Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road (Use 339 Schiff Dr in your GPS), Mendham, 07945
Schiff's Sunset Hikes are an excellent opportunity to see our beautiful landscape as the colors of the night sky become ablaze. Discover the magic of hiking at dusk. 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 sturdy shoes, 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

Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road (Use 339 Schiff Dr in your GPS), Mendham, 07945
Please join us to explore the start of spring at Schiff! In this session we will explore how the forest and fields are slowly emerging from their winter rest. Forest Bathing is a well-being practice inspired by the Japanese tradition of Shinrin- Yoku. Slowing down in nature is combined with prompts, called invitations, to help participants use their senses to connect with the natural world. Research has shown that forest bathing can have numerous health benefits, lowering stress and improving cardiovascular and immune function. Join Elizabeth, a Certified Forest Therapy Guide, dressed for the weather with sunscreen/ bug spray, comfortable shoes and water. The walk will last 2 hours at a leisurely pace over varied terrain and include multiple stops along the way. This program is ideal for adults and teens able to remain quiet and still for extended time. This is an all weather event with the exception of thunderstorm, extreme wind, ice or wind chill temperature warnings. In the event of a cancellation, advance registration will ensure you receive a weather cancellation notice within 24 hours of the program start time. Member fee is $20. Non- member fee is $25. Advance registration and payment is required 24 hours in advance. No dogs, please.
Contact: 973-543-6004

Schiff Nature Preserve- Wood Badge Lodge
339 Pleasant Valley Road (Use 339 Schiff Dr in your GPS), Mendham, 07945
A true community event, the festival allows us to explore the preserve in a unique manner. Each year, we strive to show inspiring environmental films, offer a venue for community to gather, raise funds for Schiff, and promote learning and discussion of important environmental issues.

The night of the festival, the Wood Badge Lodge is transformed into a wonderful Woodland Theatre. With the fire pit ablaze and folks gathering and socializing on the picnic benches and seating strewn around the fire, we enjoy catching up with our EFF guests and Schiff members as we wait for dusk to arrive. Schiff provides the hayride, the alfresco movie experience, a primitive latrine, popcorn, and water. You may hike up or take the hayride, but be sure to bring a picnic dinner, beverages, and a friend or two! Savory and sweet snack boxes will be available for sale. For those with ambulatory limitations, please be advised of the rocky and uneven terrain adjacent to the Wood Badge Lodge. All proceeds of the evening support the mission of Schiff Natural Lands Trust.

This year's feature film, Saving The Great Swamp: Battle to Defeat the Jetport is a one-hour documentary about the events, people, and politics behind the struggle to preserve a rural area of New Jersey between 1959 and 1968. When the powerful Port of New York Authority announced plans to construct a huge 10,000 acre "jetport" 26 miles west of New York City in a little-known place called the Great Swamp, the fight began. In the name of progress, entire towns could have been obliterated, the aquifer and wildlife destroyed, and a way-of-life threatened for thousands of people.

The events that followed became one of the most defining environmental confrontations of its time - a grassroots movement that started in a local high school and grew to historic proportions. It was a battle that took almost a decade, a President, and an Act of Congress to stop, and ultimately led to the creation of a national treasure - the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

Two years in the making, Saving The Great Swamp: Battle to Defeat the Jetport was produced and directed by award-winning filmmaker Scott Morris, co-produced by Larry Fast and narrated by Blythe Danner. The film features in-depth interviews with residents, historians and officials, and a rich visual tapestry of historic film footage, old photographs, and high-end cinematography of the Great Swamp today. The inspiring story continues to resonate as a model for community action in the face of powerful forces.

Lovers of environmental documentary movies who also enjoy a good hike to a magical outdoor venue within the preserve, please consider joining Schiff. We are offering a NEW Schiff membership/EFF ticket bundle price for those who might like to support Schiff Nature Preserve and attend the EFF. Member fee is $18. Non- member fee is $20. Senior/Student fee is $12. EFF/Membership ticket bundle price is $60.

Contact: 973-543-6004

Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve
239 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

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. June's book to be discussed at the Environmental Book Club is Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore by Elizabeth Rush.
Contact: 973-543-6004

Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road (Use 339 Schiff Dr in your GPS), Mendham, 07945
Join Yoga Instructor Meg Carlough Kudrik (ERYT-500/Former Owner of NYC's House of Jai Yoga) at Schiff Nature Preserve for an easy hike and gentle yoga session. The class is suitable for all levels of adult yoga practitioners. Variations will be offered to accommodate both beginners and seasoned students. We will begin with a brief centering session, and then enjoy a beautiful hike through the landscapes of Schiff Nature Preserve. Once settled within the serene environment, we will practice pranayama (breathing), asana (postures), and meditation while experiencing the calming benefits of being present in nature. Come enjoy a practice for both body and mind, and leave feeling renewed and ready to approach your day with clarity and ease. Students should bring their own mat and wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Member fee is $15. Non- member fee is $20. Advance payment and registration is required. In the event of extreme weather conditions, class will be conducted indoors at the Nature Center. Classes will meet on the second Tuesday of the month from April through September.
Contact: 973-543-6004

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. In the event of a cancellation, advance registration will ensure you receive a weather cancellation notice within 24 hours. Guests are asked to have a mask on hand.
Contact: 973-543-6004

Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham, 07945
Come and join us for a Himalayan Singing Bowl Meditation to restore and energize your spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical bodies. Singing bowls are said to have been in use since 560 BC. Singing bowls produce sounds which invoke a deep state of relaxation which naturally assists in entering into meditation. The Nature Center is the perfect location for quieting your mind, body, and spirit. The meditation begins with a relaxation protocol, followed by an intention setting protocol, and closing with a third eye opening protocol and a Chakra (energy centers) clearing and balancing protocol. Bring a yoga mat, two pillows and a blanket so you can relax and enjoy the soothing sound of the singing bowls comfortably. We have chairs for those of you who prefer to sit. Member fee is $30. Non- member fee is $35. Advance registration and payment is required.
Contact: 973-543-6004

Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road (Use 339 Schiff Dr in your GPS), Mendham, 07945
Sensational Seasons! This week we will welcome the summer season with the Summer Solstice. The program activities will revolve around the changing of the seasons and the ways in which each season varies in the natural world. Children ages 3 to 5 years of age will have the opportunity to spend each morning of our week together exploring the forest and great meadow, developing their confidence, and laying the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of nature. Environmental Educators facilitate hands-on activities in nature encouraging stewardship, reflection and creativity. Ample time for free-play allows children to engage in unstructured meaningful outdoor experiences with their peers and the environment. Spring Fledglings is held entirely outdoors, with an indoor space available for extreme weather (lightning, high winds). Appropriate attire for comfort in the outdoors is expected. The opportunity to witness nature no matter the weather leads to a greater appreciation and respect for our environment. Children must be potty trained. Instructor:Child ratio 5:1 with two instructors. This is a drop off program so parents will be asked to provide emergency contact information. Member fee is $250 per week. Non- member fee is $280 per week. Advance registration and payment are required.
Contact: 973-543-6004

Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road (Use 339 Schiff Dr in your GPS), Mendham, 07945
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 June 25, we welcome The Outcrops to the MITW series. The four-piece blues infused band was formed in 2016 by lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Cassidy Rain & lead guitarist Bryan Schroeder. The rhythm section of the band includes Jason Casanovas on bass and Max Adler on drums. Both Max and Jason bring a funk and soul feel that melds beautifully with Cassidy and Bryan creating the perfect band tag: Rock & Roll, Blues & Soul.

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.
Contact: 973-543-6004

Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road (Use 339 Schiff Dr in your GPS), Mendham, 07945
The Conservation and Stewardship Committee welcomes your involvement in maintaining our trails, open space, and buildings. Meet at the Nature Center for two hours of land stewardship work. Each work session provides the community an opportunity to work side by side with Schiff staff and Board members in a variety of hands-on 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. Bring garden or work gloves. Tools provided by Schiff. Volunteers are asked to sign a waiver and may bring and use their own tools if they prefer. Please pre-register online so we can plan projects accordingly.
Contact: 973-543-6004

Schiff Natural Lands Trust & Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham, 07945
Habitat Safari Week. The forest and the meadow are homes to very different animals and plants. Through games, activities and crafts the Fledglings will hunt for as many different species as we can find! Children ages 3 to 5 years of age will have the opportunity to spend each morning of our week together exploring the habitats of Schiff, developing their confidence, and laying the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of nature. Environmental Educators facilitate hands-on activities in nature encouraging stewardship, reflection and creativity. Ample time for free-play allows children to engage in unstructured meaningful outdoor experiences with their peers and the environment. Spring Fledglings is held entirely outdoors, with an indoor space available for extreme weather (lightning, high winds). Appropriate attire for comfort in the outdoors is expected. The opportunity to witness nature no matter the weather leads to a greater appreciation and respect for our environment. Children must be potty trained. Instructor:Child ratio 5:1 with two instructors. This is a drop off program so parents will be asked to provide emergency contact information. Member fee is $250 per week. Non- member fee is $280 per week. Advance registration and payment are required.
Contact: 973-543-6004

Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road (Use 339 Schiff Dr in your GPS), Mendham, 07945
Join Yoga Instructor Meg Carlough Kudrik (ERYT-500/Former Owner of NYC's House of Jai Yoga) at Schiff Nature Preserve for an easy hike and gentle yoga session. The class is suitable for all levels of adult yoga practitioners. Variations will be offered to accommodate both beginners and seasoned students. We will begin with a brief centering session, and then enjoy a beautiful hike through the landscapes of Schiff Nature Preserve. Once settled within the serene environment, we will practice pranayama (breathing), asana (postures), and meditation while experiencing the calming benefits of being present in nature. Come enjoy a practice for both body and mind, and leave feeling renewed and ready to approach your day with clarity and ease. Students should bring their own mat and wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Member fee is $15. Non- member fee is $20. Advance payment and registration is required. In the event of extreme weather conditions, class will be conducted indoors at the Nature Center. Classes will meet on the second Tuesday of the month from April through September.
Contact: 973-543-6004

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. In the event of a cancellation, advance registration will ensure you receive a weather cancellation notice within 24 hours. Guests are asked to have a mask on hand.
Contact: 973-543-6004

Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road (Use 339 Schiff Dr in your GPS), Mendham, 07945
Join Yoga Instructor Meg Carlough Kudrik (ERYT-500/Former Owner of NYC's House of Jai Yoga) at Schiff Nature Preserve for an easy hike and gentle yoga session. The class is suitable for all levels of adult yoga practitioners. Variations will be offered to accommodate both beginners and seasoned students. We will begin with a brief centering session, and then enjoy a beautiful hike through the landscapes of Schiff Nature Preserve. Once settled within the serene environment, we will practice pranayama (breathing), asana (postures), and meditation while experiencing the calming benefits of being present in nature. Come enjoy a practice for both body and mind, and leave feeling renewed and ready to approach your day with clarity and ease. Students should bring their own mat and wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Member fee is $15. Non- member fee is $20. Advance payment and registration is required. In the event of extreme weather conditions, class will be conducted indoors at the Nature Center. Classes will meet on the second Tuesday of the month from April through September.
Contact: 973-543-6004

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. In the event of a cancellation, advance registration will ensure you receive a weather cancellation notice within 24 hours. Guests are asked to have a mask on hand.
Contact: 973-543-6004

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 Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler.
Contact: 973-543-6004

Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road (Use 339 Schiff Dr in your GPS), Mendham, 07945
Join Yoga Instructor Meg Carlough Kudrik (ERYT-500/Former Owner of NYC's House of Jai Yoga) at Schiff Nature Preserve for an easy hike and gentle yoga session. The class is suitable for all levels of adult yoga practitioners. Variations will be offered to accommodate both beginners and seasoned students. We will begin with a brief centering session, and then enjoy a beautiful hike through the landscapes of Schiff Nature Preserve. Once settled within the serene environment, we will practice pranayama (breathing), asana (postures), and meditation while experiencing the calming benefits of being present in nature. Come enjoy a practice for both body and mind, and leave feeling renewed and ready to approach your day with clarity and ease. Students should bring their own mat and wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Member fee is $15. Non- member fee is $20. Advance payment and registration is required. In the event of extreme weather conditions, class will be conducted indoors at the Nature Center. Classes will meet on the second Tuesday of the month from April through September.
Contact: 973-543-6004

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. In the event of a cancellation, advance registration will ensure you receive a weather cancellation notice within 24 hours. Guests are asked to have a mask on hand.
Contact: 973-543-6004

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

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