South Mountain Conservancy e-Bulletin. October 2021
|
|
|
|
This year the annual SMR Family Campout, held on Oct 2nd-3rd, welcomed 180 children and adults to Summit Field for a weekend of outdoor adventure, nature programming, and an introductory experience to camping. Above: Children on a 2+ mile hike to Washington Rock.
|
|
Volunteers needed for the Mayapple Trail Runs
Saturday, October 16th.
Our trail race fundraiser this year offers 50k, 20 mile, and 10-mile races for adults, and a 1-mile race for kids. The Conservancy is short on volunteers to staff the race aid stations at the Locust Grove, Mayapple Hill and Turtle Back picnic area aid stations. Volunteers work in 2 1/2 hour shifts and keep track of which runners pass through the location (this is automatic at Locust Grove), make sure drinks and snacks are available, and serve as emergency contacts.
Contact race directors and board members,Dennis Percher and Kim Levinsky at mayappletrailruns@somocn.org to sign up.
Thank you!
|
|
|
Repairing the Damage caused by Tropical Storm Ida
|
|
|
Left: Severe damage to Hobble Falls culvert after Tropical Storm Ida. Right: Repaired culvert completed by Essex County Dept. of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs.
|
|
|
Thank you to all of the volunteers that went out in search of damaged trails. With your feedback, SMC was able to compile a prioritized list of all major erosion problems caused by Ida. The Hobble Falls culvert (seen above) was one of the most critical. We look forward to continuing the work with Essex County Dept. of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs to see the repairs through completion.
|
|
Let SMC's hike leaders guide you through South Mountain Reservation!
|
|
|
Guided hikes are free! Registration for general public opens 1 week in advance. Want to register? Visit our public Meetup and Facebook pages, and click the link for registration.
Hikes will be capped at 25 participants and registration is required. This allows us to reduce our need for paper liability waivers and ensures that we can continue to offer a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Want to register in advance? Current members receive early bird registration for all the hikes in a particular month.
|
|
Volunteering makes us feel really, really good. Do you have a story to share?
|
|
Without our volunteers we could not protect, preserve, and restore SMR for generations to come. In celebration of our volunteers and their passion for environmental stewardship, we are asking that they share their inspiring stories of how caring for the environment has impacted their lives. Selected stories will be highlighted in our monthly e-Bulletin and on social media.
If you have an experience that you would like to share, we look forward to hearing from you! We will be collecting submissions throughout 2021. Stories should reflect on a volunteer experience within South Mountain Reservation. Food for thought: How did your volunteer experience(s) impact you personally? What does environmental stewardship mean to you?
How to Submit:
Submit your stories to opsdirector@somocon.org with the subject line: SMR Stewardship Story. Submissions can either be written or expressed through visual art. Written submissions should be no more than 500 words. Please include your name, (optional: photo, town, age). If you would like to remain anonymous, please note that in your submission.
|
|
SMR Mayapple Trail Runs All Ages!
Sunday, October 16, 2021
Races start @ 8:30AM
Meet at: Locust Grove Parking Lot, Millburn
(Best parking in commuter lot across street)
|
|
|
|
Kids 1-Mile Run, 10 or 20 miles, & 50K
Join us for our Annual fundraiser where you can run for the Reservation! The USA Track and Field sanctioned races provide an informal but supportive trail race environment for runners who are up to the challenge of completing 10 miles, 20 miles or a 50K (31 miles). All proceeds support the mission of the Conservancy as a steward and advocate for the park and its public programs.
Kids 1 Mile Run starts at 10am. 1 parent or guardian is welcome to accompany their child for this fun run.
|
|
Forest Regeneration Corps.
Volunteers needed!
Sunday, October 17, 2021
9AM-Noon.
Meet at: Wildflower Preserve, 11 Bear Lane
|
|
|
Help plant native species and remove invasive plants, and maintain trails in the 14-acre Wildflower and Forest Preserve. Ages 12+ (adult supervision needed below 18).
Please dress appropriately! Wear long pants, closed toe shoes or rain boots, bug spray, and sunscreen. We supply gloves and water. Pre-registration is not required for this program.
For information, contact Program Coordinators Christy Zolty & Glenn Newman at forestregen@somocon.org
Following CDC guidelines, vaccinated people need not follow any mask guidelines. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html) |
|
Girl Scout Sculpture Vibes! Explore the Wildflower Sculpture Park
(Grades 2-5, Session 1 hr 45 min)
New Offering!
Join the curator of the Wildflower Sculpture Park, Lisa Sanders, at South Mountain Reservation and explore the who, how, and why of the outdoor sculptures. Share your insights after exploring the sculptures with both mind and body. Get creative and make art, whether sculpture, painting, drawing, photography, song, or dance. Some art supplies will be on hand. Come dressed for fun! Severe weather will cancel. Bring a water bottle and optional snack. Fulfills all steps of the Brownie/Junior outdoor badge requirements (not included). For Inquiries and scheduling, email Lisa Sanders, wspcurator@somocon.org.
|
|
|
Get your hike on with SMC!
Current SMC members can now pre-register for hikes! Each month you will receive hike invites directly to your inbox. Hike capacity is limited to 25 participants and registration is required. If you would like to bring a guest, they are able to register the week of the hike through our public Meetup, Facebook, or Eventbrite pages. If you need to cancel, no problem! You can do so by cancelling through your Eventbrite account. If you recently joined our membership to attend hikes, please allow up to 10 days for your membership to be processed. Once complete, you will receive hike invites in your inbox at the end of each month. If you have a family membership and would like a family member to attend, please contact us. If you have questions about your membership status, email us. Thank you and happy hiking!
|
|
|
Another reason to support the places you love!
SMC Members will now receive 10% off any Sassquad Trail Runners Events. Inquire today.
|
|
|
|
UPDATE! Essex County has been moved to a quarantine zone for The Spotted Lanternfly. The NJ Department of Agriculture has put out a checklist for residents living in quarantine zones that will help reduce the spread of the pest. More details & checklist here. This invasive species is now found throughout South Mountain Reservation. SMC is currently constructing and testing out a number of traps that will reduce further spread in the Reservation.
|
|
|
Black bear
There have been Black bear sightings in the area, but this is not uncommon.
Black bears are the largest land mammal in NJ. They are an integral part of the state's natural heritage and a vital component of healthy ecosystems. -NJ Fish & Wildlife
|
|
|
You can help support South Mountain Reservation!
|
|
|
|
|
