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Wildflower Sculpture Park Call for Artists
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| Two exciting opportunities for artists this season at the South Mountain Conservancy Wildflower Sculpture Park |
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We invite artists to apply for one of two opportunities at the Wildflower Sculpture Park. The curatorial theme for 2025 is "Walk With Me." All artists are encouraged to explore ideas of renewal and environmental harmony while emphasizing the visitor’s journey into and through the 14-acre Wildflower & Forest Preserve, as well as the larger South Mountain Reservation. Deadline for submissions is April 11, 2025.
All new installations will open to the public in Fall 2025.
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Call for Art: Deadline April 11th
Full details available on our website. |
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Wonder Women 13: Deadline April 11th
Full residency details available here.
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Spring Fairy Trail Events
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Help the Fairies Get Ready for the New Season:
Build a Fairy House for the South Mountain Reservation Fairy Trail!
In preparation for the new season, the South Mountain Reservation Fairy Trail invites all fairy enthusiasts to showcase their creativity and building skills by constructing magical new fairy houses for the trail!
How to Participate:
1. Review the building guidelines.
2. Email a photo of your fairy house to fairytrail@somocon.org.
Important Note: All fairy houses must be approved by our Program Coordinators before installation. To ensure there's enough time for any adjustments, please email us at least a week before you plan to place your house on the trail.
Installation Dates:
Accepted fairy houses can be placed on the trail on Saturday, April 12 or 26, where they will be evaluated, and participants will help position them in designated areas.
Prizes:
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First Prize: $100 gift certificate to McLoone’s Boathouse Restaurants
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Second Prize: Framed Fairy Trail Poster ($100 value)
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Third Prize: Fairy Trail T-shirt (one for each child in the winning family, if applicable)
Winners will be announced on May 3rd during Fairy Trail Day and online. You do not need to be present to win but we would love to celebrate with you!
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Join Us for the Third Annual Fairy Tales on the Fairy Trail!
The fairies of the South Mountain Reservation invite you to our Third Annual Fairy Tales on the Fairy Trail! This festival-style event promises a day filled with fun and magic, including: storytelling, fairy house building, fairy hair, a magical scavenger hunt and more!
Wings, crowns, and t-shirts will be available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting the South Mountain Reservation Fairy Trail.
Dress up in your sparkliest attire, complete with crowns and wings (or purchase them at the event), and let’s celebrate the magic of the Fairy Trail together! All proceeds go directly to the SMC Fairy Trail Fund.
Special thanks to our May 4th event sponsors!
🌱 Sprout Sponsors: Mana Energy Collective, Graff Guild, Oh! Canary, Jamie Aloia/brokerintheburbs
🌟 Enchanted Sponsors: Swimquest Millburn & Studio 260 Salon
Want to help support the magic? Please contact us at fairytrail@somocon.org for more information.
Pixie Sponsor – $100; Sprout Sponsor – $250; Enchanted Sponsor – $500
Sponsors will be featured on event signage, social media, and promotional materials!
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Volunteer for Fairy Trail Day on May 3rd!
We’d love your support to make Fairy Trail Day a magical success! If you are interested in volunteering, please visit our Fairy Trail Day Sign Up Genius to register as a volunteer and lend a hand.
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Beth Kelly & Julie Gould on the SMR Fairy Trail
ONE MORE BIT OF VERY IMPORTANT FAIRY NEWS!
Our Fairy Trail Co-Coordinator, Julie Gould, will soon be flying off to a new fairy forest! While we’ll miss her magic dearly, this means an exciting opportunity has opened up…
SMC is seeking a new volunteer Fairy Trail Program Coordinator to join Beth Kelly in leading the Fairy Trail team. If you are passionate about nature, creativity, and a little bit of woodland wonder, we’d love to hear from you! Pease email fairytrail@somocon.org to receive the full role description.
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College Students: Paid Summer Internships
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The South Mountain Conservancy is looking for two part-time paid interns, preferably college students, for the 2025 summer season to work in the 14-acre Wildflower and Forest Preserve and nearby forest regeneration sites. This program for self-starters has been going on since 2017 and is a key part of the Conservancy’s Forest Regeneration Program. A job description is HERE. Apply by Friday, April 25, 2025 to forestregen@somocon.org. |
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SMR Spring Family Campout
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Save the Date!
May 31 - June 1st (noon to noon!)
Registration to open at the end of April. Stay tuned!
If you would like to volunteer to help SMC with planning programming for the Spring Campout please reach out to us at familycampout@somocon.org
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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 a hike for children and more for the over 50 community. Join us!
See our Meetup page for schedule and signups:
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16th Annual Mayapple Trail Runs
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 Love trail running? Join us for the 16th Annual Mayapple Trail Runs on Saturday, May 17, rain or shine, in the stunning South Mountain Reservation! Runners of all levels are invited to register for distances ranging from 5 miles to 50 miles, with something for everyone:
Volunteers Needed!
We urgently need volunteers to staff aid stations—no experience required! Help keep runners fueled with snacks, water, and a friendly face (plus, be a vital point of contact in case of emergencies).
Contact: Dennis Percher at mayapple-trail-runs@somocon.org
Why It Matters
The Mayapple Trail Runs are the Conservancy’s largest annual fundraiser, organized entirely by volunteers with support from the Essex County Parks Department. Your participation supports our mission to maintain trails and advocate for the Reservation and its public programs.
👉 Register now to run or volunteer at ULTRA SIGN UP
Let’s make this the best Mayapple yet — whether you're running, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines!
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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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On March 29th, two dozen Trailkeepers and Chainsaw Gang members led by Dave Berry and Dennis Percher discussed the challenges of monitoring and maintaining our 55 miles of SMR trails. A presentation was also given on creating and maintaining sustainable trails. Afterward, half the group helped improve drainage along the Zoo Loop.
Thanks to all who came and the new volunteers who are joining these teams!
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Join the SMC Ambassadors!
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The Conservancy Ambassador Program (CAP) is a volunteer initiative designed to build a dedicated team who engage with the public as guides, educators, and advocates for the South Mountain Conservancy’s mission. Volunteers must be 18+. Learn about how to promote the Conservancy and apply: CAP
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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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