open space & farmland
Since our founding in 1977, MCF has assisted in the preservation of nearly 9,700 acres of open space and farmland, including more than 4,400 acres or one-quarter of Monmouth County Parklands. Preserving a property can take years – even a decade or more – from the first conversation with the landowner. MCF serves a valuable role, maintaining longstanding relationships with landowners and government partners.
Our contribution is sometimes imperceptible in facilitating land preservation projects, while at other times we are the prominent driving force. In every instance, for land preservation to be successful, we must be supported by funding and through critical partnerships.
Recent Preservation Projects
As Monmouth County’s only countywide land trust, Monmouth Conservation Foundation’s overarching mission is to create a permanent legacy of open space and to protect the natural habitat and wildlife throughout the county for our generation and future generations.
Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1977 by Michael Huber and Judith Stanley, Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) has directly preserved thousands of acres throughout Monmouth County. The conservation and preservation of land creates a better quality of life – protecting the character of Monmouth County for everyone to appreciate and benefit.
Spinella Farm, Colts Neck (84-Acres)
In 2025, through partnership with the U.S. Navy through the Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program, Monmouth County, and Colts Neck Township, MCF successfully secured the long-term protection of Spinella Farm, an 84-acre agricultural and natural landscape in Colts Neck. This collaboration placed a permanent conservation easement on the property, ensuring it will remain free from development and be preserved as a working farm, critical wildlife habitat, and water-quality resource in perpetuity. The REPI partnership uniquely aligns environmental conservation with regional defense planning by buffering nearby Naval Weapons Station Earle, enhancing both ecological integrity and national security.
Nestled between Creamery and Phalanx Roads and bordering the Swimming Ricer watershed, Spinella Farm supports a mosaic of fields, forests, and a tributary critical to the area’s drinking water supply and ecological network. Despite significant pressure to sell the land for development, the Spinella family was committed to protecting the agricultural heritage and natural beauty of the area. This landmark project underscores how strategic partnerships and conservation easements can protect natural landscapes and farmland. Learn more about Spinella Farm.
Overbrook Farm, Colts Neck (235-Acres)
In 2023, MCF celebrated the permanent protection of this storied 235-acre thoroughbred horse farm abutting Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle via the Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program. This was one of two inaugural projects of this public-private partnership among the US Navy, Monmouth County, MCF, and local townships, in this case, Colts Neck. These lands were secured through permanent conservation and agricultural easements granted by willing landowners, eager to keep them free from development.
The REPI Program provides cost-sharing support that pairs federal funding with contributions from county, municipal, and nonprofit partners to protect landscapes that support wildlife habitat, farmland, forests, and natural hydrology, while strengthening regional security and resilience. By limiting future development and safeguarding these properties for conservation and agricultural use, the project supports both environmental stewardship and community well-being. Learn more about Overbrook Farm.
Freneau Woods Park Addition, Aberdeen (22 Acres)
MCF partnered with the Monmouth County Park System, local landowners, and supporting agencies to expand Freneau Woods Park with the addition of 22 acres of permanently protected land in late 2024. This property, one of the last undeveloped parcels in the area, was acquired by the County through fee purchase with support from MCF and reflects a shared commitment to conserving natural landscapes in a densely populated region of New Jersey. The addition ensures more space for hiking and wildlife observation while protecting the park’s ecological integrity.
Freneau Woods Park has over 330 acres of contiguous woodlands, fields, and water-linked habitats that protect the headwaters of Matawan Creek and Lake Lefferts; crucial natural watershed resources. MCF facilitated landowner conversations and supported the acquisitions necessary to expand the park’s footprint, alongside the NJ DEP Green Acres Program, the Trust for Public Land, and local municipalities. Learn more about Freneau Woods Park Addition.
Wooded Open Space, North Middletown (3 Acres)
In partnership with Middletown Township, in 2024 MCF created a new permanent public open space on a three-acre forested parcel in North Middletown. Originally zoned for commercial use, the property was donated to MCF in 2020. MCF and the Township reached a shared vision for the site, protecting it for passive recreation and ecological value. The Township will now place the property on its Recreation and Open Space Inventory (ROSI), permanently safeguarding its use as parkland and marking a meaningful expansion of green space in the community, offering a natural oasis amid commercial surroundings. Learn more about this space in North Middletown.
Millstone Park Addition, Millstone (122-Acres)
In 2023, MCF collaborated with Millstone Township, Monmouth County, and the NJ DEP Green Acres Program to complete the permanent protection of a 122-acre addition to Millstone Park in western Monmouth County. This high-priority parcel was acquired through a fee purchase and protects one of the largest remaining undeveloped tracts in the area – land that otherwise was fated to become a 12-lot residential subdivision. Committed to preserving open space, MCF contributed substantial funding toward the acquisition.
Located along Trenton-Lakewood and Spring Roads, the preserved acreage includes 86-acres of fertile farm fields with prime agricultural soils and a 36-acre forested tract featuring century-old woodlands, freshwater wetlands, and Ivanhoe Brook. This landscape supports important wildlife habitat, enhances groundwater and drinking water protection for private wells in the area, and connects directly to existing municipal and state open space holdings. As part of Millstone Park’s expanded footprint, the land will support future trail extensions, passive recreation, and conservation of natural and cultural resources for visitors. Learn more about this addition to Millstone Park.
Stivala Family Farm, Colts Neck (19 acres)
In 2022, together with the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC), Monmouth County, and Colts Neck Township, MCF celebrated the permanent protection of the Stivala Farm, a cherished agricultural property in Colts Neck. The Stivala family first purchased the property in the early 1980’s and were passionate about preserving its agricultural use for future generations. Today, the farm’s approximately 19 acres of productive fields, orchards, and sustainably managed pastures reflect decades of stewardship and a deep connection to the land. Its location adjacent to DeGroot Farm, another preserved property in the region, strengthens a critical agricultural corridor in Colts Neck, contributing to the rural character and environmental health of the community. Learn more about the Stivala Farm.
Coe Property, Middletown (25 Acres)
This beautiful property with a historic house and significant conservation value was a wonderful example of a private and public partnership. MCF worked with Impact OASIS (now OASIS tlc – (Ongoing Autistic Success in Society), NY/NJ Baykeeper, NJ DEP Green Acres Program, and Middletown Township to preserve this environmentally sensitive 25-acre site. IMPACT/Oasis purchased the house and the surrounding acreage, and the Township retained ownership of the remainder for a park. Today, OASIS tlc is a thriving nonprofit on site, promoting the inclusion and acceptance of autistic individuals in their local communities by establishing environmentally exemplary farm centers that provide meaningful work, healthy and peaceful residences, and community interaction.
Our Properties
Scudder Preserve’s 90 acres of natural beauty in Middletown Township provide a local oasis and nature sanctuary for all to enjoy. Acquired by Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) in April 2024 as its first preserve, the site will soon offer the public access to passive recreation activities such as hiking, bird watching, nature study, horseback riding, and wildlife photography.
Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1977 by Michael Huber and Judith Stanley, Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) has directly preserved thousands of acres throughout Monmouth County. The conservation and preservation of land creates a better quality of life – protecting the character of Monmouth County for everyone to appreciate and benefit.
Our ongoing charge is to steadfastly continue that mission and serve our community to make Monmouth County an even more extraordinary place to live.
CHRIS’ RIVER PLAZA MARINA
(now known as Swimming River Park)
Middletown Township / 14 acres / Completed in 2015
This waterfront property located in the River Plaza section of Middletown, will soon be transformed by the County of Monmouth into a beautiful park. Located just over the bridge from Red Bank, Swimming River Park will feature numerous passive recreational options, such as a boat launch and sledding hill.
FARIELLO PHASE 1 AND 2
(an addition to Freneau Woods Park)
Marlboro Township / 66 acres
This land is a set of properties acquired in furtherance of a new Monmouth County regional park called Freneau Woods Park. The property was purchased as a collaborative effort by the Monmouth County Park System and the Monmouth Conservation Foundation. To date, 154 acres have been purchased, being acquired like pieces of a puzzle, that with future acquisitions will one day become a 250-acre regional County Park.
ABERDEEN WILSON ASSOCIATES
{addition to Freneau Woods Park)
Aberdeen Township / 89 acres / Completed 2015
Aberdeen Wilson Associates is the largest acquisition of the Freneau Woods Park, comprised of 89 acres. MCF has partnered with the Monmouth County Park System, as well as the NY/NJ Baykeeper, to ensure this land is preserved for future generations. This new park will ultimately connect to the Henry Hudson Trail.
BAUM
Tinton Falls Borough / 10+ acres / Completed 2000
This property, which sat within Shark River Park, was acquired by the Monmouth County Park System with aid from MCF. The property has become an addition to Shark River Park.
BOWNE HOUSE EASEMENT
Middletown Township / 0.34 acres / Completed 1987
In MCF’s 10th Anniversary year, the historic Bowne House, located in the Leonardo section of Middletown, was purchased in an effort to preserve one of Monmouth County’s oldest homes. With the help of Mr. and Mrs. Sorenson, MCF placed a conservation easement on the property and exterior of the house to assure that the historic value of the house would be preserved.
BREZA ROAD
Upper Freehold Township & Allentown Borough / 101 acres
MCF assisted project partners in the acquisition of this property. The preservation of this site met the goals of both communities and provided a greenbelt and scenic vista between the historic village of Allentown and the surrounding municipality.
CHASE TRACT
Holmdel Township / 416 acres / Completed 2001
The Chase Tract was part of the original 1677 land grant to the Holmes family, from which Holmdel got its name. The property contains several historic homes and barns dating back to the 1700 and 1800’s including the foundation of a rare Anglo-Dutch barn. MCF, with help from Friends of Holmdel Open Space, the Monmouth County Park System, Holmdel, the State Agricultural Development Committee and Green Acres, raised $19 million to purchase the property from Chase Manhattan Bank. This beautiful land, which was saved from development, is now permanently preserved as part of Holmdel Park.
COE PROPERTY
Middletown Township / 25 acres / Completed 2011
This beautiful property with a historic house and significant conservation value was a wonderful example of a private and public partnership. MCF worked with IMPACT/Oasis, a non-profit group interesting in establishing a group home for young adults with autism, NY/NJ Baykeeper, Green Acres and Middletown to preserve this environmentally sensitive site. IMPACT/Oasis purchased the house and the surrounding acreage, and the Township retained ownership of the remainder for a park.
CONOVER CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
Wall Township / 14 acres
The pending purchase of an Agricultural Easement on this scenic family-owned Christmas Tree Farm contiguous to Conover Farm, will ensure that the farming heritage the Township is known for is forever remembered.
CONOVER FARM
Wall Township / 36 acres
The Agricultural Easement on this farm assisted in sustaining the overall environmental integrity of the area for generations to come.
DeNORMANDIE
Fair Haven Borough / 0.7 acres / Completed 2014
Located at the end of DeNormandie Avenue and fronting the Navesink River, this property is known as the Charles Williams Robard Estate and dates back to the pre-Civil War era. With its preservation, children and families now have direct access to the magnificent Navesink River.
DEY
Upper Freehold Township / 15+ acres / Completed 2001
More information coming soon.
DITTMAR EASEMENT
Colts Neck Township / 1.5 acres / Completed 2007
The Dittmar Family donated a conservation easement on this wooded parcel located on Bucks Mill Pond to MCF in order to preserve and protect the natural conditions and wildlife in the area. The property is contiguous to the already preserved Duck Hollow Farm, which has an agricultural easement over the farmstead area and a historical easement to protect the farmhouse, barns and outbuildings.
ELLIS EASEMENT
Middletown Township / 40 acres / Completed 2007
The Ellis Farm, formerly known as the Aulde House, is a breathtaking horse farm located in the Navesink area of Middletown. A conservation easement protecting this property was donated to MCF by the late Anne Haskell Ellis in her last will and testament. The preservation of the Farm, featuring scenic views of the Navesink River, ensures that the property will continue to serve as an important reminder of the rural and farming heritage of Monmouth County.
FISHERMAN’S COVE
Middletown Township / 40 acres / Completed 2005
MCF led the efforts to preserve this beautiful waterfront property located on the environmentally sensitive Claypit Creek. The property was preserved through a partnership with the Monmouth County Park System, Green Acres and Middletown. This property has become a beautiful addition to Hartshorne Woods Park and is known as the Claypit Creek extension.
FLEMER ENTITIES (FORMERLY PRINCETON NURSERIES)
Upper Freehold Township / 1,200 acres / Completed 2012
One of MCF’s most recent accomplishments, the preservation of Flemer Entities (formerly Princeton Nurseries) represents the largest tract of land preserved in Monmouth County — over 1,200 acres in Upper Freehold Township
GIAMBRONE FARM
West Long Branch Borough / 10 acres / Completed 1996
More information coming soon.
GIMBEL FARM
Middletown Township / 44 acres / Completed 2012
MCF purchased an agriculture easement on this 44-acre farm in Middletown Township with the help of the State Agriculture Development Committee and the Monmouth County Agricultural Development Board. The donation of a conservation easement on the remaining 6 acres of the farm from the Gimbel Family ensures that the property will forever remain as farmland and open space. The Gimbel tract is not only valuable to our farm community, but it also falls within the Foundation’s Navesink Highlands Greenway project area, which stretches from the shores of Atlantic Highlands to the inlets of the Navesink River and the farm landscapes of the Chapel Hill section of Middletown Township.
GOWER FARM
Upper Freehold Township / 82 acres / Completed 1989
More information coming soon.
GRAY FARM
Upper Freehold Township / 167 acres / Completed 1989
MCF assisted in permanently preserving this farmland through the Farmland Preservation Program, restricting the land to agricultural use only. This farm is the centerpiece of an agricultural district made up of contiguous farmlands along Crosswicks Creek.
HAIN
Howell Township / 11 small lots / Completed 2001
More information coming soon.
HALIFAX PIECE
Wall Township / 119 acres / Completed 1995
More information coming soon.
HAUSER FARM
Aberdeen Township / 22 acres / Completed 2012
The preservation of the Hauser Farm, located within the headwaters of the Matawan Creek, a tributary to the Raritan Bay, and consisting of wetlands and uplands, eliminated the construction of over 200 new housing units ensured that the Farm will forever exist in its natural state. Rich with wildlife, the property will become a passive recreational park with hiking trails and picnic and bird watching areas.
The Trust for Public Land, Monmouth County, the NJDEP Green Acres, the New York/New Jersey Baykeeper and the NJ Department of Natural Resources also participated in the acquisition.
HISTORIC BAIRD FARMSTEAD
Millstone Township / 7.5 acres / Completed 2012
The Historic Baird Farmstead is a Greek revival farmhouse dating back to 1836. Now owned by the Township, it will be utilized as a community cultural resource center focusing on the history of NJ agriculture and will showcase historic items once displayed at the Rutgers Museum of Agriculture. Project partners include Millstone Township and Monmouth County.
HISTORIC WALNFORD
Upper Freehold Township / 41 acres / Completed 1980
This historic mill site was donated to the Monmouth County Park System via MCF by Edward and Joanne Mullen. The structures at Walnford, rich with history, date back to the 1800s and reveal much about the changing culture and economy of the region during the last three centuries. Walnford is the centerpiece of the 1,500-acre Crosswicks Creek Greenway, which forms a narrow corridor of land around Crosswicks Creek.
HOLLY CREST FARM EASEMENT
Middletown Township / 37 acres / Completed 2008
MCF purchased an agricultural easement on Holly Crest Farm with the assistance of the State Agriculture Development Committee and the Monmouth County Agricultural Development Board. This scenic horse farm, which is now in the Farmland Preservation Program, is located in the Locust section of Middletown and was the first preserved farm in the town. The farm is contiguous to Huber Woods Park and is identified as an environmentally sensitive area.
HURLEY POND
Wall Township / 25 acres / Completed 1994
MCF assisted Wall Township with the acquisition of this property located on Hurley Pond for use as a Township park.
LANGEFELD DUTCH BULB COMPANY
Freehold Township / 375 acres / Completed 1990
MCF coordinated the sale of this open land bordering the upper reaches on the Manasquan River in Freehold. Thanks to financing from NJDEP Green Acres, Monmouth County, Freehold and MCF, the property is now part of the Manasquan River Greenway under the County’s Stream Valley Protection Plan.
MADSEN
Middletown Township / 10.5 acres / Completed 1999
More information coming soon.
MAHON EASEMENT
Middletown Township / 6 acres / Completed 2002
MCF assisted Middletown Township, the Monmouth County Park System and Green Acres in purchasing a conservation and trail easement on this scenic property adjacent to Huber Woods Park.
HUBER WOODS PARK
Middletown Township / 366 acres / Completed 1985
Overlooking the Navesink River and located in MCF’s Navesink Highland’s Greenway, Huber Woods Park (owned by Monmouth County Park System) was established in 1974 with a 118-acre gift of land from the Huber family and the J.M. Huber Corporation. In 1985 MCF assisted with the acquisition of additional land. Continued acquisitions and additional land donations have grown the Huber Woods Park to 366 acres of permanently preserved open space. The park features over 8 miles of multi-use trails and an Environmental Center, in addition to acres of woods and forests.
HUNT’S CROSSING EASEMENT
Middletown Township / 84 acres / Completed 1992
MCF placed a conservation easement on this property located on McClees Creek in the Navesink Highlands Greenway in order to protect valuable wetlands and floodplain areas, to prevent a 14 lot subdivision, and to preserve the character of the surrounding area. MCF created a unique scheme allowing the property to be developed with a substantially lower number of estate lots, limiting development to a total of four houses.
MARLU-TWITCHELL TRACT
Holmdel & Middletown Townships / 456 acres / Completed 1987
MCF joined residents and other groups, concerned about the protection of the County’s water supply and the impact of a proposed 450-unit development, by assisting the Monmouth County Park System in acquiring and protecting this farmland on the Swimming River Reservoir in Holmdel and Middletown. This property, adjacent to Thompson Park, has become an addition to the park.
MERRICK FARM
Howell Township / 66 acres / Completed 2001
More information coming soon.
OLD WHARF PARK
Oceanport Borough / 0.5 acres / Completed 1983
MCF assisted Oceanport in obtaining a final addition to its Old Wharf Park on the banks of the Oceanport Creek. Old Wharf Park is a lovely passive recreation facility with an historical legacy that represents a gateway into the Borough. The Park has shuffle board and bocce ball courts, picnic areas, game tables, benches and parking. The Borough is in the process of improving the park with a boat launch ramp and fishing decks made possible by the funding to the park.
OWEN NATURE PRESERVE EASEMENT
West Long Branch Borough / 7 acres / Completed 1994
A conservation easement on this property was donated to MCF by the Owen Family in order to preserve one of the last farms in the Borough. The ownership of the property was later donated to West Long Branch. The property now serves as a wildlife sanctuary and nature preserve, as well as a potential osprey nesting site.
PRINCETON NURSERIES
Upper Freehold Township / 33 acres / Completed 1998
More information coming soon.
RIVERFRONT PARK AND MARINA
Avon Borough / 0.37 acres / Completed 2009
With the help of MCF, this property was acquired by Avon. The property has been turned into a park and marina with waterfront access. The marina is located next the Main Street bridge and provides a gateway into Avon.
MILLMAN EASEMENT
Middletown Township / 8.5 acres, Completed 2014
The Millman Property is the most recent addition to MCF’s ever-growing number of easements. This 8.5-acre donated easement abuts the Claypit Creek component of MCPS’s Hartshorne Woods Park and overlooks the Navesink River. The easement serves as a buffer to the nearby private park property and will remain as untouched woods allowing native flora and fauna to flourish and further protecting the Navesink Highlands Greenway.
MURRAY FARM
Howell Township / 76 acres / Completed 1997
MCF assisted the Monmouth County Park System in acquiring this farm in order to create a link between the Bear Swamp Natural Area and Allaire State Park in Howell.
NATCO LAKE
Hazlet Township / 73.5 acres / Completed 1980
In its first endeavor, MCF acquired and then transferred this valuable property to the Township of Hazlet for use as a nature study area. This breeding and resting habitat for migratory and non-migratory birds also serves as a ground water recharge area for the Bayshore region. Development here would have had an adverse effect on the wildlife, as well as the drinking water for residents in the area.
NURKO & CUZZOLINO FARMS
Roosevelt Borough / 300+ acres / Completed 2000
MCF helped with a bridge loan to enable the Town to honor its farming heritage and purchase these two properties.
ROBERTS SWAMP BROOK
Manasquan & Brielle Boroughs / 3 acres / Completed 1998
More information coming soon.
SACCO TRUST FARM
Upper Freehold Township / 55 acres / Completed 2012
The Sacco Trust Farm will become a wonderful addition to the Crosswicks Creek Greenway, an extension of the Monmouth County Park System. The acquisition of this key parcel was essential in connecting two trail systems in the Greenway.
SCHEUING
Middletown Township / 2.27 acres / Completed 2009
MCF helped the Monmouth County Park System to acquire this breathtaking property along the Navesink River. The property, located adjacent to Hartshorne Woods Park, will become an addition to the park.
SCHUMACHER EASEMENT
Holmdel Township / 4 acres / Completed 2002
Edward and Doris Schumacher donated a conservation easement on their property to MCF to preserve the natural features and plant and wildlife habitat. The property, which borders a section of Holmdel Park, is adjacent to headwaters that drain in to the Swimming River Reservoir, a primary source of drinking water for Monmouth County.
SCUDDER EASEMENTS
Middletown Township / 91 acres / Completed 1983 – 1999
Through the years 1983 to 1999, Richard Scudder and his wife Elizabeth donated conservation easements to MCF on 91 acres in the Navesink section of Middletown. The predominately wooded property is contiguous to Huber Woods Park with clearings and trails for hiking and horseback riding. In 2007 Mr. Scudder donated 64 acres of his eased land to the New Jersey Audubon Society for use as a nature preserve.
SEA WATCH
Manasquan Borough / 1.6 acres / Completed 2005
MCF and Green Acres assisted Manasquan in acquiring this beachfront property in order to expand the existing public beach access and the boardwalk.
SEITZ EASEMENT
Middletown Township / 4.7 acres / Completed 2008
Daniel Seitz, through his last will and testament, donated a conservation easement on his scenic property located on the Navesink River in Middletown to MCF. When he passed, ownership of the property was transferred to the Monmouth County Park System.The parcel is contiguous to Hartshorne Woods Park and will soon become an extension of the park.
SPELLMAN
Holmdel Township / 3 acres / Completed 1993
MCF purchased this wooded land on Holmdel-Keyport Road and transferred the property to the Monmouth County Park System as an addition to Holmdel Park.
STANLEY-COLEMAN EASEMENT
Middletown Township / 8 acres / Completed 2001
A conservation and scenic viewsshed easement on this waterfront estate located on the Navesink River was donated to MCF by Judith Stanley Coleman. The conservation of this property is vital to the protection, preservation and maintenance of open space along the Navesink River.
TIMOLAT FARM
Middletown Township / 99 acres / Completed 2006
MCF assisted the Monmouth County Park System with the acquisition of this property located on the McClees Creek basin. This beautiful property, containing lush woodlands, vast open fields and five scenic ponds, has become a wonderful addition to Huber Woods Park, expanding the open area available for public recreation such as hiking, bird watching and horseback riding.
TINDALL FARM
Upper Freehold Township / 122 acres / Completed 1989
MCF and the Monmouth County Park System permanently preserved this productive farm with rich and fertile fields. The farm was placed in the Farmland Preservation Program, restricting the land to agricultural use only. A portion of the property has been added to Walnford Park, part of the Crosswicks Creek Greenway.
THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS PARTNERSHIP
Upper Freehold Township / 58 acres / Completed 2003
More information coming soon.
WENY
Tinton Falls Borough / 5.8 acres / Completed 1991
The acquisition of this property provided access to a 17-acre recreation area owned by Tinton Falls. The tract was purchased by MCF and conveyed to the Borough.
WENZEL
Marlboro Township / 3 acres / Completed 2002
More information coming soon.
WOLF HILL FARM
Oceanport Borough / 95 acres / Completed 1997
The Monmouth Conservation Foundation assisted the Monmouth County Park System in acquiring this farm. In the future the property will be developed with active recreation in mind.
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Featuring photography by: Tina Colella Photography†, Fred Yahn, Gene Madeam, Jena Cosimo, Angie Lambert, Karen Keene, Kathy Buchan, and Google Earth.
