MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, along with the Trailside Museum Association, will once again pair up to honor and recognize some of Union County’s environmental heroes as part of Trailside Nature and Science Center’s annual Wild Earth Fest Event on Sunday, April 26.
“Small steps can lead to big changes for our planet, and one person can make a difference. Recycling, planting, cleanup projects, habitat improvements and living more sustainably are some of the ways people and groups are taking strides and inspiring others to help the planet,” comments Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh, “These active community members deserve to be acknowledged for their commitment to helping the environment.”
Last year’s environmental heroes represented an impressive array of Union County residents of all ages and collaborations whose endeavors are bettering the earth and creating an eco-friendly society. Joe Seebode of Clark was acknowledged for his work spearheading an annual cleanup of the Rahway River for the past 15 years; securing donations and recruiting participants to haul trash and recyclables out of the river and from its shoreline. Alyson Miller of Springfield was recognized for her dedication to the earth as a member of the Environmental Commission for Springfield and the Rahway River Watershed Storm Advisory Board. She is working toward reaching a goal of building 1,000 rain gardens within the watershed’s community, hanging bat boxes in the woods and lobbying to put a stop to idling vehicles. Both Steve Yafchak of Winfield Park and Robert Kammlott of Linden can be seen out in the Rahway River watershed almost daily removing debris from the wetlands. These men were also honored last year for their devotion to improving the health of our County’s river.
Do you know an environmental hero in your community? Participants may nominate individuals or groups who have taken action for environmental change in their community. Each entry must include an essay describing why the nominee is qualified to receive the award, along with contact information for the nominee and the person submitting the nomination. Photographs may accompany the essay, and all entries must be received or postmarked by Friday, April 10, 2015.
Along with certificates of recognition for their work, the Trailside Museum Association board members will once again award prizes to the winners of the Environmental Hero Award at Wild Earth Fest on Sunday, April 26, 2015. Nominations for the Environmental Hero Award can be emailed to bnovorro@ucnj.org or sent to Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ, 07092.
For additional information on the Environmental Hero Award or other upcoming programs or events, call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit online at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.