See our award-winning documentary, Legacy of the Land (4 minute version and full, 23 minute version below)

July 1, 2011

Schiff Welcomes New Executive Director
Marissa Hartzler Becomes Schiff’s 2nd Executive Director in the Land Trust’s History

Marissa comes to Schiff from her former position as the Program Director at the Duke Forest at Duke University in North Carolina, and brings with her a background in fundraising, nature programing, stewardship and land acquisition. She holds a B.S. from Albright College, and a Masters degree in Environmental Management (Conservation Science and Policy) from the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University. Her prior experience also includes working with the Conservation Trust for North Carolina.

“I am honored to be chosen as Schiff’s next executive director,” said Marissa. “I am intrigued by the similar challenges encountered by both Schiff and the Duke Forest. From habitat fragmentation to the negative impacts of too many deer and sprawling development, I fully understand the pressing need to preserve and restore our remaining natural areas for future generations.  However, I also recognize that this mission is futile without engaging the community and helping the next generation to develop a genuine appreciation and reverence for the natural world."

Marissa was the unanimous choice of the Search Committee according to Schiff’s President, Michael Catania. “We are confident that she will help to lead Schiff to continued success in her new position and she will be a wonderful addition to the Schiff extended family.”

Marissa takes over the reins at Schiff from Tanya Sulikowski, who left after almost nine successful years to pursue graduate studies in ecology.  Tanya’s tenure at Schiff was celebrated at the Schiff Annual Members Meeting and Community Picnic, which was held on Sunday, May 15th.   According to Tanya, who enjoyed a brief overlap with Marissa and helped with her orientation, “While leaving Schiff for new adventures was a difficult decision, I am confident that Marissa is the right person for the job, and know from our short time together that she will do very well here.”

As Marissa begins her first solo week at Schiff and settles in to her new community, she reflected on her good fortune. “Working for a dynamic and accomplished community-based conservation organization like Schiff, and actually living with my family on a nature preserve, is simply a dream come true.”

April 25th, 2010

Join us
Sunday, April 25th, 1-3pm
for the
Franklin Parker Trail Dedication Ceremony

Frank Parker had a hand in protecting land for public use and conservation all over New Jersey and throughout the nation. He was also instrumental in preserving the original 300 acres of Schiff more than twenty-five years ago, and served as Schiff’s first President.  Frank died in February, 2008, at age 82, leaving a wonderful legacy of conservation for current and future generations to enjoy. 

The Franklin Parker Trail begins on the 107-acre McVicker’s Brook Preserve, which is jointly owned by Mendham Borough and Schiff,  and then continues onto the 430+ acre Schiff Nature Preserve. The trail traverses wetlands and uplands, and offers hikers access to previously inaccessible sections of both Preserves.

Join us on Sunday to celebrate the opening of the Franklin Parker Trail.  After the dedication ceremony, an optional guided hike will traverse a portion of the trail through McVickers Brook Preserve to the trailhead at the end of Thomas Road. Shuttle service will be available to return hikers to their cars after the guided hike.

WHEN: Sunday April 25, 2010 at 1:00 PM
WHERE: New Trailhead Parking Lot on Pleasant Valley Road
            (Parking at Middle Valley Farm with shuttle service to trailhead)
Speakers:
Michael Catania, President, Schiff Natural Lands Trust
Neil Henry, Mayor, Mendham Borough
Margaret Nordstrom, Freeholder, Morris County
Terrence Nolan, Trust for Public Land
John Parker, Son of Franklin Parker 
1:15 PM: Dedication ceremony
1:45 PM: Refreshments
2:00 PM: Depart for hike
3:00 PM: Hikers are shuttled back from the Thomas Road trailhead to their cars at Middle Valley Farm.
 In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place at the Schiff Nature Center. Please call 973-543-6004 for a morning update.

Please RSVP to info@schiffnaturepreserve.org, or call 973-543-6004, by Friday April 23rd if you plan to join us.

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January 22, 2010:Mendham land sells for $1 million below value

January 24, 2010: Schiff Adds 17 Acres of Open Space in Mendham Township

In honor of our 25th anniversary in 2009, Schiff created a documentary on the history of our organization entitled, "Legacy of the Land." From the documentary, we also created a music video of a song "Schiff Is Where It's At," written and perfromed by Ken Galipeau. These amazing projects were created solely with the help of volunteers.

Legacy of the Land (Full version: 23:00)

Legacy of the Land (Short version: 4:12)

Schiff Is Where It's At (Music Video)