Schiff Nature Preserve

Schiff Nature Preserve is a 354.5-acre nature preserve located in Mendham Township and Mendham Borough, New Jersey. The property is the main site of the Schiff Natural Lands Trust, Inc., which also owns additional land throughout the area and holds about 50 acres in conservation easements totaling over 640 acres.

Facilities

The Preserve is open from dawn to dusk year-round, and offers 14 miles of public access hiking trails. It also includes a nature center that offers environmental education programs including nature walks, birthday parties, home school classes and more. The center is open on weekdays during business hours, and offers a small library of field guides as well as maps and other information. This building is also home to a variety of rescue animals (most of which were abandoned pets).

Invasive Species Control

Schiff has taken an active interest in controlling and removing invasive plant species on the property. Several summer programs offer opportunities for teenagers to learn about local invasives and to help with eradication. Species of special concern include Devil's Walkingstick, Chinese bushclover, and Tree of Heaven. Schiff is also attempting to reduce the local population of White-tailed deer in order to help restore the preserve's local flora.

History

The preserve occupies the land that was once owned by the Mortimer L. Schiff Scout Reservation. A recent archaeological excavation discovered a 19th-century cellarhole along the Colonial Road on the preserve. Many artifacts were recovered during the excavation, and the cellarhole was reconstructed and is now a trailside attraction.

External links

• Schiff Nature Preserve - official site