Volunteers Needed to Clear Storm Debris in Reservation
The South Mountain Conservancy is working to re-open trails as the County works to clear roads in the South Mountain Reservation.
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Some 30 volunteers came out last Sunday to clear trees and branches from the fences and trails of the 14-acre Forest Preserve in South Mountain Reservation, but there are still miles of trail that need clearing, according to Dennis Percher of the South Mountain Conservancy.
The Conservancy is looking for more volunteers to come out this Saturday, Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Painter's Point, 1/2 mile north of Glenn Avenue on Brookside Drive in Millburn; volunteers are also needed this Sunday, Nov. 13, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Tulip Springs, 1/2 mile north of South Orange Ave. off Cherry Lane (go to second, larger parking lot once you turn off Cherry Lane).
Volunteers should bring pruners, long-handled loppers, a chainsaw — "if you have one" - and friends. Volunteers must be 15 years or older. "It is amazing what groups of five with handsaws and loppers can do!" writes Percher in an email message.
"We still have miles of trail to reopen and need your help while the weather is still good," wrote Percher. "If you have walked in the Reservation since the freak October snowstorm you know hundreds of trees are blocking our trails. The reports reaffirm that this forest damage is unprecedented."
Percher reports that, while the County is working to clear blocked roads (Crest Drive, Bear Lane, Mayapple Hill access), it's up to the Conservancy to clear the trail system.
The Conservancy is not only clearing trees near trails and roads that are a safety hazard and trees blocking major trails, but is also removing trees blocking drainage channels and culverts. Percher says that if these trees are not cleared they can cause destructive erosion over the winter.
If you can't make it this weekend, the Conservancy will be organizing again for next Sunday, Nov. 20th at the Forest Preserve (near dog park off Crest Drive) and at a location to be determined.
"Please join us and work with other volunteers who care as much for this great park as you do," writes Percher.
Email info@somocon.org for more information or to report areas of damage.
