A Reservation of Natural Treasures

It was a perfect afternoon to explore the natural beauty of the woods and hills of South Mountain Reservation… and that is just what over two dozen Temple B’nai Abraham members and their families did on a recent Sunday afternoon in May. The hike was sponsored by the temple’s Social Action Committee (SAC) Green Team with the Sisterhood, Men’s Club, Prime Time, PTA and Early School Parents’ Council, and organized by Lisa Reisboard, SAC Chair and Bob Singer, Green Team Leader. The nature walk was led by expert hiker and guide Dave Hogenauer of the South Mountain Conservancy who shared with the group, ages 6 to 70+ years old,  his vast knowledge of the reserve’s ecology, terrain, and flora and fauna which they encountered along the trail leading to the dramatic 25 foot waterfall at Hemlock Falls.

Carved from wilderness at the end of the 19th century, designed by Olmsted Brothers, and developed over a few decades, the 2,110 –acre South Mountain Reservation has changed only slightly through the years. Preserved primarily in its wild state, woodlands abound in a variety of hardwood trees, and tall hemlocks tower above streams, creeks and ponds, and waterfalls.

The South Mountain Conservancy is a volunteer, non-profit, organization dedicated to preserve, protect, and enhance the South Mountain Reservation through education and public service. Founded in March 2000, it works in concert with the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs. 

In addition to sharing an informative nature hike with the TBA group,  Hike Leader Hogenauer helped to educate them regarding the ecologically sustainable use of the Reservation and hopefully raised their environmental awareness regarding this “green island” in the midst of a sea of urbanization.

photos courtesy of Bonnie Colletti & Lisa Reisboard