The Hilltop Reservation Conservancy, Inc. is launching its annual appeal for memberships and donations.
The Conservancy, together with its more than 100 volunteers, is dedicated to preserving and caring for the Hilltop Reservation, a 284-acre passive-use facility of the Essex County Parks system, located within the borders of Verona, Cedar Grove and the Caldwells.
With support from donors, members and volunteers the Conservancy accomplished the following in 2022:
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- Planted, mulched and protected 100+ native trees and shrubs
- Worked with New Jersey’s Invasive Species Strike Team to map and eradicate high priority invasives.
- Cleared about one-third of an acre of invasives and dead trees near the Highlands apartment complex
- Updated and installed Reservation signage
- Continued maintaining the Reservation trails network
Its priorities for 2023 are to:
- Continue wildlife habitat restoration efforts
- Improve public access
- Continue removal of “institutional leftovers” as outlined in Hilltop Master Plan
To fund and implement all this work, the Conservancy relies on membership dues and donations from local residents, as well as service groups and volunteers. This financial support enables the Conservancy to purchase supplies and services, and to conduct events and projects in the Reservation.
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Membership dues for 2023 are $30 for individuals and $50 for a family. Memberships can be purchased electronically via the “Donate” button on the Conservancy’s website: https://www.hilltopconservancy.org/support-hilltop/become-a-member/. If you prefer to pay via check, please make it payable to “Hilltop Conservancy” and mail it to:
Hilltop Conservancy, Inc.
c/o Theresa Trapp, Treasurer
34 Depot Street
Verona, NJ 07044
The Conservancy also welcomes donations. These can also be made via the Conservancy’s website: https://www.hilltopconservancy.org/support-hilltop/donate/ or by check.
“Your continued support is greatly appreciated” says Chris Lawrence, a Conservancy board member. “It will allow the Conservancy to continue our volunteer efforts to care for and improve the Hilltop for the enjoyment of all, now and in the future."
For additional information visit the Conservancy’s website at: www.hilltopconservancy.org.
