Schiff Natural Lands Trust/Schiff Nature Preserve

The Conservation and Stewardship Committee welcomes your involvement in helping to maintain Schiff's trails, open space, and buildings. Giving back to the local nature preserve that you enjoy on a regular basis can be very satisfying... Each work session provides community members a 2 hour opportunity to work side by side with Schiff staff and Board members in a variety of hands-on land stewardship projects. Depending on the season, we may be clearing trails, removing invasive species, planting native trees and shrubs, conducting building repairs, restoring fences and bridges, or raking out the Native Garden. Volunteers (16 and under with a parent) are encouraged to dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, bring sunscreen and bug spray as appropriate, and bring a beverage and snack in a backpack for hands free walking. Meet us at the Nature Center and bring garden or work gloves. Tools provided by Schiff. Volunteers are asked to sign a waiver, provide photo release, and may bring and use their own tools if they prefer. Please pre-register online so we can plan projects accordingly.

Local Event: Volunteer Day at Schiff Nature Preserve

Mendham-Chester

New Jersey

Volunteer Day at Schiff Nature Preserve

Sunday April 28, 2024: The Conservation and Stewardship Committee welcomes your involvement in helping to maintain Schiff's trails, open...

Join us for outdoor story time &amp; discovery! We will meet at the Nature Center then head up the trail to Critter Cove to celebrate nature! This program is all weather event &amp; held entirely outside, with exception of thunderstorms or high wind warnings. This program is for our youngest budding stewards ages 3-5 with an adult attending together. Dress in weather appropriate clothes and shoes. Advance registration will ensure you receive weather update 24 hours in advance. Member fee is $8/person. Non member fee $12/per person.

Local Event: Critter Cove at Schiff Nature Preserve

Critter Cove at Schiff Nature Preserve

Tuesday May 7, 2024: Join us for outdoor story time &amp; discovery! We will meet at the Nature Center then head up the trail to Critter...

Take Mom on a Nice Hike for Mother's Day! Join us for a brisk 5- mile hike over varied terrain across Schiff Nature Preserve. Hikers meet at McVickers Brook parking lot at (next door to) 239 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham. Vaccinated dogs on leash are welcome. This hike is intented for adults only, but small children may accompany in backpacks. Free to members. Non- member fee is $12. This program is an all weather event with the exception of severe weather. In the event of a cancellation, advance registration will ensure you receive a weather cancellation notice within 24 hours of the program start time. Advance registration and payment is required 24 hours in advance.

Local Event: Mothers Day Fitness Hike at Schiff Nature Preserve

Mothers Day Fitness Hike at Schiff Nature Preserve

Sunday May 12, 2024: Take Mom on a Nice Hike for Mother's Day! Join us for a brisk 5- mile hike over varied terrain across Schiff Nature...

Please join us for a sound healing meditation with exquisite Himalayan Singing bowls, with galactic chimes, Koshi chimes, gentle gong, drum and more. Nourish your Body, Mind and Soul! Several protocols will be played to promote peace, relaxation, stress reduction, improved intuition and clarity of thought. Improving quality of sleep, raising our vibration, improving our relationships, aligning our energetic bodies and bringing more joy into our lives. Surrender into a bath of divine healing sound! Experience the vibration of the Himalayan Bowls on the body! Allow the sound to transport you into a tranquil and heavenly state of mind, body and soul! Bring all the props you need to either lay down or sit comfortably. We have chairs for those of you who prefer to sit. Wear comfortable clothes avoiding exposed buttons or zippers. The allowable number of attendees is 10 to ensure everyone is comfortable. Member fee is $40. Non- member fee is $45. Advance registration and payment is required.

Local Event: Singing Bowl Meditation at Schiff Nature Preserve

Singing Bowl Meditation at Schiff Nature Preserve

Friday May 17, 2024: Please join us for a sound healing meditation with exquisite Himalayan Singing bowls, with galactic chimes, Koshi...

Schiff's Music in the Woods concert series allows nature and music lovers to converge on Schiff Nature Preserve to be rewarded with an outdoor listening experience among the trees. Feel free to bring your snacks, (adult) beverages, and perhaps a pillow for stadium bench seating comfort, wear comfortable walking shoes for the 30 minute walk up into the beautiful woods of the preserve. The Amphitheatre provides a unique outdoor opportunity for community, nature, and music all blended together for a lovely afternoon. On May 19th, we welcome back Joe Cirrotti with his quintet; friends and pickers, Joe Cirotti, Peter Lister, Mike Alexander, Tim Coyle, and Dan DeRiso all share a mutual love of American roots music, playing an eclectic array of both original, and cover material spanning decades. These concerts will be held in a large outdoor Amphitheatre setting that requires guests to arrive by 3:30 pm to allow for the 30-minute walk up to the venue. Guests may BYOB, snacks, and pillows for your comfort. Seating capacity and parking are limited, so carpooling is suggested. Advance ticket purchases are required. Current Member fee is $20. Schiff (new and renew) membership and MITW ticket bundle pricing is $65. Non- member fee is $25. Ticket proceeds directly support Schiff and the musicians. Outdoor events occur shy of rain or thunderstorms. Refunds will be processed automatically in the event of a cancellation.

Local Event: Music in the Woods - Joe Cirotti Quintet

Music in the Woods - Joe Cirotti Quintet

Sunday May 19, 2024: Schiff's Music in the Woods concert series allows nature and music lovers to converge on Schiff Nature Preserve to be...

Schiff's Summer Nature Program (SNP) offers a healthy dose of fresh air, active fun, exploration, and creative play while immersed in nature with an overarching integration of environmental education for children ages 6-16. 
NEW FOR 2024!!!! Schiff's Summer Nature Program will be offering ONLY ONE weekly session, running from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Early Registration (for current Schiff members): Monday, 3/18/2024 Open Registration (for those who became members post 3/4): Monday, 3/25/2024
What We Offer Each Week
Summer Nature Program at Schiff
A 2:12 staff to child ratio (1 instructor &amp; 1 counselor to 12 children)
Lead instructors are experienced professional educators
Lessons designed to educate, motivate, delight, and inspire children
Science, sustainability, nature, and art integrated into all our curriculum
Weekly lessons include nature inspired activities, games, hiking, stream exploration, crafts, and our signature tie-dye making session!!
Opportunities to explore Schiff's many splendors while building confidence and strong friendships
Access to 500+ acres of streams, forest, and meadow
12 miles of hiking trails to explore and discover
Discover several spots of interest within the preserve; Wood Badge Lodge, The Amphitheatre, The Pine Grove etc...
2024 PROGRAM DATES:
SESSIONS run from 9:00-2:00 PM
COST: $385/week
NOTE: Snack and lunch is not included in our programming. Please provide your child with a daily labeled nut-free snack, nut-free lunch and reusable water bottle.
Session I- July 1-5 (no program on July 4)
Session II- July 8-12
Session III- July 15-19
Session IV- July 22-26

Local Event: Summer Nature Program at Schiff - 4 weeks in July - Register Soon!

Summer Nature Program at Schiff - 4 weeks in...

Monday July 1, 2024: Schiff's Summer Nature Program (SNP) offers a healthy dose of fresh air, active fun, exploration, and creative play...

Summer Nature Program at Schiff - 4 weeks in July - Register Soon!