Programs for residents, municipalities and the green industry.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension offers environmental management programming in the areas of watershed protection and stormwater management, safe practices for urban gardening, and organic land care for landscapers. These programs are for municipalities, including environmental commissions and green teams, in addition to environmental groups, residents, youth groups and schools. For more information about these programs please click the links below or contact Michele Bakacs, County Environmental Agent at 732-398-5274 or bakacs@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Native Plant Donations for Habitat Projects

Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County donates native plants to local organizations to create or enhance habitat, for example pollinator, butterfly, or rain gardens. To qualify the project must be located in Middlesex County and must be at a public location like a library, school, park, or municipal complex. For more information contact Michele Bakacs bakacs@njaes.rutgers.edu.

• Organic Land Care for Landscapers

Are you concerned about the environment and want to learn how to make a difference? You can do all this and more as part of Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program! 

This program is designed to introduce non-scientists to the science behind important environmental issues and the impacts of climate change affecting NJ. Stewards then give back to their own communities by helping to tackle 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!

• Classes convene weekly on Tuesdays from January 21 to May 13 from 5:30–7:30pm with a content expert who covers that week’s topic. From 7:30- 8pm, classes break out into regions to cover local issues and meet with their coordinator for further discussion and activities.
• Class fee is $325. A limited number of discounts are available to those in need. Contact the regional coordinator for your county.
• Most classes are provided online via Zoom and our course management system called Canvas. You must have a computer or tablet with a microphone and speaker to participate. A desktop or laptop is preferred. View a Model-RES-Curriculum-and-Schedule (subject to change).
• Approximately 5 classes will be conducted in-person, during class time, by region for field activities, demonstration, or in-person discussion. Optional fieldtrips to environmentally significant sites around the state will also be provided.  
• Please note that you must be 16 years of age to participate. Under 18 requires parent permission and oversight. 

For more information and to register click here.