August 6: Next MCPC Hike, Schiff Nature Preserve in Mendham

It's been a long time since we last participating in a Morris County Park Commission hike, but we are hopeful about the next one which takes place on August 6th, 2011 at the Schiff Nature Preserve in Mendham Township, NJ. Any chance you might join us?

Here are the details that Tom Edmunds, MCPC Trails Mapping/GPS, shared in a recent email:

"On August 6 we’ll hike a part of Schiff Nature Preserve in Mendham and some adjacent properties. We’ll meet at and start the hike ( 9AM) on the grounds of The Community of St John Baptist at 82 W Main St. Mendham 07945. This a Religious Order for Women in the Episcopal Church. One of our hikers is a member of their staff and has assisted us in the planning for the hike.

The route will start on a short trail on St john Baptist grounds and then the part through Schiff will include several of their trails, stopping at some of the old/restored Boy Scout sites and the Schiff Preserve HQ if it’s open."

The website for Schiff Natural Lands Trust includes a link to a map of the Schiff Natural Preserve.

Here are the directions that Tom shares for the Schiff Nature Preserve Hike on August 6th:

To get to St John Baptist go west from Morristown to Mendham and look for the sign for DAYTOP on the left a short way out of the center of Mendham, turn left and take the long drive to the right all the way back past the white buildings of the Convent & Chapel and then look for the red brick building which is the St Marguerites Retreat House. Please park to the left of the Retreat House ---we’ll probably get a quick tour of this facility. 

If you are interested, please be sure to contact Tom Edmunds and let him know you are coming. He'll also want you to sign a release form. You can reach Tom via email at tedmunds@morrisparks.net.

See you then!