County of Union, New Jersey

Visit ucnj.org/falcon to cast your top four favorite names!

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites nature lovers of all ages to visit the Union County Falcon Cam at ucnj.org/falcon, where they can watch as two adult peregrine falcons raise four chicks in their nest atop the historic Union County Courthouse Tower in Elizabeth. The Union County Falcon Cam is the only live peregrine falcon cam in New Jersey and offers three unique views of the nest and surrounding rooftop area.

“We are very proud to continue partnering with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Conserve Wildlife Foundation to connect our Union County community—and communities around the world—with the nesting habits of these magnificent birds of prey,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Tuning into the Falcon Cam has become a beloved tradition in Union County. It’s more than just a livestream — it’s an educational resource, a conservation tool, and a reminder of the power of community science to connect us all to the natural world.”

This year, the public is invited to help name the four chicks that hatched in mid to late April 2025. Ten tropical fruit-inspired names have been selected in honor of Mango, the current resident male falcon. From May 23 through June 15, everyone is encouraged to vote for their favorite four names at ucnj.org/falcon, and learn more about these fascinating birds.

Mango, known for his bright orange legs and feet, has raised chicks at the Courthouse Tower since the Falcon Cam launched in 2016. Over the years, he has had three known mates. His current partner, Frida, is the resident female. Together, they continue to captivate viewers with their care and cooperation as parents.

On May 19, 2025, all four chicks were banded by a New Jersey State Biologist Kathy Clark, who determined that the group includes three females and one male. Banding is a vital conservation tool that helps researchers monitor movement, population health, and survival rates among peregrine falcons.

Tropical fruit name choices include: Coconut, Kiwi, Goji, Guava, Papaya, Olive, Avocado, Pomegranate, Jackfruit, and Lychee.

In addition to the livestream, the Union County Falcon Cam website includes:

• Updates on nest activity
• A timeline of falcon history in Union County since 2005
• Educational materials for teachers
• Information on how to protect this endangered species
• A link to ask questions and receive answers from a wildlife biologist
• Kids’ activities in the “Kids Korner”
• Behind-the-scenes footage of the Falcon Cam installation
• Updated photos, videos, and a fun, falcon trivia quiz

Peregrine falcons were once common in New Jersey, but the widespread use of the pesticide DDT in the 1950s devastated their population. After DDT was banned in 1973, peregrines were placed on the federal Endangered Species List. Recovery efforts began in the 1980s, and the species slowly began to return to the state.

Union County joined the conservation effort in 2005, after a pair of falcons attempted to nest on the Courthouse Tower roof. The attempt failed due to windy conditions, but the County partnered with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and Conserve Wildlife Foundation to install a nest box. Falcons returned in 2006, and the addition of live webcams in 2016 brought the falcons’ story to a wider audience.

Today, watching the annual arrival of new chicks has become a springtime ritual for thousands of residents and viewers across the globe.

For more information about Union County nature programs, visit the Trailside Nature and Science Center at ucnj.org/trailside.

To learn more about Conserve Wildlife Foundation, visit conservewildlifenj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites families with children and teens living with autism and other sensory sensitivities to apply for the 2025 Sensory Friendly Summer Camp. The free summer camp is coordinated each year by the Department of Human Services through the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs and is uniquely tailored to provide children ages 12 to 16 and young adults ages 17 to 21 an inclusive and fun outdoor experience. The Sensory Friendly Summer Camp will run from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. during the week of August 18th through August 22nd, and will be held at the Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

“The Commissioner Board and I are immensely proud to continue providing programs like our Sensory Friendly Camp for our residents,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “This camp gives our youth and teens with special needs the opportunity to fully enjoy our open spaces and take part in enriching recreational activities without the stigma or barriers. Instead, we focus on offering all the accommodations and support necessary to ensure they have an enjoyable summer experience.” 

At the Sensory Friendly Summer Camp, campers will spend a week investigating the natural world using their senses of sight, sound, smell, and touch. They will also have the opportunity to experience the Sensory Friendly Trail and learn about the plants and animals that live in the Watchung Reservation, Union County’s largest park. Each day, campers will develop an appreciation for the natural world through nature walks, hands-on activities, interactive games, scavenger hunts, arts & crafts, and captivating stories. They will also have the chance to meet live animals, spend time outside each day, and experience all of the beauty that nature has to offer.

“Under my chairmanship in 2018, Union County established the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs – the first of its kind in New Jersey – and we’ve continued to lead with purpose ever since,” said Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “This summer camp is all about giving kids and teens a chance to just be themselves – to explore, have fun, and feel included. It’s about creating meaningful moments in a space where every child is welcomed and supported.”

Prospective campers must be Union County residents with a documented disability, demonstrating independence in basic self-care tasks, such as using the toilet and feeding themselves. While the camp warmly welcomes individuals who may require occasional prompting or redirection, it is not suitable for those with a history of fleeing, aggressive, or threatening behavior, who require restraints to manage or stop behaviors, or who require 1:1 staffing.

“The Department of Human Services is proud to continue offering programs that give parents access to a free and inclusive camp experience for their children,” said Debbie Ann Anderson, Director of the Union County Department of Human Services. “We are dedicated to providing recreational opportunities that foster a welcoming atmosphere for participants and strengthen their sense of community.”

Please note that space is limited, and the application does not guarantee enrollment. In order to ensure compatibility and accommodate individual needs, the camp administration will conduct interviews prior to admission. The administration reserves the right to determine whether they can adequately meet the needs of the applicants.

To apply for the 2025 Sensory Friendly Summer Camp, visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

For more information about activities and support services offered through the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, visit ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn or call the Office at 908-527-4781.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce its annual Portuguese Flag Raising Ceremony, taking place on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. in front of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. This annual celebration recognizes the rich history, heritage, and ongoing contributions of the Portuguese-American community in Union County and beyond.

“Our Portuguese-American community has played a vital role in shaping Union County’s cultural identity, economic growth, and civic strength,” said Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “From small businesses and places of worship to community organizations and public service, the impact of Portuguese heritage is deeply rooted in our county’s story. We are proud to raise this flag in recognition of that legacy.”

This year’s program will kick off with welcome remarks by Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, and then led by Commissioner Sergio Granados, who will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the event. Joining him for the ceremony will be local officials, community leaders, and representatives from several Portuguese-American organizations.

“As a proud Portuguese-American, it has been one of the greatest honors of my time as Commissioner to elevate and celebrate the stories of our community,” said Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados. “This event isn’t just symbolic — it’s personal. It’s about honoring the sacrifices of our parents and grandparents, and empowering the next generation to lead with pride in who they are and where they come from. As I prepare to complete my final year on the Board, I remain committed to ensuring our cultural identity is recognized and respected, not just today — but every day.”

The evening will include the singing of the national anthems of both the United States and Portugal by Margarete DeJesus of Our Lady of Fatima Church, and remarks from Commissioner Granados and invited guests including Katherine Soares, Chair of PALCUS, and Maria Carvalho, President of the Portuguese Instructive Social Club.

“As a proud native of Elizabeth and Chairwoman of the PALCUS Board of Directors, it is a deep honor to once again join in this annual celebration of our heritage through the Portuguese flag raising in Union County. This tradition is a powerful reminder of the rich contributions Portuguese-Americans have made to our communities, especially here, where our culture, values, and history are woven into the very fabric of multiple municipalities within our county. Today, we not only raise a flag — we uplift a legacy of hard work, resilience, and unity.”

The flag raising is one of several events celebrating Portuguese heritage throughout Union County, including:

Arraial at the Portuguese Instructive Social Club (P.I.S.C.) – May 31 & June 1, 600 Grove Street, Elizabeth

Elizabeth Portugal Day Parade – June 1 at 2:00 PM, starting from Union Square and ending at P.I.S.C.

PACA of Union Flag Raising – June 10 at Union Town Hall

PACA “Dia de Portugal” Celebration – June 15 at 1034 Jeanette Ave., Union

All members of the public are invited to attend the County’s Portuguese Flag Raising ceremony and join in honoring the vibrant Portuguese culture that continues to thrive in Union County.

For more information about Union County events and programs, visit www.ucnj.org.

Bilingual Poll Workers Especially Needed

Union County residents interested in helping voters at polling locations on Election Day this year have time to apply to become poll workers. Poll workers will earn $300 for the day, starting at 5:15 a.m. through at least 8:15 p.m., after the close of the polls. The Primary Election is held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Poll workers perform essential services on Election Day, by ensuring every eligible voter is afforded an opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote.  Serving as a poll worker in the 2025 Gubernatorial Election is a great way to be involved in the democratic process!

Any Union County resident who is 16 years or older, can apply to become a poll worker.  Union County residents who are 18 years or older shall be registered to vote.

No experience is needed. New poll workers must attend a mandatory, in-person training session. Prospective poll workers can apply online or by using a paper application form.

To apply online, visit the Union County Board of Elections at www.ucnj.org/pollworker. To receive a paper application, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4236 or email pollworker@ucnj.org.

For more information, follow the Poll Worker Resources link at ucnj.org/ucboe. For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to invite residents to participate in a Plant Swap and Shop event on Thursday, June 12^th from 5:30pm to 8:00pm in the Scout Camping Area of the Watchung Reservation at Trailside Nature & Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

This special event gives Union County residents the opportunity to swap up to three distinct invasive plants from their own gardens in exchange for up to three native plants, free of charge. In addition to the swap, attendees can shop a wider variety of native plants offered by Toadshade Native Plant Nursery.

“We’ve seen continued success with our Plant Swap and Shop, and we’re excited to bring it back with new options for 2025,” said Union County Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “It’s a fun, hands-on way to help residents remove invasive species from their gardens and encourage the growth of beneficial native plants that support our local ecosystems. Local events like these can have big environmental impact, and we’re proud to promote sustainability in our community.”

Invasive plants are non-native species that harm the environment by outcompeting native plants for space and resources. They reproduce quickly and thrive in a wide range of conditions. Invasive plants often lack natural predators or competitors, which allows them to spread unchecked. Over time, they can take over an area and crowd out all other species, creating a single-species environment that greatly reduces biodiversity.

Residents are invited to bring up to three invasive plants of different species and exchange them for up to three native plants, all at no cost. This year’s event will feature a new selection of native plants available for swapping, including Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Blue Lobelia /Blue Cardinal Flower (Lobelia siphilitica), Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis), Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Lanceleaf Loosestrife (Lysimachia lanceolata), Cliff Stonecrop (Sedum glaucophyllum), and Bucks County Magenta Violet (Viola sororia selection).

Pre-registration for the Plant Swap and Shop is required and limited to 100 participants. Those interested are encouraged to sign up early at www.ucnj.org/plant-swap to secure a spot.

In addition to the plant swap, participants will have the opportunity to shop for native plants at the event. Pre-ordering through the Toadshade website at www.toadshade.com is strongly recommended for the best selection.

For more information about native plants in Union County, please download our free guide: “Plant This, Not That.” Questions about the Plant Swap and Shop on June 12th should be directed to park.env.services@ucnj.org.