Meeting called to order at 7:30pm.

First order of business was an update on several events that the conservancy was involved with in the previous month. Anne gave a report on the Montclair Habitat Fair, where the conservancy had a table set up. This fair helps to promote the idea of transforming residential backyards into a natural habitat for birds and butterflies. There were over 300 attendees on the day. Many Hilltop Conservancy brochures were handed out while several people learned about the Hilltop for the first time. There were kids tables set up along with a compost clinic and a free tree giveaway. This is the second year the HC has been involved with the fair and we look forward to next year.

The conservancy held a bird watching hike in early May that was attended by seven interested bird watchers. The hike was lead by Phoebe, who is an avid bird watcher. The attendees were given a flyer with a list of many of the birds that have been seen on the Hilltop. The timing was so good for the hike that almost every bird on the list was seen. Unfortunately, one of the large open spaces used to view many of these birds is slated to be developed property.

Geordie told the group about a new trail that has been cut just below the eastern ridge of the paved loop road. The trail runs from the top of the ropes course trail and wraps around to where the two big towers once stood. The trail is marked and named the peace trail. There are a few sections that still need to be cleared for easier walking but it should be finished soon. Geordie will update in the future.

The next order of business was discussing and planning upcoming events. On June 6, 2006 Essex County is handing out an award for The Essex County Trail Keeper. This award is given to an individual who has shown exceptional trail skills in Essex County. The conservancy nominated and voted for our trails guru, Geordie, to accept this award. We are very proud to have one of our conservancy members receive this award because it truly puts the Hilltop on the map as one of the county parks that promotes hiking and outdoor recreation.

The next event discussed was the third annual Family Bike Ride. The ride is scheduled for June 17 at 10am. The ride will start at the North Caldwell entrance and includes the paved road(Sanatorium Rd) up to the loop road and back. The ride is at any pace you want it and again the main purpose of the ride is to bring people out to enjoy Essex County’s newest park. There will be a brochure handout that has a map inside to show exactly the loop the bike ride will take you on. There will also be an aerial photo of the Hilltop so riders will see another view of the loop they will be taking, along with some nice views of the surrounding towns.

The last item discussed was the schedule for the conservancy’s monthly meetings for the summer. It was agreed upon by all present that the June meeting was going to replaced by an evening hike. The time will be the same(7:30) but the group will meet at the Hillcrest Terrace entrance(across from Verona High School).

It was also agreed upon to cancel the July meeting and meet again on August 23, 2006, when we will have Tom Wells, of The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey, as a guest speaker. Tom will be discussing the Nature Conservancy, foreign invasive plants and other threats to biodiversity.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45pm.

Minutes prepared by Secretary: Brian Glennon