Program Policies
Location:
Programs and events are held at Schiff Nature Preserve unless otherwise noted. Please meet the program’s environmental educator at the Nature Center kiosk.
Access to the Nature Center presents accessibility limitations. Bathroom facilities are not guaranteed to be available for all programs.
During the months of mid May- mid September, there is a portable bathroom facility at the entrance of the Amphitheatre on the red trail.
Directions:
Please use 351 Pleasant Valley Rd Mendham, NJ in your GPS to find the entry bridge to the preserve (and adjacent housing development and NJ American Water location). Once over the first stone bridge, proceed forward until you see the Schiff Nature Preserve directional sign instructing you to take a left and proceed up our one way entrance drive.
(Using our mailing address of 339 Pleasant Valley Road will not sync to our location, but instead direct you down the road).
When exiting, please follow the exit signs down our exit drive and into the neighborhood below. Take a right to get you back onto Pleasant Valley Rd.
Parking:
The parking lot adjacent to the Nature Center has a capacity of 20 cars. Carpooling is strongly encouraged for group visits.
Scheduling:
Click here to send an email. Educators are typically available on weekday afternoons and on weekends. “Rain dates” are established when requesting dates/times.
Payment:
Advance payment is required for all programs offered by Schiff Natural Lands Trust. Advance registration ensures that you receive any cancellation notices.
Cancellation by Schiff:
Programs are conducted rain or shine, but may be canceled by Schiff due to severe weather conditions such as thunderstorms, heavy winds, ice, or snow. We offer participants options to request a full refund, transfer their payment to a future program, or support Schiff through a donation.
Cancellation by Guests:
Cancellation requests for programs listed on our “Calendar of Events” page, must be communicated in an email to within 48 hours for refund options listed above.
Cancellations and rescheduling requests made by registrants for scout/ birthday/ group programs must be communicated in writing within 48 hours for partial refund (minus $20-$40 administrative fee)
Age Restrictions:
Check specific program descriptions prior to registering for information on age restrictions. Children in strollers and backpacks and siblings in tow may or may not be permitted to join all programs.
Dog Restrictions:
Check specific program descriptions prior to registering to see if friendly, vaccinated dogs on leash are permitted. All dogs participating in programs must be vaccinated and kept on leash at all times.
Attire:
Guests should come dressed appropriately for the weather of the season, wearing closed- toed shoes, and be prepared to enjoy the outdoors rain or shine. We advise each guest to bring their own water bottle.
