Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Union County residents of all ages can become community scientists by identifying and photographing butterflies, birds, and other wildlife for the “Rain Gardens of Union County” project. The project is being run through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension program of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.

“The Rain Gardens of Union County project is a unique opportunity for residents of all ages to help demonstrate how rain gardens can help attract and preserve pollinators and other wildlife in the urban and suburban environment. We hope the experience inspires the installation of additional rain gardens in our community,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Rain gardens are attractive, low maintenance garden areas that are specially designed to help reduce flooding and pollution in local waterways. They capture and filter rainwater and snowmelt that would otherwise flow into the street from driveways, rooftops and other hard surfaces.

When planted with native species, rain gardens also attract bees, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife.

Approximately 30 rain gardens have been installed throughout Union County. Many are located on the grounds of public buildings and other locations accessible to the public, including several in Union County’s Watchung Reservation, by the Trailside Nature and Science Center at 152 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

Residents who are interested in joining the rain garden documentation project can find complete instructions online at the “Rain Gardens of Union County” page on the Rutgers NJAES website, at njaes.rutgers.edu/rain-garden-biodiversity. The page includes a Google map showing the location of local rain gardens.

Starting on July 1, a patch will be available to Girl Scouts who participate in this project from the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey. For more information about the GSHNJ Guardian of the Rain Garden project, visit gshnj.org or contact GSHNJ at info@gshnj.org or 908-518-4400.

For additional information, contact Michele Bakacs, Rutgers NJAES Agriculture & Natural Resources County Agent, at bakacs@njaes.rutgers.edu.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is supported in part by the Commissioner Board, with offices at the Union County complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

For more information on all Extension programs available to Union County residents, including the popular Master Gardener, Master Tree Steward, Environmental Steward, and 4-H youth development programs, visit online at ucnj.org/rce.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and volunteer activities, including the Trailside Nature and Science Center, visit The Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, 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 – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises residents to check their passport expiration date before making plans for international travel this summer, and fall, and early winter. Some countries will not allow entry for travelers with passports that are within several months of expiring.

“Depending on the country, travelers may be barred if their passport is due to expire within three to six months of their travel date,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “In addition, travelers with expiring passports need to account for the time needed for the U.S. Department of State to process passport renewal applications.”

The State Department currently estimates that it will take 18 weeks to renew an existing passport. For residents who agree to pay an expedited fee, the wait time is 12 weeks.

“Although my office can provide assistance with the initial filing of an application, unfortunately we have no control over the processing timeline because that is a State Department function,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “This is the longest delay I have seen in years, and it appears related to the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their operations.”

For the latest updates on wait times, and for additional details about renewing or obtaining a U.S. passport, visit the State Department online at travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.

The Union County Clerk is authorized to accept passport applications and forward them to the State Department for processing. This service is available in person and by appointment only.

To make an appointment at the County Clerk’s main office in the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, call 908-527-4966.

To make an appointment at the annex office in the Colleen Frasier Building, at the Union County complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield, call 908-654-9859.

Passport photos are also available at both offices for a nominal fee of $10.00 each.

For more information about the County Clerk’s passport service, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk/passport-services or call 908-527-4966.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, 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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Flag raising ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 19.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to invite the public to attend the second annual Juneteenth Flag raising ceremony on Saturday, June 19, at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

The Juneteenth Flag was created in 1997 to commemorate June 19, 1865, when the citizens of Galveston, Texas were finally notified about the abolition of slavery. President Lincoln had signed the Proclamation of Emancipation more than two years earlier, on January 1, 1863.

“By raising this flag, we recognize Juneteenth as a date that marks a formative event in American history, affirms the enduring achievements of African Americans, and looks forward to the continued fight for progress and equality,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are very proud to join municipalities and organizations in Union County that are also celebrating Juneteenth.”

In addition to the flag raising ceremony, Union County is co-sponsoring several local events in celebration of Juneteenth.

Juneteenth is among the longest-running celebrations of emancipation in the United States, though its place in popular culture was obscured by segregationist policies during the 20^th century. More recently, interest in Juneteenth has surged as a way to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and recognize their foundational role in the nation’s history from the arrival of the first slave ship from Africa in America in 1619, up to the present day.

New Jersey has officially recognized Juneteenth Day as a state holiday, and this week the U.S. Senate passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act to establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday. The bill must pass the House and be signed by President Joe Biden to become law.

“The raising of the Juneteenth Flag highlights the contributions of African-Americans in our diverse community and in our nation. As a woman with family born, raised and currently living in Galveston, Texas, I also have a very personal connection to Juneteenth, and I am proud to see Union County honor this date in history,” said Commissioner Board Vice Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

Out of 21 counties in New Jersey, less than half have recognized the date as a county holiday. The number of counties honoring the state law will grow in 2022, as Union County, as well as Middlesex County, plan to join Cumberland, Essex, Hudson, Somerset, Sussex and Passaic in recognizing Juneteenth as a County holiday. Other counties are undecided.

“As each county, including our own, continues to recognize the nation’s history as a painful one, it becomes all the more clear that the universal power and resiliency of the human spirit, love of country, and determination to build a better future for all must have a day of celebration, as well as a day for honoring our ancestors, and uniting and educating ourselves and the greater community about the significance of Juneteenth,” said Commissioner, Dr.  Angela R. Garretson. “We are very proud to raise the Juneteenth Flag in recognition of the end to the historic practice of slavery, and in honor of the freedom of all people in the United States.”

“The Juneteenth flag is composed of specific symbols that tell the story, and the one that resonates the most to me is the arc across the middle of the flag. Like a horizon in the distance, it represents the promise of the future and the road we must travel to get there. We proudly welcome the entire Union County community to join us for this special flag raising ceremony,” said Commissioner Andrea Staten.

The flag-raising ceremony will include readings from the Proclamation of Emancipation and from the State Senate bill that established Juneteenth Day as a public holiday in New Jersey.

For more information about the Juneteenth Flag ceremony, contact James Pellettiere, Clerk of the Board at jpellettiere@ucnj.org or 908-527-4140.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, 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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Free COVID-19 shots to be provided in local neighborhoods; door-to-door program to begin.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners advises residents that the COVID-19 vaccine is now available at convenient pop-up clinics throughout the County, in addition to permanent sites in Elizabeth, Union Township, and Plainfield.

“We have come a long way, but we are still in a race against dangerous new COVID-19 variants that can impact people who are unvaccinated. We are pulling out all the stops to reach them in time,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Everyone can help pitch in, by encouraging family and friends to take advantage of these new opportunities to get vaccinated.”

Union County began offering pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics in local communities earlier this year, in order to reach vulnerable populations including seniors, homeless individuals, and others who would have difficulty traveling to a centralized vaccine site.

This month, County personnel also began offering COVID-19 vaccines at the County’s ongoing series of emergency food distribution events for residents facing financial hardship due to the pandemic.

In partnership with United Way, the County’s pop-up program has now expanded to include all age-approved Union County residents. Currently, any resident age 12 and older is eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. Eligibility for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines begins at age 18.

The pop-up clinics are currently offering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which requires only one dose. Any Union County resident can make an appointment at any of the following clinics, regardless of their home town:

• June 16 in Elizabeth: Port Elizabeth Seventh Day Adventist Church, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• June 18 in Roselle: Warinanco Park, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.*
• June 19 in Union Township: Rabkin Park, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.*
• June 22 in Hillside: Hillside High School, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• June 27 in Plainfield, Second Street Youth Center/Cristo Para Las Naciones 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

*These clinics will be held in conjunction with Juneteenth events

Appointments can be booked online by creating an account at ucnj.org/vax, or by contacting the Union County Vaccine Call Center at 908-613-7829 (7VAX).

In addition, COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be available by appointment at Union County’s three permanent vaccination sites: Dunn Hall in Elizabeth (currently offering the Pfizer vaccine), Kean University in Union Township (Moderna), and Plainfield High School in Plainfield (Johnson & Johnson). For appointments, create an account at at ucnj.org/vax, or call 908-613-7829 (7VAX).

Union County has also been conducting person-to-person outreach through the Union County Vaccine Call Center, and is working with United Way and other community stakeholders to collaborate with civic and religious groups that can assist the effort to reach unvaccinated people in underserved communities.

In July, the outreach effort will expand to include door-to-door visits, with the aim of alerting local residents to upcoming pop-up clinics in their neighborhood, encouraging them to register for an appointment, and connecting them with a health care professional if needed.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, 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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Students from 10 school districts in Union County participated in a four-week interactive financial literacy course this spring, called the “2021 Stock Market Challenge.” The course was hosted by the Zeta Nu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity in Plainfield, with support from Union County Commissioner, Dr. Angela Garretson. The organization sought to empower local youth with insights and experience on investing in the stock market.

“Financial literacy is extremely important, and this partnership between school districts and the Zeta Nu Lambda Chapter demonstrates the impact that local organizations can have when they bring their skills, experience, and networks to engage with school-age youth,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“I hope this program leads to additional school district partnerships in our community, to help provide the up-and-coming generation of students with the tools they need in understanding the ever increasing complexity of the financial world, including the role mathematics and economics play in this space,” said Commissioner Garretson, who engaged a total of 19 school districts to participate in the Stock Market Challenge.

The Stock Market Challenge was presented by Zeta Nu Lambda chapter president, Sherlock Dow, along with guest speakers on various topics including ETFs and cryptocurrency as well as real estate, futures, options, stocks and bonds.

The interactive course provided the students with the opportunity to assume the virtual role of professional money managers as they operated their own diversified investment portfolios, working in teams.

A total of 110 students in grades 7-12 participated in the course, which met once a week from April 22 to May 13.

Union County school districts participating in the program were Plainfield, Springfield, Scotch Plains-Fanwood, New Providence, Westfield, Berkeley Heights, Union Township, Summit, Roselle, and the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools.

At the conclusion of the course, students Jasmin Person of Plainfield and Kyley Johnson of Roselle school districts were named two of three winners in the “Team Winner” category.

In addition, students Justin Bugarin of Plainfield and Leah Brogden of Berkeley Heights were named two of three winners in the “Individual Winner” category.

The additional participating districts outside of Union County were Cherry Hill, New Brunswick, Edison, Franklin, South Orange-Maplewood, Monroe Township, Piscataway, West Orange, and Hillsborough.

The award-winning Union County Vocational-Technical School District is located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. For more information visit ucvts.tec.nj.us.

For additional information about the Stock Market Challenge contact Sherlock Dow, znlcp.sherlock@gmail.com.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, 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.

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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COVID-19 safety rules apply; event is open to all Union County residents.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that the next mobile paper shredding event of 2021 will be held in Scotch Plains on Saturday, June 26 for free, secure shredding of personal and confidential documents.

“Union County’s mobile document shredding service helps residents fight identity theft by providing a convenient way to shred confidential documents,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Al Mirabella “It also promotes our County recycling efforts and ties in with other green initiatives in Union County.”

At Union County’s paper shredding events, documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company, lifted into the truck and shredded on site. The shredded documents are then taken to a licensed recycling facility.

Participants are reminded that Union County’s recycling events cannot accept pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper. Non-accepted paper should be discarded at home, with regular household waste.

The June 26 shredding event will take place at the Union County Vocational-Technical School, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. The event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. rain or shine. The event will close prior to 1:00 p.m. if the trucks reach capacity.

For everyone’s safety, residents must wear face coverings, keep their windows closed and remain in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed, easily accessible to staff, for safe no-contact removal from vehicle.

All Union County residents are eligible to use the free paper-shredding service. In an effort to accommodate everyone, there is a limit of four, 10-pound bags or boxes per vehicle. Preferably, documents should be brought in paper bags.

Documents should be removed from any bindings. Plastic or metal clips and other non-paper items should also be removed.

Union County’s free shedding events are intended for personal, sensitive documents only. Residents should recycle magazines, junk mail and other waste paper with their municipal recycling program.

For more information on recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

For the latest news and updates on all municipal and countywide recycling programs in Union County, download the free Recycle Coach app. More information is available at ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at ucnj.org/green-connection.

The mobile paper shredding program is paid for through Recycling Enhancement Act Grant funds, which are applied for by Union County and received from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, 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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Drive in Movie event at UC Vo-Tech in Scotch Plains

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents to a special drive-up screening of “How to Train your Dragon: The Hidden World” celebrating PRIDE Month at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools Campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains on Friday, June 25. The parking lot will open at 7:00 p.m. with a DJ and a free “PRIDE in a Box” collection of giveaways for each registration. The movie will begin at dusk. The rain date for this event is Saturday, June 26.

Admission is free but attendees must register to reserve a spot by visiting ucnj.org/reserve. 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 Commissioner Board is proud to include this family friendly event as part of our month long celebrations of PRIDE.”

“LGBTQ representation in children’s media should be unabashedly positive. Incorporating diversity into children’s media is essential not just for representation, but for instilling empathy and normalizing acceptance,” said County Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca Williams, liaison to the LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “While more representation and exposure is needed, we celebrate progress. With Dreamworks’ “How to Train Your Dragon” series we celebrate the LGBTQ character Blacksmith Gobber.”

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

• The event will run in compliance with NJ Executive Order https://nj.gov/infobank/eo/056murphy/pdf/EO-142.pdf.
• The event is open to Union County residents ONLY.
• The event is free to attend but pre-registration is required.
• 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.
• Port-o-johns will be available. Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns)

Further details will be available to residents upon registration.

The Commissioner Board established the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs to provide a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and to serve as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. For more information on Union County Pride Month events and the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, please contact Danni Newbury, Office Coordinator, at dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit online at ucnj.org/lgbtq.

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 – Union County celebrated National Trails Day earlier this month with the help of 20 hard-working volunteers who repaired a severely eroded section of trail in the Watchung Reservation. The volunteers were joined by Adopt-a-Trail Stewards to spread fresh soil on the trail and created a rolling grade dip to reduce future erosion.

“We greatly appreciate all of our volunteers who help maintain and restore our trails. Thanks to their hard work, our trails stay in shape for all Union County residents to enjoy,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The Watchung Reservation, Union County’s largest park, boasts over 26 miles of bridle trails and approximately 13 miles of marked hiking trails. With over 2,000-acres of land, volunteers play an integral role in maintaining and repairing the trails in the Watchung Reservation.

This summer, the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation will host two additional Trail Work Days in the Watchung Reservation, on July 10 and August 7. Each event will run from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Volunteers can sign up in advance online at jerseycares.org, or by contacting the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-789-3683.

Volunteers can help maintain Union County trails year-round by participating in the Adopt-a-Trail program. Adopt-a-Trail projects include removing litter and debris, pruning vegetation, re-blazing as needed, and monitoring trails to report fallen trees and erosion. The program welcomes individuals as well as students, community organizations, businesses, and other groups.

To learn more about the Adopt-a-Trail program, or to volunteer, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/adopt-a-trail-adopt-a-park or call the Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-789-3683.

For quick links to all Union County programs and activities related to recycling and the environment, as well as additional volunteer opportunities, visit ucnj.org/green-connection.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, 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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The statewide “bag ban” will take effect on May 4, 2022. Help keep Union County parks clean by bringing reusable bags on your visit to recreation and nature conservation areas.

Union County, NJ – As the summer cookout season approaches, the Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents and visitors to help prevent windblown bags and other litter in County parks. Instead of plastic bags, use sturdy totes, backpacks, or baskets to carry supplies for family celebrations and other outdoor gatherings.

Union County’s 36 public parks provide a refuge for birds, fish, turtles, and other wildlife that can be hurt or killed when entangled in plastic bags that become lost or blown away by the wind. They can also be harmed by mistakenly ingesting plastic and other litter.

“Everyone can make a difference by switching to reusable bags when visiting County parks,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Getting into the reusable habit this summer can also help prepare everyone for next year’s statewide bag ban.”

As of May 4, 2022, New Jersey state law will ban plastic shopping bags at grocery stores and retail outlets. Paper bags will be also banned at large grocery stores of more than 2,500 square feet.

In addition, the new law will cover “clamshell” type food containers and other products that are only used once and thrown away, including plates, cups, food trays and utensils. Plastic straws at restaurants will be available only on request.

More details about the New Jersey bag ban are available from the New Jersey Clean Community Council at bagupnj.com.

Visitors to Union County parks are also reminded that lost fishing line can be hazardous to wildlife. Convenient “Reel in and Recycle” disposal bins are available at popular fishing spots in Union County parks for the safe disposal of broken or unwanted line.

For more information about Union County parks, including details about picnic area reservations and fishing spots, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, 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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(Please scroll down for a complete list of Tree Trails in Union County parks)

Distinctive trees in Union County’s Rahway River Park now have an opportunity to introduce themselves to visitors, thanks to the volunteer Master Tree Stewards of Union County.

Earlier this week, the Master Tree Stewards created a “tree trail” in the park by adding new green and white name tags to dozens of trees along a walking path. These tags are equipped with QR codes that teach visitors important details about each tree.

“On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, I would like to thank our Master Tree Stewards volunteers. Each tree trail provides an enriching and educational experience for visitors and encourages conservation efforts in Union County parks,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Trees received tags based on their size, age, species, historical significance, or other distinctive factors. The Master Tree Stewards have previously created tree trails in several Union County parks, including:

• Oak Ridge Park in Clark (trails starts near the east end of the parking lot)
• Briant Park in Summit
• Cedar Brook in Plainfield
• Echo Lake Park in Mountainside
• Echo Lake Extension (trail starts behind the Mountainside municipal building)
• Lenape Park (trail is located to the east along the Kenilworth dike)
• Meisel Park in Springfield
• Nomahegan Park in Cranford
• Phil Rizzuto Park in Elizabeth
• Rahway River Park in Rahway
• Sensory Friendly Trail in Mountainside
• Warinanco Park in Elizabeth

Some of the trees that have been given tags in Rahway River Park are also a part of the Rahway Memorial Grove. In 2018, the Union County Office of Veteran Services restored the World War II memorial by replacing missing trees, moving the stone memorial for better visibility, and adding a new paved area to make the memorial more accessible.

The Master Tree Stewards is a volunteer group that is trained in tree conservation. Volunteers primarily teach Union County youth about the importance of trees in our community and participate in other educational programs related to trees.

For more information about the joining the Master Tree Stewards program, contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 (ext. 3) or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

The Master Tree Stewards program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. Supported in part by the Board of Commissioners with offices in Westfield, the Union County Extension is part of a nationwide public outreach initiative coordinated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

For more information about all Extension programs in Union County, visit the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County online at ucnj.org/rce.

More information about all Union County parks, including paths, trails and greenways that illuminate features of local history and geology, is available at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

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

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, 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.