Meeting called to order at 7:35pm.

This months meeting began with a review of the Hilltop Conservancy's second annual spring cleanup. The rain date had to be used and rain was still falling during the cleanup. Attendance was minimal due to the conditions although a lot was accomplished. There were several truckloads of garbage that were hauled away along with big piles of debris that were piled up for future pickup. The county provided a truck with two workers to aid in the removal of the trash. All in all it was another successful clean up.

The upcoming trail maintenance day was discussed and the logistics of the trail day were set. The trail off of Bolton Rd.(a.k.a. Dr's Row) is the trail getting work done to it. Trail markers will be installed to mark the trail. Another section of trail may be cleared on this day. An old fire road behind well #9 has been discovered and only needs minimal work to be used as a hiking trail. Having trail maintenance days during the week is an idea that warrants consideration if members are interested.

Dennis gave the conservancy an update on the Hilltop website. The website has been up and running for a year now and is really taking form. New updates are almost done daily. The website is the place to go for the most up to date events calendar. News items from the past can be found along with minutes from all previous conservancy meetings. As of today there are forty-nine members on the AllMembers e-mail list. Dennis suggested e-mailing with any questions or problems that one may have going through the website.

An interim treasurer was chosen until next months meeting when a formal nomination and vote will be made for the executive officer position of treasurer. Theresa is filling in as interim treasurer.

The topic of having a flora/fauna inventory done on the Hilltop was brought up for discussion. Kurt has been in touch with William Patterson University talking about a possible inventory. He did say the University would only do it if money for a scholarship were donated to the school. If we have an independent company do an inventory it can be a very expensive undertaking. It was also brought up that an inventory on the Hilltop already exists. The existing inventory apparently is not that extensive. The group must decide if an extensive inventory on the Hilltop is needed and what would we do with this inventory. Can it be used for future funding? Is the existing inventory good enough? These and other questions have to be discussed and answered before we decide on getting an inventory done on the Hilltop.

Charlie and Pat gave the group an update on trails. Their presentation showed the Old Hilltop Trail that starts from the Verona Community Center and ends behind Bolton Rd.(a.k.a. Dr's Row). They showed the proposed access points and talked about community participation for future trails(scouts, community groups). The presentation gave a good picture of where the trail system is and how it will all be connected one day.

The last item discussed was the school hike that was held up at the Hilltop. Dave coordinated the hike with the Forest Ave 3rd grade class in Verona. There were close to forty-five children and fifteen adults present. The two-hour hike started in North Caldwell and ended in Verona at the Community Center. The hike was very successful as the group learned about birds, plants and the history of the Hilltop. The conservancy agreed that this should be an annual event and maybe should be offered to other schools. Thanks again to Dave, Theresa, Steve and David for leading the hike.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00pm.

Minutes prepared by Secretary: Brian Glennon