Union County Seeks Volunteers for 4-H Master Tree Steward Program

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is accepting applications for its 4-H Master Tree Steward program, which trains volunteers to teach tree lessons to fourth-grade students each spring. No prior experience is required. The program combines training, hands-on learning, and classroom teaching opportunities.

Union County Life covers volunteer opportunities and civic programs across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Program Overview and Cost

Accepted applicants pay a $35 administrative fee, which covers the full program including a tree identification guide, training, classroom materials, and a Master Tree Steward certificate upon completion.

Training Schedule

The 2026 fall training series runs every Wednesday from September 2 through December 9, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., except on any Wednesday that falls on a holiday. Sessions consist mainly of guided walks in nearby parks and nature reserves, along with easy reading assignments, indoor classes, and a simple project. No specialized equipment or prior knowledge is necessary to participate.

Volunteer Teaching Opportunities

Once certified, volunteers are qualified to visit fourth-grade classrooms on Wednesdays from January to June. Each volunteer chooses six dates for school visits. Presentations run approximately one hour and typically take place from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. The program supplies a complete lesson plan, posters, seeds, and other materials for those visits.

Program Purpose and Impact

The program is part of a statewide effort under the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek noted that Master Tree Stewards help young people understand the connection between responsible stewardship and its effects on future generations.

How to Apply

To apply or learn more, 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 Rutgers Cooperative Extension programs, including Master Gardeners, Environmental Stewards, and 4-H clubs for youth, is available at ucnj.org/rce.

Find more Union County volunteer and civic opportunities on Union County Life.

3. GEO-OPTIMIZED SEO TITLE

Union County Master Tree Steward Volunteer Program — 4-H Training 2026

4. META DESCRIPTION (150–160 characters)

Rutgers Cooperative Extension Union County opens applications for 4-H Master Tree Steward volunteer program. Training Wednesdays Sept. 2-Dec. 9. $35 fee.

Character count: 153 ✓

5. URL SLUG

/union-county-nj/master-tree-steward-volunteer-program-2026

6. QUICK FACTS (Volunteer Program Template)

7. FAQ (AEO-Optimized)

Q: How can I volunteer as a Master Tree Steward?
A: Apply to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Master Tree Steward program. Contact 4-H Youth Development Agent James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 ext. 3 or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

Q: When is the Master Tree Steward training?
A: Training runs Wednesdays from September 2 through December 9, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with no sessions on Wednesdays falling on holidays.

Q: How much does the Master Tree Steward program cost?
A: There is a $35 administrative fee, which covers the full training program, tree identification guide, classroom materials, and Master Tree Steward certificate.

Q: Do I need experience to be a Master Tree Steward?
A: No. No prior experience is required. The program provides all necessary training and materials.

Q: What do Master Tree Stewards do?
A: After training, volunteers visit fourth-grade classrooms on Wednesdays from January to June, teaching tree lessons using provided materials. Each volunteer chooses 6 dates for classroom visits.

Q: What happens during the training?
A: Training sessions consist of guided walks in nearby parks and nature reserves, easy reading assignments, indoor classes, and a simple project. Sessions run Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Q: How long are classroom visits?
A: Teaching presentations run approximately one hour, typically from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Q: What materials are provided for teaching?
A: The program provides complete lesson plans, posters, seeds, and other classroom materials for all teaching visits.

Q: Where can I learn more about other Rutgers Cooperative Extension programs?
A: Visit ucnj.org/rce for information on Master Gardeners, Environmental Stewards, and 4-H youth clubs.