Dear Hilltoppers...

I am pleased to announce that The Hilltop Reservation has been Certified by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) as a 'Wildlife Habitat.'

David Mizejewski, Naturalist with NWF writes: "Congratulations! It gives me great pleasure to send (you) a Certificate of Achievement, which confirms that (The Hilltop Reservation) is an official National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat site. You now join a prestigious group of NWF members across the country who have been recognized for protecting and nurturing wildlife in ... community spaces."

Our Certificate reads:

"Certified Wildlife Habitat"
This certificate recognizes the establishment and maintenance of an official wildlife habitat
The Hilltop Reservation

This habitat is certified in the National Wildlife Federation's worldwide network of ... refuges. Because of ... sustainable (practices) and conscientious planning... wildlife may find quality habitat - food, water, cover, and places to raise their young."

I'll post a copy of The Hilltop Reservation's Certificate in the kiosks at both the Western and Eastern entrances for you to see. For more information about the National Wildlife Federation and it's Certified Wildlife Habitat program, go to www.NWF.org.
And be sure to let me know if you have any questions at all.

Take care ... Anne Stires,

New Officers: Secretary and VP Special Projects

Great Backyard Bird Count Friday, February 17, through Monday, February 20
Click for to see how you can participate.

Hello Hilltoppers:

Some of you who walk the Hilltop loop road on a regular basis may have noticed the big piles of wood chips in the open field just south of the new water tower. For you fans of the former Essex Mountain Sanatorium, that is where the EMS power plant, laundry, etc. were located.

The township of Verona is helping us to restore wildlife habitat to those 3-acres, and is gradually hauling in enough wood chips to completely cover the old asphalt and building foundations that remain from EMS days. Over the next few years, the chips will decompose into good growing medium, into which we will be seeding native grasses and wildflowers.

The Conservancy will also be applying for a grant to have topsoil brought in, but even a $20k grant will only provide a 6 inch layer -- the decomposed chips will supplement the purchased topsoil, and provide a deep enough growing layer for the native plants to thrive. The grant application process being glacially slow, we probably won't see topsoil until 2014 or so .....

If any of you would like to be a member of the team dedicated to this restoration project, let me know? There is a bit of site preparation to do, which given our longer timeline, can be done over a few weekends, spring and fall 2012 and 2013.

Thanks. and let me know if you have any questions and / or would like to be involved. Happy Holidays! TMT

Theresa Trapp, Treasurer
Hilltop Conservancy
theresa_trapp@yahoo.com


The Hilltop Conservancy is a partner of the NJ Invasive Species Strike Team, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the spread of new foreign invasive species in New Jersey. More information is at www.NJUSST.org

Please report any problems on a trail to the Vice President of the conservancy

Birds Commonly Found at Hilltop
(without pictures smaller file)

Click here for a Reservation Map in Portable Document Format (PDF)
Dear Hilltoppers:

Thank you so much for your support of the Hilltop Reservation and your past help and friendship to its Conservancy. We have been able to accomplish good things and make many improvements to the park, which we couldn't have done without your assistance.

In addition, your contributions help us work with the County and other municipal authorities to ensure continued public access to the Reservation, and to move forward with efforts to upgrade its western entrance and route.

Dues are: - - single membership: $20 - - family membership: $35

Please make your check out to "Hilltop Conservancy, Inc." and mail it to :

Hilltop Conservancy, Inc.
c/o Theresa Trapp, Treasurer
34 Depot Street
Verona, NJ 07044
Your financial support is GREATLY appreciated, and will allow us to continue our all-volunteer efforts to use, care for and improve the Hilltop Reservation.
Thank you!!
Treasurer

The Hilltop Conservancy officers and trustees have decided to
NOT hold regular general membership monthly meetings.

The work of the Conservancy continues and we will organize events as in past years.

Be sure to check your email box, your local paper and here for news and volunteer opportunities.
We continue to need your help and support. Indeed... now as much as ever before!

Tribute (Photos, then and now)


Western / Courter Lane entrance

Topological map Submit YOUR photo
for consideration for posting on our website. 		Development
Concept Plan

Other news

You can learn about the Hilltop and join us in making a difference.

Subscribe to our mailing list

Essex County New Jersey communities of North Caldwell Cedar Grove West Caldwell Caldwell Verona Essex County

Programs being offered at the Essex County Environmental Center


Links of interest:
Trails Birds Commonly Found at Hilltop (without pictures smaller file)

Birding Checklist

West Essex Birding

Plant identification and information site.
Montclair Community Wildlife Habitat Project Essex Mountain Sanatorium Geocaching


email the
Executive Committee
President:President Vice President: Geordie Smith
Treasurer: Theresa Trapp Secretary: Gail Moxley Vice President of Projects: Jefferson Tilley

Mission Statement

The Hilltop Conservancy, Inc. is a non-profit organization recognized by the IRS (under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code) and by the State of New Jersey as a public charity qualified to receive tax-deductible contributions.
The State of New Jersey requires charities that solicit funds from the public to register with the New Jersey agency regulating charities. If you desire a copy of Hilltop Conservancy, Inc.'s financial report you may write to: Hilltop Conservancy, Inc. Treasurer@HilltopConservancy.org
or,
because we are registered with the State of New Jersey, Information filed with the attorney general concerning our charitable registration may be obtained from the attorney general of the state of New Jersey by calling (973) 504-6215. Registration with the attorney general does not imply endorsement.


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