Protecting the Land We Love
As a land trust, aside from preserving open space, MCF is responsible for stewarding protected lands. Each preserved property is legally bound by specific terms to protect critical natural resources through conservation or agricultural easements. During our annual monitoring season beginning each spring, we survey preserved properties to ensure these terms are being met and generate a detailed report for each site, following national guidelines set forth by the Land Trust Alliance.
Overseeing Easements
Every visit is an opportunity to catch up with landowners, to discuss respective goals, and to see some very special natural habitats and farms. MCF currently stewards 46 easements held by our organization and by Monmouth County Park System, comprising approximately 900 acres in total. With only so much land remaining that is not yet developed or preserved, fostering protected lands is increasingly important.
Enjoy some photos from the field!
Scudder Preserve
After overseeing the site’s conservation easements for decades, MCF took over ownership of the Scudder Preserve in 2024. Our first landholding, Scudder Preserveprovides an exciting opportunity for MCF to steward our own land and engage the public in conservation and demonstration projects on site.
Explore More at MCF.
Featuring photography by: DJ Glisson, Firefly Image Works, Fred Yahn, Tina Colella Photography†, Jena Cosimo, Angie Lambert, Karen Keene, and Kathy Buchan.
