Sunday March 1, 2020. 12pm to 2pm. Meet on the sidewalk in front of the Turtle Back Zoo. Bring your kids and neighbors! And a sign or banner!

Join the youth-led march against The Turtle Back Zoo's ongoing construction in South Mountain Reservation. Students at Columbia High School are organizing and speaking at this protest of the $8.6 million, 500-seat amphitheater on another 1.5 acres of the South Mountain Reservation.

Despite public opposition, Essex County has issued a request for bids to build the amphitheater!

Please chip in to pay for flyers and professional fees!

The Save the South Mountain Reservation coalition has been formed. Take a look at the great organizations who joined!

We believe this extravagant project is an ineffective way to teach children a connection to nature, is a cruel way to showcase animals, and the wanton destruction of at least 100 mature trees that are currently drawing CO2 from the atmosphere.

SOMA Action Climate member  Beth Boily has written an eloquent description in TAP Into "At least $75 million has already been spent since 2003. School districts are cutting basic programs, and some are unable to provide lead-free water. Roads and bridges are crumbling. What we don’t need are more resources devoted to the acquisition and care of exotic animals. Improving the current educational facility and curriculum, and the existing 120-seat amphitheater would be a more effective solution, rather than spending money on a huge entertainment center."
 
And if you share the passion, we can use volunteers! Sign up to attend an upcoming Township Committee or Environmental Commission meeting and advocate for a resolution in opposition to the project. While we know the project is forging ahead, we also know the opposition is gaining momentum.