News
Wednesday, March 19,
7-9 p.m., at the Maplewood Woodland
Hear about our 2024 accomplishments and 2025 plans. Listen to guest speaker, Mike Van Clef, PhD., head of the the NJ Invasive Species Strike Team, review the results of the Conservancy-funded study of invasive plants and their recommended ten-year management plan. Meet other volunteers and supporters of the reservation. No preregistration needed. Learn more.
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SMR Deer Culling Starts Tuesday, Jan. 14
Essex County has announced that the Reservation will be closed due to the deer management program on Tuesdays, January 14, 21, 28, February 4, and possibly February 11 and 18 if there is inclement weather. The Conservancy strongly supports this annual reduction in the white tailed deer herd which, through over-browsing, has dominated the ecology, decimated the native understory, and created conditions for invasive plants to flourish.
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2024 Accomplishments and 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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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
2025 Race Set for May 17th
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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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 in the 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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Events Calendar
**Saturday, January 18, 2-5 pm** Hike about 4 miles at a modest pace over rough, rocky (and possibly muddy or icy) trails with a moderate [...]
**Saturday January 25, 8:00 - 11:00am** **Elmdale and Beyond. 6.5 miles on multiple trails on the Elmdale side, returning to start on River trail. Moderate [...]
Come learn about the Conservancy's 2025 programs directly from the program coordinators and discover how you can get involved and volunteer. Representatives from Trash Tackers, [...]