New Jersey couple protected 90-acre-property for 40 years; then donated it as a 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 arboret...