Meeting called to order at 7:30.

The distribution of the Hilltop Conservancy brochure seems to have had an immediate impact on the surrounding streets of the reservation. Two new individuals attended this meeting and several other have signed up as members. Spreading the word is what it’s all about.

The second annual spring clean up is scheduled for April 23. The logistics of the day were discussed by the group. A review of last year’s clean up was given to try to determine what we need to do better this year. It was agreed that having a map with specific locations of major trash would be helpful. This way we know where we need to go and we can make the best use of our time. Dennis and Theresa volunteered to target area’s of major trash and mark them on a map. A county employee will be there the day of the clean up to assist in trash removal. Ken has coordinated with the county about the clean up and will follow up to make sure they are aware of the event and to let them know that it is a good photo opportunity. Brian, Geordie, Ken and Anne have volunteered to meet and greet people as they show up and to coordinate groups to cover as much area as possible. Anne printed up a list of all local media outlets that should be contacted prior to the clean up. Geordie is going to make the calls to the media. Seymour has volunteered to distribute informative flyers about the clean up to local libraries, banks and supermarkets. Bruce is going to get information to a local scout troop to solicit scout participation. The clean up is going to start at 9:00am and we will meet in the parking lot of the Fairview Ave. access point in Cedar Grove.

A trail cutting day has been set for April 16th. Geordie talked about a new trail that has been cut starting from the Verona Community center. There are trails on the Hilltop that have been GPS’d and marked with either ribbon or tree markers. The trails have to be physically cut and we will start some of this work on 4/16. A follow up e-mail will be sent out as to the time and meeting location and what people should bring. Jeff mentioned the N.J. Trail Conference and thought they may be able to help out with our trail system and maintenance.

Theresa gave a very interesting presentation of foreign invasive plants on the Hilltop. Theresa explained foreign invasives and had pictures. She explained that if nothing is done about these invasive plants then the habitats that are currently on the Hilltop will eventually be wiped out and the invasive plants will take over the whole area. Even though the reservation is green, it doesn’t mean it’s healthy for the habitats. Wildlife and native plants are threatened. The goal of the presentation was to let members familiarize themselves with the foreign invasives and be able to identify them while walking through the reservation. A plan of attack against the invasives will be discussed at a later time.

Dave gave an update on the Verona Recreation committee’s status as it pertains to the Hilltop. It looks like Prisoner’s Pond is going to be kept in it’s natural state as part of the recreation development. There may be a parking lot built on the old shooting range that will be used to get to the pond and for an access point into the reservation. Verona has said they will work with the conservancy to have an access point in this area.

Meeting adjourned at 9:20

Minutes prepared by Secretary: Brian Glennon