Like to run trails? Runners are invited to register for the 15th Mayapple Trail Runs to be held, rain or shine, on Saturday, May 18, 2024 along the beautiful trails of South Mountain Reservation. The distances are 5 to 50 miles (the 5-miler being offered for the first time on a brand-new course), plus an informal, untimed 1-mile Kids Fun Run for ages 5-12.

Volunteers are also desparately needed to staff the aid stations (no experience needed) and provide water and snacks and a contact in case of emergencies. Contact Dennis Percher at mayapple-trail-runs@somocon.org to help out.  The trail runs are the Conservancy's largest fund raiser each year and are organized by its volunteers with the support of the Essex County Parks Department.  and under.  The starting times are: 50 and 50K races, 8:30 a.m.; 20, 10 and  5-mile races, 9:30 a.m.; and the 1-mile Kids Race, 10:00 a.m.  All races will end at 9:30 p.m. EDT, 13 hours after the 8:30 start. (Sunset is at 8:05 p.m.) Races take place rain or shine (and over the years we have had  extreme examples of both!).   All proceeds support the mission of the Conservancy as a steward --we maintain the trails-- and advocate for the park and its public programs. To register directly, go to Ultrasignup.com.

For families with young children ages 4 to 11 seeking a nature-intensive outdoor experience… You are invited to register for the ninth SMR Family Campout scheduled from noon, Saturday, June 1st through noon, Sunday, June 2nd, 2024. In case of inclement weather, the rain dates are June 8-9.

 For more information and registration details, see our website.

This award-winning program run by the volunteers of the South Mountain Conservancy will be based out of Summit Field in Essex County’s South Mountain Reservation. The event is co-sponsored with the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs, and features nature games, animal exhibits from Essex County’s Turtle Back Zoo, a camping lesson from REI Staff, guided hikes, kids’ exploration and crafts, live music, a campfire with stories, morning yoga and a Sunday breakfast.   Participation fee for each family: $60. This fee does not include an SMC membership, which we strongly encourage. (If you join for $25 at this time, you will receive the new 2023 SMR map which normally is only provided with $50 memberships.) If you are limited financially, we offer a limited number of subsidized registrations for $15. If you are interested in this reduced fee. contact familycampout@somocon.org New to camping? We have some tents and equipment to borrow. Email familycampout@somocon.org  if you need gear!

TRAIL WORK, Sunday, May 5th, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. We will again be rerouting parts of the Lenape Trail north of Balls Bluff to improve drainage. 

Meet at the parking lot on Summit Crescent (off Bear Lane, see map in Meetup link).

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 dress appropriately! Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes or rain boots, bug spray, and layer as needed. We supply gloves and water.

Meet at the dog statue at 11 Bear Lane, Maplewood, NJ. Please be on time as we will hike to the forest by 9am.