Scenic 11-Acre Parcel Along Raritan River Permanently Protected

Morris County Open Space Trust Fund Supported Purchase of Schiff Preserve Addition

The Schiff Preserve Addition, an 11-acre forested parcel along the North Branch of the Raritan River in Mendham Township also known as the Civille property, has been permanently preserved through a funding partnership between Morris County, the New Jersey Green Acres Program and the Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA), a nonprofit conservation organization.

The newly protected land features stunning steep slopes, lush woodlands and a rich habitat adorned with lichen, mosses and nearly 550 feet of stream frontage along the North Branch. Once slated for a large home, the property will now serve as a vital habitat corridor, supporting biodiversity and protecting water resources. It also provides refuge for vulnerable species, including the wood turtle, barred owl, bobcat, bald eagle and Indiana bat.

“This continues a preservation effort initiated many years ago to protect the character, environment and natural beauty of Morris County,” said Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, liaison to the Office of Planning and Preservation. “Open space enhances quality of life, and our trust fund offers all 39 municipalities and land preservation non-profits the opportunity to secure funding for open space preservation projects.”

The total preservation cost was $882,850, including $447,234 from the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund, more than $441,000 from the New Jersey Green Acres Program, and more than $20,000 from the RHA, which purchased the parcel on March 24. In a landmark conservation effort, RHA will donate the entire property to the Schiff Natural Lands Trust, ensuring it will be managed in perpetuity as an extension of the Schiff Nature Preserve.

“This parcel is an addition to the larger Schiff property, which is a well-known and popular preserve. The land will be managed for conservation and passive recreational purposes,” said Barbara Murray, Morris County Open Space Program Coordinator.

Public access to the Civille property will be available through the Schiff Nature Preserve, with a trail to be established along the river. This addition to the preserve will provide new opportunities for passive recreation, environmental education and nature appreciation.

"Every acre we protect strengthens the resilience of our watershed," said Mara Tippett, Executive Director of Raritan Headwaters. "Preserving the Civille property safeguards critical habitats, maintains the health of the North Branch, and protects the beauty of its riverbanks."

“When the Raritan Headwaters Association asked Schiff to become a full partner in this preservation project, by assuming permanent ownership and management of this property, our Board saw this as a wonderful opportunity to expand our natural lands along the North Branch of the Raritan River. It will promote clean water, protect wildlife habitat, and add to our over 12-mile trail system that is open to the public without charge, thanks to the generous support of our members,” said Dr. Marissa S. McDonnell, president of Schiff Natural Lands Trust.

Schiff Natural Lands Trust, Inc., a non-profit organization, fosters an understanding and appreciation of the natural world through land preservation, environmental stewardship, education, and passive recreational activities. The original 340-acre tract of land known as the Schiff Nature Preserve is located in Mendham Township and Mendham Borough. Today, Schiff has grown to encompass 768 acres of land in the Mendhams and Chester and has four nature preserves under its full or partial management.

In 2024, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners approved the Open Space Trust Fund Committee’s recommendations to award $1.8 million in grants for the acquisition and preservation of 65.2 acres across three municipalities. Since its inception in 1994, the Open Space Trust Fund program has helped to preserve more than 18,300 acres throughout Morris County, supported by $300 million in funding generated through a preservation tax approved by voters in 1992.

Morris County municipalities can learn more about the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund program by clicking this link. The deadline for submitting open space applications and appraisals for 2025 funding is Thursday, June 19, 2025.

Since 1959, Raritan Headwaters Association has focused on clean water. RHA engages citizens and decision makers in the protection of the Raritan River headwaters region and beyond through land preservation, science, education, and advocacy. RHA’s 470-square-mile region provides clean drinking water to 300,000 residents of 38 municipalities in Somerset, Hunterdon, and Morris counties, and directly impacts over 1.5 million homes and businesses in New Jersey's densely populated downstream areas.

Follow the New Jersey Green Acres program on Instagram: @njgreenacres.