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Volunteer for the Pollinator Meadow Restoration Project!
The South Mountain Conservancy and the Millburn Environmental Commission invite you to join us for the inaugural workday of the Pollinator Meadow Restoration Project. This ambitious multi-year $16,000 initiative by the Conservancy aims to transform a 43,000 sq. ft. expanse of turf grass south of the Shady Nook picnic area into a vibrant and enchanting pollinator meadow. By carefully selecting native species indigenous to this beautiful region of New Jersey, our goal is to create a haven that attracts and nurtures a diverse array of local pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and birds.
On the first workday of this exciting project, we will lay greenhouse plastic over the designated acre area. The work will be physically demanding and the more volunteers that chip in, the lighter the work will be! We need 5 teams of 10 people each. Join us!
Bring water, snacks, a hat and work gloves. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to get dirty. Ages 15+ welcome. Please direct any questions to citizenscience@somocon.org
Meeting place: Shady Nook Picnic Area
🗓️ Date: Saturday, June 17
⏰ Time: 9am - 2pm
(Raindate June 18)
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Artwork by Jennifer McClory for South Mountain Conservancy. All proceeds from Pollinator Meadow merch from our store will go directly to support this special project!
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The fairies of South Mountain Reservation, in association with SOMA Families and the South Mountain Conservacy, 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.
Come dressed as your favorite fairy or woodland creature! 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!
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Trail Work Update & Work Day
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TRAIL WORK, Sunday, June 4th, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
This month we will again be working on both the Pingry Trail (swale improvement and culvert clearing) and the Lenape Trail (water bars, swales) near their intersection. This trail section is not easily accessed, so we will meet at the Dog Park and carpool to a closer location.
Meet at the Dog Park, 10 Bear Lane, Maplewood |
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We completed our Spring Trail Work SWAT Team projects, making significant drainage improvements to Lower and Upper Turtle Back trails, Turtle Back Connector trail, southern Elmdale trail, Dunlavage Way trail, and the Zoo Loop trail. Visit these trails to enjoy a slightly more mud-free experience after rain. Thanks to the 19 dedicated SWAT team volunteers who contributed over 230 hours this year. Join us this Fall for more trail improvements and exercise while giving back.
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Hiking Program - Summer on the Trail!
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South Mountain Conservancy is pleased to offer free, guided hikes all through the summer months! Join our experienced hike leaders and enjoy the shade of the forest as the weather warms up! This season you can find hike on Thursdays, Fridays as well as the weekend. See Eventbrite for full details.
Above: Happy hikers on Sujata's June 10th hike. 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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Seeking Trash Tackler
Program Coordinator
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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.
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Forest Regeneration Work Day
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 SUNDAY,
June 18th
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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