Somerset County Board of Freeholders
The public is invited to learn about Somerset County through a variety of informational displays and activities at county locations during National County Government Week (May 3-9).
Somerset County will join government on the national, state and local levels in celebrating National County Government Week to raise public awareness and understanding about county government. This year’s theme is “Greening Our Future.”
“We hope that now that the warmer weather is finally here, the public will come out and enjoy some of the planned activities and pick up information about the many programs, services and events the county offers throughout the year,” said Freeholder Director Rick Fontana. County Government Week is a major venue for us to get the word out about what county government offers.”
“National County Government Week was first held in 1991, and Somerset County has proudly participated every year since its inception,” he said.
A display hosted by the Somerset County Freeholders /Public Information Office with literature from many county divisions will be set up in the lobby of the Somerset County Bridgewater Library at the corner of North Bridge Street and Vogt Drive in Bridgewater, May 3-9. Call 908-526-4016 or visit www.somerset.lib.nj.us for library hours.
Also, four displays will be set up the week of May 4 in the lobby of the county administration building at 20 Grove St. in Somerville, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free parking is available in the adjacent Bernie Field Parking Deck on East High Street.
The County Clerk’s Office will display entries submitted by county fourth graders in its “My County” poster contest. Posters express what is special and unique about Somerset County and how it relates to county government. Additionally the Consumer Protection Office will have an informational table.
In the art gallery, the Planning Division will feature a display of energy-efficient initiatives in Somerset County and the Somerset County Energy Council will feature various case studies.
Also, on Saturday, May 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Solid Waste Management Division will hold a Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Day at the Warren Township Public Works Garage, located at 1 Bardy Road.
The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center (EEC) will hold a number of programs to excite the senses through walks, birding, art classes and organic eating. Registration may be done in-person by visiting the EEC at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge or by calling 908-766-2489, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
EEC programs include: Tree Time, for ages 7-9. Monday, May 4, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Take a walk with a Naturalist and learn about trees that surround us. Participants can collect leaves from each tree and create their own tree ID book. Fee: $9.
Duke Island River Walk Loop,children to age 3, with a parent. Wednesday, May 6, 11 a.m. to Noon. Enjoy an explosion of color and life near the river. Walk the easy loop with a Naturalist and discover all Mother Nature has to offer. Fee: $10 per pair and $5 per additional child.
Crafty with Nature, for ages 3-5, with a parent. Wednesday, May 6, 10:30 -11:30 a.m. Young artists are encouraged to let their creative juices flow. Paint, clay, and leaves will be a few of the mediums used to create masterpieces. Fee: $10 per pair and $5 per additional child.
Birding Along the Canal,for adults. Thursday, May 7, 6:30-8 a.m. Stroll with a Naturalist along the Delaware and Raritan Canal to search for birds and their food sources. Fee: $12.
Our Earth. Saturday, May 9, 10:30 a.m.-Noon. Topic: “Eating Organic.” Free program. Pre-registration is required.
The Somerset County Park Rangers will host an interpretive 3-5 mile hike of the Sourland Mountain Preserve in Hillsborough and Montgomery townships. Friday, May 8, 4-6 p.m. Pre-registration by May 1 is recommended. For information, contact Christine Biskey at 908-231-0802 ext. 24 or [email protected].
For information about County Government Week, contact Joanne Vuoso of the Public Information Office at 908-231-7020.

