Park Commission Thanks Volunteers

The Somerset County Park Commission is all about the people of Somerset County including park visitors and the volunteers and employees 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.

The Environmental Education Center (EEC) in Basking Ridge is currently seeking volunteer teens age 14 and over after school and on weekends, and adults to assist with Naturalists Programs, Gardening, Docent, Trail Maintenance, Park Maintenance, and more.

Scout, school, and corporate groups contributed thousands of hours in 2016.

Corporate groups from Aon Hewitt, L’Oreal, and PSE&G worked on an ongoing project to remove invasive plants and plant tree seedlings in a sensitive natural area. A corporate group from REI placed Belgium block curbing around a stone path in the arboretum as part of a beautification project in the EEC gardens. Montgomery Township High School Environmental Club students worked on a habitat restoration project. Oak Knoll School students planted native wild flowers as a school volunteer project.

Four Eagle Scout candidates completed their Service Projects at the EEC. Andrew Ingling, Troop 351 built pollinator boxes to provide protection and resting places for pollinating insects. Evan Kupsch, Troop 555 created a display of old farm equipment from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Kyle Watkins, Troop 555 replaced trail maps and markers and added new connector trail markers to the EEC trail system. Ben Hands, Troop 56 completed a restoration project on the West Observation Blind including building bluebird boxes and creating two information boards. Girl Scout Troop 60803 created a colonial garden in the educational garden area and Sravanthi Polavarapu Girl Scout Troop 80882 earned her Gold Award by building and planting a vertical garden.

Individual volunteers from the area high schools including Ridge High, Oak Knoll, Watchung Hills Regional, and Montgomery Township 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.