Schiff Nature Preserve

Schiff Nature Preserve is a nature reserve in Mendham Township covering 780 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and open fields across Morris County. The land provides habitat for numerous native plants and animals that thrive across these different landscape types.

The land was once known as Brookrace Estate and was documented by the Historic American Buildings Survey in 1995. Its conversion to a nature preserve transformed the former private estate into a publicly accessible natural landscape.

The Nature Center offers environmental education programs where visitors learn about local ecosystems and wildlife conservation. These activities help people understand why protecting natural spaces matters for the surrounding community.

The preserve has about 14 miles of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels and is open from sunrise to sunset throughout the year. Good walking shoes are recommended, especially since some trails can be muddy during wet weather.

Archaeological excavations uncovered a 19th-century cellar hole along Colonial Road that has been reconstructed as an educational trail feature. This discovery provides visitors with a tangible link to the area's earlier inhabitants.

Location: Mendham Township

GPS coordinates: 40.75694,-74.62806

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:40