Special Events

16th Annual Environmental Film Festival

Saturday, June 7, 2025

Wood Badge Lodge, 339 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham, NJ

(Use 351 Pleasant Valley Rd, Mendham in Your GPS to Arrive at the Schiff Nature Preserve Entrance. Follow the one-way road up to the Nature Center. )

Each year, we offer inspiring films, discussion, fire pit, and s’mores, and a chance to raise funds for Schiff.

*IMPORTANT NOTE – There will be NO Hayride option this year. Guests will either hike up and back to the event, OR select “parking ticket” when ordering for a VERY LIMITED amount of parking spots within the preserve (must be selected when ordering tickets). Parking “ticket holders” will receive a map/written instructions for self parking and then walk the remaining distance to the Lodge. Hiker “ticket holders” will be led back by a hike leader; headlamps are encouraged.

On the night of the festival, the Wood Badge Lodge becomes a Woodland Theatre, where we enjoy the fire pit, good company, and the anticipation of the films. Join us for an alfresco movie experience with seating, complimentary popcorn, and water. Sweet treats and beverages may also be available for purchase to support Eagle Scout projects. Bring a picnic dinner, your favorite beverages, and a friend to support Schiff Natural Lands Trust. In case of rain, the films will be shown inside the Wood Badge Lodge.

Purchase Tickets

6:30 pm - Check in begins at the Nature Center. Hikers who have parked at the Nature Center are encouraged to begin the hike to the Woodland Theatre

6:45 pm - (very limited, first to order) "Parking Ticket" holders are encouraged to arrive to self drive to the interior parking location and then walk the remaining distance to the Lodge

7:00- 7:45 pm - BYOPicnic, Fire Pit, & Trivia Time

7:45 pm - Feature Movie: Clear Day Thunder: Rescuing the American Chestnut

8:45 pm - "Parking Ticket" holders and then hikers will depart

This Year's Feature Film

Clear Day Thunder: Rescuing the American Chestnut

Brief Synopsis

Presented by the American Chestnut Foundation in association with Adams J. Wood Films and Collective Projects, "Clear Day Thunder: Rescuing the American Chestnut," is a new documentary detailing grassroots efforts by researchers and citizen scientists to restore one of America's most ecologically and economically significant trees. The movie features interviews with scientists, volunteers, and luminaries. Bestselling author Barbara Kingsolver, Rolling Stone keyboardist Chuck Leavell, country music legend Dolly Parton, and former President Jimmy Carter are just a few of the well- known figures committed to this historic conservation effort.

Watch Trailer

This is the story of a tree.

A mighty wonder that graced the forests of Appalachia and sustained all forms of life. Embraced us, from cradle to grave.

At the turn of the 20th century, a deadly blight accidentally imported into the U.S. from Asia devastated the American Chestnut. Within a span of only two generations, the tree was nearly extinct.

This is the story of people.

The new documentary film CLEAR DAY THUNDER: RESCUING THE AMERICAN CHESTNUT tells the story of passionate citizen scientists and researchers working to restore this ecologically and economically important species, during this pivotal moment.

This is the story of promise.

The tree that forged a connection with humankind has been embraced in turn by humans who, invigorated by hope, are working tirelessly to revive this magnificent tree — so that it can once again help shape the future.

Representatives from the NJ/PA Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation will give a brief presentation about the history of the organization and its ongoing work to bring back the American Chestnut. Come learn about one of the most exciting ecological comeback stories in recent history while enjoying the warmth of the firepit and EFF community in the woods of Schiff Nature Preserve.

Visit the Film Website

Executive Producers: Jules Smith & Lisa Thomson
Directed by: Rod Murphy & Adams Wood

Film Festival Sponsors

Thanks to the generous support of our Film Festival sponsors, the proceeds from this event help Schiff in its education, stewardship, and conservation mission. Please join us in thanking them by supporting these businesses!

Interested in becoming a sponsor for this event? Please complete the EFF sponsor form and return it to [email protected] by May 15.

Sponsor Form See more

For assistance with our Environmental Film Festival, please contact [email protected].