Update August 3, 2022: For details about the 2022-23 Master Tree Stewards program, including a downloadable application form, click here or contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz, at 908-654-9854 (ext. 3) or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.
Union County, NJ – Union County residents are invited to join the 4-H Master Tree Stewards of Union County this fall. Members of this all-volunteer group receive expert training in tree identification, ecology, and biology, and they put this knowledge to use by providing interactive lessons about tress and the environment to local children.
No previous experience is required.
“Our Master Tree Stewards play an important role in our conservation efforts and have inspired countless Union County youth to care for our environment,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Board of Commissioners is very proud to support this program.”
Each volunteer Master Tree Steward will be trained by experts from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. In-person training begins September 8th and primarily consists of guided educational walks in nature preserves across New Jersey.
In the spring, Master Tree Stewards visit 4th grade classrooms in Union County to teach students about the importance of tress to the environment. No previous teaching experience is necessary, and the Extension provides a lesson kit and teaching support.
Master Tree Stewards also participate in other community service projects. Earlier this month, a group of volunteers created a new “tree trail” in Rahway River Park. Visitors to the park can use QR codes posted on trees of distinction to find out more about each tree. The Tree Stewards have also created tree trails in nine other County parks.
To join the Master Tree Stewards, or for more information, contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 (ext. 3) or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.
The 4-H 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 other Extension programs in Union County, visit the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County online at ucnj.org/rce.
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.
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