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News

CBS Uplift Report & Weather Channel Highlight Fairy Trail & Conservancy Volunteers

SMC’s Fairy Trail program coordinators (from left) Beth Kelly and Julie Gould talk about their enthusiasm for the Fairy Trail and the work of the originator, Therese Ojibway on two national programs within two weeks!

Weather Channel Live Interview, March 13, 2024

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Never get lost in the Reservation again!

The Conservancy’s new 2023 SMR map is now available from Avenza. For the first time, this interactive map can be used on both Android and iOS-Apple devices to navigate easily and safely. Once a user purchases a map, they can download it on up to five tablets or smartphones, Android and/or Apple. Learn more.

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2023 SMC Fall Photo Contest Winners Announced

Thanks to our 50 entrants and generous sponsors: @theablebaker; @wordsbookstore; @martinspretzels

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County Deer Mgt. Program to Close SMR on Tuesdays till February 27th

The Reservation will be closed during the controlled culling of deer on five Tuesdays on February 20th and 27th due to prior rain cancellations. Reducing the deer herd is crucial for forest regeneration as deer are now overbrowsing the understory, the future forest. The current estimated deer density in SMR is 42/sq. mile, more than four times the recommended level for an ecosystem that is damaged. LEARN MORE

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LENAPE TRAIL TO HEMLOCK FALLS REPAIRED IN THREE DAYS AFTER DEC. 17th WASHOUT AT HOBBLE FALLS.

Kudos to the County Parks Department which repaired the damaged woods road in record time. (Above, scattered culvert pipes and washed out road on Dec. 18th. Below, repaired road, Dec. 20th.)

We are still working with the County to fix other problems from the four-inch rain event, but this was done quickly and well. Thank you.

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Join the SMC. Become a member and support the reservation!

Clearing the culverts and swales and improving the Pingry Trail, May 2023.

Even after 23 years as stewards, not everyone knows how hard SMC’s volunteers work to keep the reservation accessible and special. Your contribution allows the SMC to tackle an expanding set of projects large and small that ensures the reservation remains a revered place. 
Become a member. 

Learn about SMC’s recent work.

Lear

 

Send us your best fall photos taken in the South Mountain Reservation!

 

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Ph. 1 Pollinator Meadow
Restoration Complete 

On August 20th the final plastic on the acre meadow near Shady Nook was installed. For 14 months this “flat greenhouse” will solarize the current seed bank in preparation for planting native species. Learn more about this multi-year, $16,000 Conservancy project HERE.

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Coyotes in
Reservation:
Be Aware

If a coyote is approaching, here’s what to do: 
First and foremost, remain calm, keep eye contact, and slowly back away while leaving the area. Never run from a coyote, Running may trigger its predatory response and give it a reason to chase you. If you have any personal alarm devices, such as a whistle, bell, or phone alarm, use them to scare the coyote.
– Stop and stand still
– Make yourself big, loud and assertive
– Slowly back away
– NEVER turn your back and run

Your goal is to deter the coyote from approaching. In the rare case that the coyote decides to continue to approach, throw rocks or sticks.  Your goal isn’t to injure them, simply to scare them.

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Out in the Reservation?
Check for Ticks!

Ticks can carry Lyme and other diseases so wear long pants, use insect repellent and check yourself after visiting the reservation. .TICK SAFETY TIPS.

 

 

Events Calendar

2024 SMC Annual Public Meeting

March 19 @ 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

**Annual Public Meeting** [Millburn Free Public Library](https://millburnlibrary.org/) [200 Glen Ave, Millburn](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Millburn+Free+Public+Library/@40.7265988,-74.3082251,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89c3ac2e0a459339:0x3e62f9c25bf9bd53!8m2!3d40.7265988!4d-74.3060364?shorturl=1) **Tuesday, March 19th, 7:00 - 8:30 pm** Come and learn about our programs, hear [...]

Turtle Back Rock with Donna Burkat ~6 miles

March 22 @ 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

**Friday, March 22, 10:00am - 1:00pm** 6 miles at a moderate pace. Bring traction devices if snowy and icy. **Leader**: Donna Burkat, 973-454-5635 Questions: hikes@somocon.org [...]

**This breakfast is for current Trailkeepers and Chainsaw Gang volunteers. (This is not a general public meeting.) PLEASE SIGN UP SO WE KNOW HOW MUCH [...]