UNION COUNTY, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to join the master tree stewards of Union County. Union County residents who are looking for a fun and rewarding civic service project can join the 4-H Master Tree Steward program and learn how to “speak for the trees.”
“Through our master tree stewards, students are gifted with enriching educational experiences and essential messages concerning trees and the environment,” said Commissioner Chairperson Sergio Granados. “This lesson instills a sense of appreciation and stewardship that young minds can cherish as they grow into adulthood, ultimately benefiting our community and the greater world for generations to come.”
Master tree stewards are community volunteers who visit fourth-grade classrooms each spring to present an interactive lesson on trees. No experience is needed. All training and classroom materials are provided by the Master Tree Steward program.
Master tree stewards can also organize additional projects, such as the educational “Tree Trails” in Union County parks.
Each fall, the Master Tree Steward program offers a series of training sessions, consisting mainly of guided walks in nearby parks and nature reserves. Easy reading assignments, indoor classes and a simple project are also part of the program. The entire program, including a tree identification guide, is covered by a $25 administrative fee.
Applicants who complete the series obtain a master tree steward certificate and are qualified to teach lessons about trees to fourth-grade classrooms in the spring. The program provides a complete lesson plan along with posters, seeds and other supplies.
The 2023 fall training series will meet every Wednesday, Sept. 6 to Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., except for any holiday that falls on a Wednesday.
The fourth-grade classroom visit schedule takes place on Wednesdays from January to June. Certified master tree stewards are requested to choose six dates for their visits. Each visit takes approximately one hour, typically from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
A list of Tree Trails in Union County parks is available at ucnj.org/parks-recreation/tree-trails. To apply or for more information, contact Union County 4-H Youth Development at James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854, ext. 3, or [email protected]
The Master Tree Steward program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, as part of a statewide program under the umbrella of the Rutgers New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station. For information on all extension programs in Union County, including master gardeners, environmental stewards and 4-H clubs for youth, visit www.ucnj.org/rce.