RHA is proud to announce the permanent preservation of the Civille property, a nearly 11-acre forested parcel along the North Branch of the Raritan River in Mendham Township.
After a two-year effort to secure open space preservation funding, RHA purchased the 11-acre property for $882,850 on Monday, March 24. RHA has donated the entire parcel to the Schiff Natural Lands Trust, ensuring its perpetual management as an extension of the Schiff Nature Preserve.
This newly-protected land features stunning steep slopes, lush woodlands, and a rich habitat adorned with lichen, mosses, and a breathtaking overhead view of the North Branch. Once slated for the development of a large home overlooking the river, the property will now serve as a vital habitat corridor, enhancing biodiversity and protecting critical water resources. The property provides essential refuge for vulnerable species including the Wood Turtle, Barred Owl, Bobcat, Bald Eagle, and Indiana Bat, and encompasses nearly 550 feet of stream frontage.
“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 new 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.
This successful conservation project was realized through a strong and collaborative partnership. The Morris County Open Space, Recreation, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, and New Jersey Green Acres Program each contributed over $441,000 in open space funding, demonstrating the public’s commitment to preserving vital natural resources. Raritan Headwaters augmented this support with over $20,000 of its own funds, covering essential soft costs, property taxes, and trail development, ensuring the project’s realization. RHA contracted the New Jersey Conservation Foundation (NJCF) for expert technical assistance, which included the creation of a compelling drone video that played a key role in the Morris County Open Space funding application. This combined effort underscores the power of collaboration in achieving significant conservation outcomes.
“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.”
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.
To support this and future conservation projects, please consider contributing to Raritan Headwaters. Local support enables RHA to continue its mission of protecting clean water and open space for people and nature. For more information, please contact Mara Tippett at mtippett@raritanheadwaters.org
Photos by Elise Cavicchi, NJCF
