcome to the Scudder Preserve

90 Acres of Natural Wonder in Middletown Township

The Scudder Preserve remains open to the public. All visitors to the preserve are encouraged to wear blaze orange through the hunting season. Deer hunting through the use of bows will be occurring at the preserve from October 2024 through February 15th, 2025.

Photo by Kevin Knecht

Photo by Kevin Knecht

Photo by Jena Cosimo

A Brief History of Scudder and MCF

It started as a wildlife haven when the Scudder Family began donating conservation easements in 1983 on their beloved grounds to MCF and later gifted the property outright to New Jersey Audubon (NJA).

In April 2024, MCF achieved a historic milestone, becoming landowners for the first time as new owners of the Scudder Preserve, marking a new chapter in our commitment to preserving Monmouth County's natural treasures.

MCF now proudly stewards this nature preserve that serves as a beacon for outdoor enthusiasts and community members alike.

MCF is grateful to have secured a $1 million donation in August 2023 from an anonymous donor in support of costs related to the Scudder Preserve, including improvement to infrastructure, maintenance needs, as well as general operating expenses.

Thanks to a visionary partnership with New Jersey Resources (NJR), our future at the Scudder Preserve is brighter than ever. Their generous $500,000 pledge over five years will fuel such vital initiatives as:

  • Completing a comprehensive natural resource inventory

  • Implementing a restoration and management plan

  • Crafting a climate-resilient public access strategy

  • Launching an innovative educational outreach program

Together, we're planting seeds for a vibrant future. Building on our dedication to land preservation and open space, the Scudder Preserve will become a living laboratory where educators, students, and conservationists can thrive. Join us on this journey of discovery and conservation.

Help us unlock the potential of the Scudder Preserve.

If you have questions about Scudder Preserve, please contact us at: info@monmouthconservation.org or call us: 732-671-7000.

Photo by Jena Cosimo

Get Involved

MCF invites you to engage in our conservation efforts at the Scudder Preserve. Your support is invaluable to our commitment to restore and protect this natural sanctuary.

For more information about Scudder Preserve, our conservation efforts, and ways you can help support charitable MCF’s conservation work throughout Monmouth County, please contact us. Together, we can ensure that Scudder Preserve remains a sanctuary for wildlife and a treasured space for our community.

Photo by Jena Cosimo

Photo by Karen Keene