News
2024 Accomplishments and Membership Appeal
The Conservancy’s been making a difference in Essex County’s largest park for a quarter century. And again, we are asking for your support at year’s end so we can continue to keep the South Mountain Reservation a special, beloved destination. If you are already a member, we thank you. If not, here’s your chance to sign up for a 12-month membership.
While the reservation is five times older than the Conservancy, in this century our beloved park has increasingly needed special attention. That’s where the Conservancy stepped in and the volunteers of the community have stepped up. In 2024, nearly 5,000 volunteer hours were devoted to the reservation.
Want to know more about the Conservancy’s history?
See this 25-year retrospective.
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Conservancy Calls on County to Repair Reservation Fire-Service Roads to Reduce Fire Risk
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64 Attend 25th Anniversary Gala at Baird Center Oct. 26th
Celebrating a quarter century, the SMC raised close to $3,700 from the gala and auction plus had an SMR poem created for the occasion by Mary Brancaccio and an SMR song from Bill Tally. A good time was had by all. See photos and videos HERE.
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Mary Brancaccio Leads
First SMC Poetry Hike
Oct. 27th
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Thirty Families Make 2024 Fall SMR Family Campout a Success Despite Unexpected Rain.
Get on our mailing list to learn of planned Spring Campout in late May. LEARN MORE..
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176 Runners at May 18th 2024 Mayapple Trail Runs
A record 176 runner, including 13 who finished the 50-mile distance, participated in the Mayapple Trail Runs. on Saturday, May 18th. (Photo is of 9:30 a.m. start for 5, 10 and 20-mile racers.) Thanks to the dozens of volunteers, especially co-director Kim Levinsky of Sassquad Trail Running, and the support of the County that helped make this a success. The largest fundraiser for the SMC each year, the races netted $8,100 for our reservation stewardship.
The 2025 Mayapple Trail Runs will be Saturday, May 17. Register HERE.
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National TV and Newspaper and Local Magazine Feature South Mountain Fairy Trail & Conservancy Volunteers
SMC’s Fairy Trail program coordinators (from left) Beth Kelly and Julie Gould talk about their enthusiasm for the Fairy Trail and the work of the originator, Therese Ojibway on CBS Uplift, Feb. 29th, 2024
See also:
- Weather Channel Live Interview, March 13, 2024
- Washington Post, March 28, 2024
- New Jersey Monthly, April 2024
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New Interactive SMR Map: Never get lost!
The Conservancy’s 2023 SMR map is now available from Avenza. This interactive map can be used on both Android and iOS-Apple devices to navigate easily and safely. Once a user purchases a map, they can download it on up to five tablets or smartphones. Learn more.
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2024 SMR County Deer Mgt. Program Culls 55
This winter, a total of 55 deer were removed from SMR, fewer than last year. As a keystone species with no natural predators, the deer overpopulation affects the entire ecology. We are awaiting the April results from a spotlight count (a survey of deer from the paved roads) and an infrared drone survey to determine the current density. Before the winter culling, the SMR deer population was estimated to be 42/sq. mile, more than four times the recommended level for an ecosystem that is damaged. LEARN MORE
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Three Win 2023 SMC Fall Photo Contest
Thanks to our 50 entrants and generous sponsors: @theablebaker; @wordsbookstore; @martinspretzels. View the three winners HERE.
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Join the SMC. Become a member and support the reservation!
Clearing the culverts and swales and improving the Pingry Trail, May 2023.
Even after 25 years as stewards, not everyone knows how hard SMC’s volunteers work to keep the reservation accessible and special. Your contribution allows the SMC to tackle an expanding set of projects large and small that ensures the reservation remains a revered place.
Become a member.
Learn about SMC’s recent work.
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Phase 1 Pollinator Meadow
Restoration Complete
On August 20th the final plastic on the acre meadow near Shady Nook was installed. For 14 months this “flat greenhouse” will solarize the current seed bank in preparation for planting native species. Learn more about this multi-year, $16,000 Conservancy project HERE.
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Coyotes in R
eservation:
Be Aware!
If a coyote is approaching, here’s what to do:
First and foremost, remain calm, keep eye contact, and slowly back away while leaving the area. Never run from a coyote, Running may trigger its predatory response and give it a reason to chase you. If you have any personal alarm devices, such as a whistle, bell, or phone alarm, use them to scare the coyote.
– Stop and stand still
– Make yourself big, loud and assertive
– Slowly back away
– NEVER turn your back and run
Your goal is to deter the coyote from approaching. In the rare case that the coyote decides to continue to approach, throw rocks or sticks. Your goal isn’t to injure them, simply to scare them.
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Warm weather and Outside, Check for Ticks!
Ticks can carry Lyme and other diseases so wear long pants, use insect repellent and check yourself after visiting the reservation. .TICK SAFETY TIPS.
Events Calendar
**Saturday, December 21 at 10 a.m.** Winter hike with ups and downs. We will hike 4-5 miles at a moderate pace. Meet: Old Short Hills [...]
**Family Volunteer Work Day!** All are welcome Let's finish sowing the seeds together and watch it grow in 2025! **A glimpse into the day:** Light [...]