Saturday, June 8 at 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Hike about 4 miles at a modest pace over rocky trails with a moderate climb from the Orange Reservoir up the west side of the First Watchung Mountain. Focus on the Reservation’s role in drinking water supply and proposals for modification of the reservoir for flood reduction.
Special treat: awesome wildlife visible from no other nature trail in America! What is it? You will have to come to find out!
Led by Dr. Kirk Barrett, an expert on local water issues and President of the Rahway River Watershed Association. Steady rain cancels. Children are welcome, at your discretion. No dogs please.
Meet at: The Clipper Pavilion on Cherry Lane in West Orange by the Regatta Playground and swan boats (aka The Waterfront), .4 mi south of Northfield Ave and 0.9 mi north of South Orange.
Questions: hikes@somocon.org
**Current SMC members receive early access to hike registration & can pre-register up to 1 month in advance. Current SMC Members get registration priority.**
# In registering for this or any other South Mountain Conservancy (SMC) programs in 2024 online, or by signing below, I hereby release and agree to hold the SMC, its volunteers, staff and Board of Trustees, harmless from and waive on behalf of myself, my heirs, and any personal representatives any and all causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and compensation for damage or loss to myself and/or property that may be caused by any act, or failure to act, in this SMC activity, or that may otherwise arise in any way in connection with any other SMC activity. I understand that this release discharges the SMC from any liability or claim that I, my heirs, or any personal representatives, may have against the SMC with respect to any bodily injury, illness, death, medical treatment, or property damage that may arise from, or in connection to, any SMC program. This liability waiver and release extends to the SMC along with Essex County and its staff and any other affiliated organization or SMC partner. I also understand that by signing below I approve the possible use of photos of me at this SMC event on social media or in promotional materials.
**BY REGISTERING FOR THIS HIKE I attest I am in good health and attest that I: Am not experiencing any symptoms of illness such as cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell.**
**Am following all CDC recommended guidelines, above, and limiting my exposure to the novel coronavirus/COVID-19.**
# Arrival, Weather, & Cancellations
Please come to the starting point 10 minutes ahead of time so the hike can start promptly. Times are our best estimates; they can vary depending on conditions, and the size and pace of a group. If you have any questions, call the leader. **Temperatures above 90 degrees and steady rain cancels, but intermittent drizzle does not. You will *not* be notified.** **Bring water. During the summer season,** sturdy footwear and long pants are recommended**.** Dogs are not allowed on hikes unless specified.
These hikes are publicized first to SMC members and then advertised to the public one week before a hike. There is a limit of 25 participants, so pre-registration is required at least two days before a hike to sign the liability waiver online and allow lists to be sent to hike leaders. If you have registered and then find you cannot attend, please cancel your order online. **Repeated no-shows without prior cancellation will result in removal from list.**
**To become a current member visit [https://www.somocon.org/membership/](https://www.somocon.org/membership/).**