Schiff Spring Gala Fundraiser Coming April 20

On the evening of April 20, at 6 p.m., Schiff will hold its second annual spring fundraiser, Celebrating Schiff: Sustaining the Places You Love, at the U.S. Equestrian Team Headquarters in Far Hills. This event will honor Schiff Capital Campaign Co-Chair and head of Mendham Capital Management, Bill Burke, and will include hors d’oeuvres and light dinner, music and an auction. 

“Schiff has benefited from the support of so many dedicated members and friends,” said Schiff’s Executive Director, Marissa Hartzler. “It will be wonderful to celebrate our achievements and honor Mr. Burke.”

Earlier this year, Schiff brought its total preserved acreage to nearly 800 acres, which will bring opportunities to create and explore new trails. In the past decade Schiff’s preserved acreage has more than doubled in size, and the land trust has been consistently recognized for programming that brings all ages out to enjoy and learn about sensitive natural areas. Additionally, local residents have come to depend on Schiff’s efforts to protect natural areas, clean air and water, and to ensuring a high quality of life for local residents.

Schiff’s achievements in land acquisition have benefited greatly from successful partnerships with the Morris County Preservation Trust, Mendham Borough, Mendham Township, the NJ Water Supply Authority, and the Morris County Utilities Authority, as well as grant funds provided by the State Green Acres Program.

Schiff has also expanded its multi-use trail system and provided additional public access facilities to allow the community to enjoy the lands preserved by Schiff. The on-going costs and necessities for maintenance, restoration, and stewardship have always required both financial support and the commitment of Schiff’s members, friends and volunteers. However, in the last year, the preserves were hard hit by Hurricane Sandy, an event that felled many hundreds of trees and closed trails for several months. With the help of volunteers contributing many hours of hard work, the trails were open by late fall. But the storm brought major changes to the landscape that will require new stewardship approaches and additional funds to protect these critical habitats. The aftermath of the storm also provides new opportunities to witness and learn how nature adapts to such an event. The proceeds from this Gala will support these efforts and enable Schiff to address these new challenges.

To register for the event, or to find out how you can help, please contact Marissa Hartzler at (973) 543-6004, or visit the event website.