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Enchantment & Fun on the Fairy Trail
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Left to right: Julie Gould, Rachael Harrington & Beth Kelly
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Our first annual Fairy Trail Day at Locust Grove was a great success! The Conservancy would like to thank Program Co-coordinators Julie Gould and Beth Kelly for all their hard work, creativity, and love for the Fairy Trail. Thanks also to our enchanting storyteller, Rachael Harrington, who activated the imaginations of fairies young and old through her vibrant and exciting stories.
SMC partnered with SOMA Families for this magical event and we hosted over 200 people. We sold fairy wings and flower crowns to support the Fairy Trail and offered free face painting, an ice cream truck, fairy hair, and a fairy door craft. We extend our thanks to all the families who bought wings and crowns for their young fairies to support the trail!
We hope to see you all again next year!
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Pollinator Meadow Restoration Project
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Workdays are ongoing for the Pollinator Meadow Restoration Project. Click here to see the progress so far in a timelapse video from our new Chronolog station: CHRONOLOG SMC-102
Lori LaBorde of the Citizen Science team reports that the acre site is almost covered in greenhouse plastic nearing the end of phase one, but the work continues!
We will have workdays Thursday evenings and Saturdays/Sundays until this first phase of work is completed. Follow us on Meetup for the most up-to-date information about where and when you can volunteer! When volunteering in the heat of summer, it is imperative that you bring water, snacks, a hat and work gloves. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to get dirty. Please take frequent breaks in the shade as needed! Ages 15+ welcome. Direct any questions to citizenscience@somocon.org
Please register so we know how many tools to bring!
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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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Do you love to hike in the South Mountain Reservation?
Become an Official SMC Trailkeeper!
We are seeking 2-3 new Trailkeepers to help monitor and maintain sections of South Mountain Reservation hiking trails. Duties include:
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Hike an assigned section every 3 months and file an online report
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Provide basic trail maintenance by “brushing” the trail. For example, pruning branches/bushes, moving loose rocks, picking up trash, cleaning out debris from swales to help water flow, and refreshing blazes.
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Major maintenance issues that cannot be addressed by the trailkeeper are reported to the program coordinators.
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Must be 18+
If interested, please email trailkeepers@somocon.org
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New Trash Tackler Program Coordinator
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 Priya Patel is joining the South Mountain Conservancy as the new Trash Tackler Program Coordinator. A seasoned public health expert, Priya brings over 25 years of experience in community development to her new role. Passionate about sustainability, she advocates for environmental causes as a member of the Millburn Environmental Commission. Priya strives to create socially just solutions for her community and is passionate about local environmental issues. Welcome Priya!
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Annual Family Campout scheduled for October 7-8, 2023
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The Annual Family Campout is scheduled for October 7-8, 2023 in the South Mountain Reservation!
Registration opens September 1st.
If you would like to join the Campout Steering Committee and assist with event planning, please contact Penni Malakates at opsdirector@somocon.org
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Chronologs Installed in the Reservation
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We've got two exciting additions to our Citizen Science Program at South Mountain Conservancy-- brand new Chronolog stations!
Chronologs offer a fun way for everyone to participate in tracking the changes of the seasons, the growth of the meadows and the progress of our projects.
You can find one Chronolog station inside the Wildflower & Forest Preserve at our Wildflower Meadow. The other can be found at the Pollinator Meadow Restoration Project near Shady Nook. To use our Chronologs simply place your phone in the bracket, snap a photo, and email it using the instructions on the sign. Over time, this collective effort will help create a time-lapse video to track environmental changes in South Mountain Reservation.
Go find one of our stations and add your first image! |
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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! See Eventbrite for full details.
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Active SMC Members receive early bird access to hikes; non-members may register one week in advance. To become a 2023 Member please visit our Membership Page.
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Sunday, August 6th, 9am to 12pm
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.
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Meet at the Dog Park, 10 Bear Lane, Maplewood. (Note: Last month's program was cancelled due to the coyote sightings in the area.)
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.)
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Forest Regeneration Work Day
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Sunday, August 20th, 9am - 11am
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.
Please be on time as we will hike into the forest a little after 9 am.
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 Coordinator Christy Zolty 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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