master tree stewards

tive 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 pro- gram 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 jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org<mailto:jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org>.

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.