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Old Giants of the Reservation
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As many of you may know, the forest of the South Mountain Reservation is not old growth. Since colonial times, the land was heavily logged for lumber and firewood. If you were to look at a photograph of First Mountain from the 1870s, you’d see a hillside almost bare of trees. That’s why today, truly large, old trees are rare.
One beloved exception is the Hippopotamus Tree along the yellow trail from South Orange Avenue to Hemlock Falls. Many long-time hikers remember it as the Rhinoceros Tree, thanks to a limb that once formed a horn-like snout. When that branch fell off a few years ago, it took on its current “hippo” appearance (pictured above).
Sadly, another ancient giant—a huge oak near the lower pedestrian bridge on South Orange Avenue (where the orange and yellow trails intersect)—was lost in the July 25 windstorm. It came down across the orange trail, and our Chainsaw Gang worked quickly to cut through the massive trunk and reopen the path.
 
We thought it would be fascinating to know just how old that oak was. Counting tree rings could tell us. We’ve saved a large slice of the trunk for anyone up to the task! If you’d like to give it a try, here’s where to find it:
📍 GPS Coordinates: 40.75365° N, 74.28952° W
Send us your results—we’ll be eager to share what you discover. Have fun counting! You can email us at info@somocon.org
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Wildflower Sculpture Park
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The Wildflower Sculpture Park launched its 2025 season with a vibrant Fall Opening that drew almost 200 visitors. Guests explored the newly installed projects throughout the Wildflower & Forest Preserve and around the Dog Park, enjoying an afternoon where art and nature came together in celebration of the season.
If you missed the opening, you can still experience the works on view through October 31. Be sure to join us for our Artist Walk & Talk Tour on Sunday, October 21, from 1–3 PM, with the tour beginning promptly at 1:30.
Below: County Executive, Joeseph DiVincenzo, Jr. and Essex County Parks Department Deputy Director Kate Hartwyck with the 2025 Walk with Me artists and curators at the opening reception.
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Artist Walk & Talk
Sunday, October 12
1:00 - 3:00 PM
Tour begins at 1:30 PM!
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Join Our Fall Trail S.W.A.T. Teams
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If you’ve noticed the trail upgrades across the Reservation, that’s thanks to our dedicated volunteers. Want to give back to the paths you love? Jump in with our S.W.A.T. (Special Work And Tools) teams this fall.
What we do
It’s good exercise, great camaraderie, and it keeps the Reservation welcoming for everyone.
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When we meet
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Wednesdays, 8:30–11:30 AM — Oct 1–Nov 12
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Saturdays, 8:30–11:30 AM — Oct 4–Nov 15
Typical meet-up: Dog Park parking lot at 8:30 AM. Come when you can—no need to attend every week.
RSVP (so we bring the right tools!)
Email Dave Berry at trailkeepers@somocon.org before each session.
Monthly Sunday Work Days continue
Our regular once-a-month trail days are still on: Oct 5, Nov 2, Dec 7.
Details & signup: Meetup.com/somocon (https://www.meetup.com/somocon/)
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Upcoming Work Days:
Forest Regeneration & Trail Work
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Seeking new Fairy Trail Co-coordinator!
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Join the Fairy Trail Team!
The Fairy Trail is one of the most beloved places in the South Mountain Reservation—where children discover their first sense of forest wonder and families return again and again. Thousands visit each year, and it takes dedicated hands to keep that magic alive.
We’re seeking a Fairy Trail Program Coordinator to partner with longtime leader Beth Kelly. This volunteer role is about more than logistics—it’s about stewarding a community treasure. If you love organizing, connecting with families, and caring for the forest, this is your chance to make a lasting impact.
If you’ve ever wanted to give back to the Reservation in a meaningful, creative way, this is it.
Interested? Email fairytrail@somocon.org to receive the full role description.
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Child & Caregiver Hikes to be offered in October
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The South Mountain Conservancy is partnering with local mom and hiker Alexandrie Adebayo to offer gentle hikes for caregivers of babies and young children. Join us on Wednesdays in October for easy, child-led walks through the forest—an opportunity to connect with nature, move at your child’s pace, and meet other families who love the outdoors. Learn more and register HERE.
 Alexandrie is the founder of BlackHikersExplore, a community focused on encouraging black and brown people to engage in outdoor activities. Passionate about diversifying the outdoors, she curates and organizes group hiking events for adults as well as nature education programs for families. These programs help build a supportive environment and foster a blend of empowerment, adventure and reclaiming space.
Alexandrie is a first generation Haitian immigrant who grew up in New York. For the past decade, however she's called New Jersey home where she lives with her husband and two children. She's happiest outside-whether she's hiking, biking, swimming, or hosting a nature education program. She loves blending nature, creativity, and community, especially through family-friendly outdoor adventures.
SMC is proud to partner with Alexandrie and we hope young families will discover the joy of the forest this fall walking alongside her!
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South Mountain Conservancy is pleased to offer free, guided hikes all through the year! This month we are offering a yoga retreat hike! Give yourself the gift of wellness and join us!
See our Meetup page for schedule and signups:
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Save the Date - SMC Holiday Party!
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Join us to toast the season and all our hard work throughout the year!
⛄South Mountain Conservancy Holiday Party⛄
Thursday, December 4th
Cora Hartshorn Arboretum, Short Hills
Time TBD
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Program Update: Fall Family Campout
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Due to staffing and scheduling constraints, the South Mountain Conservancy will not host the Fall Family Campout in 2025. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to bringing the tradition back in Fall 2026.
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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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