Mendham Preserve Wins Grant For Native Tree Restoration

MENDHAM, NJ — Mendham Township announced that Schiff Natural Lands Trust has been awarded a 2026 Water and Environment Grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation for native tree restoration work at Schiff’s nature preserve.

The project is planned in Mendham Township along streams at the headwaters of the Raritan River.

According to the announcement, the grant will support efforts to replace beech trees at the preserve. The goal is to protect trout streams, improve forest health, and enhance watershed resilience.

The project centers on streamside restoration in an area tied to the Raritan River’s headwaters. Officials say the work will focus on native tree restoration along those streams at Schiff’s Preserve in Mendham Township.

Mendham Township described the award in a notice titled, “Schiff Nature Preserve Awarded Grant for Native Tree Restoration Efforts - American Water Charitable Foundation.” No dollar amount for the grant was included in the announcement.

The American Water Charitable Foundation is a philanthropic nonprofit organization that focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the foundation has invested more than $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water.

American Water is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. The foundation’s grant program, as presented in the township notice, supports organizations working on water and environmental priorities in those communities.