News
Year-end Letter from the Chair
Let’s be honest: For those of us for whom the South Mountain Reservation has become part of the fabric of our lives, we are very fortunate…
Learn more: 2025 SMC Accomplishments and End-of-Year Solicitation and how to sign up for a 12-month membership.
South Mountain Conservancy, A 25-Year Retrospective
***
Second Edition of Trail Guide NOW Available!
Updated and expanded from the 2017 edition, this is the essential rsource for exploring our exceptional park. See details HERE.
***
The Conservancy Ambassador Program is a cadre of volunteers 18+ that promotes the SMC and its mission to maintain and improve the reservation. LEARN MORE.
* * *
SMR’s Hidden Places Identification Challenge
Try the challenge HERE
* * *
64 Attend 25th Anniversary Gala at Baird Center Oct. 2025
Celebrating a quarter century, the SMC raised close to $3,700 from the gala and auction plus had an SMR poem created for the occasion by Mary Brancaccio and an SMR song from Bill Tally. A good time was had by all. See photos and videos HERE.
* * *
National TV and Newspaper and Local Magazine Feature South Mountain 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 CBS Uplift, Feb. 29th, 2024. NOTE: Julia has stepped aside from her Fairy Trail duties, so we are seeking another program coordinator. If you are creative and would love to help help maintain a fanciful outdoor experience, write to fairytrail@somocon.org.
See also:
- Weather Channel Live Interview, March 13, 2024
- Washington Post, March 28, 2024
- New Jersey Monthly, April 2024
* * *
New Interactive SMR Map: Never get lost!
The Conservancy’s 2023 SMR map is now available from Avenza. 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. Learn more.
* * *
* * *
Coyotes R
eservation:
Be Aware! Be Smart!
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.
* * *
On the cover of Matters Magazine: at front, SMC hike leader Sharon Salmon; on the left, Tia Swanson, story writer; next to her, Janice Yawdoszyn; and on the right, Elizabeth McCoy. In the back, Dennis Percher, chair of the Conservancy. Photo by Ruth Borgenicht.