New Jersey couple gave away 90-acre estate; land is now a free public preserve

A New Jersey couple recently bequeathed their 90-acre estate to the public, transforming the land into a free public preserve known as Scudder Preserve. The land, located in Middletown's Navesink section, has been officially recognized as a Level I Arboretum by ArbNet and boasts a rich variety of habitats, including mature forests, wetlands, ponds, wildlife-filled meadows, historic buildings, and nature trails.

The management of the preserve has transitioned through the Scudder family, New Jersey Audubon, and now Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF), which preserves the land for conservation, environmental education, and outdoor exploration. MCF has initiated restoration projects, including the planting of native species, the renovation of the original Scudder homestead, and the design of bioswales and a native-plant rain garden to enhance the property's resilience to climate change.

The preserve offers free conservation programs to the public, such as guided nature walks, birdwatching, and monarch butterfly tagging, and also provides educational programs to local schools. The land's legacy of preservation and conservation highlights the balance between maintaining natural habitats and incorporating historical elements, making it a unique and valuable resource for the community.