South Mountain Conservancy Activities Meetup Group

Advance registration required via rahwayriver.org/calendar.html Email president@rahwayriver.org with questions.

Leader: Dr. Kirk Barrett, President of the Rahway River Watershed Association (RRWA) and expert on local watershed issues.

*** In registering for this or any other South Mountain Conservancy (SMC) programs in 2026 online, 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. 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/](https://www.somocon.org/membership/).

Pollinator Meadow activities will focus on pathway installation and invasive species sweep and removal. Work is strenuous to moderate. 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 arrive 5 to 10 minutes early so we can start promptly at 10 am.

Please dress appropriately! Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirt, closed-toe shoes or rain boots. please no bug spray. Wear sunscreen and a hat. We supply tools. If you have gloves, bring them or you can borrow a pair from us. Bring your own water.

You can download a copy of our liability waiver to print, sign and bring to the event.

We occasionally use photos of events in promotional materials and social media. By attending the event, I consent to photos of me being used in promotional materials or on social media.

For information, contact program coordinator Lori LaBorde at citizenscience@somocon.org

Meet at the meadow after parking in Shady Nook Picnic Area.

Trail work is physically challenging but very satisfying as we use hand tools to build and repair trails. Participants must be 15+ years. Those younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants should wear long pants due to ticks and thron bushes and sturdy shoes, and bring gloves (though backup gloves will be available). Tools, water, and a snack will be provided. (Registration is not required though if you sign up on Meetup, it helps us know how many tools to bring.) Only heavy, steady rain cancels.

DO NOT REGISTER ON MEETUP. GO HERE for more information and registration instructions.