Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – April 25, 2022 — Union County residents who are looking for a summer job outdoors can apply now to become a lifeguard at Union County’s public swimming pool, the Walter Ulrich Memorial Pool at Rahway River Park, in Rahway.

Any Union County resident age 16 and up can apply for a lifeguard position at the Ulrich Pool.

Training is available for applicants who are not certified lifeguards. Applicants who pass the training and are hired by Union County will have their certification fee waived.

“Lifeguarding is a great summer job experience at any age, and it can be a valuable resume-builder, too,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

To receive an application for a lifeguard position, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-868-2725 and leave a voice message with your name, phone number and email address, or send a text message to 908-868-2725.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – April 26, 2022 — In celebration of National Poetry Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites poetry lovers and American history enthusiasts to attend “Women Poets of the Revolution,” a free lecture on the works of Annis Boudinot Stockton and Phillis Wheatly hosted by Dr. Mary McAleer Balkun, Professor of English at Seton Hall University, at the New Providence Memorial Library at 377 Elkwood Avenue in New Providence on Tuesday, April 26, at 6:00 p.m.

The event is presented free of charge by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required to reserve a seat at ucnj.org/cultural.

“National Poetry Month is the largest literary celebration in the world, and we are very proud to provide the Union County community with an opportunity to participate and learn about the contributions of two important women poets in American history,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

The early American poets Annis Boudinot Stockton and Phillis Wheatley came from starkly different backgrounds to offer their own unique, eyewitness perspectives on the American Revolution, during a period in history when women literary figures were all but invisible.

Stockton was born into the privileged, elite social circle of Princeton, New Jersey. Unlike many women of her time, she had both the opportunity and the inclination to apply herself to the art of writing. She was producing sophisticated poetry by age 16. At age 21 she married the lawyer Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. When the Revolutionary War broke out, Annis Stockton supported the Continental Army with funds raised from publishing her poetry, in which she documented key episodes in the war and memorialized the leadership of George Washington.

Wheatley was kidnapped from her home in Africa and brought to the Colonies as an enslaved child in 1761. By age 14 she was an accomplished student of the Greek and Roman classics, as well as British literature, astronomy, and geography. By 1770 she was an acclaimed poet. When her first collection of poems was published in 1773, she was one of the first two women in America to have a book of poetry in print, and she was the first Black woman to have a book of any kind published in America.

Dr. Balkun is a Professor of English and Director of Faculty Development at Seton Hall University in South Orange. She earned her PhD. from New York University, and has an M.A. from Seton Hall University and a B.A. from Jersey City University. Her accomplishments include the 2017 Steven J. Rosen Mentor Award of the New Jersey College English Association, and the 2016 Bernard J. McQuaid Medal for Distinguished Service from Seton Hall University.

National Poetry Month is a project of the Academy of American Poets. Since its inception in April 1996, National Poetry Month has grown into an event celebrated by tens of millions of readers, students, K–12 teachers, librarians, booksellers, literary events curators, publishers, families and poets each year, signifying the importance of poetry in human life across the world. For more details visit poets.org/national-poetry-month.

Women Poets of the Revolution is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State. For more information about other history events presented by Union County, contact John Prescott, History Program Coordinator at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-436-2912 or by email jprescott@ucnj.org.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is an office of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For information on all programs of the Office, visit ucnj.org/cultural, email culturalinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-558-2550.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

On April 11^th, in a Board meeting at the University Club in New York City, Union County Board Commissioner Al Mirabella was elected to serve on the Board of Trustees at John Cabot University in Rome, Italy.

“I am very pleased to have been invited to join the John Cabot University Board of Trustees,” said Commissioner Al Mirabella. “After seeing the outstanding education my daughter Micayla received, I wanted to do my part working the trustees and President Pavoncello to enhance the already excellent reputation at JCU and work to provide opportunities to this World Class education for students around the world.”  

John Cabot University is an American institution of higher education in Rome, Italy. The mission of the University is to provide an educational experience firmly rooted in the American tradition of the liberal arts and solidly international in orientation. The academic programs are designed to use to the fullest extent the special resources of a multicultural faculty, an international student body and the extraordinarily rich culture and history of Rome and the surrounding region.

In a statement from President of John Cabot University, Franco Pavoncello, Ph.D., he stated: “Since our first meeting several years ago during a John Cabot University presentation I gave in New Jersey, the Mirabella family has been an integral part of the life of John Cabot University.  His daughter, Micayla graduated in 2020, serving as graduation representative of her class, and Alexander and Phyllis have been constant, great supporters of the mission of John Cabot University, singing the praise of our school to prospective students’ families. The Mirabella family’s support, the outstanding human qualities of Commissioner Mirabella and his dedication to the public good of his county, made it natural for me to propose him for election to the Board of Trustees of John Cabot University. The enthusiastic and unanimous vote of his fellow trustees, who immediately sensed his intelligence and empathy, is a great development for the University and for our entire community. Welcome Al! I look forward to our work together.”

In addition to joining this Board, Mirabella has served the residents of Union County since 1998 and is also a proud member of the Board of Directors of Wenzhou Kean University. He and his wife, Phyllis, have a son, Alexander, and a daughter, Micayla.

For more information on John Cabot University, please visit: www.johncabot.edu/.

If you would like to learn more about Commissioner Mirabella, please visit the Union County website under the Commissioner’s section at www.ucnj.org.

As Union County moved into 2022, residents were still feeling the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, in addition to anyone who was recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. Now, in April, residents are dealing with inflation, which is on the rise. As of February, inflation in the United States surged to a new 40-year high of 7.9%, driven by the surging costs for gas, food and housing.

“There are so many people in the community that are still looking for support and the County of Union is working hard to provide the necessary services and programs they may need,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “I would like our residents to know that the Commissioner Board is committed to helping those who need it, where we can, to alleviate any additional hardships they may be facing – from rental assistance to food distributions and employment opportunities.”

Beginning with the announcement of a zero percent tax increase in this year’s 2022 budget in March, the County of Union has been promoting their efforts in assisting residents of Union County in many different areas.

Last month, they announced the Union County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), which provides significant economic relief to help low and moderate-income households at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability by providing rental arrears, temporary rental and utility arrears assistance. Assistance is still available, residents can visit www.ucnj.org/rental-assitance to apply or for more information.

Since the start of the pandemic, Union County has held approximately 80 food distributions, providing assistance to nearly 35,000 households within Union County as they continue to deal with food insecurity. After a successful holiday food distribution last week, there will be another one for residents on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Elizabeth Board of Education Parking Lot (across from 600 Pearl Street) in Elizabeth. This is a walk-up site. In addition, on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. at Kean University in Union. This event is a drive-thru and residents must arrive in a vehicle.

“For most people, the high rise in inflation is making it harder for them to afford necessities like food, gas and rent and it is important that our residents in Union County know about all of the available resources and services there are in place to help them,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, 2022 Fiscal Chair & Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “Knowing that many people in our community are still struggling, it was really important to the County Commissioners that we have a zero percent tax increase for the third year in a row. After working with the County Manager and Department heads, we did just that. Even with a continuous no increase in taxes, the County of Union continues to maintain and strengthen the services our residents need and deserve. I hope all in our community look into these programs and initiatives and take advantage of them. We are here to help.”

Last week, the Union County Board of County Commissioners announced the launch of the “Empowering Our Youth” Summer Employment Program. Now open to applicants, this program is run by the Union County Division of Youth Services and is offered to County residents 16 through 24 years old.

This employment program is offering both full-time and part-time positions at various locations at $15 an hour. The “Empowering Our Youth” Summer Employment Program can provide uniforms, transportation, and childcare to those looking for summer jobs. The deadline to apply is Thursday, May 19, 2022. Applicants looking to view eligibility requirements or wishing to apply can do so by visiting ucnj.org/youth. Information can also be found by visiting the following locations in person at DYS Youth Forward, located at 1143-1145 E. Jersey St, 4th Floor in Elizabeth, the One-Stop Center at 921 Elizabeth Avenue in Elizabeth and the American Job Center at 200 W. 2nd St # 4 in Plainfield. For more information or if you have any questions regarding the “Empowering Our Youth” Summer Employment Program, please call Jasmine Sowah at 908-558-2523.

Also this month, the Union County Office on Aging and Disability Services resumed the Senior Nutrition Program at various locations throughout the county.  The Congregate Nutrition Program provides participants with the opportunity to enjoy a balanced, nutritious lunch in the company of their friends and neighbors. For more information, please call the Union County Division on Aging/Nutrition Program at 908-527-4877 or 908-558-2297.

Meals on Wheels Union County is also being offered to residents who are homebound, such as elderly individuals or couples unable to prepare a nutritious, well balanced meal; individuals recovering from recent hospitalization or illness or any person 60 years of age or older, or anyone married to a person 60 years of age or older. This program is supported by a grant from Union County Division on Aging, client contributions, and donations from the general public and private organizations. For more information or to register for this program, please visit www.mowuc.org/ or call 908-486-5100.

The Division of Paratransit is also back up and running and provides transportation services for individual passengers for several trips including Route 22 Shuttle Bus, medical, shopping, employment, education or training, prescription pick-ups and other essential services. All reservations are limited to availability on a first come first served basis and transportation will be provided with limited passengers on each vehicle. Residents interested should call 908-241-8300 (Option 1) to make a reservation and schedule their trip.

To learn more about the different services, programs or events being held throughout all of the Departments and Divisions in Union County, please visit www.ucnj.org.

$300 stipend applies to poll workers in Union County on Election Day 2022, on Tuesday, June 7

Union County, NJ – Union County residents interested in helping voters at polling locations on Election Day this year still have time to apply to become poll workers. Poll workers will earn $300 for the day, starting at 5:15 a.m. through the close of the polls at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, June 7.

Poll workers perform essential services on Election Day, by ensuring every eligible voter is afforded an opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote.

Any Union County resident who is 18 years or older, and registered to vote in Union County, can apply to become a poll worker.

No experience is needed. New poll workers must attend a mandatory training session.

“Poll workers are the face of our democratic process and deserve to be properly compensated for their time and commitment,” said Nicole DiRado, Administrator of the Union County Election Board. “We are grateful for the support of both the legislature and the Governor for ensuring this increase is now law in New Jersey.”

To apply, complete the online application at the Board of Elections website at www.ucnj.org/pollworker, or request an application form by mail by calling the Board of Elections at 908-527-4236 or emailing pollworker@ucnj.org.

For more information, follow the Poll Worker Resources link ucnj.org/boe.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/boe.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – April 21, 2022 — Union County voters who plan to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot for the 2022 Primary Election are advised that their ballot will arrive in a bright yellow envelope this year, with the words “OFFICIAL MAIL-IN BALLOT/BOLETA OFICIAL POR CORREO” printed in bold, black lettering to the right of the addressee window.

“We introduced this eye-catching envelope in 2021, to help the ballot stand out from other mail, and help to ensure voters can easily recognize this important document from the County Clerk’s office. We are using it again in 2022 based on the positive feedback we received,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi.

The office of the County Clerk is beginning the process of mailing Vote-by-Mail ballots for the 2022 Primary Election this week. Due to the volume of ballots involved, the mailing will be conducted in batches over a three-week period concluding in the middle of May.

The mailings will begin on Friday, April 22 with Vote-by-Mail ballots for the Republican Party. Ballots for the Democratic Party will be mailed after a judicial procedure is concluded.

The 2022 Primary Election Vote-by-Mail ballots also include County Committee positions for the Republican Party the first time this year. These positions were previously listed on a separate sheet.

To reduce the chance of accidentally misplacing or discarding a Vote-by-Mail ballot, voters are strongly advised to fill out and return their ballot as soon as they receive it.

Each Vote-by-Mail ballot comes with a return envelope with pre-paid postage, and an instructional booklet.

After filling out the ballot, voters should place it in the return envelope and check to see that their home address appears in the see-through window. 

Approximately 45,000 voters in Union County will automatically receive their Vote-by-Mail ballots.

Other Union County voters can request a Vote-By-Mail ballot by using the downloadable application form on the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, or by contacting the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

Voters who prefer to vote in person on Election Day will have polling places available to use.

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

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 free vaccination, free testing, 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.

#  #

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – April 21, 2022 – Union County residents can bring their personal documents and sensitive papers to the next free paper shredding event of 2022, sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The events will take place, rain or shine, on Saturday, May 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Nokia campus parking lot, located at 600 Mountain Avenue in New Providence. The parking lot is located across from Ryder Way.

All of Union County’s free shredding events are drive-up only and are available to all residents. No business documents are accepted at these events.

“The free shredding service makes it easy and convenient for Union County residents to dispose of sensitive documents while also supporting our countywide recycling efforts, and we encourage everyone to participate in our 2022 recycling programs,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

As with each of Union County’s free shredding events, the May 14 event is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. It will conclude at 1:00 p.m., but may finish earlier if the shredding trucks fill up to capacity.

Participants are reminded pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted. Bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia should be removed.

Drivers must remain in their cars while staff unloads their papers, which are shredded on site in a mobile shredding truck.

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

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

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 more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – April 21, 2022 — Residents seeking information about services for seniors and their care givers can come to Union County’s Aging Services Kiosk events and meet in person with professional staff for guidance on senior programs and resources, including help with filling out applications and forms.

ASK is a program of the Union County Department of Human Services through the Division on Aging and Disability Resources, serving seniors age 60-plus and their care givers.

“ASK is a popular program that brings our staff to local neighborhoods, making it easy and convenient for seniors and their caregivers to meet with a knowledgeable expert in person,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

Staff at the ASK events can help seniors and care givers connect with a variety of services including home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care and support services for caregivers.

Any Union County senior or care giver can visit any ASK event, regardless of their home town.

No appointment or pre-registration is needed.

Two ASK events will take place in May:

1. Thursday, May 12: Union Public Library, 1060 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union Township, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
2. Monday, May 16: Clark Public Library, 303 Westfield Avenue, Clark, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

To check for other upcoming ASK events call the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection 1-888-280-8226 toll free or visit the Division online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

ASK updates are also posted on Union County’s social media channels and are frequently carried by local media, both print and digital.

The goal of the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection is to promote wellness, independence, dignity and choice for seniors and their families, in accordance with a statewide initiative adopted by Union County in 2012. It is one of 622 “Area Agencies on Aging” nationwide established under the federal Older Americans Act.   

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – April 20, 2022 — Union County’s popular Wild Earth Fest and Touch-a-Truck events are returning to the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside for the first time in two years. Both events will be held on Sunday, May 1, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., rain or shine. Please note that pets are not permitted at these events.

“Wild Earth Fest is a unique event that combines hands-on fun, games, music and magic with new opportunities to learn and interact with our natural surroundings, helping to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship here in the Union County community and globally, too,” said County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

This year, Wild Earth Fest features up-close experiences with live animals including:

Swift Farms Petting Zoo is bringing a variety of baby chicks, goats, rabbits, calves, lambs and other soft and fluffy animals.

Jenkinson’s Aquarium in Point Pleasant is bringing their traveling “touch tank” stocked with a horseshoe crab, pencil sea urchin, sea star and whelk. 

Falconer Brian Bradley of “Skyhunters in Flight” will present birds of prey at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Unique Creatures will present live reptiles, mammals, birds and insects from all over the world at 2:30 p.m.

Magician Joe Fischer will entertain audiences at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. with “Earth Day, Every Day, The Magic Way,” featuring magical solutions to pollution.

The Spicy Poblanos will also perform live music throughout the day. Featuring Dave Stefanic and Bob Gilmartin, this acoustic band entertains all ages with classic rock, 80’s pop, country, rhythm & blues and more.

Wild Earth Fest offers many other hands-on activities throughout the day:

• Ride down a giant inflatable slide
• Take home a plant to help keep the Earth clean and green
• Discover the art of Gyotaku by creating a colorful fish print.
• Play skee-ball, basketball, volleyball and other games in the “Recycling Olympics”
• New this year: Child’s Play Challenge Course, a portable ninja-style obstacle course designed to challenge agility, coordination, balance, speed and endurance.

Along with the hands-on fun, attendees can peruse exhibitions and information tables from Toadshade Wildflower Farm, the New Jersey State Park Service and Forest Fire Service, Friends of the Great Swamp, Union County Master Gardeners, 4-H Master Tree Stewards, Neshanic Valley Beekeeper, Union County Future Farmers of America and much more.

Green-themed art will be on display and eco-friendly gifts such as candles, homemade soaps, beeswax products and native plants and seeds will be available for purchase.

To round out the festivities, a food truck will be on site all day along with ice cream and kettle corn.

Wild Earth Fest will take place on the grounds of Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center in the Watchung Reservation, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Admission is free for ages six and under, and $5.00 for ages seven and up.

Admission to Wild Earth Fest also covers the Touch-a-Truck event, located a short walk away at The Loop playground complex. Please note that horns and sirens will not be sounded during the event, out of consideration for all attendees. A food truck and an ice cream truck will be on site for those wishing to purchase a snack.

For more details about “Wild Earth Fest” or other upcoming programs or events at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org/trailside.

Wild Earth Fest, Touch-a-Truck and Trailside are programs of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For information about all activities and programs, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

Quick links to other environmental activities and programs hosted by Union County 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 free vaccination, free testing, 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – April 20, 2022 — Bird watchers and nature fans can now enjoy Union County’s free Falcon Cam livestream on a new website at ucnj.org/falcon. The new site features live inside/outside views of the peregrine falcon nest on the roof of the Courthouse Tower in midtown Elizabeth along with news, updates, factoids and other information about the fierce raptor, known for its high speed dives of more than 240 miles per hour.

The Courthouse Tower nest has been occupied by a pair of peregrine falcons every year since 2006. The pair in residence this year is watching over four eggs, which are expected to hatch one by one in the coming weeks.

“Union County has been part of the peregrine falcon restoration effort for more than 15 years,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “We are very proud to continue partnering with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, and Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, to connect our residents with the experience of these magnificent birds and raise awareness about their significance to conservation efforts around the world.”

Along with the free livestream, the new Falcon Cam website includes:

• Educational resources for teachers to download and use in their classrooms.
• Information on how to help this bird of prey, which is still on the New Jersey Endangered Species List.
• A clickable link that enables members of the public to ask questions about peregrine falcons and get answers from a wildlife biologist.
• A behind the scenes look at the installation of new cameras and microphones from the top of the County Courthouse.
• New photos and videos.

Peregrine falcons were common in New Jersey and other states east of the Mississippi River until the 1950’s, when the pesticide DDT began to take its toll. DDT was finally banned in 1973. By then, peregrine falcons had disappeared from New Jersey and the entire eastern region, and they were put on the federal Endangered Species list.

The falcons did not begin to make a comeback in New Jersey until the 1980’s, when conservationists launched a successful reintroduction strategy.

Union County became involved in the conservation effort in 2005, when a pair of peregrine falcons tried to establish a nest on the roof of the Courthouse Tower. They were most likely attracted by the commanding views of the surrounding area, but the attempt was thwarted by windy conditions.

To help ensure success if the falcons tried again, Union County worked with the Division of Fish and Wildlife, and Conserve Wildlife Foundation to install a nesting box at the same location.

Two falcons did take up residence in the nesting box in 2006, but activity inside the nest remained a mystery until 2016, when Union County worked with its two partners to install web cams and set up free livestreams on the County website.

Since then, keeping watch for a new clutch of eggs to hatch has become a rite of spring for Union County residents of all ages, and visitors from all over the world.

For information about other nature education programs offered by Union County, visit the Trailside Nature and Science Center online at ucnj.org/trailside.

For more information about Conserve Wildlife Foundation visit conservewildlifenj.org.

Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County 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 free vaccination, free testing, 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.