Imagine sitting for hours on a frozen lake, bundled against the cold, waiting for the moment a fox steps into frame or an owl lifts from a snow-dusted branch.

That’s a familiar scene for Monmouth County resident and wildlife photographer Emilee Carton, whose stunning images reveal the hidden lives of the region’s wild residents. Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) is proud to partner with Emilee, whose generosity in sharing her work reminds us that conservation benefits far more than people. Through her lens, we come face to face with the many creatures that depend on open space to survive.

Emilee has always sought creative outlets, but photography didn’t capture her interest until the COVID-19 pandemic. Spending more time at home, she began noticing the wild animals living in her neighborhood. “I wanted a way to see wildlife at a closer range without disrupting them.”

Like many people during lockdown, Emilee found herself grounded in her local surroundings, but her experience was layered with another challenge. “In addition to the shutdown, I was also midway through late-stage cancer treatment,” she recalls. “Realizing I had the time to observe every creature around me helped me immensely.” Being at peace in the natural world became an integral part of Emilee’s healing process and gave direction to her next chapter as a conservation storyteller.

“I started photographing butterflies and common backyard birds. At night, I would even walk around with a flashlight and look for bugs. From there, I started researching what else I could attract to my yard. The Shrewsbury Garden Club played a significant role in my learning process. Understanding the connection between drawing in wildlife and planting native plants, as well as providing shelter and access to fresh water, got me thinking about the impact people have on wildlife, even in our own backyards.”

Emilee began making small changes in her yard, including planting native flowers and designating leaf-litter piles that sheltered small animals. That effort was rewarded when an Eastern screech owl moved in. “I couldn't believe it! I had never seen an owl before and was absolutely amazed by that creature. To date, the Eastern screech owl is still my favorite bird.”

Emilee started posting her photos online and was excited about the reactions from people wanting to encourage wildlife into their yards, too. “When my photos make someone say, ‘I never knew these animals lived here!’ I realize I’m making a difference. Awareness is the first step for people to care about conservation and preservation.” Her photos have inspired neighbors to create backyard habitats and take pride in the wild diversity of Monmouth County. That shared curiosity, she says, is at the heart of community-based conservation.

Photographing wildlife requires patience and flexibility. Emilee has pulled over on back roads, hidden in bushes, lain on the ground for hours, and even lost shoes in mud in pursuit of the perfect shot. “It’s almost impossible to have a strict plan. Every photo I have reminds me of the story that led to that moment. It's really an adventure!”

One of Emilee’s favorite local places to engage with the natural world is Scudder Preserve, owned and stewarded by MCF. Drawn by its quiet beauty and diversity of wildlife, she visits often with her camera in hand, capturing everything from resident owls to red foxes slipping through the grass. She appreciates MCF’s ongoing work to restore habitat at Scudder Preserve; work that ensures native plants thrive, pollinators return, and the animals she photographs have a safe place to live.

Without safe habitat like Scudder Preserve, there are greater opportunities for human-animal conflict. There have been times in the field when Emilee has encountered wounded wildlife, and at first, it was frustrating not knowing what to do. It motivated her to earn a New Jersey Animal Control License and volunteer on special wildlife projects with the Monmouth County SPCA. Her conservation community continues to grow, and Emilee is inspired by the dedication of local conservation organizations. “Nature is art in real life, and every critter has a role to play,” she says. “A photo of a fox might seem like art, until you realize the picture was taken a few minutes from where you live. It gives people a different perspective on nature and the hope of seeing more when they’re outside.” She encourages people to use tools like Merlin Bird ID and iNaturalist to explore what lives nearby.

Emilee believes the health and abundance of local wildlife reflects the choices we make as communities. “Wildlife connects people through wonder. When a park chooses to avoid pesticides, there is more food for bird species, and people notice the vibrant colors of birds in Monmouth County. They want to learn more, and the more they learn, the more they want to help.”

Recently, Emilee had the opportunity to visit and photograph a preserved farm in Middletown. The experience deepened her appreciation for how organizations like MCF steward land and actively help local farmers maintain their open space in ways that benefit both wildlife and people. Healthy farmland provides essential habitat for animals while preserving the scenic landscapes that define the County’s rural character. To Emilee, these open spaces are all part of the same living network that sustains beauty, biodiversity, and a sense of place in Monmouth County.

When people ask how they can make a difference, Emilee’s answer is always the same. “Without a balanced natural ecosystem, none of the wildlife that calls Monmouth County home will survive. When a neighbor asks how to attract owls and butterflies to their yard, I always tell them to plant native flora, support local farms, and advocate for open space. It all comes back to conservation.”

Her hope is that her images spark both awe and action. “Realizing these animals live right here in Monmouth County is a surprise to people,” Emilee says. “But healthy, abundant wildlife is threatened by a lack of open space, and the resources they need to live are being depleted. What I experience in nature is here for us all to enjoy, if we choose to protect it.”

Emilee’s passion and generosity help MCF inspire others to see and save the wild beauty that still lives in our communities. Check out Emilee’s work on Jersey Shore Wildlife Photography and sign up for MCF’s newsletter and the Land Stewards Monthly Giving program to see more of her stunning images in action.

If you’re inspired to advocate for the health and safety of local wildlife, take action with MCF. Our work helps preserve habitat and steward the natural landscapes animals need to thrive.

All the photos in this story were generously provided by Emilee Carton, Jersey Shore Wildlife Photography. Thank you, Emilee, for helping us #KeepMonmouthGreen!

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About Monmouth Conservation Foundation
Founded in 1977, Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) works to acquire and preserve open space and farmland and conserve natural habitats throughout Monmouth County in support of outdoor recreation, agriculture, clean water, and wildlife for long-term sustainability. An independent nonprofit organization that works with Monmouth County and its 53 municipalities, MCF’s vision is to lead conservation and education efforts to preserve and protect our natural environment, so all individuals and communities have access to and can benefit from open space and nature for generations to come. MCF received accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission in 2014 and has continued to maintain this status since. Accreditation is awarded to land trusts meeting the highest national standards for excellence and conservation permanence. MCF is one of 471 accredited land trusts out of 1,100 nationwide. For more information, visit www.monmouthconservation.org.

Imagine sitting for hours on a frozen lake, bundled against the cold, waiting for the moment a fox steps into frame or an owl lifts from a snow-dusted branch.

Emilee has always sought creative outlets, but photography didn’t capture her interest until the COVID-19 pandemic. Spending more time at home, she began noticing the wild animals living in her neighborhood. “I wanted a way to see wildlife at a closer range without disrupting them.”

If you’re inspired to advocate for the health and safety of local wildlife, take action with MCF. Our work helps preserve habitat and steward the natural landscapes animals need to thrive.

All the photos in this story were generously provided by Emilee Carton, Jersey Shore Wildlife Photography. Thank you, Emilee, for helping us #KeepMonmouthGreen!

Ray Catena Auto Group Donates Sprinter Van to Support New Science-Based Curriculum for Monmouth County Residents

“We support organizations that focus on families and their well-being. This vehicle will support Monmouth Conservation Foundation’s environmental education initiative, which in turn benefits Monmouth County communities,” says Ray Catena.

To learn more, visit: www.monmouthconservation.org/wagon

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