Park Commission Thanks Volunteers

The Somerset County Park Commission is all about the people of Somerset County who visit the parks by the millions annually. The enjoyment of the parks is due to the efforts of employees and volunteers who assure that every visit to the parks exceeds expectations. While active and passive parks and programs and activities rely on both of these groups, it is the volunteers who are a most cherished resource.

Volunteer opportunities are available in every facet of the Park Commission. Individuals interested in wildlife and resource conservation may participate in park cleanup projects and trail construction and maintenance projects. The Volunteer Park Patrol plays an important role in maintaining trails at Washington Valley Park and the Sourland Mountain Preserve by patrolling for safety hazards and trail erosion. There are also opportunities for individuals in garden docent programs, planting, general maintenance, horse grooming, and stable cleaning.

The Park Commission welcomes volunteers with skills and interest in athletics, crafts, dance, cooking, and theater and vocal arts. Volunteers help with the Junior Golf summer program, serve as Naturalists assistants, help out with the Therapeutic Recreation programs, and assist with equestrian classes. Volunteers also support special events, helping with facilities setup and breakdown, and parking.

Scout, school, and corporate groups contributed thousands of hours in 2017. The Environmental Education Center (EEC) was fortunate to have nine different corporate groups working on a variety of outdoor projects.  Portfolio Evaluations, Jersey Cares, and Ingredion all worked to complete a large renovation and restoration project in the Discovery Garden an educational native plant garden. Applegate and BASF removed invasive plants and re-planted the area with bare root native trees. Enbridge, Janssen, GlaxoSmithKline, and REI assisted with rebuilding the Boondocks Boardwalk Trail, with REI also volunteering at the Sourland Smackdown. Oak Knoll School students did a fall cleanup of the native plant and rain gardens in front of the EEC building.

Five Eagle Scout candidates have completed or will complete their Service Projects at the EEC in 2017. James McCarron, Troop 28 built and mapped Bluebird boxes and Wood Duck boxes. Julien Wadhwa, Troop 555 created a life-size wing span chart of native birds. John Kavouras, Troop 83 built a kiosk and bluebird boxes. William Bigham, Troop 28 created a children’s nature discovery area in the Discovery Garden. Jason Quinn, Troop 351 is nearing completion of the new one-mile Orange Trail. A group of scouts from Troop 154 replaced the trail maps on all of the EEC trails. Additionally, Zachary Wyman, Troop 351, built and installed bat boxes at the Ross Farm and Brandon Pierson, Troop 555, built and installed compost bins and garden paths at the Ross Farm.

Individual volunteers from the area high schools including Ridge High School, Oak Knoll, and Watchung Hills Regional High School assisted year round at the EEC with park maintenance and beautification, Naturalists Programs, and Special Events.

For information on volunteer opportunities at the EEC for individuals, groups, or companies, please contact Jane Bodnar, at 908-766-2489, ext 323 or NJ Relay at 711 for individuals with a hearing or speech impairment. For volunteer opportunities outside of the EEC contact Dave Dendler at 908-231-0802 ext 22.