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2010 Events and Programs
Check regularly for additional programs.

February.. remaining events....

Discussion Course: Voluntary Simplicity
COST: FREE, see note below
Jan. 25th, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22 March 1st 7-8:30 pm (6 sessions, Adults only)
Schiff Nature Preserve and the local Community Green organization have teamed up to sponsor the Northwest Earth Institute’s Voluntary Simplicity discussion course. The goals for the program are to understand the meaning of voluntary simplicity, to explore the material and psychological distractions that prevent us from caring for the earth, to acknowledge the connection between our lifestyle choices and the condition of the earth.
*Note: Discussion guides are $21 each, plus any shipping. To register and order discussion guides, please call the Nature Center 973-543-6004.

Environmental Book Club
COST: FREE (Adults only)
Tuesday, February 23rd, 7 pm
The Schiff Nature Preserve sponsors an environmental book group that connects adult readers who are interested in environmental literature. We will meet to discuss Farewell, My Subaru: An Epic Adventure in Local Living by Doug Fine.

March

Volunteer! Mailing Assistance
Thursday March 4th 9:30 am
Chat with a fun group, enjoy some snacks and help us get our Spring newsletter ready to mail!

Homeschooler Spring Trimester: Birds
COST/Trimester: $30 M, $50 NM, call to try out a class
Monday, March 8th, 12:45-2:30 pm: Owls
Monday, April 12th, 12:45-2:30 pm: Spring Migration
Monday, May 10th, 12:45-2:30 pm: Nest Building
Grades K-6 : Our new trimester gets us hooked on birding, starting with a group of birds that is often heard, but seldom seen. Owls are amazing! We’ll learn about their behaviors, physiology, and habitats with stories, hands-on activities, and outdoor experiences.

Health Hike for Adults
COST: $5 suggested donation on day of hike.
Thursday, March 11th, 9:15 am
Join us for an invigorating walk on our nature trails. Get your heart pumping and enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest and meadows. Please wear appropriate footwear and bring water.
Note: Future hikes held on 4/8, 5/13, 6/10, 9/9, 10/14, 11/18, and 12/9.

Maple Sugaring at Schiff
COST: $10 per family (All ages)
Saturday, March 13th, 11-12:30 pm OR 1:30-3 pm (Rain date Sunday, March 14th)
Looking for a unique family outing? Meet Schiff staff at the Schiff Nature Center for the annual maple sugaring event. Learn how to identify a maple tree in winter, witness a demonstration of tree tapping at the preserve's own maple grove, and watch as the sap is made into syrup. Each participant will try a taste of the sweet success. We will be outdoors for a portion of this program. This program fills quickly, so register soon!

Introduction to Permaculture
COST: $5 (Adults)
Thursday March 18th 7 pm
Permaculture is an approach to designing sustainable communities and agricultural systems that mimic the processes, systems and relationships found in nature. Wanda Knapik, certified permaculture designer and teacher, will share practical permaculture solutions for your home and community.
Wanda Knapik owns and operates My Local Garden, a business that promotes and teaches about organic vegetable gardening in NJ.

HikeMendham!--Schiff Nature Preserve-
COST: FREE
Friday, March 19th, 9:30-11:30 am
This 2010 series of monthly hikes is sponsored by the Mendham Township Open Space Committee, Schiff Nature Preserve, and Mendham Township and Mendham Borough Environmental Commissions. Call 973-543-6004 or visit www.HikeMendham.org for more information.

Volunteer! Garden Work Day
Monday March 29th 9:30 am
Come and help get our native plant garden ready for spring! Bring work gloves and your enthusiasm.

Spring Break Hikers
COST: $10 M, $15 NM per daily session (ages 6-12)
Tuesday, March 30th, 10 am-12 pm OR 12:30– 2:30 pm
Wednesday, March 31st, 10 am-12 pm OR 12:30– 2:30 pm
Take advantage of Spring Break and enjoy the weather with some hikes around Schiff. We’ll play trail games and search for signs that spring has sprung. Our hiking route and games will vary each day, so children can attend one or both days. In the event of rain, an indoor activity will take place.

April

Thinking Ahead...Save Your Winter Clothes and Boots! Winter Gear Swap for Outdoor Kids
COST: $10 per family
This event will take place on Saturday OCTOBER 2nd.
Save the clean, usable winter gear your kids outgrew, and plan on attending our Winter Gear Swap. Schiff will provide the tables and signs to help you organize your items (snow pants, coats, snow boots, hats, mittens, thermals, ice skates, etc.) and families may freely find items that will help them enjoy the 2010-2011 wintertime.

Springtime Walkabouts for Preschoolers
COST/class: $10 M, $15 NM (Member Special: Sign up for all 4 and pay only $35)
Mondays, 9:45-10:45 am (ages 2-5) 4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26
Join us for springtime fun, with new stories, songs, crafts, and hikes!

Homeschooler Spring Trimester: Birds
COST/Trimester: $30 M, $50 NM, call to try out a class
Monday, April 12th, 12:45-2:30 pm: Spring Migration
Monday, May 10th, 12:45-2:30 pm: Nest Building
Grades K-6: Birds are on the move! Spring migration is one of the most important and dynamic times for birds, and lots of fun to study. Join us for indoor activities and outdoor discovery.

Baby and Me Hike
COST: $1 per family
Tuesday, April 6th, 9:30 am
Bundle your baby and join other moms and dads for a hike around Schiff. Children must be carried in a backpack (no strollers).

Volunteer! Clean Team
Wednesday April 7th 9:30 am
Sometimes we need a group who love nothing more than a good healthy spring cleaning (not to mention winter, summer and fall). Join in on the Clean Team bi-monthly to help us tidy up the Nature Center.
Other dates in 2010: June 17th, Sep 21st, November 2nd

Dragonfly Lecture with Allen Barlow
COST: $5 suggested donation
Wednesday April 7th 7 pm
Join Allen Barlow, Schiff trustee and author of The Field Guide to Dragonflies and Damselflies of New Jersey for an informative lecture about the ecology of these fascinating creatures. Allen's photographic slideshow contains all his original photos and will highlight some of the most beautiful species in NJ. Signed copies of Field Guides will be for sale.

Health Hike for Adults
COST: $5 suggested donation on day of hike.
Thursday, April 8th, 9:15 am
Join us for an invigorating walk on our nature trails. Get your heart pumping and enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest and meadows. Please wear appropriate footwear and bring water.
Note: Future hikes held on 5/13, 6/10, 9/9, 10/14, 11/18, and 12/9.

Summer Nature Program Registration
COST: Full camp tuition due at registration
Saturday, April 10th
For more information regarding the registration process, tuition, and camp curriculum See the summer page of this website.

Composting for Today's Gardener
Saturday, April 10th 10:30-11:30 am
Location: Garabrant Center
Virginia Lamb will give a presentation on composting for today's gardener. She has been instrumental in teaching the how's and why's of composting throughout New Jersey. Co-sponsored by the Mendham Boro Environmental Commission and Schiff Nature Preserve. For registering or more info: lorraine.felber@gmail.com or 973-543-0663.

12th Annual Mendham Township Clean Up Day
Sunday, April 11th, 1 p.m.
Sponsored by the Mendham Township Environmental Commission
Help keep Mendham clean and green by joining others for an afternoon of light work. Younger workers can participate in our litter scavenger hunt. Meet at the Mendham Shopping Center (behind Kings) at 1 p.m. to pick up complimentary trash bags, gloves and directions to clean up sites. Call coordinator Tanya Sulikowski at 973.543.6004 if you plan to attend.

Environmental Book Club
COST: FREE (Adults only)
Tuesday, April 13th, 7 pm
The Schiff Nature Preserve sponsors an environmental book group that connects adult readers who are interested in environmental literature. We will meet to discuss The Dangerous World of Butterflies: The Startling Subculture of Criminals, Collectors, and Conservationists by Peter Laufer.

Birding for Kids
COST: $30 per family for three classes- includes field guide. (Ages 7 & up)
Dates: April 17th, May 8th, and June 5th 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Did you know that over 400 species of birds can be found in the Garden State? Learn why birding is one of the fastest growing hobbies in America during our exciting new Birding for Kids program! Kids and their families will practice identification basics while searching the Schiff Nature Preserve for birdlife during this 3 part series. Limited to 15 families.

HikeMendham!--India Brook Natural Area--
COST: FREE
Sunday, April 18th, 2-4 pm
Focus on Geology.
This 2010 series of monthly hikes is sponsored by the Mendham Township Open Space Committee, Schiff Nature Preserve, and Mendham Township and Mendham Borough Environmental Commissions. Call 973-543-6004 or visit www.HikeMendham.org for more information.

Volunteer! Native Plant Work Day
Tuesday April 20th 9:30 am
Come work with our staff to plant native rhododendrons in front of the nature center! Bring work gloves and your enthusiasm.

Bluebirds
COST: FREE
Wednesday April 21st 4 pm
Join Schiff for a lecture sponsored by the Chester Garden Club and the Chester Girl Scouts to learn about bluebirds, their friends and foes, and how you can help improve their numbers and lifestyle right in your own backyard.

Volunteer! Franklin Parker Trail Work Day
Thursday April 22nd 9:30 am
Come celebrate Earth Day and work with our staff to tidy up the Franklin Parker Trail! Bring work gloves and your enthusiasm.

May

Morning Bird Walk with Allen Barlow
COST: $5 suggested donation
Saturday May 1st 8 am
Join Schiff trustee and accomplished birder, Allen Barlow for a morning walk around our meadow and woodlands in search of spring migrants.

Springtime Walkabouts for Preschoolers
COST/class: $10 M, $15 NM (Member Special: Sign up for all 4 and pay only $35)
Mondays, 9:45-10:45 am (ages 2-5) 5/3, 5/10, 5/17, and 5/24
Does your child love bugs, mud, flowers and baby birds? Join us for springtime fun, with new stories, songs, crafts, and hikes.

Volunteer! Native Plant Garden Work Day
Wednesday May 5th 9:30 am
Come and help transplant some native plant seedlings from our garden to prepare for our plant sale! Each volunteer can take a few seedlings home. Bring work gloves and your enthusiasm.

Homeschooler Spring Trimester: Birds
COST/Trimester: $30 M, $50 NM, call to try out a class
Monday, May 10th, 12:45-2:30 pm: Nest Building
Grades K-6: Our final afternoon of class will have us investigating birds’ nests. Birds are great architects and builders; we’ll examine the structure of nests in the Schiff collection and head outside to check out some nesting birds in action.

Health Hike for Adults
COST: $5 suggested donation on day of hike.
Thursday, May 13th, 9:15 am
Join us for an invigorating walk on our nature trails. Get your heart pumping and enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest and meadows. Please wear appropriate footwear and bring water.
Note: Future hikes held on 6/10, 9/9, 10/14, 11/18, and 12/9.

Volunteer! Invasive Species Strike Team
Saturday May 15th 10 am (Mature kids and adults only)
Join Dr. Mike Van Clef for a morning of invasive plant work. You'll learn to identify and help eradicate several species of emerging invasive plants on Schiff.

Schiff Annual Members’ Meeting & Special Program- "Biodiversity Celebration – New Jersey’s Best Kept Secret”
by Blaine Rothauser
COST: FREE (All ages)
Sunday, May 16th, 1-3 pm
1-2 pm Board of Trustees Annual Members Meeting. All members are invited.

2-3 pm Biodiversity Celebration – New Jersey’s Best Kept Secret
Blaine Rothauser, a professional environmental consultant, wildlife and landscape photographer will help explain, in incredible photographic detail, why the fourth smallest state in the nation ranks tops in species diversity. We're not just talking raccoons and robins. Eighty percent of all New Jersey’s listed threatened and endangered fauna will be included. Along the way we will learn how the 5 physiographic provinces make it all happen! Mr. Rothauser photographs have been exhibited throughout the state and they have been published in calendars, magazines, environmental newsletters, corporate reports, web sites, books, state-nongame species program books and annual reports. Slideshow images will be available for purchase and all proceeds will be donated to Schiff!

Volunteer! Invasive Species Strike Team
Wednesday May 19th 9:30 am
Join Dr. Mike Van Clef for a morning of invasive plant work. You'll learn to identify and help eradicate several species of emerging invasive plants on Schiff.

HikeMendham!--Buttermilk Falls via Combs Hollow-
COST: FREE
Saturday, May 2nd, 2-4 pm
Focus on local history.
This 2010 series of monthly hikes is sponsored by the Mendham Township Open Space Committee, Schiff Nature Preserve, and Mendham Township and Mendham Borough Environmental Commissions. Call 973-543-6004 or visit www.HikeMendham.org for more information.

Bluebird and Neighbor Day
COST: $5 per family (All ages)
Sunday, May 23rd, 10-12 p.m. OR 2-4 p.m. (Rain or shine)
Our bluebird celebration will involve hiking, birdwatching, mini-lessons about the ecology of the meadow, fun crafts and more. You may also build your own bluebird house (for a fee) or purchase a constructed one. Light refreshments

Environmental Book Club
COST: FREE (Adults only)
Tuesday, May 25th, 7 pm
The Schiff Nature Preserve sponsors an environmental book group that connects adult readers who are interested in environmental literature. We will meet to discuss The Bear by William Faulkner.

June

Wild & Scenic Film Festival
COST: $TBD
Friday, June 4th Time TBD (rain or shine)
Join Schiff and Base Camp Adventure Outfitters for a night of environmental and adventure films that illustrate the Earth’s beauty, the challenges facing our planet, and the work communities are doing to protect the environment. Hike or take a hay wagon to Woodbadge Lodge and enjoy light refreshments and raffle prizes as you watch two hours of environmentally conscious films.
Please note: options for traveling to and from our "theater" include a lovely, guided 30 minute hike or a hay wagon ride- your choice. The movie event time runs about 2 hours, with no easy way to return before it is over. Bathroom facilities consist of a brand new outhouse that is a short walk from the theater.

Walkabouts for Preschoolers
COST/class: $10 M, $15 NM
Mondays, 9:45-10:45 am (ages 2-5) June 7th and 14th
Summer is right around the corner! We’ll say good-bye to another year of walkabouts and hello to new summer adventures.

Volunteer! Native Plant Garden Work Day
Tuesday June 8th 9:30 am
Come and help in our native plant garden! Bring work gloves and your enthusiasm.

HikeMendham!-- Meadowood Park-
COST: FREE
Wednesday, June 9th, 9:30-11:30 am
Focus on History and NJ's Trees.
This 2010 series of monthly hikes is sponsored by the Mendham Township Open Space Committee, Schiff Nature Preserve, and Mendham Township and Mendham Borough Environmental Commissions. Call 973-543-6004 or visit www.HikeMendham.org for more information.

Health Hike for Adults
COST: $5 suggested donation on day of hike.
Thursday, June 10th, 9:15 am
Join us for an invigorating walk on our nature trails. Get your heart pumping and enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest and meadows. Please wear appropriate footwear and bring water.
Note: Future hikes held on 9/9, 10/14, 11/18, and 12/9.

Confessions of a Wildlife Photographer- Photography Workshop
COST: $20 Members, $30 Non members (ages 15 to adult)
Saturday June 12th 1-3 pm
How do wildlife photographers get images of animals that are rarely ever seen in the wild – like the wolverine or short tailed shrew? All will be revealed by Blaine Rothauser, professional wildlife photographer and biologist, during this one hour lecture and one hour field workshop. The use of photography blinds, infrared slaves, setup tanks and specialty field equipment will be discussed. This program is indeed a confessional intended to make you say, “No kidding – so that’s how they do it”. Class size is limited to 12 and participants must provide and be familiar with their own camera equipment.

Environmental Book Club
COST: FREE (Adults only)
Tuesday, June 15th, 7 pm
The Schiff Nature Preserve sponsors an environmental book group that connects adult readers who are interested in environmental literature. We will meet to discuss Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by William McDonough and Michael Braungart.

Volunteer! Clean Team
Thursday June 17th 9:30 am
Come by the Nature Center for an hour or so and pitch in with a group of friends to get this place sparkling.

Baby and Me Hike
COST: $1 per family
Tuesday, June 22nd, 9:30 am
Bundle your baby and join other moms and dads for an early summer hike around Schiff. Children must be carried in a backpack (no strollers).

Dragonfly Walk with Allen Barlow
Saturday June 26th 1 pm
Join Allen Barlow, Schiff trustee and author of The Field Guide to Dragonflies and Damselflies of New Jersey for an afternoon field exploration to learn about the ecology of these fascinating creatures.

Summer Nature Program (see summer page for details)
Morning Session 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. OR Afternoon Session 1:30-5:00 p.m.
Six weeks of camp (age 6 or entering first grade-12 years old)
Week 1: June 28th-July 2nd
Week 2: July 5th-July 9th
Week 3: July 12th-July 16th
Week 4: July 26th-July 30th
Week 5: August 2nd-August 6th
Week 6: August 9th-August 13th

One Week for ages 13-15 years old. August 16th-August 20th

July

Summer Nature Program for Kids (continues)

Music in the Woods
COST: $8M, $10 NM (Kids under 10 are free)
Saturday, July 10, 6:30 pm
Join Tom Rice and Terry Hemmer for an evening of acoustic music in the Schiff Woodland Amphitheater as they perform an eclectic mix of blues, soul, and rock and roll. Bring the kids, bring your friends.

HikeMendham!- Dismal Harmony-
COST: FREE
Thursday, July 15th, 9:30-11:30 am
Focus on Trees and Land Use History.
This 2010 series of monthly hikes is sponsored by the Mendham Township Open Space Committee, Schiff Nature Preserve, and Mendham Township and Mendham Borough Environmental Commissions. Call 973-543-6004 or visit www.HikeMendham.org for more information.

Fungus Foray • COST: FREE (ages 12 to adult)
Sunday July 18th 10 a.m
Join the NJ Mycological Association for their annual foray (fungus hunt) at Schiff!! Tag along with experts who will search for interesting specimens to add to our species inventory of all fungi found on the Preserve. Bring a lunch to enjoy while everyone shares their discoveries.

August

Summer Nature Program for Kids (continues)

HikeMendham!- India Brook Park (Former Seeing Eye)-
COST: FREE
Monday, August 9th, 9:30-11:30 am
Focus on history of Lewis Forge and natural history.
This 2010 series of monthly hikes is sponsored by the Mendham Township Open Space Committee, Schiff Nature Preserve, and Mendham Township and Mendham Borough Environmental Commissions. Call 973-543-6004 or visit www.HikeMendham.org for more information.

September

Labor Day Parade
COST: FREE! (All ages)
Monday, September 6th, 9 a.m.
Schiff is once again a part of the Mendham Labor Day parade and we would love for you to join us. Sign up if you are interested in participating in this fun community event.

Health Hike for Adults
COST: $5 suggested donation on day of hike.
Thursday, September 9th, 9:15 am
Join us for an invigorating walk on our nature trails. Get your heart pumping and enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest and meadows. Please wear appropriate footwear and bring water.
Note: Future hikes held on 10/14, 11/18, and 12/9.

HikeMendham!- Mosle Preserve -
COST: FREE
Sunday, September 12th, 2-4 pm
Focus on history of the land.
This 2010 series of monthly hikes is sponsored by the Mendham Township Open Space Committee, Schiff Nature Preserve, and Mendham Township and Mendham Borough Environmental Commissions. Call 973-543-6004 or visit www.HikeMendham.org for more information.

Homeschooler Fall Trimester: Botany
COST/Trimester: $30 M, $50 NM, call to try out a class
Monday, September 13th, 12:45-2:30 pm: Plant Dyes and Edible Plants
Monday, October 11th, 12:45-2:30 pm: Plant Defenses
Monday, November 8th, 12:45-2:30 pm: Tree Identification
Grades K-6: Our new fall trimester brings botany into our hands, and sometimes into our mouths! The first class is a great opportunity to use local plants as people did long ago.

Walkabouts for Preschoolers
COST/class: $10 M, $15 NM
Mondays, 9:45-10:45 am (ages 2-5 yrs) 9/13, 9/20, and 9/27
Our Walkabouts program engages young children with stories, songs, crafts, hikes and so much more! It’s a great way to introduce young naturalists to their world. Our first three classes focus on using our senses to experience nature.

Baby and Me Hike
COST: $1 per family
Tuesday, September 14th, 9:30 am
Bring your baby and join other moms and dads for a late summer hike around Schiff. Children must be carried in a backpack (no strollers).

Environmental Book Club
COST: FREE (Adults only)
Tuesday, September 14th, 7 pm
The Schiff Nature Preserve sponsors an environmental book group that connects adult readers who are interested in environmental literature. We will meet to discuss The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America by Douglas Brinkley.

Volunteer! Preserve Work Day
Friday September 17th 9:30 am
Come and help in our native plant garden or on our invasive species control project! Bring work gloves and your enthusiasm.

Stories that Tweet, Hiss and Howl
COST: $14 per person
This is a members only event (Ages 5 to adult)
Saturday, September 18th, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (Rain date, Sunday the 19th)
Take a sunset hayride to our campsite where we’ll have a campfire and listen to professional storyteller Carol Titus and folk singer Ken Galipeau share stories and songs of forest animals and their close cousins. Please bring a blanket to sit on and we’ll bring the s’mores! Space is very limited, so sign up early.

Volunteer! Clean Team
Tuesday September 21st 9:30 am
Come by the Nature Center for an hour or so and pitch in with a group of friends to get this place sparkling.

Annual Family Farm Festival
More info TBA! Check back soon!
Spend a beautiful fall afternoon at Middle Valley Farms and have fun while supporting Schiff Natural Lands Trust and the Mendham Junior Women’s Club local charities.

October

Winter Gear Swap for Outdoor Kids
COST: $10 per family (non-members welcome!)
Saturday October 2nd 2-4 pm
Save the clean, usable winter gear your kids outgrew, and plan on attending our Winter Gear Swap! Schiff will provide the tables and signs to help you organize your items (snow pants, coats, snow boots, hats, mittens, thermals, ice skates, etc.) and families may freely find what will help them enjoy the 2010-2011 wintertime. Families may donate winter clothes that aren’t swapped to a local charity.

Fall Walkabouts for Preschoolers
COST/class: $10 M, $15 NM
Mondays, 9:45-10:45 am (ages 2-5 yrs) 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, and 10/25
Our Walkabouts program engages young children with stories, songs, crafts, hikes and so much more!

Homeschooler Fall Trimester: Botany
COST/Trimester: $30 M, $50 NM, call to try out a class
Monday, October 11th, 12:45-2:30 pm: Plant Defenses
Monday, November 8th, 12:45-2:30 pm: Tree Identification
Grades K-6: Plants have some amazing, clever defenses to keep animals, and sometimes other plants, from coming too close. We’ll learn about how some of the common and less common plants stay safe.

Health Hike for Adults
COST: $5 suggested donation on day of hike.
Thursday, October 14th, 9:15 am
Join us for an invigorating walk on our nature trails. Get your heart pumping and enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest and meadows. Please wear appropriate footwear and bring water.
Note: Future hikes held on 11/18 and 12/9.

HikeMendham!- Tempe Wick -
COST: FREE
Saturday, October 16th 2-4 pm
Focus on Ephemeral ponds and bat and bluebird management.
This 2010 series of monthly hikes is sponsored by the Mendham Township Open Space Committee, Schiff Nature Preserve, and Mendham Township and Mendham Borough Environmental Commissions. Call 973-543-6004 or visit www.HikeMendham.org for more information.

Volunteer! Invasive Plant Strike Team
Tuesday October 26th 9:30 am
Come and work with our staff to remove some invasive plants! Bring work gloves and your enthusiasm.

Environmental Book Club
COST: FREE (Adults only)
Tuesday, October 26th, 7 pm
The Schiff Nature Preserve sponsors an environmental book group that connects adult readers who are interested in environmental literature. We will meet to discuss The Year of the Flood a novel by Margaret Atwood.

Wild Costume Parade • COST: $7 per child (All ages)
Saturday, October 30th, 1-2:30 p.m. (Rain date, Sunday, October 31st, 1-2:30 p.m.)
Schiff once again puts a wild spin on Halloween, with a costume parade for all critters. Our parade takes us up around the meadow, with fun along the way! The afternoon will end with the popular “Ugly Cookie Creation.” Schiff has butterfly and bat wings to borrow—all kids welcome!

November

Baby and Me Hike
COST: $1 per family
Tuesday, November 2nd, 9:30 am
Bundle your baby and join other moms and dads for an autumn hike around Schiff. Children must be carried in a backpack (no strollers).

Volunteer! Clean Team
Tuesday November 2nd 9:30 am
Come by the Nature Center for an hour or so and pitch in with a group of friends to get this place sparkling.

Late Fall Walkabouts for Preschoolers
COST/class: $10 M, $15 NM
Mondays, 9:45-10:45 am (ages 2-5) 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, and 11/30
Walkabouts brings young children and nature together with stories, crafts, games and hikes. Each week focuses on itsown seasonal topic; come join us!

Children’s Vacation Program: Which Way Do We Go?
COST: $15 M, $20 NM (ages 6-12)
Thursday, November 4th, 9:30-12:30 pm OR 1-4 pm
We’ll practice using maps, compasses and more to find out where we are and how to navigate through the wilderness. Come for the morning or afternoon. Bring a snack and a water bottle.

Children’s Vacation Program: Predators
COST: $15 M, $20 NM (ages 6-12)
Friday, November 5th, 9:30-12:30 pm OR 1-4 pm
Join us for a second day of activities and games as we learn about predators at Schiff. We’ll get some hands-on discussion of local predators and head outside to play related fun and educational games. Bring a snack and water bottle and join us for the morning or afternoon.

Homeschooler Fall Trimester: Botany
COST/Trimester: $30 M, $50 NM, call to try out a class
Monday, November 8th, 12:45-2:30 pm: Tree Identification
Grades K-6: This last class of the fall trimester will focus on tree identification. As leaves fall, it’s a great time to identify them. It’s also a great time to study the other clues to properly identify them…detectives at work!

HikeMendham!- Burnett Brook -
COST: FREE
Tuesday, November 9th, 9:30-11:30 am
Focus on Wetlands and Invasive Plants.
This 2010 series of monthly hikes is sponsored by the Mendham Township Open Space Committee, Schiff Nature Preserve, and Mendham Township and Mendham Borough Environmental Commissions. Call 973-543-6004 or visit www.HikeMendham.org for more information.

Wilderness First Aid
Cost: $130 Schiff Members, $150 Nonmembers (ages 16 to adult)
November 13th & 14th 9 am-5 pm
This two-day, 16 hour class is designed for scouts, camp counselors, and outdoor enthusiasts who travel where ambulances can't. WFA presents wilderness topics in detail, provides time for skills practice, and includes role-playing and wilderness accident scenarios. The Emergency Care and Safety Institute accredits this course and it is the choice of many professional trip leaders and guides.Includes textbook, handouts, certification upon successful completion, light breakfast and 15% discount coupon to Base Camp Adventure Outfitters in Basking Ridge.

Health Hikes for Adults
COST: $5 suggested donation on day of hike.
Thursdays, November 18th and December 9th, 9:15 am
Join us for an invigorating walk on our nature trails. Get your heart pumping and enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest and meadows. Please wear appropriate footwear and bring water.

December

Walkabouts for Preschoolers
COST/class: $10 M, $15 NM
Mondays, 9:45-10:45 am (ages 2-5 yrs) 12/6, 12/13, and 12/20
Our Walkabouts program engages young children with seasonal stories, songs, crafts, hikes and so much more! December’s classes are all about giving—gifts for birds and special people.

Homeschooler Winter Trimester: Natural Art History
COST/Trimester: $30 M, $50 NM, call to try out a class
Monday, December 13th, 12:45-2:30 pm: Native American Storytelling
Monday, January 10th, 12:45-2:30 pm: Clay Sculpture
Monday, February 14th, 12:45-2:30 pm: Organic Painting
Grades K-6 : Our new winter trimester is unlike any other in our 4 year curriculum! This trimester uses our natural surroundings as a way to express our creativity. We’ll get started with Native American Storytelling, and an opportunity to create our own stories using similar principles.

Health Hike for Adults
COST: $5 suggested donation on day of hike.
Thursday, December 9th, 9:15 am
Join us for an invigorating walk on our nature trails. Get your heart pumping and enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest and meadows. Please wear appropriate footwear and bring water.

Baby and Me Hike
COST: $1 per family
Tuesday, December 21st, 9:30 am
Bundle your baby and join other moms and dads for an early winter hike around Schiff. Children must be carried in a backpack (no strollers).

Schiff Environmental Book Club
COST: FREE (Adults only)
Tuesday, December 14th, 7 pm
The Schiff Nature Preserve sponsors an environmental book group that connects adult readers who are interested in environmental literature. We will meet to discuss The Wild Trees: A Story of Passion and Daring by Richard Preston.

Holiday Break Hikers
COST per hike: $10 M, $15 NM (ages 6-12)
Tuesday, December 28th, 10 am-12 pm OR 1-3 pm
Wednesday, December 29th, 10 am-12 pm OR 1-3 pm
Your child will gladly blow off some holiday steam and discover nature’s winter delights. We’ll head out on the trails to explore the Preserve and play some our favorite nature trail games like “wolf pack, camouflage, and ‘possum”. Kids can attend one or both days and space is limited in each session. Bring snack and a water bottle.

**All programs meet at the Schiff Nature Center at the Marge Davidson Building unless otherwise noted**