South Mountain Conservancy e-Bulletin - April 2023
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UPDATED 2023 TRAIL MAP AVAILABLE NOW!
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Our new 2023 trail map has arrived! You’ll find some exciting paths to explore including the newly added blue Hogenauer Trail, honoring legendary SMR historian Dave Hogenauer, Swampy Trail, Dogwood Trail and Lenape Bypass.
Pick up a map from our online shop or from these local vendors:
Words Bookstore
Maplewood Mercantile
West Village Consignment Shop
Sneaker Factory, Millburn
Maplewood Public Library
South Orange Public Library
Millburn Free Public Library
Cover by Marika Robak Photo for the #smcfallphotocontest
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CITIZEN SCIENCE - NEST WATCH 2023
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NEST WATCH 2023 HAS BEGUN!
This week, the Citizen Science team led by Lori LaBorde, spent time cleaning out old nests and installing this season's nest boxes in the Wildflower Preserve and on Hawk Hill. If you see these boxes out on your hikes, please do not approach them! Breeding season has begun and the birds need space to create nests and lay eggs.
We especially ask that you do not place seeds or any other food in or around the boxes. This attracts unwanted pests like ants and mice!
Please contact our Citizen Science team with any questions: citizenscience@somocon.org
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The Cornell Lab of Ornithology offers a free Nest Watch app full of useful information and facts. We encourage you to download it and enjoy!
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Hiking Program - Spring on the Trail!
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South Mountain Conservancy is pleased to offer 8 free, guided hikes this month! In addition to our regular schedule, we will be offering family-friendly hikes to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day.
Our Earth Day hike is offered in partnership with the South Orange Public Library Youth Services Division. Lead by Janine Beer of SMC and Keisha Miller of SOPL, we invite families and individuals to celebrate this special day in the Reservation. Register on Eventbrite here: EARTH DAY HIKE.
To honor Arbor Day, we will be offering two hikes on the weekend of April 29/30 in the Wildflower & Forest Preserve. Both are easy hikes and suitable for young children over 5. Register on Eventbrite for APRIL 29 or APRIL 30.
We are also proud to co-sponsor a hike led by Kirk Barrett, President of the Rahway River Watershed Association on April 29. Kirk's hike around the reservoir Includes a discussion about proposed modifications to the dam to reduce flooding.
Please note: Hike registration is open to SMC members one month in advance; non-member registration opens one week in advance.
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SMC is 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.
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,
APRIL 16th
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 and Rich Rockwell at forestregen@somocon.org
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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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