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SMC Annual Meeting to be held March 19th
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Come learn about the Conservancy's 2025 programs directly from the program coordinators and discover how you can get involved and volunteer. Representatives from Trash Tackers, Trailkeepers, Chainsaw Gang, Citizen Science, Hiking and Fairy Trails, as well as board members, will be available to answer questions and share their accomplishments from last year, along with plans for the upcoming season.
Featured Speaker, Mike Van Clef, PhD. head of NJ Invasive Species Strike Team. Mike will present the results of the just completed, SMC-funded study and the ten-year plan to manage invasive plants in the Reservation. Mike has a PhD in ecology and 25 years of experience working on stewardship of rare and invasive species, deer management, forest and grassland restorations, ecological health monitoring and natural resource policy. Mike serves on the Hopewell Township Deer Management Advisory Committee, acts as Stewardship Director for Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space and was a co-founder of the New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team.
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Track Tackling has a new Program Coordinator
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 Eric Tuvel has joined the SMC Program Coordinator ranks as the new top Trash Tackler. He will oversee both individual and group volunteer efforts in the Reservation.
Eric has a long history of both working for and volunteering with non-profit organizations. He started volunteering in parks when he moved to San Francisco and volunteered several weekends a year in Yosemite National Park. He also has been volunteering to help serve unhoused people in San Francisco and New York City through Burrito Project SF, Martin de Porres House, and Take Two NYC. When he is not working or volunteering, he loves to go hiking with his family and to be out in nature.
You can reach Eric at trashtacklers@somocon.org to organize a corporate group or your own individual volunteer hours. Welcome Eric!
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Wildflower Sculpture Park Call for Artists
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The Wildflower Sculpture Park (WSP) at South Mountain Conservancy, in partnership with the Essex County Parks Department, invites artists to submit proposals for its 2025 outdoor exhibition. This unique opportunity allows artists to create and display large-scale, nature-inspired sculptures within South Mountain Reservation, a 2,110-acre public preserve in Essex County, NJ, visited by thousands each year.
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Join the South Mountain Conservancy Ambassador Program!
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Do you love the Reservation and the Conservancy?
Join our new initiative and become an SMC Ambassador!
The Conservancy Ambassador Program (CAP) is a volunteer initiative designed to build a dedicated team of ambassadors who engage with the public as guides, educators, and advocates for the South Mountain Conservancy’s mission. Volunteers must be 18+.
Ambassador Responsibilities:
- Promote the Conservancy: Serve as a host at a designated location or simply be present on the trails at key spots within the Reservation. Ambassadors make their own schedule but are asked to volunteer a minimum of six times a year for two hours on one Saturday or Sunday per month. You'll share information about Conservancy membership, programs, projects, and events, encouraging visitor engagement and support.
- Guide and Interact: Provide visitors with knowledge about SMR trails and other relevant information to enhance their experience.
- Gather Public Feedback: Engage with visitors to collect comments, feedback, and survey data on how people use the Reservation.
For more information and training details:
CAP Program Co-coordinators Penni Malakates and John Bylancik at smcambassadors@somocon.org
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Launch of the Forest Stewardship Initiative
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 We are launching a ten-year Forest Stewardship Initiative (FSI) to improve the South Mountain Reservation's forest ecology. This initiative complements two ongoing programs: the Forest Regeneration Corps (established in 2008) and the Citizen Science program, which is developing a Pollinator Meadow near Shady Nook.
FSI will focus on managing and eradicating emerging invasive plants throughout the 2,110-acre park. Based on a 2024 study by the NJ Invasive Species Strike Team, this effort requires raising $20,000 annually, starting in 2025, to fund professional eradication and volunteer efforts.
Our goal is to enhance the reservation’s ecosystem by removing invasive plants, cultivating native seed sources, and supporting pollinators. The new Forest Stewardship Fund will help make this vision a reality. Please consider donating to support this important work.
Please visit our donate page and support this important ecological work!
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Seeking Second Forest Regeneration Program Coordinator
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The South Mountain Conservancy is seeking a new Program Coordinator to join current leader Rich Rockwell in the Forest Regeneration program.
The Forest Regeneration co-coordinators are responsible for maintaining and improving the 14-acre Wildflower and Forest Preserve and key Forest Regeneration sites in the reservation (ie: deer exclosures). Volunteers should have a solid understanding of forest and meadow ecology, a passion for the natural world, and the ability to work both independently and with groups. Responsibilities include horticultural expertise, leadership, planning, and collaboration with summer interns, SMC members, the Essex County Parks Department, and other volunteers.
The position requires at least 20 hours per month, with more hours in the spring. Email us at forestregen@somocon.org for a full description of the role and how you can get involved.
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South Mountain Conservancy is pleased to offer free, guided hikes all through the year! This month we are offering a variety of hikes, including another 50+ hike. Give yourself the gift of wellness and come breathe the fresh forest air!
See our Meetup page for schedule and signups:
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Trailkeepers & Chainsaw Gang Breakfast
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 This breakfast is for current members of the Trailkeepers and Chainsaw Gang, as well as adults interested in volunteering with these groups.
- Location: Parking garage conference room (across from Codey Arena entrance) 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
- Date: Saturday, March 22nd (Rain Date: Saturday, April 5th)
- Time: 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
- Agenda:
- First 90 minutes: Discussion on current responsibilities and upcoming challenges
- Following: Trail maintenance task (TBD)
Please sign up on Meetup to help us plan for catering and tools. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Upcoming Work Days:
Forest Regeneration & Trail Work
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Click on the images above to register for each volunteer opportunity on Meetup.
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Our Reservation trails are gaining a regional reputation for excellent hiking, thanks to over 1,800 hours of volunteer work improving the 55+ miles of trails. While the trails are in great shape, we always strive to make them better. You can help by joining our Monthly Trailwork teams or seasonal SWAT (Special Work and Tools) teams.
Monthly Trailwork:
Volunteers meet once a month, typically the first Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, April through December, to construct and restore trails as part of our Sustainable Trails Initiative. Locations vary each month. For details and to sign up, visit the South Mountain Conservancy Meetup page.
Our first session is April 6.
SWAT Teams:
SWAT teams focus on minor repairs, such as addressing understory growth, blazing, and drainage. Teams meet Wednesdays and Saturdays from April 2–May 24 (8:30–11:30 a.m.). Attend as you can. To join the mailing list, contact Dave Berry at trailkeepers@somocon.org for weekly updates on where to report.
Consider giving back and helping enhance our Reservation trails!
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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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