Commissioner James R. Kern III joined the New Jersey Youth Corps of Phillipsburg at Bread Lock Park on Saturday, June 9, as the group celebrated National Trails Day and the 40th anniversary of the New Jersey Youth Corps.

National Trails Day, organized by the American Hiking Society, is the largest single-day celebration of trails in the United States. It highlights the importance of trails for recreation, conservation, and community. As part of the celebration, the Youth Corps of Phillipsburg spent the day working at Bread Lock Park in Franklin Township, where they helped maintain a section of the Morris Canal Greenway Trail by installing new trail blazes and clearing overgrown vegetation along the historic route.

In honor of National Trails Day, Warren County is proud to celebrate its vast and growing network of more than 30,000 acres of preserved federal, state, county, municipal, and nonprofit parklands, and 100+ miles of publicly accessible trails. Residents and visitors are invited to discover these rich outdoor resources – ranging from peaceful riverside paths to rugged mountain hikes – throughout the year and especially this summer.

Warren County’s trails include some of the state’s most scenic and historically significant routes, such as the Appalachian Trail, the Paulinskill Valley Trail, the Warren Highlands Trail, and the Morris Canal Greenway Trail. These trails offer year-round opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, birdwatching, and more, while protecting wildlife habitat, enhancing quality of life, and connecting communities.

Commissioner Kern presented the Corps with a proclamation from the Warren County Board of County Commissioners to honor their 40-year anniversary. The New Jersey Youth Corps is a state-funded program offering young adults a second chance to earn a high school diploma while gaining work experience and serving their communities. The Phillipsburg chapter has been a vital contributor to Warren County’s park and trail systems since the early 2000s.

“We are incredibly proud of the collaborative efforts that keeps our trails safe, beautiful, and accessible,” said Commissioner Kern. “I cannot thank the young men and women of the youth corps enough for the work that they do. It’s a testament to how much you achieve when you work hard and work together.”

“This is real, hands-on work that makes a lasting impact,” said Michael Muckle, Director of the NJ Youth Corps of Phillipsburg. “Our members learn the value of teamwork, stewardship, and service – and they leave their mark in a very tangible way.”

The New Jersey Youth Corps program has engaged participants, known as “Corps members”, in more than 4.7 million hours of community service volunteerism over 40 years, representing a $170.3 million return on investment to New Jersey communities per the valuation of volunteer time. In Warren County, more than 500 Corps members have acquired their High School Equivalency through the program, which has provided nearly 300,000 hours of service.

Warren County continues to build on its outdoor legacy, with active efforts to expand and link trails such as the Warren Highlands Trail, the Morris Canal Greenway, the developing Lehigh and Hudson Rail Trail, and other regional connectors. These investments not only support recreation and conservation, they also boost the local economy and public health.

“Parks and trails are more than just green space,” said Corey Tierney, Warren County Preservation Director. “They support clean air and water, promote physical and mental wellness, attract visitors and businesses, and connect our communities in ways that roads and buildings can’t. National Trails Day is a great reminder of how important it is to preserve and enjoy these shared public treasures.”

County Commissioner Kern encouraged everyone to get outside and explore the incredible beauty that Warren County has to offer. “Visit one of our 10 amazing county parks, with dozens of miles of trails, or venture out to the many outstanding state, federal, and local lands right here in our backyard,” he said. “National Trails Day is a great opportunity to reconnect with nature and see firsthand why we work so hard to protect and maintain these special places.”

To learn more about Warren County’s trail systems, obtain maps, or explore volunteer opportunities, visit warrenparks.com or contact the Warren County Department of Land Preservation at (908) 475-7750.