Middlesex County’s Parks and Open Space lands are protected and supported by thousands of citizens who volunteer with the Middlesex County Conservation Corps. Since its inception in 2006, Conservation Corps volunteers have helped build hiking trails, eradicate invasive species, clean litter, and improve habitat for wildlife throughout the County. These volunteers not only better our parks and public lands, but they also save taxpayers thousands of dollars.

Middlesex County Conservation Corps put in a great deal of effort in 2023. More than 8,500 pounds of litter and debris were collected from along the Raritan River in Johnson Park, along the shoreline of Manalapan Lake at Thompson Park, and from the shores of the Raritan Bay. Volunteer groups planted 65 native trees and shrubs at several locations in Ireland Brook Conservation Area. Students from elementary schools up to local colleges donated their time improving our natural areas through litter patrols and invasive species removal at Thompson Park, Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, Roosevelt Park, Johnson Park, and Ireland Brook Conservation Area. Two Eagle Scout projects were completed this year on County properties. A footbridge was replaced at Thompson Conservation Area allowing for a safer and more accessible crossing, and another bridge was added at Davidson’s Mill Pond Park to create a more sustainable and user-friendly trail.  Several Master Gardeners volunteered their expertise to assist with caring for habitat restoration projects and two County residents assisted with the Bluebird Trails at John A. Phillips Park and Thompson Park.

In 2023 alone, more than 550 people volunteered their time, which totaled 1,867 hours. According to the non-profit group Independent Sector—each hour donated is equal to about $31.80! This means that the value of our 2023 volunteer’s efforts is more than $59,370!

How to volunteer

Each year, in the spring and fall, we offer three main volunteer events to which we invite the community to come to help out. Volunteers can also join the crew during regular workdays on Saturdays in the spring and fall, and Monday through Friday during the summer. The dates and times are flexible.

Volunteer work occurs year-round with several different opportunities that may include plant and animal inventories, trail monitoring, invasive plant removal, and native plant restoration, trash clean-ups, and more. We can also arrange special projects for groups. Past projects have included trail work, tree planting, beach sweeps, and help with conservation and recreation efforts on Earth Day and National Trails Day.

No particular skills are required. However, volunteer candidates should have an interest in and enjoyment of being outdoors. Volunteering is open to everyone willing to get out into nature, get dirty, and get it done! If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with the Middlesex County Conservation Corps, call Julia DeRosso at 732-745-8147 or email Julia.DeRosso@co.middlesex.nj.us.

Trail Patrol Volunteer Flyer

To volunteer; download, fill out, and mail the application to:

Julia DeRosso
Conservation Corps Coordinator
PO Box 661
New Brunswick, NJ 08903
Fax (732) 745-4592
Conservation Volunteer Application [coming soon]
Conservation Volunteer Agreement

If you have any questions or would like any additional information about the Conservation Corps, please contact Julia DeRosso at 732-745-8147.

Volunteering Events