South Mountain Conservancy e-Bulletin. April 2021
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Teepees in the Reservation and why you may be seeing less of them.
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Top: Teepee or "fort" built from gathering fallen limbs. Bottom left: Compacted soil void of vegetation due to increased foot traffic around teepee. Bottom right: SMC's team dismantling a large teepee. Team led by Dave Berry, Roger Vellekamp, and Jon Stout.
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Off-trail activities can damage habitat
Building teepees in the woods from natural sticks can be an exciting team-building activity filled with imaginative play. Unfortunately, when these structures are built in protected areas, such as South Mountain Reservation, there are unforeseen negative consequences. Teepees are generally built off-trail from fallen limbs. Removing the limbs removes valuable wildlife habitat and tramples vegetation. Their presence encourages others to go off-trail, increasing foot traffic to these areas, and furthering damage to the forest floor. The presence of teepees also provide a model for others looking for outdoor adventures, and in the case of SMR, has led to teepee proliferation and off-trail habitat degradation. Reversing these negative impacts can take years to reverse and restoration efforts can be costly.
South Mountain Conservancy takes action
The Conservancy has formed a committee that has removed a number of teepees so far and will continue to do so throughout the 2,100 acres. We encourage all Park users to stay on the trails, familiarize themselves with Leave No Trace outdoor ethics, and to follow the posted regulations to allow SMR to regenerate and improve plant and wildlife habitat.
SMC has been working with the County in an ongoing 20-year Forest Regeneration effort that works to restore the understory of SMR due to over-browsing by deer. These efforts include combatting invasive species, replanting, deer exclosure sites, and professional evaluations and planning. More on SMC's ongoing Forest Regeneration efforts here.
How you can help
1. Practice a responsible and sustainable approach to enjoying natural spaces, please visit Leave No Trace-Center for Outdoor Ethics.
2. Get involved and volunteer with SMC!
3. Learn more about Chapter 74 Regulations protecting South Mountain Reservation. More about Essex County Parks & Regulations.
4. If you see park rules being broken and are not sure what to do, you can call the Sheriff patrol at 973-621-4111 and/or contact us at info@somocon.org.
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Spring Virtual Plogging & Trail Clean-up Weekend Contest a Success!
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26 bags of trash were collected by individuals and families! This means cleaner ponds & streams, cleaner habitat for wildlife, and cleaner picnic areas and trails to enjoy! Thank you to everyone who helped make this such a successful event!
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New Artistic Director and Team Selected for Wildflower Sculpture Park
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Seen above: Tricia Zimic and artist Harry H.Gordon after installation of The Flying Canoe.
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After nine years, this spring Tricia Zimic is handing over her role as Artistic Director/Curator of the Wildflower Sculpture Park to Newark artist Lisa Sanders. Lisa, who has two permanent pieces in the sculpture park, will be supported by a diverse team devoted to the visual arts and the reservation. Collectively, the team brings extensive experience as artists and curators plus backgrounds in fundraising, marketing and social media, graphic arts and landscape design. The team members are Greg Leshe, Joanne Beckerich, Elyse Reissman, Sally Fica and Jacqueline Mayers. We look to them to continue and expand upon the foundational work done by Tricia as the sculpture park seeks to attract innovative and bold works of art and becomes a destination for art lovers in northern New Jersey. The artist's reception/opening for this year's annual exhibits is set for Friday, June 4th. To contact Lisa, email sculpturepark@somocon.org
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Trail Work Crew- April 11th, 9:00am
Volunteers needed! We will be working on the southern section of the new Dogwood Trail. This is strenuous, but rewarding, work using hand tools to create a trail tread and is restricted to persons age 15 and above. While we will generally be working many feet apart, protocols such as mask wearing and distancing are mandatory. Meet at Old Short Hills Park, 274 Old Short Hills Rd., Millburn (parking lot at the right as you enter). It is the closest access point to the trail section since Brookside Drive is closed to traffic on Sunday mornings. (Note: We usually meet the first Sunday of each month, except when that falls on a holiday.) Meetup Posting...
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Seeking new Trailkeepers
Trailkeepers work independently to monitor and provide basic maintenance of a section of blazed trails and woods roads. Each volunteer provides a report to the Trailkeeper Coordinator four times a year. Interested? Email: trailkeepers@somocon.org
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We are expanding our Board of Trustees.
The South Mountain Conservancy is looking for new members for its volunteer Board of Trustees. Individuals are invited to apply who are passionate about South Mountain Reservation and supporting the conservancy's mission as steward of and advocate for this beloved park and increasing public engagement. Experience on nonprofit boards, a background in environmental/ecology issues, or business acumen are some of the skills sought. We are also seeking individuals that can serve as secretary and treasurer and reflect the diverse communities that use the park. Board members are expected to attend evening meetings every couple of months (now via Zoom) and take on additional operational or administrative responsibilities, as required. If interested, please contact Dennis Percher, chairperson, at chair@somocon.org.
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Robust Guided Hikes Spring Schedule has begun!
Over 20 hikes are scheduled from now until June 20th! We are grateful for our experienced and dedicated hike leaders who make the Reservation more accessible! Due to new safety protocol, hikes remain limited to 14 participants and you must be a current SMC member. Current members will receive a special invite via email, with a link for registration. If you have questions about your membership status, email us. Thank you for your understanding and happy hiking!
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Another reason to support the places you love!
SMC Members will now receive 10% off any Sassquad Trail Runners Events. Inquire today.
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You can help support South Mountain Reservation!
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