Conservation Groups New York

Turtle Back Rock w/ Donna ~5 miles

Meet at Turtle Back Rock parking lot. 9:30. Moderate hike 5 -6 miles ups and downs and some rocky sections. Bug spray water needed and snack. **Leader**: Donna Burkat- 973-454-5635 call or text if you need to cancel. \*\*\* 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/)]([https://www.somocon.org/membership/](https://www.somocon.org/membership/)).**

Citizen Science Tour Stop #1

Join us in honor of **Citizen Science Month** as we explore different ways data is collected in SMR through our citizen science program. Feel free to join us for the entire tour or pop in for the program that interests you most. Ages 11+ (Adults are required to stay with their minors.) Lori LaBorde, Citizen Science Program Coordinator, will be speaking about the history and trajectory of the projects and how these efforts benefit research and decision making at the local level. **Schedule of Stop #1:** **9:30-12:30pm Pollinator Meadow Work Session.** Bring gloves and get ready to dig in! We’ll be continuing to install a pathway, designed by our Teen Advisory Board. Work load is strenuous and includes shoveling, crouching, and team work! **\*Please no bug spray.** **12:45-1:30pm Pollinator Meadow Tour.** Meet at Shady Nook Parking Lot for a walkthrough of the Pollinator Meadow in its current phase. We’ll discuss past accomplishments, next steps, partnership opportunities and overall goals of the project. **\*Please no bug spray.** Stop #2: 2:30-3:00pm Meet at Hawk Hill to explore the methodology that contributes to understanding more about local bird reproductive success rates. Stop #3 8:15-9:30pm Meet at Locust Grove for an evening Night Hike to a FrogWatch monitoring site. Experience the excitement of collecting data at night! \*Wear durable closed toe shoes and bring water to all tour sessions. \*\*\* 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/)]([https://www.somocon.org/membership/](https://www.somocon.org/membership/)).**

Historic Riverside Park Volunteer Service & Lunch Under The Trees

Central Park Bird Walk- WARBLERS!

Bird walk with an experienced naturalist and bird guide. $20 per person for 2 hour walk. To register please send $20 via Venmo to @Deb-becker-8 or $21 via Paypal to editconsul@aol.com See WARBLERS & spring birds. Location will be posted by 10am on the day of the walk. We always meet at a major entrance to Central Park off 5th Avenue.

General Meeting

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* FYI: Just to give you an idea, because there's no need to RSVP, there are usually between two and ten people at this meetup. PLEASE NOTE: We sometimes need to move to a new location at the last minute if our room at the restaurant is unavailable. If you can't find us, our secondary location is STARBUCKS, 10 Metro Blvd, Clifton, NJ 07014 https://maps.app.goo.gl/UzsiXKQJBGXTdcZ47 \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* There is NO NEED TO RSVP. Just show up. This meeting is for getting to know people and discussing strategies to deal with the mass psychosis happening around us. We want to build a community that will act as a support system as we battle the Zombie Apocalypse. It won't last forever, but we still have to survive it. If there is a topic you want to talk about just bring it up. We will talk all together unless the group gets large, then we generally split up and bounce around between discussions. Please purchase something to support our host - just coffee, a roll, a pastry, or bread. The restaurant opens at noon, so sometimes a few of us will remain for lunch. When purchasing, we try to use cash whenever possible. Please don't bring outside food or drink. We can sometimes head to other locations, so try to come on time just in case!

Central Park Bird Walk

Warblers! Warblers! Warblers! Take a friendly 2 hour bird walk with a naturalist and bird tour leader - beginners & photographers are welcome! Everyone is welcome to join! 2 Hour WARBLER WALK $20/person limited to 10 people. Reserve now: Venmo $20 @Deb-Becker-8 or $21 via PayPal [editconsul@aol.com](mailto:editconsul@aol.com) You must send in your registration fee when you register for this walk. Spring migration will bring colorful tropical birds to Central Park. Don’t miss out. Go birding with an expert, Debbie Becker, and observe & photograph warblers. Venmo to @Deb-becker-8 or Paypal to [editconsul@aol.com.](http://editconsul@aol.com./) All walks meet at 1:30pm-3:30pm at a major entrance to Central Park off of 5th avenue. The exact location will be posted the morning of the walk.

Citizen Science Tour Stop #2

Join us in honor of **Citizen Science Month** as we explore different ways data is collected in SMR through our citizen science program. Feel free to join us for the entire tour or pop in for the program that interests you most. Ages 11+ (Adults are required to stay with their minors.) Lori LaBorde, Citizen Science Program Coordinator, will be speaking about the history and trajectory of the projects and how these efforts benefit research and decision making at the local level. Schedule: **Stop #2:** **2:30-3:00pm NestWatch** Meet at Hawk Hill to explore the methodology that contributes to understanding more about local bird reproductive success rates. Learn how you or someone you know can volunteer for this project! Stop #3 8:15-9:30pm Meet at Locust Grove for an evening Night Hike to a FrogWatch monitoring site. Experience the excitement of collecting data at night! \*Wear durable closed toe shoes and bring water to all tour sessions. \*\*\* 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/)]([https://www.somocon.org/membership/](https://www.somocon.org/membership/)).**

Reading the Landscape; Identifying Trees & Plants

**Reading the Landscape : Wild Tree & Plant Identification-** *Learn the Ecological History of Prospect Park & the Eastern North American continent.* *Going from 40,000 years ago to the present.* Using the patterns of nature and geological time, to guide your understanding of how to participate in meaningful ways with Natural Succession. What are the inexorable elements of evolution and how can we engage with them wisely? Learn about this Temperate Deciduous Forest and how to be an ally, for all that trees can bring to our world. Come on out to take a walk with Andrew Faust ,your NYC Permaculture scholar & world renowned Bioregional Educator , 17 years in NYC and Brooklyn teaching this class here at Prospect park. We will discuss and explore the many useful gifts that forests and healthy ecologies provide. Andrew will go more in depth into the process of reading the landscape. Covering the geological history of Prospect park and the this part of the continent. Describing the anthropogenic forests of indigenous people’s of the region. The eco-social impacts of colonialism and industrialization and how to address them with a socially just and ecological ethic of care. Bring a lunch for this informative and inspiring event!

Pride Month Central Park Guided Queer History Tour

350NYC Monthly Meetings are Temporarily Suspended

Dear 350NYC Members and Friends, We have temporarily suspended our regular in-person monthly meetings but to stay up to date and involved in our activities meanwhile, sign up for our Weekly Call to Action emails **[HERE](https://350nyc.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?).** Or feel free to write to us at 350nyc@gmail.com. We will also be posting our events here on Meetup. Thanks! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 350NYC (http://350nyc.org) is the the local affiliate of http://350.org , a grassroots network of volunteer-run campaigns in over 188 countries working to prevent climate chaos. Here in New York, we are working locally for a cleaner, greener, better New York City for everyone. Why the name 350NYC (http://350nyc.org)? 350 means climate safety. To preserve our planet, scientists tell us we must reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere from its current levels of over 400 parts per million to below 350 ppm. (More on the science of 350 (http://350.org/about/science/)). But 350 is more than a number—it’s a symbol of where we need to head as a planet. “To Change Everything, We Need Everyone” Come learn about us and get involved Looking forward to seeing you. The 350NYC Team http://wwww.350NYC.org 350NYC@gmail.com

BMW Hike

World Environment Day + DJ Alok - Celebration Flashmob

Hey Dancing Friends! We are creating a fabulous [World Environment Day](https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/) Flashmob in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)*! **Held annually on June 5th, World Environment Day is the largest global moment for the planet and this year the focus is on climate action.*** We are thrilled to bring some climate-wise energy to the streets of NYC by using dance to put energy back into the conversation! We will use the limbo as a symbol for how we can all put in the effort to bring temperatures and risks back down – “how low can you go?” We will be dancing to world-famous DJ Alok’s (@alok) track *[Deep Down](https://youtu.be/RQQY_zjjLxo?si=MUso4eMEIHxPwN4M).* Together we can make our voices heard - through dance - sending a clear, joyful and unified message to world leaders: protect our planet for this generation and the next. **[PLEASE RSVP HERE](https://forms.gle/oXheQ5Z6s2yfau2E6) FOR REHEARSAL DETAILS** **COLOR SCHEME** Blue, Green, White Melissa, Andrea and Ryan are using choreography created for UNEP by Rudi Smit and breaking it down into fun movement for all dance levels. A teaching video will be sent out via email and posted here for all RSVP's <3 This is an instructional video that you can use anywhere, anytime to get a jump start or a refresher on the dance moves. Question? Ask us, we'll help sort it out! Can't wait to be dancing for the planet with you! Share with friends! Melissa