MAYAPPLE TRAIL RUN 
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! 
WANT TO RUN? REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
The 14th Annual Mayapple Trail Run will be held on Saturday, May 13th in the
South Mountain Reservation!


The South Mountain Conservancy needs volunteers to assist during the race. Please contact mayappletrailruns@somocon.org to volunteer.

There is still time to register as a runner! Come tackle 50 miles, 50k, 20 miles, 10 miles, or 1-mile kid run! To register, go to Ultrasignup.com 

All proceeds from this event support the mission and programs of the South Mountain Conservancy.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Pack a picnic and join us to celebrate spring in the Reservation with SMC Community Day! 
Rain Date: June 11th

11 am - Forest Regeneration Activity
Learn about the health of our forest from our Forest Regeneration team; participate in tree & acorn planing and help clear invasive plants in the Wildflower & Forest Preserve. 


11:30 am - 12:30 pm - Sarah Peters Artist Talk & Activity
Sarah Peters’ sculpture, the newly installed Botanical Fainting Couch, is our first interactive piece in the Wildflower Sculpture Park! Guests are welcome to sit or sprawl (but please do not stand!) on the couch and touch the many different plant textures that animate the surface. Peters utilizes the alphabet letters as the base on which she has embossed textures of 26 different plants. Each plant represented corresponds to a letter of the alphabet. See if you can identify them all!
Sarah will have a fun activity available that all are welcome to participate in.

12:30 pm - 2 pm - Tree Identification Hike in Wildflower & Forest Preserve with Rich Rockwell
Family-friendly and easy walk on beginner trails. 

2 pm - 3:30 pm - Lee Williams work and visit
Infinite Delicacies, a new work by Lee Williams, reaches into the woods and highlights downed wood that is usually overlooked. Starting at the old stump by the entrance to the parking area, and continuing north along the Crest Trail, you will find colorful wooden elements interacting with the decaying wood in a vibrant celebration of nature. Lee will be working on his piece from 11 am to 2pm, and will be leading a fun and informal activity from 2-3:30pm. Guests of all ages welcome!


3 pm - 4 pm - Games and Crafts
The fairies of South Mountain Reservation invite you to celebrate International Fairy Day with “Fairy Tales on the Fairy Trail”!

Special Guest, Storyteller Rachael Harrington, will activate the imagination of children of all ages with her uniquely creative storytelling both on and off the trail. There will be two Fairy Tale Walking Tours along the trail at 1pm & 3pm, or bring a blanket for Fairy Tale Time at 2pm in the Locust Grove picnic area. 

Family members of all ages will also enjoy free face painting, crafts, a scavenger hunt and more. So grab your wings, or purchase them at the event (proceeds go toward the SMC Fairy Trail Fund), and come join the fun! 
Tick Safety Tips
The warm winter has allowed for ticks to emerge earlier this year. Ticks are tiny and dangerous! Educate yourself about ticks, tick removal and best practices. Here are a few helpful tick safety tips for visiting the South Mountian Reservation:
  1. Use a bug spray or repellent.
  2. Walk in the center of the trail.
  3. Tuck socks into pants and wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot.
  4. Wear closed-toe shoes and a hat.
  5. Check clothes, shoes, gear, body, and pets for ticks after being outdoors.
  6. Shower after being outside.
Hiking Program - Spring on the Trail!
South Mountain Conservancy is pleased to offer 6 free, guided hikes this month! In addition to our regular schedule, we will be offering family-friendly hikes to celebrate SMC Community day and a Dog-Friendly hike!

Please note: Hike registration is open to SMC members one month in advance; non-member registration opens one week in advance.
Eventbrite Registration
Seeking Trash Tackler
Program Coordinator 

Join the volunteer team at SMC and tackle one of the most important jobs in the Reservation - TRASH!
  
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 opsdirector@somocon.org for a full description of the role.  
Trail Work Crew Volunteer Day

Sunday, May 7, 9 am - 12 noon
This month we will be working on the Lenape Trail at the intersection with the Pingry Trail. Meet at the 
Dog Park, 10 Bear Lane. Tools will be brought in and we will get to the work zone together. 


Trail work is physically challenging but very satisfying as we use hand tools to build and repair trails. Participants must be 15+ years. Those younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants should wear long pants due to ticks and sturdy shoes, and bring gloves (though backup gloves will be available). Tools, water, and a snack will be provided. (Registration is not required.)

Trail Work Meetup Information
Forest Regeneration Work Day

SUNDAY,
May 21st
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

Forest Regen Meetup Information
Would you like to get involved, schedule a program
or have an idea to share?

We'd love to hear from you!

Citizen Science: Lori LaBorde, citizenscience@somocon.org
Chainsaw Gang: David Berry, chainsawgang@somocon.org
Forest Regeneration: Christy Zolty & Rich Rockwell, forestregen@somocon.org
Hikes: Bobbette Clarke, hikes@somocon.org
Trailkeepers: Dennis Percher & Dave Berry, trailkeepers@somocon.org
Trail Work Crew: Dennis Percher & John Verzani, trailwork@somocon.org
Trash Tacklers & Plogging: David Berry & Amber Benezra, trashtacklers@somocon.org
Wildflower Sculpture Park Curator: Lisa Sanders, wspcurator@somocon.org
Operations Director: Penni Malakates, opsdirector@somocon.org

preserve, protect, restore

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