County of Union, New Jersey

COVID-19 safety measures apply.

Union County, NJ – As the summer approaches, the Union County Board of Commissioners welcomes residents to enjoy the Union County Archery Range at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. This outdoor public archery range is the first, and only, facility of its kind in the region.

“The Archery Range provides an inclusive activity for all Union County residents to enjoy, from beginners to seasoned archers, and it is fully accessible to welcome persons with disabilities,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The Archery Range is open to any Union County resident or visitor age nine and older with an Archery ID Card. The ID card can be obtained by passing a safety course offered through the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, consisting of a training session followed by hands-on instruction at the range.

To sign up for a group safety lesson, or to renew an existing Archery ID card, call 908-527-4900 or visit ucnj.org/archery.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, mask and social distancing measures have been implemented at the Archery Range. All even-numbered stalls are closed to allow for social distancing, and only one archer and one household member are allowed to share a lane.

In addition, the size of the group safety lessons has been limited to eight participants to allow for social distancing, and the range will be closed to other archers during the lessons.

For more information about Oak Ridge Park and all Union County recreation facilities, visit ucnj.org/parks.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Commissioner Board invites residents and visitors to enjoy a live performance of Shout! by Susanna Rich on Wednesday, April 14, at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom, in celebration of National Poetry Month.

Shout! is a collection of Rich’s original poetry, retelling the struggle of women’s suffrage and equality during key historical moments.

“We are proud to honor the women’s suffrage movement as we celebrate National Poetry Month,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Their fight for equal rights was the work of generations, and their story is still relevant today.”

Shout! is a free event. Pre-registration is required to receive the Zoom link, by visiting https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_x3PdqD03RKCF0V0gGHuXDg​.

Susanna Rich is a Professor of English at Kean University specializing in historical poetry, with a focus on creating a dynamic experience for readers and audiences. Along with an Emmy nomination, Rich has been awarded a Fulbright Fellowship in Creative Writing and received numerous other honors for her poetry.

To learn more about Susanna Rich, visit susannarich.com.

This program is hosted by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs and funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/ or call 908-558-2550.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Event at UC Vo-Tech in Scotch Plains; COVID-19 safety rules apply

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced today that there will be a free Drive-Up screening of “The Croods – A New Age” at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools Campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains on Friday, April 23. Parking begins at 7:00 p.m. and the movie will begin at dusk. The rain date for this event is scheduled for Saturday, April 24.

Due to space limitations, advanced reservations are required. To register, go to ucnj.org/reserve/ beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, April 16. Only one registration is required per vehicle.

“The Union County Drive-up movie series provides families with a great way to enjoy a night out with safety in mind,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The following rules and guidelines apply to residents wishing to attend:

• The event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols.
• The event is open to Union County residents ONLY.
• The event is free to attend but pre-registration is required.
• Due to space limitations reservations will be available on a first come, first served basis.
• To help promote social distancing, no walk-ups, bikes or chairs are permitted.
• Attendees must bring their own snacks and drinks. There will not be any food or drink available for purchase. Alcohol is not permitted.
• Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing.
• Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns)
• Port-o-johns will be available. Masks are required when using the port-o-johns.

Further details will be available to residents upon registration.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Masks are required and must be worn by all participants, and social distancing guidelines must be observed.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites residents of all ages to meet live animals, celebrate wildlife and embrace environmental conservation at a fun and educational event in honor of Earth Day at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, located in the Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. The event takes place outdoors on the grounds of the Trailside Center on Saturday, April 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“Our Earth Day event provides residents and visitors of all ages with an opportunity to celebrate the Earth as a community while enjoying the outdoors with family and friends,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Among other activities, Earth Day at Trailside features three live animal experiences:

• In Rizzo’s Reptile Discovery, visitors will meet live snakes, turtles and an alligator as they learn about the characteristics of these cold-blooded creatures. This show is offered at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
• Enjoy an amazing and comical presentation featuring live mammals and birds from around the world with Eyes of the Wild at 12:30 p.m.
• Listen for the sounds of spring and have fun looking for wildflowers, young leaves, bird nests and baby animals by taking part in a guided Spring Nature Walk. The walks are offered at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Pre-registration is required for all programs. To register, visit ucnj.org/trailside.

A fee per person per program of $7.00 applies for Union County residents. The fee is $8.00 for non-county residents.

As part of the Earth Day Every Day, event visitors can take a self-guided stroll along Union County’s Sensory Friendly Trail and enjoy a Recycled Art Wildlife Walk. Residents will learn about the importance of recycling as they encounter colorful eco-art made from more than 4,000 recycled plastic bottles as part of this free outdoor exhibit. No pre-registration is required for this activity.

Masks are required and must be worn by all participants, and social distancing guidelines must be observed.

Earth Day is officially recognized worldwide each year on April 22. For more information visit earthday.org.

For more information about the special programs offered for Earth Day and upcoming programs for seniors, families and children at Trailside, visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

In-person activities in Union County parks are limited during the COVID-19 outbreak in accordance with statewide public health guidelines, and Trailside is closed to the public until further notice.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, including online resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Invasive insect threatens native trees and plants, and can destroy valuable crops.

Union County, NJ – A different kind of Earth Day project is available in April to all Union County residents and visitors this spring: help destroy the spotted lanternfly and its eggs, too. It is important to act at now, because the eggs of the spotted lanternfly typically hatch from late April to early May.

Earth Day 2021 will take place on Thursday, April 22.

“The spotted lanternfly is a new pest that threatens our efforts to preserve native habitat in our public parks. We all have a stake in ensuring that the spotted lanternfly does not take hold in Union County, so please keep an eye out for the adults and eggs in your backyard, and in parks and other public places,” said Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Al Mirabella.

Both juvenile and adult spotted lanternflies are eye-catching. The juveniles will appear by May, after the eggs hatch. They are small, crawling insects about the size of the dime. They have shiny black coats with bright white spots, or red coats with white spots and black stripes. Their legs are black with white spots.

The adult is about the size of a typical moth, or slightly larger. Their upper wings are a papery whitish hue with black speckles.  The upper wings open to reveal bright red and black lower wings underneath.

When startled, the adult can quickly hop and glide away like a grasshopper, so stealth is advised when approaching one. Both adults and juveniles should be immediately crushed underfoot, or by any other means.

The eggs are more difficult to distinguish, because they are laid in flat, grayish patches that can blend into their surroundings. However, there are telltale signs. A freshly laid egg patch resembles a small dab of wet mud, about 1” long. Over time, it develops cracks that can resemble miniature tire treads. The appearance of seed-like rows means the eggs are ready to hatch.

Lanternflies prefer to lay their eggs on flat surfaces. The egg patches mainly appear on trees about 10 feet off the ground. They can also appear on rocks, vehicles and other manufactured surfaces.

Egg patches should be destroyed by using a plastic card or other sturdy object to crush them where they are, then scraping them off the surface.

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species and a serious threat to New Jersey’s agriculture industry and wildlife habitats. It can damage or kill native trees like the black walnut, red maple, silver maple, and river birch. It can also carve a destructive path through valuable crops and other plants.

To help fight the spotted lanternfly in New Jersey, report sightings to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture by using the online reporting tool.  For other questions about the spotted lanternfly, contact the Department of Agriculture at 1-866-BAD-BUGZ or email SLF-plantindustry@ag.nj.gov.

For more information, including photos of the lanternfly and its eggs at various stages, visit nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/pi/prog/spottedlanternfly.

Information on Earth Day activities at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center will be available soon at ucnj.org/trailside. The Trailside Center is located in the Watchung Reservation, at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

 

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests in local communities, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

 

Union County, NJ – Union County residents who are looking for a summer job can apply now for lifeguard positions at Union County’s public swimming pool, the Walter Ulrich Memorial Pool, which is located at Rahway River Park in Rahway.

“The Ulrich pool provides our residents with a rewarding work environment and valuable experience such as management, emergency response and interpersonal skills every year,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Lifeguard positions are available to Union County residents age 16 and up. Training is available for applicants who are not certified. To apply for a lifeguard position, please call or text 908-868-2725.

Please keep in mind that these positions are seasonal (Memorial Day to Labor Day).

For more information about Ulrich Pool, Rahway River Park and all Union County recreation facilities visit online at ucnj.org/parks.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.