Come Out to Play, Discover, Learn!
RENT A NATURALIST
Generally curious about our preserve, its history, our plants, and the many animals that live on the preserve? Curious about the trees you've seen on your many hikes on the property? Our naturalist can answer those questions and more when you Rent a Naturalist for a one hour guided nature walk at Schiff Nature Preserve. Fees are $10 per person for a minimum of 5 people and a maximum of 20. Payment in full is required to confirm the reservation. Contact us at to arrange a mutually agreed upon time and date for your guided nature walk.
September 28, 2023 (Thursday) 10:00 - 11:00 am
Critter Cove Story Time
Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road (Use 351 Pleasant Valley Rd in Your GPS), Mendham, 07945
Intended for our youngest stewards ages 3-5 with an adult, join a naturalist for outdoor story time and songs. Using nature themed books and songs; we'll meet at the Nature Center and head up to the Critter Cove area to celebrate nature. With a seasonal focus to our readings, parents, and children attend this program together. This program is an all weather event to be held entirely outside; with exception of thunderstorm or extreme wind warnings. Member fee is $5 per child. Non-member fee is $8 per child. No charge for parents/chaperones. Advance registration and payment is required. In the event of a cancellation, advance registration will ensure you receive a weather cancellation notice within 24 hours.
Contact: 973-543-6004

- Register by 09/27/23
September 29, 2023 (Friday) 7:00-8:30 pm
Full Moon Hike
Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road (Use 351 Pleasant Valley Rd in Your GPS), Mendham, 07945
Night hikes provide us with an all together different experience. Schiff's Full Moon Hikes are an excellent opportunity to see our beautiful landscape by the light of the moon. Discover the magic of hiking at night while the moon is at its fullest, when even the most familiar trails reveal sights and sounds, they only share with the cool, quiet night. This 2 mile, 1 ½ hour hike is perfect for those age 6 and older, but guests should feel comfortable walking on uneven terrain. Guests are advised to wear hiking boots, weather appropriate attire, and bring headlamps to have on hand. Member fee is $10 per person. Non-member fee is $15 per person. Please, no pets are permitted on this hike. This is an all weather event with the exception of extreme weather and high winds. These walks are very popular, so early, advance registration and payment are required to confirm your place.
Contact: 973-543-6004

- Register by 09/28/23
October 8, 2023 (Sunday) 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Music in the Woods- Wilma
Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road (Use 351 Pleasant Valley Rd in Your GPS), Mendham, 07945
A fun, female-fronted band showcasing delightful harmonies and unique instrumentation, Wilma interprets songs across many genres, including folk, rock, pop, and dance, truly making each their own. This energetic group uses two, three, and four-part vocal harmonies to propel songs to new creative highs. The band members are: Dawn Shaw Patrick on vocals & violin, Hannah Harel on vocals, double bass, and electric bass, Lauren Gaffney on vocals, keyboards, flute, ukulele, and melodica, Liz Marshall on vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, and melodica, and Tony Gaffney on vocals and drums. Wilma also has a growing selection of original music written by guitarist Liz Marshall. The members of the band have been playing together for 5 years, creating a strong sense of love and connection between them that draws audiences in and keeps them coming back for more.
This concerts will be held inside the Nature Center; seating is provided. Guests may BYOB, snacks, and pillows for your comfort. Indoor seating capacity and parking are limited, so buy your tickets in advance and carpool when possible. 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.
Contact: 973-543-6004

- Register by 10/21/23
October 8, 2023 (Sunday) 9-11 am
Sunday Morning Fitness Hike
Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve
231 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham, 07945
Join us for a brisk 5- mile hike over varied terrain across Schiff Nature Preserve. Hikers meet at McVickers Brook parking lot at 239 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham. Vaccinated dogs on leash are welcome. Free to members. Non- member fee is $10. 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.
Contact: 973-543-6004

- Register by 10/07/23
October 12, 2023 (Thursday) 10:00 - 11:00 am
Critter Cover Story Time
Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham, 07945
Intended for our youngest stewards ages 3-5 with an adult, join a naturalist for outdoor story time and songs. Using nature themed books and songs; we'll meet at the Nature Center and head up to the Critter Cove area to celebrate nature. With a seasonal focus to our readings, parents, and children attend this program together. This program is an all weather event to be held entirely outside; with exception of thunderstorm or extreme wind warnings. Member fee is $5 per child. Non-member fee is $8 per child. No charge for parents/chaperones. Advance registration and payment is required. Registration must meet a minimum of three to conduct this program. In the event of a cancellation, advance registration will ensure you receive a weather cancellation notice within 24 hours.
Contact: 973-543-6004

- Register by 10/11/23
October 17, 2023 (Tuesday) 7:00-8:30 pm
Environmental Book Club
Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road (Use 339 Schiff Dr in your GPS), Mendham, 07945
Schiff Nature Preserve offers members participation in an Environmental Book Club for FREE. Meet with other Schiff members eight times per year in the Nature Center for a friendly gathering to discuss a previously selected environmentally focused book together. New members are always welcome. Visit Schiff's website to become a member and then email our volunteer coordinator, Pete at pcthurlow@yahoo.com for details on attending the book club. September's book to be discussed at the Environmental Book Club is Where the Deer and the Antelope Play: the pastoral observations of one ignorant American who loves to walk outside by Nick Offerman
Contact: 973-543-6004

- Register by 10/16/23
October 20, 2023 (Friday) 6:30 -8:00 pm
Family Fireside Fun
Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road (Use 351 Pleasant Valley Rd in Your GPS), Mendham, 07945
Grab the family and friends and take a short walk to the Schiff lean-to to enjoy the light of the campfire while listening to stories of the nocturnal creatures of the forest. Our fun evening plans include playing animal trivia and learning how to roast the perfect marshmallow. Feel free to bring along a picnic dinner and drinks and we will provide the s'mores fixings for dessert. Appropriate for guests age 4 and up. Member fee is $10/person. Non- member fee is $15/person. This is an outdoor event and thus, advance registration and payment are required. In the event of a cancellation, an email will be sent to registrants.
Contact: 973-543-6004

- Register by 10/19/23
October 26, 2023 (Thursday) 10:00- 11:00 am
Critter Cove Story Time
Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham, 07945
Intended for our youngest stewards ages 3-5 with an adult, join a naturalist for outdoor story time and songs. Using nature themed books and songs; we'll meet at the Nature Center and head up to the Critter Cove area to celebrate nature. With a seasonal focus to our readings, parents, and children attend this program together. This program is an all weather event to be held entirely outside; with exception of thunderstorm or extreme wind warnings. Member fee is $5 per child. Non-member fee is $8 per child. No charge for parents/chaperones. Advance registration and payment is required. Registration must meet a minimum of three to conduct this program. In the event of a cancellation, advance registration will ensure you receive a weather cancellation notice within 24 hours.
Contact: 973-543-6004

- Register by 10/25/23
October 27, 2023 (Friday) 6:30 -8:00 pm
Full Moon Hike
Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road (Use 351 Pleasant Valley Rd in Your GPS), Mendham, 07945
Night hikes provide us with an all together different experience. Schiff's Full Moon Hikes are an excellent opportunity to see our beautiful landscape by the light of the moon. Discover the magic of hiking at night while the moon is at its fullest, when even the most familiar trails reveal sights and sounds, they only share with the cool, quiet night. This 2 mile, 1 ½ hour hike is perfect for those age 6 and older, but guests should feel comfortable walking on uneven terrain. Guests are advised to wear hiking boots, weather appropriate attire, and bring headlamps to have on hand. Member fee is $10 per person. Non-member fee is $15 per person. Please, no pets are permitted on this hike. This is an all weather event with the exception of extreme weather and high winds. These walks are very popular, so early, advance registration and payment are required to confirm your place.
Contact: 973-543-6004

- Register by 10/26/23
November 9, 2023 (Thursday) 10:00 - 11:00 am
Critter Cover Story Time
Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham, 07945
Intended for our youngest stewards ages 3-5 with an adult, join a naturalist for outdoor story time and songs. Using nature themed books and songs; we'll meet at the Nature Center and head up to the Critter Cove area to celebrate nature. With a seasonal focus to our readings, parents, and children attend this program together. This program is an all weather event to be held entirely outside; with exception of thunderstorm or extreme wind warnings. Member fee is $5 per child. Non-member fee is $8 per child. No charge for parents/chaperones. Advance registration and payment is required. Registration must meet a minimum of three to conduct this program. In the event of a cancellation, advance registration will ensure you receive a weather cancellation notice within 24 hours.
Contact: 973-543-6004

- Register by 11/08/23
November 12, 2023 (Sunday) 9-11 am
Sunday Morning Fitness Hike
Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road (Use 351 Pleasant Valley Rd in Your GPS), Mendham, 07945
Join us for a brisk 5- mile hike over varied terrain across Schiff Nature Preserve. Hikers meet at McVickers Brook parking lot at 239 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham. Vaccinated dogs on leash are welcome. Free to members. Non- member fee is $10. 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.
Contact: 973-543-6004

- Register by 11/11/23
November 26, 2023 (Sunday) 6:00- 7:30 pm
Full Moon Hike
Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road (Use 351 Pleasant Valley Rd in Your GPS), Mendham, 07945
Night hikes provide us with an all together different experience. Schiff's Full Moon Hikes are an excellent opportunity to see our beautiful landscape by the light of the moon. Discover the magic of hiking at night while the moon is at its fullest, when even the most familiar trails reveal sights and sounds, they only share with the cool, quiet night. This 2 mile, 1 ½ hour hike is perfect for those age 6 and older, but guests should feel comfortable walking on uneven terrain. Guests are advised to wear hiking boots, weather appropriate attire, and bring headlamps to have on hand. Member fee is $10 per person. Non-member fee is $15 per person. Please, no pets are permitted on this hike. This is an all weather event with the exception of extreme weather and high winds. These walks are very popular, so early, advance registration and payment are required to confirm your place.
Contact: 973-543-6004

- Register by 11/25/23
November 28, 2023 (Tuesday) 7:00-8:30 pm
Environmental Book Club
Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road (Use 339 Schiff Dr in your GPS), Mendham, 07945
Schiff Nature Preserve offers members participation in an Environmental Book Club for FREE. Meet with other Schiff members eight times per year in the Nature Center for a friendly gathering to discuss a previously selected environmentally focused book together. New members are always welcome. Visit Schiff's website to become a member and then email our volunteer coordinator, Pete at pcthurlow@yahoo.com for details on attending the book club. September's book to be discussed at the Environmental Book Club is Late Migrations: a natural history of love and loss by Margaret Renkl.
Contact: 973-543-6004

- Register by 11/27/23
December 10, 2023 (Sunday) 9-11 am
Sunday Morning Fitness Hike
Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road (Use 351 Pleasant Valley Rd in Your GPS), Mendham, 07945
Join us for a brisk 5- mile hike over varied terrain across Schiff Nature Preserve. Hikers meet at McVickers Brook parking lot at 239 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham. Vaccinated dogs on leash are welcome. Free to members. Non- member fee is $10. 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.
Contact: 973-543-6004

- Register by 12/09/23
December 21, 2023 (Thursday) 6:00- 7:30 pm
Winter Solstice Celebration
Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road (Use 351 Pleasant Valley Rd in Your GPS), Mendham, 07945
Join us as we say goodbye to autumn and welcome in the winter season on this longest night of the year. We will take an easy walk to the highest point at Schiff where you will hear tales of Winter Solstice traditions from around the world. The walk will be followed by a solstice fire, bringing light into the darkest of days. This program is appropriate for those age 6 and above and is an all weather event, so dress accordingly. In the event of a thunderstorm or extreme wind warning program will be cancelled. Advance registration required. S'mores packets will be provided, please advise us of any allergies upon registration. Flashlights recommended. All ages. Member fee is $10/person. Non- member fee is $15/person. Limited to 25 guests.
Contact: 973-543-6004

- Register by 12/20/23
December 27, 2023 (Wednesday) 6:00- 7:30 pm
Final Full Moon Hike of 2023
Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road (Use 351 Pleasant Valley Rd in Your GPS), Mendham, 07945
Night hikes provide us with an all together different experience. Schiff's Full Moon Hikes are an excellent opportunity to see our beautiful landscape by the light of the moon. Discover the magic of hiking at night while the moon is at its fullest, when even the most familiar trails reveal sights and sounds, they only share with the cool, quiet night. This 2 mile, 1 ½ hour hike is perfect for those age 6 and older, but guests should feel comfortable walking on uneven terrain. Guests are advised to wear hiking boots, weather appropriate attire, and bring headlamps to have on hand. Member fee is $10 per person. Non-member fee is $15 per person. Please, no pets are permitted on this hike. This is an all weather event with the exception of extreme weather and high winds. These walks are very popular, so early, advance registration and payment are required to confirm your place.
Contact: 973-543-6004

- Register by 12/26/23