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.
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