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.

The Middlesex County Conservation Corps kept busy in 2025! More than 14,500 pounds of litter and debris were collected from along the Raritan River in Johnson Park, the shoreline of Manalapan Lake at Thompson Park, and the shores of Raritan Bay. Volunteer groups planted 172 native trees and shrubs at several locations in Ireland Brook Conservation Area, Jamesburg Park Conservation Area, Spring Lake Park, and the Dismal Brook Preserve. 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, Ireland Brook Conservation Area, and other County parklands. Six Eagle Scout projects were completed this year on County properties. A footbridge was installed along the Disc Golf course at Thompson Park, an archway was installed at the red trail at Thompson Park to make it more inviting for hikers, a bike rack was installed at Roosevelt Park, a set of benches with a built in chess table was donated to Merrill Park, and two different scout projects involved constructing and installing nest boxes for several species of native birds. We also had three trail patrol volunteers donate their time to help keep Ireland Brook Conservation Area, Thompson Park, Tamarack Hollow, John A. Phillip’s Preserve, and Heathcote Meadows clear of hazards for park users.

In 2025, 1,130 people volunteered their time, which totaled 5,294 hours. According to the non-profit group Independent Sector—each hour donated is equal to about $34.79! This means that the value of our 2025 volunteer’s efforts is more than $184,178!

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

Fall 2026 Volunteer Events

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