'I Heart NJ Parks' campaign takes flight
From the Highlands to the Pinelands, our state is teeming with wild and beautiful places. As part of the beginning of summer, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe and Division of Parks and Forestry staff have kicked off the “I Heart NJ Parks” social media campaign.
Through this campaign, visitors can highlight their favorite parks through their personal social media accounts. Visitors can also go to the New Jersey State Parks’ Facebook page to add a temporary frame to their Facebook profile photo that proclaims, “I Heart NJ Parks.”
“Whether you live in an urban or rural area, there is probably a state park nearby where you can have fun and experience firsthand New Jersey’s natural resources and rich history,” McCabe said. “We hope your visit to a state park, forest, or historic site this summer becomes the first of many throughout the year.”
With more than 450,000 acres in the State Park system, there are numerous opportunities for recreation such as walking and horseback riding to cycling and kayaking. Parks provide health and fitness opportunities, outdoor classrooms to study nature, greenways for wildlife conservation, links to history and regional tourism opportunities.
“While out in a state park this weekend, take a selfie, post it on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #IHeartNJparks and describe what you love about your park,” said Division of Parks and Forestry Director Olivia Glenn. “We hope that you create fond memories exploring our state’s historic and natural spaces with your friends and family this summer.”
The newly launched website features links to share your opinion on your most recent state park or forest visit, purchasing a state park pass, hiking and camping, and even how to volunteer to support and sustain our state parks and forests.
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The New Jersey Volunteers in Parks (VIP) Program was created to afford NJ citizens the unique opportunity to participate in the stewardship of the State's natural and historic resources. The VIP Program is comprised of individual volunteers and volunteer organizations. Applications for individual or organization volunteers can be downloaded at www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/volunteers.html. Volunteers enhance the experience of all visitors in the areas of education, interpretation, preservation, maintenance and outdoor recreation.
These state park volunteers can learn more about the history and natural resources of our state, gain experience and earn college credit through a high school or college academic area, provide community service, and even camp at a State Park Service campground free of charge while providing public information and assistance to campers and performing light maintenance.
If you enjoy working outdoors, clearing woodland trails, planting trees and shrubs, participating in living history events, landscaping and gardening in colonial and Victorian gardens, talking to visitors, greeting students, helping with nature walks, educational programs and events, or even assisting in the park office, then consider becoming a park volunteer.
To learn more about the I Heart NJ Parks campaign visit iheartnjparks.nj.gov.
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Green Intern Program
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is establishing the Green Interns Program to cultivate a collection of qualified candidates to fill critical occupations nationwide. Starting September 30, the program will provide recent graduates with an opportunity to start a career in the federal government while gaining valuable work experience and knowledge of environmental issues.
Throughout the program, interns will be supported through mentoring, formal interactive training and an Individual Development Plan. After completing the program, participants may be converted into permanent federal employees.
To be eligible for the program, candidates must have earned associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degrees or certificates from qualifying institutions and programs within the previous two years. Veterans are eligible to apply up to six years after completing their degree or certificate. Preference eligible veterans can apply two years after release or discharge from active duty.
Green Interns will qualify for conversion to either a 1-4-year term or permanent position once they have completed at least one year of continuous service and all other program requirements, demonstrated successful job performance and meet the qualifications for the permanent position to which they will be converted.
Those interested can apply at usajobs.gov and search for ‘green intern’ positions. Accepted candidates are expected to begin the program on September 30.
For additional information regarding the Green Interns Program, or to speak to EPA’s Green Interns Program Manager, please contact Piyachat Terrell at terrell.piyachat@epa.gov or 202-564-1856.
To learn more about the Green Interns Program, please visit www.epa.gov/careers/green-interns.
Nicholas Polanin is associate professor, agricultural agent II, Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Cooperative Extension of Somerset County. Email him at polanin@njaes.rutgers.edu.