South Mountain Conservancy e-Bulletin - October 2022
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In honor of National Fall Foliage Week and the changing season, we are calling for your best fall photos taken in the South Mountain Reservation! Contest ends at midnight on October 31st. Winners will be selected by the South Mountain Conservancy team and announced in the first week of November.
To enter:
1) Follow us on Instagram @southmountainconservancy
2) Post your photo, tag @southmountainconservancy, add your location AND use the hashtag #SMCFALLPHOTOCONTEST
-or-
DM your entry photo to @southmountainconservancy
Prizes:
1st place: Gift certificate to Village Trattoria
2nd place: Gift certificate to No. 165
3rd place: Gift certificate to Words Bookstore
[Many thanks to these Maplewood Village stores for their
generous donations to our contest!]
🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁
The winning photos will be featured on our Instagram and Facebook pages as well as on our website and monthly E-Bulletin newsletter. By submitting a photo to this contest you are giving South Mountain Conservancy permission to feature your image in our marketing materials.
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Wildflower Sculpture Park
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WSP Volunteer Opportunity!
The Wildflower Sculpture Park program is looking for volunteers to assist during special events.
If you are interested please contact Lisa Sanders: wspcurator@somocon.org
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 You may have heard via social media that tossing old pumpkins into the woods is a safe way to dispose of your holiday display.
At South Mountain Conservancy we would like to remind you that this is NOT the most ecological way to get rid of your mushy holiday decor! Rotting pumpkins from our front porches and holiday displays do not belong in the woodland habitat-- please DO NOT toss them in the Reservation! Composting is the best disposal method. If that is not an option, simply toss your old jack-o'-lantern out with your yard waste.
We are always striving for the best Leave No Trace practices in South Mountain Reservation and appreciate the community support and cooperation!
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Scouts Can Earn Badges at
South Mountain Reservation
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Did you know there are many opportunities for Scouts to earn badges in the South Mountain Reservation?
Reach out to Operations Director Penni Malakates to plan a date and program that is right for your troop. We can assist with nature, art and wildlife badges!
Above: SOMA Troop #20481 on a Turtle Back Rock Hike in 2020.
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October Volunteer Opportunities
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Sunday, October 16
9am-12pm
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Trail Work is very satisfying but strenuous as we use hand tools to construct hiking trails. (Note: This month we are shifting our normal first Sunday-of-the-month date because of the SMR Family Campout.) We will finish laying down stone dust and gravel along the recently extended Swampy Trail above Locust Grove.
Participants must be 15 years or older; below 18, a parent's signature on the liability waiver form is needed. Meet at: the Locust Grove parking lot, 197 Glen Ave., Millburn (location map here). Wear sturdy shoes and long pants and bring water. We supply the tools and snacks. Questions: contact trailwork@somocon.org, or call 844-766-6266.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO
REGISTER ON MEETUP SO WE
KNOW HOW MANY TOOLS TO BRING!
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Saturday, October 22
10am-1pm
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Join SMC volunteers and the team from Clean Green Jersey (which has similar programs in West Orange and Jersey City) to clean up the area around Painter's Point off Brookside Drive. Please bring your own reusable water bottle, a bag to carry any of your belongings, and wear sturdy shoes and clothes that can get dirty. Trash bags and trash pickers will be provided.
To help GCJ know how many volunteers are coming, please register by filling out this FORM, or email CleanGreenJersey@gmail.com.
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Hike South Mountain Reservation
with our experienced hike leaders
Our free guided hiking program is packed this season to get you outside and enjoying the cooler weather! Witness all the changes of autumn in the reservation and treat yourself to a gift of wellness. SMC members receive a full hike schedule each month delivered to their inbox, along with the opportunity for early bird registration. Non-members can register for hikes one week in advance through our Events Calendar, Meetup, or Facebook events.
Hikes are always free but registration, through Eventbrite, is required.
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Would you like to get involved, schedule a program
or have an idea to share?
We'd love to hear from you!
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preserve, protect, restore
SOUTH MOUNTAIN RESERVATION
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Double Your Gift
Many companies offer matching gift programs to encourage employees to contribute to charitable organizations. Most match contributions dollar for dollar, and some will even triple the amount of your gift! To find out if your company has a matching gift program check with your Human Resources Department.
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