BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation would like to invite residents who enjoy the miles of hiking and bridle trails crisscrossing the Watchung Reservation to celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday, June 6, by signing up to take a guided hike or by participating in a trail work project in the Watchung Reservation. Or you could do both.
National Trails Day begins at 8:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast for all pre-registered project volunteers. From 8:45 to 10:00 a.m., a Trailside Nature & Science Center naturalist will take hikers along one of many marked trails in the Watchung Reservation in search of wildlife sights and sounds, interesting plant life and animal tracks and signs along the way.
“National Trails Day is a wonderful opportunity for those who love to hike and ride horses in the Watchung Reservation to learn even more about the 2,060 acre forest preserve while learning new skills and meeting others who enjoy the park,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh.
A trail work project from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. will offer volunteers the chance to repair the trail bed and remove invasive plants along a section of hiking trail. Volunteers will learn new skills, meet other trail users and have fun while working in the out-of-doors. Tools will be provided. The event will be held rain or shine. Trail work participants must be seven years of age or older and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Participants may use the Deserted Village Parking lot just off Cateract Hollow Road and walk down to the Church/Store Building. For directions, go to: htt://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/deserted-village/planning-your-visit/.