MENDHAM, NJ- Schiff Nature Preserve has historically sought to connect people to nature by providing some 14 miles of trails and educational passive recreational programs. However, in 2018 Schiff is bringing an exciting line-up of educational and passive recreational programs hoping to provide kids and families time together in and around the preserve learning survival skills, making nature inspired crafts. Each program offers kids an opportunity to explore the Schiff Nature Preserve while enjoying time away from busy schedules and technology. The “Schools Out” program, “Outdoor Skills Club”, and “Family Time” programs are sure to enrich your children’s and families life outdoors in nature; unplugged.
Several times throughout the year, during Mendham school vacations, Schiff will offer a “Schools Out” program from 9-12 pm. The Schools Out program offers parents a chance to reclaim the day and offers kids an active and fun activity and an opportunity to meet new friends. The first of the year, offered on January 15th, will explore the Wonders of Snow. Parents can drop kids (ages 6-12) off for a fun morning learning about snow! Led by a Schiff Naturalist, kids will enjoy outdoor exploration, crafts, and games. Children will delve into the mathematic and natural wonder of this most beautiful and awe inspiring precipitation. Children are to bring a snack, water, and dress for hiking outdoors.
Starting in January, Schiff welcomes naturalist, Dave Alexander, to lead the “Outdoor Skills Club” for kids in grades 6-10 on Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:00 pm. David Alexander, author of the NSTA science curriculum guides "Hop Into Action" and "Buzz Into Action", is a passionate environmental professional currently serving as the Senior Naturalist at the Essex County Environmental Center. With 13 years of experience at Essex, Dave has a robust following both on his blog and Instagram namely called nature into action, Folks can visit his site for additional information about his credentials and for more details about the programs being offered at Schiff. Topics to be offered during the Outdoor Skills Club in the coming months include:
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- January 11– Making an Altoids Tin Survival Kit
- February 14– Reading the Forest Landscape: Animal Tracking
- March 14– Cordage and Candle Making with Natural Plant Fibers
The Family Time programs have been developed to encourage parents and children to spend time together on the preserve. Offered monthly on the third Thursday and led by a Schiff Naturalist, Family Time programs offer an array of nature inspired craft projects featuring and celebrating natural materials. Parents can take advantage of knowing that all they need to do is sign up, pay, and all the preparations and instructions will be provided to have a creative, quiet, and natural time with your child (ren). Topics for the coming months include:
- Jan 18- Bird Feeders
- Feb 15- Valentines for Wildlife
- March 15- Newspaper Planters and Painted Herb Rocks
Join the fun over at Schiff this year with your family. All programs are featured on the Schiff website and Schiff’s facebook page. Advance registration and payment is requested.
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Schiff Natural Lands Trust has preserved 780 acres of land for open space, passive recreation, and to protect and provide natural habitats for native plant and animal species in our region of New Jersey. Schiff Nature Preserve serves as a model of environmental stewardship and invites volunteers, school, and scout groups to help work on the preserve through our Volunteer Stewardship Days. The annual environmental film festival and Summer Nature Program for Kids are two of their most popular programs. Schiff is a nonprofit organization that depends on annual memberships to support its operations. Find more information at www.schiffnaturepreserve.org.
