Union County and Scouting America Team Up for Successful Second Annual Operation WRIP

Union County, in partnership with the Patriots' Path Council of Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America), hosted the second annual Operation WRIP (Watchung Reservation Invasive Plant removal) service project on Saturday, April 5, in the Watchung Reservation.

"Operation WRIP is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when community, youth, and local government come together for a shared purpose," said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. "We are proud to support programs that protect our environment, engage young leaders, and strengthen the bond between our residents and our County parks."

Participation surged this year with 261 volunteers-nearly double last year's turnout-including Scouts and their families, Trail Stewards, members of the Beta Pi Phi sorority, WRIP Team members, County staff, and representatives from the Scout Council.

The project targeted invasive multiflora rosa and Japanese barberry shrubs-thorny, fast-growing plants that crowd out native species and can even harbor ticks that spread Lyme disease. By mid-spring, these are among the only green plants in the Reservation, making them easier to identify and remove.

"We were thrilled to see such a tremendous turnout from so many different communities," said Daniel J. Bernier, Director of the Union County Division of Park Environmental Services. "Events like Operation WRIP show the power of collaboration in protecting our environment while providing young people with a meaningful way to give back."

Volunteers gathered at 8:30 a.m. at the Trailside amphitheater for a safety and work briefing, before carpooling to 15 designated sites throughout the park. Despite brief rain, the majority of volunteers stayed through noon, successfully eliminating an estimated 2,400 invasive shrubs.

The event drew participation from 26 Scout troops and Cub Scout packs representing Union, Somerset, Middlesex, Morris, and Hudson Counties. In addition to environmental benefits, Scouts earned service hours and strengthened leadership skills. Four troops extended their stay with a weekend campout in the park's Scout Camping Area.

For more information about future volunteer opportunities in Union County parks, visit ucnj.org/parks.