South Mountain Conservancy e-Bulletin. November 2020
|
|
|
INVASIVE SPECIES ALERT
Report if seen to 1-833-223-2840 or email reportspottedlanternflynj.ag.nj.gov
|
|
|
More Information Here. Picture from news.psu.edu
|
|
SPOTLIGHT: The Power of Volunteers
|
|
If you are a regular hiker of the South Mountain Reservation, you have probably come across a tree blocking the trail that has recently fallen, making it very difficult to get through or around it. To the rescue comes the South Mountain Conservancy's Chainsaw Gang. Numbering about 20 strong, these volunteers bring their own chainsaws, gear, and muscles to get those trails cleared. The Chainsaw Gang was informally created in 2011 in response to the late October snowstorm which toppled hundreds of trees across the SMR trails, and firmly established exactly a year later with the disastrous Superstorm Sandy. In both events, the County concentrated on clearing only paved park roads. Since then, the SMC Chainsaw Gang has taken on the responsibility of keeping all 50 miles of hiking trails and woods roads in the Reservation open, and involving the County only when extreme safety issues or special equipment is required.
From Jan. 1 to July 31 of this year they had removed 91 trail blockages. And then tropical storm Isaias came along. In just 57 days after the storm, they removed 182 more blockages! Amazing! What a team effort! So far this year the team has donated over 262 hours of their time to do this this very demanding work.
We know that whenever we talk to users of our trails and tell them what we have done, they too are amazed and are very thankful and appreciative for all the Chainsaw Gang has done at keeping the Reservation a great place to get out and experience nature.
As we all know a lot of negative stuff has happened this year, but this community effort shows that there is still a lot of good that can be done when people from all different backgrounds work together to accomplish a goal that benefits the whole community. Thank you Chainsaw Gang! To learn more about the South Mountain Conservancy and how you can donate or volunteer with them, go to www.somocon.org.
Written by Dave Berry
|
|
|
Dave Berry is a hiker and volunteers with the Trailkeepers, Chainsaw Gang, & Trash Tacklers. In 2020, Dave became an SMC board member and as the Community Outreach liaison, seeks ways to collaborate with diverse organizations and community groups looking for nature programming and volunteering opportunities in the Reservation.
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities
|
|
|
Saturday, October 31st: Chainsaw Safety Seminar
|
|
|
South Mountain Conservancy is holding a workshop for its Chainsaw Gang members, and those wishing to join, to hone safe practices and skills in using a chainsaw.
Prerequisite: Own your own chainsaw.
Instructor: Jack Vayda
WHERE: Tulip Spring Picnic Area
WHEN: 9:00 AM-11AM,
WHAT: Bring your chainsaw and the safety gear you take/use to chain.
Questions to xxxxxxx@gmail.com
(Raindate is Sunday Nov. 1st)
|
|
|
|
October 30th- November 1st: Let's Go Plogging! South Mountain Reservation Fall Cleanup Weekend Contest
|
|
Do you like to run, hike, or walk in the Reservation? Are you looking for a way to volunteer and help take care of SMR? SMC and Sassquad Trail Running is asking you to get involved for this fall clean-up weekend event, and bring the family! Prizes will be awarded for most trash collected and weirdest item found.
|
|
|
|
Sunday, November 1st: Trail Work Crew
|
|
This work is strenuous, but rewarding. For ages 15 and above. Wear solid shoes and layers. Again, we will not be providing water and gloves and we will expect people to wear masks if within 10 feet of anybody. For information, contact info@somocon.org, or call John Verzani, xxx-xxx-xxxx, or Dennis Percher, xxx-xxx-xxxx.
|
|
|
|
Fall Hiking Program: New Temporary Protocol
|
|
Due to new safety protocol hikes are temporarily limited to 10-12 participants and you must be a current SMC member. Current members will receive a special invite via email, with directions for registration. If you have questions about your membership status, email opsdirector@somocon.org. Thank you for your understanding and happy hiking!
|
|
|
You can help support South Mountain Reservation!
|
|
|
|
|
