News
Registration OPEN AGAIN for SMR Family Campout on Rain Dates June 7-8.
Due to cancellations, we now have openings as we are below 200 participants. Please register HERE, Pay through the STANDARD DONATE BUTTON . LEARN MORE
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The Conservancy Ambassador Program is a cadre of volunteers 18+ that promotes the SMC and its mission to maintain and improve the reservation. LEARN MORE.
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2024 Accomplishments & Membership Appeal
The Conservancy’s been making a difference in Essex County’s largest park and the communities it serves 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.
Read about our 2024 accomplishments.
Learn about the Conservancy’s 25-year history.
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SMR’s Hidden Places Identification Challenge
Try the challenge HERE
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Conservancy Calls on County to Repair Reservation Fire-Service Roads to Reduce Fire Risk
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Pollinator Meadow Restoration Begins Phase 2
In December, the plastic sheeting on the one-acre meadow near Shady Nook was removed. For 14 months, this “flat greenhouse” had solarized, or killed off, the current seed bank and now the Conservancy sowed $4,500 in native seeds (helped by the Girl Scouts, above).. Learn more about this multi-year, project HERE.
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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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Three Win 2024 SMC Fall Photo Contest
Thanks to our many entrants and generous sponsors: @theablebaker; @wordsbookstore; @martinspretzels. View all three winners HERE
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Mary Brancaccio Leads
First SMC Poetry Hike
Oct. 27th
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Record Number at 2025 Mayapple Trail Runs on May 17th
A record 202 runners , including 10 who finished the 50-mile distance, participated in the Mayapple Trail Runs. on Saturday, May 17th. (Photo is of 8:30 a.m. start for 50M and 50K 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 around $9,00 for our reservation stewardship programs. Results at Utrasignup.com.
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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. NOTE: Julia has stepped aside from her Fairy Trail duties, so we are seeking another program coordinator. If you are creative and would love to help help maintain a fanciful outdoor experience, write to fairytrail@somocon.org.
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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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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Coyotes R
eservation:
Be Aware! Be Smart!
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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On the cover of Matters Magazine: at front, SMC hike leader Sharon Salmon; on the left, Tia Swanson, story writer; next to her, Janice Yawdoszyn; and on the right, Elizabeth McCoy. In the back, Dennis Percher, chair of the Conservancy. Photo by Ruth Borgenicht.Events Calendar
**Description:** A moderately paced hike with some hills leading to the Turtle Back Picnic area and back. Bring a flashlight or a headlamp as sunset [...]
Forest Regeneration activities focus on the areas in and around the fenced 14-acre Forest and Wildflower Preserve located near the Dog Park on Bear Lane [...]
Forest Regeneration activities focus on the areas in and around the fenced 14-acre Forest and Wildflower Preserve located near the Dog Park on Bear Lane [...]