Wall, N.J., June 27, 2024 – Building on its commitment to environmental stewardship and support of community resiliency, New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR) today announced a five-year, $500,000 funding commitment to Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) through the company’s Coastal Climate Initiative (CCI). NJR’s gift will help bring to life MCF’s vision to restore and improve the Scudder Preserve, an important natural habitat in Middletown, Monmouth County, New Jersey, benefitting the local community for generations to come.
“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, densely wooded, preserved habitat, which is home to century forest, grasslands, streams and riparian corridors, nature trails, several ponds, and a home. The property was originally owned by the Scudder family, who donated conservation easements to MCF and later donated the 90-acre property to New Jersey Audubon Society (NJA). Earlier this year, NJA transferred ownership of the property to MCF, a nonprofit land trust that focuses on open space preservation throughout Monmouth County.
“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, we’re able to actively demonstrate sustainability and inspire the vision to expand education and inspire land stewardship for future generations. 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.”
NJR’s funding will support specific, actionable strategies of MCF’s plan for the preserve:
- Conduct a comprehensive natural resource inventory;
- Devise and implement a site restoration and management plan;
- Assess and devise a climate resilient public access strategy; and,
- Build and launch an educational outreach program at Scudder Preserve.
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