What we’re about
This group is for people interested in the activities in the South Mountain Reservation sponsored by the South Mountain Conservancy. SMC is a volunteer-driven, non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation founded in March 2000. Through volunteer activities, public programs and partnership with the Essex County Parks Department, the SMC serves as a steward and advocate for the 2,110-acre South Mountain Reservation. The SMC strives to preserve, protect, and enhance the ecology, infrastructure and natural beauty of the reservation and to foster public engagement through programs such as: Trailkeepers, Chain Saw Gang, Trash Tacklers, Trail Work, Forest Regeneration, SMR Family Campout, Mayapple Trail Runs, Wildflower Sculpture Park, Citizen Science, and Bio-Blitz. Our regularly scheduled hikes are free and open to the public, but we encourage our followers to become SMC members to help support our mission. For more information visit www.somocon.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SouthMountainConservancy
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Just Past Beaver Moon Night Hike w/ Dennis Percher, ~3 milesDogwood Hill, Maplewood, NJ
Saturday, November 16. 7:30 - 10:00 p.m.
Just Past Beaver Moon Night Hike. A 3.25-mile modestly paced hike just one day after the full moon that goes across the four "quadrants" formed by South Orange Avenue and Brookside Drive. Some uphill. For ages 15+. Bring a flashlight or headlamp as sunset is before 5:00 p.m.
Meet at: Dogwood Hillside.
Leader: Dennis Percher, 973-868-6994
Questions: [email protected]
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, wear hiking boots, preferably waterproof with good soles and traction devices and bring poles (optional). 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/.
- Forest Regeneration Volunteer WorkdayBear Lane, Maplewood, NJ
Forest Regeneration activities focus on the areas in and around the fenced 14-acre Forest and Wildflower Preserve located near the Dog Park on Bear Lane in the Reservation. On workdays, we focus on removing invasive plants like knotweed, garlic mustard and mugwort. Ages 12 to 15 are welcome with a parent or guardian present. Ages 15 and above require a signature by a parent or guardian on a liability waiver; teenagers cannot just be dropped off.
Please be on time as we will hike into the forest by 9 am.
Please dress appropriately! There is some poison ivy on trails and in work areas. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirt, closed-toe shoes or rain boots, bug spray, and layer as needed. We supply tools and water. If you have gloves, bring them or you can borrow a pair from us.
For information, contact Program Rich Rockwell at forestregen@somocon.org
Meet at the maintenance sheds at the dog parks at 11 Bear Lane, Maplewood NJ.
- Wildflower Sculpture Park Artist Walk & Talk TourWildflower Sculpture Park, South Orange, NJ
Join us for a Fall WSP Tour to listen and learn about 2024’s three additions to the Wildflower Sculpture Park!
This year we added three new artists to our curatorial program:
Eileen Ferara
Wendell Jeffrey
Amanda ThackrayAll three artists will be present to give a tour of their work in the Wildflower Sculpture Park and answer questions.
Come meet the artists and experience their exciting site-specific installations at the WSP!
We look forward to seeing you there! Email [email protected] with any questions.
The Wildflower Sculpture Park was established in 2012 as a program of the South Mountain Conservancy in collaboration with the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. Its mission is to create meaningful arts and education experiences with and for the community through the installation, exhibition and interpretation of public art, primarily sculpture.
- Ups and Downs w/ Janine Beer, ~3-4 milesGreenwood Gardens, Short Hills, NJ
Saturday, November 23 at 9:30 am
Fall hike with ups and downs. Easy hike at a moderate pace; 3-4 miles.
Meet at Old Short Hills Park (GPS- Greenwood Gardens).
Leader: Janine Beer. Cell- 201-694-7998.
Questions: [email protected]
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, wear hiking boots, preferably waterproof with good soles and traction devices and bring poles (optional). 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/.
