The Hilltop Conservancy, a group of volunteers dedicated to preserving and beautifying the open space on the county’s hilltop land in Verona, is sponsoring its annual cleanup for three days beginning next Friday, March 26, through Sunday, March 28.
This year, the conservancy has targeted the area of the hilltop east of the new water tower called the Overlook, a site of heavy dumping in the past. Enter via Courter Lane in North Caldwell and follow signs to the cleanup. Or, park at the Hilltop entrance on Fairview and walk up following South Loop Road (shown on the map below as Read Avenue).
Come anytime between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on any of those days, wearing long pants and equipped with some small plastic grocery bags (large trash bags will be provided) tough gloves, snacks and water. In the event of heavy rains, the cleanup will be held April 9 through 11. Children are welcome.
The Hilltop Conservancy has a full schedule of work planned for the site this year, including trail building and planting wildflowers. There will also be a bit of fun: The Hilltop’s sixth annual Family Bike Ride on May 15. To join in those efforts, keep an eye on the Conservancy’s Web site, and the MyVeronaNJ.com calendar. To help fund the work, send a membership application and check made out to the Hilltop Conservancy, Inc. to treasurer Theresa Trapp, 34 Depot Street, Verona, NJ 07044. A single membership is $20 and a family membership is $35.
How about a Verona Clean Up Day!? The amount of trash in the streets is rediculous, especially after the recent storm. It would take minutes for each home and business owner to walk the length of their curb and pick up trash.