MAY HAS ARRIVED!
In the Newsletter this month:
  • Fairy Trail Day: This weekend! Saturday, May 2nd
  • Mayapple Trail Runs: Saturday, May 16th
  • Volunteers still needed May 2nd and May 16th
  • SMR Citizen Science Tour: Sunday, May 24th 
  • Spring has arrived - Make a plan to volunteer- we promise, it is fun!
  • SMC Ambassador Training: May 30th
  • Free hikes continue!

The fairies of the South Mountain Reservation invite you to our 
4th Annual Fairy Trail Festival!
 

SATURDAY, MAY 2nd
10AM - 2PM
SOUTH MOUNTAIN RESERVATION FAIRY TRAIL
197 Glen Ave, Millburn, NJ 07041


This family event promises a day filled with wonder, dancing, music and fairy fun! Entrance is free with special sparkly items to purchase at the event. Wings, crowns, and t-shirts will be available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting the South Mountain Reservation Fairy Trail.

*Please note the Locust Grove parking lot will be closed. All visitors must park across the street in the Millburn Library or NJ Transit commuter lots. 
We would like to thank our event
performers and sponsors!
BOLD arts
Rachael Harrington Storyteller 
Graff Guild
SOMA Families
Honey & Hive Ice Cream
Jamie Aloia - Broker in the Burbs
Kristie Goldstein Energy
Marigold Pediatric Dentistry
Dianne Faldult - The Singing Fairy
Bleeding Heart Harp
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: 
Fairy Trail Day and Mayapple Runs!
                                          
We need your help to run these events successfully! You have two wonderful opportunities to get invovled in May! 

🧚 Fairy Trail Day: May 2 - SIGN UP GENIUS HERE - We can still use extra help on the day! Please reach out to Penni Malakates at opsdirector@somocon.org to lend a last minute hand!

🏃‍➡️ Mayapple Trail Runs: May 16 - VOLUNTEER INFORMATION HERE
Registration Open for Mayapple Trail Runs
Like the challenge of trail running, or want to help out at this exciting annual fundraising event? 

For discount codes for SMC volunteers and Running Groups, contact mayappletrailruns@somocon.org

Register and learn more HERE.
Citizen Science Tour of SMC!

Join us in honor of Citizen Science Month as we explore different ways data is collected in SMR through our citizen science program. Feel free to join us for the entire tour or pop in for the program that interests you most. 

SUNDAY, MAY 24 - FULL SCHEDULE BELOW!

Lori LaBorde, Citizen Science Program Coordinator, will be speaking about the history and trajectory of the projects and how these efforts benefit research and decision making at the local level.


Please register on Meetup! Links below.
Ages 11+ (Adults are required to stay with their minors.)


11:00-11:45am Meet at Shady Nook Parking Lot for a walkthrough of the Pollinator Meadow in its current phase. *Please no bug spray.

12:00-2:00pm Pollinator Meadow Work Session. Bring gloves and get ready to dig in! Work load is light to strenuous and may include crouching and lifting. *Please no bug spray.

2:30-3:00pm Meet at Hawk Hill to explore the methodology that contributes to understanding more about local bird reproductive success rates.

8:15-9:30pm Meet at Locust Grove for an evening Night Hike to a FrogWatch monitoring site. Experience the excitement of collecting data at night! *Wear durable closed toe shoes and bring water to all tour sessions.

 
Ambassador Training - May 30th

The South Mountain Conservancy Ambassadors Program is a dedicated team of volunteers who serve as friendly, knowledgeable stewards of the South Mountain Reservation.

Ambassadors help us preserve, protect, and restore the Reservation by:

  • Educating visitors about SMC’s mission and programs
  • Encouraging responsible trail use
  • Promoting membership, donations, and volunteer opportunities
  • Sharing trail knowledge and engaging with hikers
  • Gathering feedback to improve the visitor experience
Commitment:
  • Minimum of 4 volunteer days per year (ideally one weekend day per month at key Reservation locations) You choose your days!
  • Occasional tabling at community events (fairs, festivals, etc.)
  • Must be 18+

Ready to represent the Conservancy on the trails? Apply here:
Ambassador Application Form

We provide training, uniforms and materials — including SMC information, SMR guides and outreach guidance — so you’ll feel confident and prepared.

For more information, contact Program Coordinators Penni Malakates and John Bylancik at smcambassadors@somocon.org
Spring is here - Time to volunteer!
With the advent of spring weather our volunteers can return to getting out in the Reservation to start working various caretaking activities. Click on this link to see what you could help us do. S. Mt. Conservancy Volunteer Opportunities. If you see something that you'd like to do then contact the program coordinator listed to find out how to get involved.

Click here to join the TRAIL WORK day on May 3rd: MEETUP RSVP
This month, we will continue work on the Lenape Trail reroute below the Beech Brook Cascades. The steps are in, but final tread improvements on switchbacks and throughout are needed. We will meet at the Dog Park (11 Bear Lane) and head down to the Lenape Trail from there.

Our S. W. A. T. (Special Work and Tools) trail work team has resumed and is going strong! Contact Dave Berry at trailkeepers@somocon.org if interested.

Click below to register for Forest Regeneration Work Day on May 17th. 
Free Hikes for All!
South Mountain Conservancy is pleased to offer free, guided hikes all through the year!  Don't miss the Forest Bathing hike on May 17th! 
 

See our Meetup page for schedule and signups: 
Meetup Hiking Registration
Donate
12-Month Membership
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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Would you like to get involved, schedule a program
or have an idea to share?
We'd love to hear from you!
 
Citizen Science: Lori LaBorde, citizenscience@somocon.org
Chainsaw Gang: David Berry, chainsawgang@somocon.org
Community Outreach: Dave Berry, community-outreach@somocon.org
Fairy Trail: Beth Kelly, Caty Villasuso, Susan Brody, fairytrail@somocon.org
Forest Regeneration: Rich Rockwell & Tom Pollard, forestregen@somocon.org
Hikes: Ivette Canjura, hikes@somocon.org
Mayapple Trail Runs: Dennis Percher, Mayapple-Trail-Runs@somocon.org
SMR Family Campout: Penni Malakates & Dennis Percher,  familycampout@somocon.org
Trailkeepers: Dennis Percher & Dave Berry, trailkeepers@somocon.org
Trail Work Crew: Dennis Percher & John Verzani, trailwork@somocon.org
Trash Tacklers: Eric Tuvel, trashtacklers@somocon.org
Wildflower Sculpture Park: Doris Cacoilo, sculpturepark@somocon.org
Operations Director: Penni Malakates, opsdirector@somocon.org
SMC Ambassadors: Penni Malakates & John Bylancik, smcambassadors@somocon.org
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