The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, along with the Trailside Museum Association, will once again pair up to honor and recognize some of Union County’s environmental heroes as part of Trailside Nature and Science Center’s annual Wild Earth Fest Event on Sunday, April 24.
This is a special year to honor these heroes as Trailside celebrates its 75th year of environmental education. This year you can easily nominate an environmental hero online at www.ucnj.org/trailside and click on the Wild Earth Fest tab.
“Honoring those in our community who take the initiative and make the effort to care for our environment, gives encouragement to others and models good practices for all of us to follow,” says Freeholder Chairman.
Last year’s environmental heroes represented an impressive array of people of all ages and collaborations whose endeavors are bettering the earth and creating an eco-friendly society. Last year’s winners included The Jefferson Elementary School Green Team, initiated by two third-graders who were fed up with litter around their school collected the trash in large bags. They inspired others in the school to follow them, forming a ‘Green Team” which encourages students to reduce, reuse and recycle. In addition the team has been making arts and crafts out of recycled materials, having been instructed by the “Talking Trash” program offered at Trailside.
Matthew Lombardo, another winner, has been involved with the Boy Scouts of America since he was in first grade. Matt completed his Eagle Scout Project this past year, in which he constructed monofilament containers which collected fishing line in popular fishing areas. These containers kept fishing line off the ground and out of the water, ensuring safety for plants, animals and people who use the park.
“It is important that we honor those who take time to make sure the wonderful green spaces that we enjoy today, remain for others to enjoy in the future,” said Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman.
Do you know an environmental hero in your community? Participants may nominate individuals or groups who have taken action for environmental change in their community. All nominations for the Environmental Hero Award must be received by Friday, April 8, 2016 and should be submitted online at www.ucnj.org/trailside.
Along with certificates of recognition for their work, the Trailside Museum Association board members will once again award prizes to the winners of the Environmental Hero Award at Wild Earth Fest on Sunday, April 24 2016.
For additional information on the Environmental Hero Award or other upcoming programs or events, call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit online at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
Photo: Union County