UNION COUNTY, NJ — Union County residents interested in nature and volunteer work can apply for the 4-H Master Tree Steward program ahead of its fall training series.
The program prepares community volunteers to visit fourth-grade classrooms each spring and present an interactive lesson on trees.
No experience is needed.
Training and classroom materials are provided through the Master Tree Steward program, which is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County as part of a statewide program under the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.
"Master Tree Stewards are essential to this community," said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. "In addition to educating our youth about trees, they help young people understand the connection between responsible stewardship and its effects on future generations. We are grateful for the work that they do, and are looking forward to welcoming new and returning volunteers this September."
Each fall, the program offers a series of training sessions that consist mainly of guided walks in nearby parks and nature reserves.
Easy reading assignments, indoor classes and a simple project are also part of the training. The full program, including a tree identification guide, is covered by a $35 administrative fee.
Applicants who complete the training series receive a Master Tree Steward certificate.
They are then qualified to teach tree lessons to fourth grade classrooms in the spring.
The program also provides a complete lesson plan, along with posters, seeds and other supplies for classroom visits.
The 2026 fall training series is scheduled for every Wednesday from Sept. 2 through Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., except for any holiday that falls on a Wednesday.
Classroom visits for certified Master Tree Stewards take place on Wednesdays from January to June.
Certified volunteers are asked to choose six dates for those school visits. Each classroom presentation takes about one hour and typically runs from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Residents who want to apply or learn more can contact Union County 4-H Youth Development Agent James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854, ext. 3, or by email at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.
Information on other Union County Extension programs, including Master Gardeners, Environmental Stewards and 4-H clubs for youth, is available at ucnj.org/rce.
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