June 20, 2024
Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) is proud to announce the appointment of two distinguished directors to its board of directors: Steven Denholtz of Denholtz Properties and Dan Darschall, Managing Director of Ares Management Credit Group.
Since its founding in 1977, MCF has thrived through the diverse expertise of volunteer board members who passionately support the organization’s mission: Steven and Dan generously donate their time, energy and resources, in addition to their valuable business acumen and financial insight, furthering the nonprofit’s commitment to #KeepMonmouthGreen.
“We are deeply grateful for the expertise and commitment that Steven and Dan bring to the MCF Board of Directors as we advance our efforts to create parks, preserve open space, protect farmland, promote environmental education, protect water resources and protect wildlife,” said Executive Director Bill Kasning.
Recent accomplishments that MCF has achieved in collaboration with federal, state, county and local partners include:
The conservation of 255 acres in Colts Neck and Howell was made possible by an initial grant from the U.S. Navy, Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle, in partnership with Monmouth County and local governments. Received a three-year, $500,000 EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Brownfield Community-Wide Assessment grant to facilitate the conversion of a former landfill in Red Bank into a waterfront park. Acquired ownership of the 90-acre Scudder Preserve in Middletown, allowing the organization to demonstrate sustainability practices and enhance conservation education opportunities.
These collaborative efforts, along with others, have helped conserve more than 9,400 acres of land in Monmouth County. As a nonprofit land trust, MCF relies on the generous support of grantors, corporate sponsors, individual donors and a dedicated volunteer board to drive conservation efforts with a small staff.
New Jersey native and Monmouth County resident Steven Denholtz heads Red Bank-based Denholtz Properties, a renowned leader in commercial real estate development for 40 years. With a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and a Bachelor's and Master's in Economics from Northwestern University, Steven brings a wealth of knowledge to the MCF Board of Directors. He also serves on the Monmouth University Kislak Association of Realtors Advisory Board, Hackensack Meridian Health, the New Jersey Department of Economic Development and the Count Basie Center for the Arts Board of Directors.
“The Monmouth Conservation Foundation has spent nearly 50 years preserving and protecting our irreplaceable lands, ensuring Monmouth County remains a great place to live, work and play. As a Monmouth County resident, I am honored to serve on the Foundation's Board of Directors to continue this proud tradition and protect our natural environment for future generations,” said Denholtz.
Returning to his hometown of the New Garden State after 15 years, Dan Darschall, managing director at Ares Management Credit Group, settled in Locust with his family, drawn by the area's unparalleled parks, rivers and beaches. Dan holds a bachelor's degree in finance and economics from the University of Notre Dame, and has a deep love of nature nurtured by his childhood experiences in Central New Jersey and international travel.
“My decision to join the MCF Board of Directors stems from a deep commitment to protecting the green spaces that make Monmouth County the vibrant community it is. I look forward to contributing my financial expertise and community connections to further MCF's environmental mission,” said Dilshal.
About Monmouth Conservation Foundation
Founded in 1977, Monmouth Conservation Foundation is an independent, nonprofit land trust that has protected more than 9,400 acres of open space in Monmouth County. Accredited by the Land Trust Board since 2014, MCF works with private and public partners to acquire and protect open space and farmland throughout Monmouth County, preserving natural habitats and supporting outdoor recreation, agriculture, clean water, and wildlife for long-term sustainability. MCF leads conservation and education efforts to preserve and protect our natural environment, ensuring all individuals and communities can access and benefit from open space and nature for future generations. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.