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The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is now seeking volunteers for the 2025 Master Gardener training program, beginning in January. Residents who are interested in horticulture and gardening can gain valuable skills, make new connections, and become valuable assets to the community by joining the Master Gardeners of Union County.

“The Master Gardener program offers residents the chance to learn practical horticultural skills they can apply at home and share with neighbors and friends while also benefiting the community through their volunteer efforts,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “This program is exceptional, and we are pleased to continue supporting its growth. We encourage gardeners of all experience levels to apply and join this wonderful community.”

This year, Union County will be participating in a pilot program for the Rutgers Master Gardener Volunteer Training. Orientation Zoom meetings will be hosted by Rutgers for residents interested in becoming Master Gardeners. These sessions provide an opportunity for applicants to learn more about the program before joining.

Residents who wish to participate in the 2025 training program must register and attend at least one of the virtual orientation sessions, which are offered twice a week until the beginning of December. You can register at njaes.rutgers.edu/master-gardeners/.

Orientation session space is limited to 40 participants for each session, allowing plenty of time and opportunity for questions and discussion. Register today by visiting to secure your spot in an orientation session.

“By engaging in volunteer work, participants gain a deeper understanding of the positive impacts their contributions have on our environment and the community at large,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. “The Master Gardener Program is one of the many volunteer opportunities offered in Union County. I encourage residents to look into the program and attend an orientation session to find out if it’s a good fit for them.”

Classes will be held on Wednesday mornings at the Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. The new course will feature horticultural training with an emphasis on the volunteer aspects of being a Rutgers Master Gardener. The classroom is conveniently located by the 1.5-acre demonstration garden and greenhouse at Trailside, maintained by Master Gardeners.

Additional information for applying to the program in Union County will be provided to those who attend the orientation session. You will be asked to complete an application form. The Master Gardeners of Union County will be accepting 25 students into the 2025 Program.

The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County is a volunteer program offered through Rutgers Cooperative Extension, NJ Agriculture Experiment Stations and Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, in cooperation with the Union County Board of County Commissioners. It is supported in Union County by the Commissioner Board, with administrative assistance and office space in Berkeley Heights, land for the Demonstration Garden, and funding for special projects.

For questions or more information on the 2025 Master Gardener Training Program, call 908-654-9854 ext. 2 or visit mastergardeners-uc.org. For more information about all Extension projects and activities in Union County, including Master Gardeners, Master Tree Stewards and the 4-H youth development program, visit ucnj.org/rutgers-cooperative-extension-of-union-county/.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity program provider and employer. Contact your local Extension Office for information regarding special needs or accommodations. Contact the State Extension Director’s Office if you have concerns related to discrimination, 848-932-3584.

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Human Services have collaborated with Caring Contact to offer residents an informative webinar this September titled “Hear to Help: Active Listening for Emotional Support.” The free webinar will delve into the significance of active and effective listening, the impact of empathy, and numerous other strategies to provide meaningful support to a loved one experiencing emotional distress. The workshop will be presented by Caring Contact’s Crisis Line Director, Michelle Habayeb, on Monday, September 30th, from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm via Zoom and Facebook live.

“Our free webinar aims to keep the conversation about mental health ongoing, increasing awareness, and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. Most significantly, they emphasize the role a supportive and well-informed community plays in an individual’s healing and recovery,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “You never know when you may find yourself in a position to help a friend or loved one, and how these listening techniques can have a significant impact on someone’s life. I strongly encourage all residents to take advantage of this free resource and register.”

In the most recent data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), it is reported that 1 in 4 U.S. adults experience a mental illness episode each year. Experiencing one or multiple stressful life-changing events such as illness, divorce, or the loss of a loved one has been linked to making some people more susceptible to this condition.

“An empathetic listener creates a safe space for someone grappling with mental health issues to open up and share their struggles, serving as the first step toward finding the support needed to emerge from hardship and move towards hope,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “If you or anyone you know is experiencing an emotional crisis – you do not have to face this alone. Our residents should know that our Department of Human Resources is here to provide the support and resources needed during any challenging time.”

This webinar is presented by the Union County Department of Human Services in partnership with Caring Contact. Caring Contact (formerly Contact We Care) is an award-winning, volunteer-staffed crisis hotline that provides a safe space and empathetic ear to all callers.

The ZOOM link for this webinar can be accessed by registering online at ucnj.org/spmzoom.

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis or having suicidal thoughts and need assistance, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available for free and confidential support 24/7 at 988 via text or phone. This lifeline is answered by trained crisis counselors and is available in multiple languages.

For more information on all Union County Human Services programs and activities, please visit online at https://ucnj.org/dhs/ or call the DHS Action line at 908-677-5405.