Volunteers are Vital to SchiffSchiff's original 350 acres was preserved thanks to the hard work and dedication of a core group of volunteers with a vision to protect the natural beauty of the Pleasant Valley area.
Since then, Schiff has been able to thrive and grow based on this tradition of community service.
There are many ways to volunteer at Schiff. Our seasonal Volunteer Work Days make everyone a "land steward for a day!" Please check our online calendar for dates and times and register in advance so we know you are coming. See our list of opportunities below.
On the selected Volunteer Day, join us for a day of land stewardship activities at 339 Pleasant Valley Road in Mendham. Each Volunteer Day provides the community an opportunity to work side by side with Schiff staff and Board members in a variety of hands-on projects. Depending on the season, we may be removing brush and vines from trails, removing invasive species, restoring fences and bridges, or raking out the Native Garden. Volunteers (16 and under with a parent, please) are encouraged to dress in weather appropriate attire, wear hard toe shoes or boots, and bring a beverage and snack.
Schiff also welcomes corporate volunteer groups, scout troops, religious groups, schools, and other organizations who wish to donate time or earn community service hours. Please email us at to make appropriate arrangements.
"There are not enough words for me to express our thanks and gratitude for all you do for Pingry's community service day. I could never pull off this day without knowing I can count on you to take Pingry students and keep each and everyone of them occupied with hard work. We have worked together for a number of years and I am grateful that Pingry has a partnership with Schiff. Plus, I know that the kids and the faculty had a great time! Put us on the calendar for next year!" - Shelley Hartz Director of Community and Civic Engagement The Pingry School
Listed below are just a few ways to volunteer at Schiff. We welcome your suggestions and ideas!
The work of maintaining the trails, gardens, and facilities of the Schiff Nature Preserve is a year round project, but much work is needed over the summer. Under the leadership of the Stew Crew Leader, the Volunteer Stew Crew offers teens (16+) and young adults an opportunity to complete up to 50 hours of volunteer time while learning about land stewardship in a "hands on" fashion through the completion of projects such as:
- Trail Maintenance
- Native Garden Maintenance
- Invasive Species Removal
- Outdoor Classroom Restoration
- General Facilities Upkeep
The Stew Crew Leader position is a paid position for an enthusiastic, invested, young person with an interest in the environment, sustainability, and animal and plant biology. During July and early August, in addition to supporting the Summer Nature Program director, the Stew Crew Leader gathers 5-10 volunteers, organizes work days, and completes a total of 50 hours of work commitment. Applicants are welcome to send a letter of interest, a resume, and references to .
Please fill out the form below to register to become a volunteer.
This Release and Waiver of Liability (the "Release") by the "Volunteer" in favor of Schiff Natural Lands Trust, Inc., a non-profit organization, its directors, trustees, employees, and agents (collectively "Schiff").
The Volunteer desires to work as a volunteer for Schiff and engage in the activities related to being a volunteer (the "Activities"). The Volunteer understands that the Activities may include working on the trails, in the garden, or in Schiff's Nature Center.
The Volunteer herby freely, voluntarily, and without duress executes this Release under the following terms:
a. Volunteer understands that this Release discharges Schiff from any liability or claim that the Volunteer may have against Schiff with respect to bodily injury, personal injury, illness, death, or property damage that may result from Volunteer's Activities with Schiff, whether caused by the negligence of Schiff or its directors, trustees, employees, or agents or otherwise. Volunteer also understands that Schiff does not assume any responsibility for or obligation to provide financial assistance or other assistance, including but not limited to medical, health, or disability insurance in the event of injury or illness.
