Calendar of Events

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.

Pictures of Events at Schiff
October 22, 2024 (Tuesday) 7:00 PM- 8:30 PM
Environmental Book Club
Virtual (Zoom)
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Schiff's Environmental Book Club is FREE for members. Meet other Schiff members eight times per year on Zoom for a friendly gathering to discuss an environmentally focused book covering various aspects of the natural world from wildlife to Climate to adventure and beyond. The discussions are led by members of the group. New attendees are always welcome to the book club. Want to try it for the first time to see if you like it? Just register in advance online and you will be sent a zoom link to attend the first club meeting. Want to become a member of Schiff AND attend the book club regularly? Visit Schiff's website to become a member, register in advance online, and you will be sent the Zoom link to attend each session. October's book to be discussed at the Environmental Book Club is Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy.
Contact: 973-543-6004
October 27, 2024 (Sunday) 9:00 AM- 11:00 PM
Volunteer Work Session
Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham, 07945

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.
Contact: 973-543-6004
- Register by 10/26/24
November 5, 2024 (Tuesday) 10:00 AM- 11:00 AM
Critter Cove Story Time
Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham, 07945

Join us for outdoor story time & 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 & held entirely outside, with exception of thunderstorms or high wind warnings. This program is for our youngest budding stewards ages 3-5 (supervision by parent/gaurdian required throughout the programs entirety). 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.
Contact: 973-543-6004
- Register by 11/05/24
November 8, 2024 (Friday) 6:00 PM- 7:30 PM
Family Fireside Fun
Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham, 07945

Enjoy the forest as you take a short walk up to the Schiff lean-to where you will find the fire-pit ablaze. During the evening participants will hear stories of the creatures of the night, take a nocturnal animal quiz, listen to sounds of the forest and roast marshmallows amongst the stars. Feel free to bring along a picnic dinner and drinks and we will provide the fixings for s'mores for dessert. If you have dietary restrictions please add that information upon registration. Appropriate for guests age 4 and up. Member fee is $12. Non- member fee is $18. Advance registration and payment are required. In the event of rain the event will be moved indoors to Wood Badge Lodge.
Contact: 973-543-6004
November 10, 2024 (Sunday) 9:00 AM- 11:00 PM
Sunday Morning Fitness
McVickers Brook 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 (next door to) 239 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham. Vaccinated dogs on leash are welcome. This hike is intented for adults only, but small children mat 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.
Contact: 973-543-6004
- Register by 11/10/24
November 15, 2024 (Friday) 7:00 PM- 8:15 PM
Singing Bowl Meditation
Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham, 07945

Please join us in the Nature Center 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.
Contact: 973-543-6004
- Register by 11/15/24
November 15, 2024 (Friday) 6:00 PM- 7:30 PM
Full Moon Hike
Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham, 07945

Night hikes provide us with an all together magical 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 all experience levels, but best for guests ages 8 and above (parent/guardian supervision required throughout the programs entirety). Guests should expect to walk on uneven terrain. Guests are advised to wear hiking boots, weather appropriate attire, and bring headlamps to have on hand. Member fee is $12 per person. Non-member fee is $18 per person. Please, no pets are permitted. These walks are very popular, so early, advance registration and payment are required to confirm your place and receive any additional information in advance of the program.
Contact: 973-543-6004
- Register by 11/15/24
November 23, 2024 (Saturday) 10:00 AM- 12:00 AM
Volunteer Work Session
Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham, 07945

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.
Contact: 973-543-6004
- Register by 11/24/24
December 3, 2024 (Tuesday) 7:00 PM- 8:30 PM
Environmental Book Club
Virtual (Zoom)
, ,

Schiff's Environmental Book Club is FREE for members. Meet other Schiff members eight times per year on Zoom for a friendly gathering to discuss an environmentally focused book covering various aspects of the natural world from wildlife to Climate to adventure and beyond. The discussions are led by members of the group. New attendees are always welcome to the book club. Want to try it for the first time to see if you like it? Just register in advance online and you will be sent a zoom link to attend the first club meeting. Want to become a member of Schiff AND attend the book club regularly? Visit Schiff's website to become a member, register in advance online, and you will be sent the Zoom link to attend each session. December's book to be discussed at the Environmental Book Club is Beaverland: How One Rodent Made America by Leila Philip.
Contact: 973-543-6004
- Register by 12/03/24
December 8, 2024 (Sunday) 9:00 AM- 11:00 AM
Sunday Morning Fitness
McVickers Brook 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 (next door to) 239 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham. Vaccinated dogs on leash are welcome. This hike is intented for adults only, but small children mat 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.
Contact: 973-543-6004
- Register by 12/08/24
December 14, 2024 (Saturday) 5:30-7:00
Full Moon Hike
Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham, 07945

Night hikes provide us with an all together magical 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 all experience levels, but best for guests ages 8 and above(parent/guardian supervision required throughout the programs entirety). Guests should expect to walk on uneven terrain. Guests are advised to wear hiking boots, weather appropriate attire, and bring headlamps to have on hand. Member fee is $12 per person. Non-member fee is $18 per person. Please, no pets are permitted. These walks are very popular, so early, advance registration and payment are required to confirm your place and receive any additional information in advance of the program.
Contact: 973-543-6004
- Register by 12/14/24
December 27, 2024 (Friday) 7:00 PM- 8:15 PM
Singing Bowl Meditation
Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham, 07945

Please join us in the Nature Center 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.
Contact: 973-543-6004
- Register by 12/27/24
December 29, 2024 (Sunday) 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM
Volunteer Work Session
Schiff Nature Preserve
339 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham, 07945

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.
Contact: 973-543-6004
- Register by 12/28/24