15 Ways To Get Involved With Mendham's Community In 2027

MENDHAM TOWNSHIP, NJ — Mendham Township residents looking to get more involved in their community have plenty of options heading into 2027.

The township is seeking volunteers to serve on a wide range of municipal boards, committees and first-responder organizations, with opportunities covering everything from land use and recreation to environmental issues, local history and emergency services.

Interested residents have until Nov. 16 to submit a resume and letter of interest to Township Clerk Maria F. Ruane at mtclerk@mendhamtownship.org, with a copy sent to Nancy Shay at nshay@mendhamtownship.org.

Here are the groups looking for volunteers:

Planning Board: Reviews subdivisions, site plans and conditional-use applications, adopts the township's Master Plan and advises the Township Committee on land-use ordinance changes.

Zoning Board of Adjustment: Handles variance applications involving Mendham Township's zoning rules, including permitted uses, setbacks, lot sizes, parking and signs.

Board of Health: Focuses largely on septic and well matters while working with the Morris County Office of Health Management on inspections, health programs, licensing and other public-health services.

Parks and Recreation Committee: Advises township officials on recreation programs as well as the planning, development and maintenance of recreational facilities.

Tree Committee: Works to preserve trees and Mendham Township's semi-rural character while encouraging the planting of native tree species.

Historic Preservation Committee: Works to preserve and educate residents about Mendham Township's history, including cataloging and protecting historic documents and artifacts.

Open Space Trust Committee: Advises the township on acquiring, preserving and managing open space, agricultural land and conservation easements. The committee also works on protecting natural resources and maintaining the township's rural character.

Wildlife Management Committee: Advises township officials on deer control and other wildlife issues. Its responsibilities include issuing municipal-land access permits to hunters and tracking deer harvest totals.

Finance Committee: Participates in the municipal budget process, including reviewing department requests during budget workshops and working with the township's chief financial officer.

Mendham TV Committee: Supports the township's public-access television station, which covers community issues and events and maintains a video archive of local activities.

Fire Department: Mendham Township's fire service is entirely volunteer and consists of the Brookside and Ralston engine companies. Members respond to fires, rescues and other emergencies. Anyone over age 14 is eligible to join.

First Aid Squad: The all-volunteer squad responds to 911 calls and provides emergency medical care as well as standby coverage for community events and the Fire Department.

Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force: A joint township and borough volunteer group focused on reducing stigma surrounding mental health and substance use while promoting inclusion for people with disabilities and others who may feel marginalized. Those interested should contact Amalia Duarte at aduarte@mendhamtownship.org.

Environmental Commission: Advises and assists the township on environmental issues, sustainability projects and community education.

Mendham East & West Pollution Control System Advisory Committee: Includes residents of the Drakewick and Brookrace developments who communicate and advise on issues involving the developments' community sewer systems.

The township said volunteers play a significant role in keeping municipal programs and services operating and encouraged residents interested in serving to apply ahead of the Nov. 16 deadline.