Jaisabhari Selvakumar, a dedicated member of Troop 154 in Bridgewater, recently completed his Eagle Scout Service Award project, choosing to make a lasting impact at Schiff Nature Preserve through the design and installation of 2 picnic tables and a weatherproof sign explaining the purpose and function of a deer exclosure. Jaisabhari, known as Jai, chose Schiff Natural Lands Trust as the benefactor for his project and in collaboration with members of our conservation and stewardship committee, constructed and placed two picnic tables at 7-11 and created educational signage which is now located at the deer exclosure fence along the white trail, helping visitors understand the role of these enclosures in protecting native vegetation and promoting forest regeneration. Schiff partners with Dr. Jay Kelly from Raritan Community College in the collection of deer exclosure data as a means to reduce and control deer browse. The project involved several phases: Jai worked closely with staff to refer to the research documents Dr. Jay provided to develop accurate and informative wording for the signs, ensuring that the content was both educational and accessible to the public. Next, the content and design of the sign was professionally produced to withstand the elements and maintain consistency in our preserve signage. And, finally, the last step, involved the installation, ensuring it was securely mounted and clearly visible to all visitors. Schiff Nature Preserve now has a valuable new resource to help explain one of its vital conservation efforts. Thank you, Jaisabhari, for your commitment to community service and conservation & congratulations on the completion of the Eagle Service Award! . . . . . #schiffnaturallandstrust #schiffnaturepreserve #eaglescoutserviceproject #troop154 #deerexclosure #supportschiff #mendham #mendhamnj (fb)

On May 21, Schiff Natural Lands Trust was proud to support the Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center, an incredible organization that has advanced healthcare in our community for over 130 years! An intimate group of Schiff members and donors, umbrellas in hand, enjoyed a private tour of the beautifully adorned Wildfair residence in Chester, part of the Mansion in May (MIM) fundraising event. Following the tour, guests gathered for a semi-private lunch, where SNLT board president Dr. Marissa McDonnell shared an update on our land trust’s recent accomplishments and future goals. The afternoon also featured a fascinating historical talk on the residence by Schiff trustee and longtime MIM advisor, W. Barry Thomson. This meaningful day highlighted our shared commitment to community, conservation, and care. We are grateful to the Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center for their continued work, to our generous donors for their support, and to the MIM team for their warm hospitality. Congratulations to the Women’s Association for another successful Mansion in May! . . . . . #schiffnaturallandstrust #schiffnaturepreserve #mansionsinmay #womensassociationformorristownmedicalcenter #chesternj #mendhamnj #mendham (fb)