2024 Year in Review
Hello Hilltoppers. Sorry we haven’t sent you many updates this year — my paid job was very hectic until last month, and no one else seems to like to generate content …. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Below is a summary of what the Hilltop Conservancy and you, our volunteers, accomplished in 2024. If you have questions, or would like to become more involved in any of these topics, give us a shout.
Thank you, and wishing you all a happy and healthy 2025! TMT
- Western Route Upgrade
- Diverted detention basin runoff from path into trench, and filled trench with riprap rock to slow water flow
- Cut back overgrowth along path, and cleared dead branches and bush honeysuckle
- Invasives Control
- Worked with NJ Invasive Species Strike Team to eradicate Japanese wisteria and angelica tree from eastern border with Cedar Grove Park
- Spot-treated large burning bush, common privet, Linden viburnum and Japanese angelica tree in Reservation’s southeastern quadrant
- Forest Regeneration
- Mulched and protected recently planted trees along eastern edge of Highlands apartment complex
- Continued bush honeysuckle clearing at Prisoners Pond site
- Clean-up / Trash Removal
- Surveyed eastern and southern borders of the Reservation and the area around western entrance
- Gathered and removed 20 bags of garbage, and coordinated with Verona and North Caldwell DPWs to pick up large items
- Trail Improvements / Maintenance
- Worked to re-route an eroded portion of the Lenape / Peace Trail in the northern section of the Reservation
- Cleared multiple large deadfalls and hardened trail beds throughout the Hilltop
- Installed and updated “Tips for Trail Maintenance” and “Support Your Conservancy” signage
- Community Outreach / Awareness-raising
- Presented history of the Reservation and the Conservancy to the Rotary Club of the Caldwells
- Updated and replaced historical panel of large meadow interpretive signage (courtesy of donation from the Rotary Club of the Caldwells)
- Organized a 20th anniversary butterfly walk in the Hilltop’s meadows
- Increased our presence on Facebook and Instagram, and updated Conservancy website content