(UNION COUNTY, NJ) -- Calling all hikers, joggers, dog walkers, photographers, nature lovers, environmentalists and all residents who enjoy the rustic trails in Union County parks: the Union County Board of County Commissioners is looking for new volunteers to join the Union County Trail Steward Adopt-a-Trail program.

Each Trail Steward adopts a section of trail in a Union County park of their choice. The Union County parks system covers 36 different parks in all 21 municipalities including the picturesque Watchung Reservation with miles of rustic hiking trails.

“Generations of Union County residents have worked to create, preserve, protect and expand our public parks, and today we all enjoy this incredible gift of nature right at our doorsteps,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “We care deeply about continuing to protect this legacy, and we could not do it without the help of our Adopt a Trail volunteers. We truly appreciate their work, and we encourage everyone with an interest in our parks to help pitch in by joining the Trail Stewards.”

To learn more about becoming a Trail Steward, residents can attend an orientation session on Saturday, February 4, from 9:00 am to noon, at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Current Trail Stewards are also invited to attend.

To register for the session online, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/stewards-meeting.

Anyone age 18 and older can sign up to become a Trail Steward. The Trails Stewards walk their adopted trail on a regular basis to look for trouble spots. They pick up litter and fallen branches, clear leaves from blocking culverts, and cut back intrusive vegetation. A minimum of four walks per year is requested.

Trail Stewards also report erosion, fallen trees and other significant obstructions to be handled by County staff or the volunteer Chain Saw Crew.   

The Adopt-A-Trail Program is administered by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information about the Trail Steward program and other volunteer conservation activities in Union County parks, call the Division of Park Environmental Services at 908-789-3683 or email [email protected].

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 free vaccination, free testing 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.