A New Jersey couple spent more than 40 years protecting their 90-acre property from development; after ultimately giving away the entire estate, the land is now a free public preserve with a 201-year-old tree

Monmouth County residents have recently received a wonderful gift, one that is going to make the coming autumn a season worth looking forward to. The 90-acre Scudder Preserve, in the Navesink section of Middletown, was officially accredited in July as a Level I Arboretum by ArbNet. Among its many treasures are a state-designated 201-year-old tulip tree, rare American chestnuts, immense white oaks and abundant wildlife, all of which the public is welcome to enjoy.The Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF), which owns and stewards the preserve, has opened it to the public for free as a community resource for conservation, environmental education and outdoor exploration. “This is easily one of the most unique properties in New Jersey, and provides an outstanding opportunity to learn more about ourselves and our involvement with nature and history,” Tom Dallessio, MCF’s executive director, said.Located at 85 Browns Dock Road, adjacent to Huber Woods, Scudder Preserve contains an extraordinary variety of habitats: mature forests, wetlands and ponds, the bubbling Claypit Creek stream corridor, wildlife-filled meadows, historic buildings and winding nature trails. As an accredited arboretum, the preserve joins an international network dedicated to studying and conserving trees. Connecting Habitats Across NJ has also recognised the property as a valuable core wildlife habitat, identifying essential areas needed to maintain ecological connectivity throughout the state.

A legacy of conservation

The preserve’s story began more than 40 years ago, when landowners Richard and Elizabeth Scudder strove to protect their property from development. They donated partial conservation easements to the Monmouth Conservation Foundation land trust. By 2012, when Dick passed away, the couple had donated their entire 90 acres to New Jersey Audubon, which in turn gifted the property to MCF in 2024. D&R Greenway Land Trust and MCF now jointly hold the conservation easements, ensuring the land’s long-term ecological integrity. “For more than 40 years, the Scudder family cared for the property with preservation in mind, followed by stewardship by the Audubon Society, before it found a home with MCF. Now Scudder Preserve supports abundant wildlife, established trees, and dynamic, resilient ecosystems. That’s what conservation can do,” Lauren Orme, MCF Communications & Engagement programs manager, said.

A living laboratory

This first land ownership provides a rare opportunity for MCF to restore native plants, improve forest and meadow health, control invasive species, protect water quality and increase the property’s resilience to climate change. MCF also plans to renovate the original Scudder homestead into offices and educational space. Significant funding made this work possible, including a $500,000 grant from the New Jersey Resources Coastal Climate Initiative and a $1 million anonymous donation.In just two years, it has accomplished a lot. A forest stewardship plan is already in place, and a Natural Resource Inventory has documented the property’s plants and trees. Several plant identification signs have been installed, with more to come. Nature trails are being upgraded, and the Rhododendron Trail has been linked to adjacent Huber Woods.MCF is working with Rutgers to incorporate stormwater management by designing bioswales and a native-plant rain garden, which will reduce sediment and nutrient runoff into the pond. MCF also completed an invasive species assessment, with control efforts currently underway.

Restoring a historical landscape

“It’s incredible to see so many species that you don’t usually see in one place,” said Keith Clayton, MCF’s new stewardship manager. As part of the preserve’s plant identification project, he’s been tagging multiple species to showcase native trees and plants.Clayton emphasised that conservation does not mean erasing the property’s history. “The Scudders loved their ornamental plants, too, and we want to show how you can incorporate natives into beautiful gardens,” he explained.“That balance between history, horticulture and conservation is part of what makes Scudder Preserve special, and MCF can now help create connections for people to the land,” Dallessio said.MCF already offers free conservation programs to the public at the preserve, including evening hikes, guided birdwatching and monarch butterfly tagging with the Field to Flight Foundation. Plenty more programs are on the way.If you can’t make it to the preserve, MCF also brings educational conservation programs directly to the community. Last year its Conservation Van brought programs to more than 3,000 students, with approximately 75% of them in underserved schools. “MCF, working with state, Monmouth County and Middletown Township officials, hopes that Scudder Preserve will provide opportunities for people – especially children – to enjoy, learn about and help protect our natural environment,” said Jack Tassini, MCF Board of Trustees president.