NJ Fish & Wildlife Instagram

NJ Parks & Forests Instagram

Middlesex County EARTH Center to offer Rutgers 2019 Environmental Stewards Program

 Are you concerned about the environment and want to learn how to make a difference? Are you a member of a municipal environmental commission or green team looking for ideas and solutions in your community?

Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County will offer the Rutgers  Environmental Stewards Program at the EARTH Center, in Davidson's Mill Pond Park, 42 Riva Ave, South Brunswick. 2019 Environmental Steward classes begin on January 23 and meet every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through June of 2019. 

The Environmental Steward program is designed to introduce non-scientists to the science behind environmental issues affecting New Jersey. Stewards then give back to their own communities by helping solve local environmental problems. If you have a passion for the environment, a desire to learn, and a willingness to volunteer, then this program is for you!

Registration, payment and program details for individuals or municipalities are available at www.RESMiddlesex.eventbrite.com with a registration deadline on January 18th. The program and materials fee for the course is $250.  

Training sessions are taught by experts from Rutgers University, and non-profit and government organizations. To become a certified Rutgers Environmental Steward, graduates of the class portion of the program must then complete a 60-hour volunteer internship of their choosing. Internships are unique and intended to align with the passion of the individual, the needs of the program, and the community. 

Class topics include climate change, soil health, energy conservation, water resource protection, invasive species, wildlife management, habitat conservation, protecting pollinators, environmental policy, and more. Fieldtrips to environmentally significant sites around the state are included as part of the program.

The 60 plus hours of training prepares volunteers to confront real- world environmental problems. Examples of volunteer projects include….

Mapping and eradicating invasive species in local parks
Engaging policy makers on reducing plastic waste
Restoring native dune vegetation in shore communities
Assisting restaurants in composting food waste
Building green infrastructure like rain gardens or rain barrels

The Environmental Stewards program helps residents take action on local issues as well as network with experts in their fields that can help them solve problems. Many of our Stewardsvolunteer with local schools, assist non-profits and green businesses, or go on to participate in their town’s environmental commissions or green teams. No previous science degree or experience is needed. Everyone is welcome!

For more information contact Michele Bakacs at bakacs@njaes.rutgers.edu or call (732) 398-5274.

DEP Podcasts 

Welcome to My Green Cranford, the official home of Cranford's Environmental Commission.  Explore this site for ideas for sustainable living or get involved in a "green project" and help make Cranford, New Jersey, and our planet a healthier place to call home.