By Greg Forester, Staff Writer
Tennis or a naturalist-led tour, anyone?
The Mercer County Park Commission announced plans to offer additional recreational opportunities for county residents last week, including a new tennis program and an expanded lineup of park activities including walks led by the county’s naturalists.
The county’s new park program is aimed at getting more residents out on county’s parklands, which are considered an underused asset, according to county officials. The program offers trail hikes what are known as “Sunday Strolls”, which are relaxed family-oriented trailside programs, and “Tuesday Treks” consist of more invigorating hikes.
For more information on the program please visit http://nj.gov/counties/mercer/commissions/park/natureprog.html or call (609) 989-6540.
The tennis program, part of the United States Tennis Association’s Tennis Night in America campaign, aims to get some of the county’s youngest residents involved in tennis as part of the county’s commitment to health and fitness, although residents of all ages are invited to take part in the program.
Sign-ups have already begun for the county program, which offers people of all ages an opportunity to play tennis during the spring and summer months.
”Tennis is a sport that almost anyone can learn, and our Mercer County tennis facility offers classes for athletes of all ages,” County Executive Brian Hughes said.
Residents can register for the program at http://register.communitypass.net/mercer.
In other county news, the Mercer County Wildlife Center seeks individuals willing to volunteer their time to care for some of the many animals brought to the Hopewell Township facility.
The center, which accepted nearly 2,000 birds and other wildlife in 2008 and receives more than 11,000 phone calls annually, relies heavily upon the support of volunteers and a paid full-time wildlife rehabilitator and two full-time assistants.
The center currently relies on three volunteer veterinarians and is looking for other animal lovers to provide additional support. To work directly with animals, volunteers must be at least 18 years old, have a current tetanus vaccine, and attend an orientation session. Volunteers are expected to work once a week for four hours from April through October.
Please contact Volunteer Coordinator Nicole Bencivengo at (609) 397-8435 for more information.
Also, county officials announced the Howell Living History Farm’s team of oxen will be back in Trenton on April 7 for the annual Spring Tillage at the Chestnut Avenue Garden of Three Points in Trenton.
The oxen, named Chris and Jake, will show attendees how plowing was accomplished at the turn of the century.
Children from the city’s Grant Elementary School will be on hand to watch the team at work.
This county has taken part in the event for more than two decades, according to Parks Executive Director Kevin B. Brannon.

