New Jersey Resources has announced a five-year, $500,000 funding commitment to the Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) to restore and improve the Scudder Preserve in Middletown, Monmouth County. This contribution is part of NJR’s 2023 pledge to commit up to $2 million through its Coastal Climate Initiative (CCI) towards environmental stewardship and education efforts in New Jersey. Additionally, NJR will explore opportunities for its employees to engage with MCF on volunteerism and educational initiatives.
“New Jersey Resources understands that more resilient and sustainable communities make our business stronger too, and we’re committed to making a positive impact through our Coastal Climate Initiative and our broader charitable efforts,” said Steve Westhoven, president and CEO of New Jersey Resources. “Providing this gift to restore and improve Scudder Preserve is a rare opportunity to make a significant difference with a single parcel of property that will benefit the local community for years to come.”
Scudder Preserve is a 90-acre preserved habitat featuring century-old forests, grasslands, streams, riparian corridors, nature trails, several ponds, and a home. The property was originally owned by the Scudder family who donated conservation easements to MCF before transferring ownership to the New Jersey Audubon Society (NJA). Earlier this year, NJA transferred ownership of the property back to MCF.
“New Jersey Resources shares our vision of environmental stewardship within our local community,” said William Kastning, executive director of MCF. “Teaming up with NJR through this agreement allows us to actively demonstrate sustainability and inspire land stewardship for future generations.”
Kastning further added: “NJR’s dedication, both in funding and attention to local communities, is invaluable. With their support and collaboration, we’re transforming Scudder Preserve into the natural sanctuary Monmouth County residents have been longing for.”
The funding from NJR will support specific strategies outlined in MCF’s plan for the preserve:
- Conducting a comprehensive natural resource inventory;
- Devising and implementing a site restoration and management plan;
- Assessing climate-resilient public access strategies;
- Building an educational outreach program at Scudder Preserve.
These efforts aim at forest restoration and habitat management by reducing invasive species while restoring biodiversity and ecosystem function. Additional goals include improving water quality benefits, enhancing climate resilience through native planting, reducing erosion, mitigating stormwater flows, expanding public access through trail improvements, thereby benefiting local communities.
In addition to NJR's support, MCF had previously secured a private philanthropic gift of $1 million as seed support for managing Scudder Preserve.
This project complements NJR’s broader sustainability initiatives under CCI. Over the past year alone:
- Announced a five-year funding commitment of $560,000 from its charitable foundation for environmental improvements in partnership with New Jersey Audubon.
- Provided nearly $2 million in charitable contributions along with approximately 4,000 hours of volunteer service.
- Invested $59 million in energy-efficiency programs by New Jersey Natural Gas.
- Advanced lower-carbon energy solutions including carbon capture technology installations.
- Constructed North America’s largest capped landfill solar array and floating solar array projects.
NJR has also been named one of America’s Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek for five consecutive years since 2020.
About New Jersey Resources:
New Jersey Resources is a Fortune 1000 company providing natural gas and clean energy services including transportation, distribution, asset management as well as home services through its subsidiaries.
About Monmouth Conservation Foundation:
Founded in 1977 as an independent nonprofit land trust accredited by the Land Trust Commission since 2014. MCF has preserved over 9,400 acres in Monmouth County focusing on open space preservation supporting outdoor recreation agriculture clean water wildlife sustainability.
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