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
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 and points of special interest, including our Great Meadow, Look Out Point, the Lean To, The Amphitheatre, Critter Cove 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.
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.
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.
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.
"I wanted to reach out and send you a letter of thanks. These days, I try to get in a walk whenever possible, hiking through all the back trails of Mt Paul Park. I even go through the woods to the old Shale Pits area once in a while. It's a great hike and quite unique. When I go, I make my way down the mountain and arrive at a point which overlooks the valley below. I always pause for a while right there... It's such a beautiful spot, breathtaking in fact. I remember what it used to look like back 'in the day' with all kinds of excavating equipment and can really appreciate how it is now. Amazing!! You can only imagine my surprise when this past Oct, on an absolutely gorgeous fall day, I discovered that Schiff had also discovered the beauty and serenity of this same viewpoint. As I came down to the shale pits through the woods, there it was, in the clearing... the Bench!!! AWESOME!! What a terrific and pleasant surprise!! Well done Schiff!!! I hope others will discover 'The Bench' as I have. It's such a beautiful area and a fantastic place to stop and listen, observing all of nature in its finest. Thank you so much." Schiff member and resident of Chester, P. Bennett
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.
