OUR PRESERVES

Schiff Natural Lands Trust has four separate nature preserves, and approximately 768 acres, under management. Schiff often partners with local municipalities and environmental organizations that also seek to protect our beautiful natural areas and preserve open space for generations to come.

Visitors are asked to assist us in maintaining a safe and clean open space for the public to enjoy by carrying in and out all waste and keeping pets on leashes during this busy time. We ask that our visitors do their very best to follow public health guidelines and avoid congregating.

For more resources on protecting yourself during the COVID-19 visit these links:
NJ Department of Health- COVID-19
NJ Department of Health- COVID-19 Dashboard
NJ COVID-19 Information Hub

"As a community member, I could have only ever dreamed of living 5 minutes down the road from a nature preserve where I would be able to bring my children on a regular basis. A place they have the ability to learn at such a young age why they should respect nature and learn everything they possibly can about it so they can be advocates for missions like Schiff's and themselves."

Schiff Nature Preserve

Our flagship preserve is home to our Nature Center, our Native Plant Garden, and most of our programming. This preserve comprises 502 acres and a variety of terrains, including our Great Meadow, Look Out Point, the Lean To, and Elevation 711. The one way windy access road to this preserve is via Pleasant Valley Road in Mendham Township. Parking is limited to 20 cars in front of the Nature Center. Click here for a trail map.

"I am so impressed with the amount of work that goes into this preserve. Hats off to you!"

McVickers Brook Preserve

This 107-acre parcel is co-managed with Mendham Borough, and is adjacent to Schiff Nature Preserve. Located at 239 Pleasant Valley Road in Mendham Borough or via Thomas Road in Mendham Borough. Please enjoy the newly developed offshoot trail from the Franklin Parker Trail to the Farrelly "rest stop". This location has been cleared to allow for a bench and a view of the oak tree and commemorates the original land donation from the Farrelly family. Parking is limited at both entrances.

The Mosle Preserve and Recreation Area

This is a 112-acre parcel that Schiff co-owns and co-manages with Mendham Township and the NJ Water Supply Authority in a successful partnership to preserve open space and provide additional recreational sports fields. Access to this preserve is via Carriage Hill Road (at the end of Hunters Glen Road) in Mendham Township. There are several large parking areas on this parcel.

Mt. Paul Preserve

This 46 acre parcel was added to the Schiff Natural Lands Trust in 2012 through a partnership with Mendham Township and Chester Township. The site of an old shale quarry, this site includes an actively managed wetland habitat and unique geological outcroppings. The Mt. Paul Preserve is located on Mt. Paul Rd off of Rt. 24 in Chester, NJ. adjacent to the Mendham Township Burnett Brook Preserve. Parking is limited.

Schiff welcomes members and visitors to enjoy the trails of the preserve from dawn to dusk 365 days a year. We do ask that our visitors abide by the Visitor Use Policy to ensure the prestige of the land and the safety of others so that all may have a positive visitor experience.

"We continue to enjoy hiking at Schiff and are happy to have Schiff as our neighbor."