10/23/2026
Preserving land is just the beginning, restoring habitats helps ensure Ocean County’s natural resources can thrive for generations to come.
At Long Swamp Preserve, the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund is supporting a first-of-its-kind County restoration project. Once a farm field overtaken by a single tree species, the property is being restored to encourage diverse plant growth and create healthier habitats for local wildlife, including ground-nesting birds.
The Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund has helped preserve more than 30,000 acres since 1998, protecting forests, wetlands, farmland, water resources and open space throughout Ocean County. The County also works to restore habitats and improve natural areas, including projects that support healthier ecosystems and environmental resilience.
This November, Ocean County voters will consider increasing the Trust Fund’s funding rate from 1.2 cents to 2.2 cents per $100 of total County equalized real property valuation to support continued preservation efforts, including future acquisitions, maintenance and cleanup, and habitat protection.
Learn more about the Natural Lands Trust Fund and the proposed funding increase by visiting www.oceancountyopenspace.org