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 2019.
The Environmental Education Center (EEC) was fortunate to have nine eleven
different corporate groups working on a variety of outdoor projects. Petra Cephas, Celgene, Kneipp, Alight Solutions,
Allergen Pharmaceutical, AM Best, Ingredion, YPD Youth Group, GlaxoSmith Kline,
and Ridge High School students removed invasive plants, weeded, mulched,
conducted garden clean ups, and planted native plant species. Johnson &
Johnson painted a newly installed fence along with animal tracks in the
Discovery Garden and REI demolished and reconstructed the decking on the West
Observation Tower.
To date, six Eagle Scout candidates have completed Service Projects at the
EEC in 2019. Aiden Auer, Troop 28, constructed and installed five bat boxes
throughout EEC property. Evan D’Aprile,
Troop 90, resupplied nine existing pollinator boxes with nesting material,
constructed and installed four new boxes, and built new frames for pollinator signs. Andrew Noviello, Troop 46, constructed
a brand new floating dock for Esox Pond.
Luka Batljan, Troop 28, built six new benches and constructed an outdoor
classroom area for Lily Pad Pond. Nick
Casey, Troop 351, demolished and re-built a partially collapsed section of
footbridge along the blue trail. Brandon
Mark, Troop 54, constructed a “Welcome to the Discovery Garden” sign, and is
currently working on a matching one for the Boondocks Boardwalk. Owen Mays, Joe Doherty, and Michael Barth of
Troop 54, Janak Munshi of Troop 351, and Vivek Chakrapani of Troop 134
completed boy scout conservation service hours at the EEC by removing invasive
plant species, removing old piping, and planting native trees.
Rutgers
Environmental Steward, Raymond Croot, constructed 16 wood duck boxes and is
actively monitoring them each nesting season.
Maureen Merrill, a second Rutgers Environmental Steward created
recycling signage for the Park Commission and conducted a recycling audit at
the 4H Fair. Individual volunteers from
the area high schools including Ridge High School, Oak Knoll, Rutgers
Preparatory School, 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 Gretchen Rotondo, at 908-722-1200, ext. 5323 or NJ Relay at 711
for individuals with a hearing or speech impairment. For volunteer
opportunities outside of the EEC contact the Park Rangers at 908-722-1200
ext. 5122.
