South Mountain Conservancy e-Bulletin - March 2023
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ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING THIS MONTH!
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Annual Public Meeting
Millburn Free Public Library
March 21st, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Come and learn about our programs, hear directly from program coordinators, and discover ways you can volunteer in 2023. Trash Tackers, Chainsaw Gang, Trailkeepers, Citizen Science, Hiking, Fairy Trail and others will be on hand to answer questions and to help the right volunteer opportunity for you.
Kim Levinsky will be this year's Featured Speaker. Kim is an intrepid ultrarunner and founder of Sassquad Trail Running. She has race-directed over 50 races in NJ & NY and through these races has donated over $30,000 to charities, including over $13,000 to the South Mountain Conservancy!
Visit Sassquad Trail Running for details and information.
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TRAILKEEPER-CHAINSAW GANG
BREAKFAST
MARCH 25, 9am - 12:30pm
SMC is excited to bring back the pre-pandemic Trailkeeper-Chainsaw Gang breakfast for current members and those seriously interested in joining these groups.
Breakfast will take place in the conference room in the parking complex immediately across from the entrance to the Codey Arena at 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange.
Following breakfast (till around 10:30), we will go out to work on a nearby trail until around 12:30.
Please RSVP to the Meetup here or to trailkeepers@somocon.org so we know how much food to purchase.
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Pet Memorials Discouraged in
South Mountain Reservation
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The South Mountain Conservancy has recently come across a number of pet memorials in the South Mountain Reservation. While we at SMC love our pets and adore sharing special moments with them out on the trails, memorials of this kind are not appropriate for the Reservation.
Please be advised that SMC's Trailkeepers Team will be removing pet memorials that are found in the Reservation. Please expect removal by June 1st.
We strive for a Leave No Trace environment so thank you for your cooperation!
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We are seeking a Program
Co-coordinator to join the
Trash Tackling Team!
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Do you hate trash? But also kind of love trash? But actually really, really hate trash? Then we need you! The South Mountain Conservancy is looking for a volunteer to join our Trash Tackler team as a Program Co-Coordinator with Amber Benezra.
Trash Tacklers is a key part of SMC's stewardship. Last year, 20 community groups and seven individuals removed over 200 bags of trash from the reservation and -- with the reservation being so popular -- there is ALWAYS more work to do! We are seeking an additional program coordinator to help oversee these volunteers.
The ideal candidate should have a reasonable knowledge of the reservation's trails and the picnic and parking areas as well as good organizational skills to coordinate and communicate with volunteers.
We believe that volunteering is a fulfilling and meaningful way to give back to the community and make a positive impact. If this is you, please reach out to us at trashtacklers@somocon.org for a full description of the role.
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Forest Regeneration Work Day
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 SUNDAY,
MARCH 19
9am - Noon
Forest Regeneration activities focus on the areas in and around the fenced 14-acre Forest and Wildflower Preserve located near the Dog Park in the Reservation. On workdays, we will focus on removing invasive plants like knotweed and mugwort. Ages 12 to 15 are welcome with a parent or guardian present. Ages 15 and above require a signature by a parent or guardian on a liability waiver; teenagers cannot just be dropped off.
Pre-registration is not required.
Please dress appropriately! Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes or rain boots, bug spray, and layer as needed. We supply gloves and water.
For information, contact Program Coordinators Christy Zolty or Rich Rockwell at forestregen@somocon.org
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Hike South Mountain Reservation
with our experienced hike leaders
Our free guided hiking program is here to get you outside and enjoying the winter forest! Take in the crisp air and long views through the trees 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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