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Since 2005 the Rutgers Environmental Steward program has trained volunteers on how they can take action to help solve environmental problems in their communities. Stewards learn how to help advance sustainable climate change solutions, not just in their own lives, but in their communities.
Environmental Stewards is a certificate program offered through Cooperative Extension, a unit of Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.
Make a difference in your community! Become a Rutgers Environmental Steward.
Thank you to our program partners, and the Atlantic County Utility Authority for their continued support.
Program Updates
Tips on Sustainable Lawncare
Michele Bakacs and Amy Rowe discuss sustainable lawncare with WNYC’s All Of It with Allison Stewart.
Native Plants Initiative: Cultivating Change in Garden Centers.
What’s the number one complaint of native plant customers? Over and over, Native Plant Society of NJ (NPSNJ) members say, “I can’t find the native…
Managing Spotted Lanternfly
Irene Riegner’s certification project involved educating her community about the invasive Spotted Lanternfly during the Sustainable Highland Park Earth Day event. Irene conducted a survey…
Sight ’em & Fight ’em
NJ Most un-Wanted Invasive Species Ken Sammond, RES 2022, led an invasive plant species training session in March at the Metuchen Library. 25 community members learned…
Science
Invasive Species of the Month: Linden Viburnum
Linden viburnum (Viburnum dilatatum) is an ornamental shrub commonly planted in landscapes, Linden viburnum invades the understory of forests and thrives in the shade. Be on the lookout for Linden viburnum’s bright red cluster of fruit in the fall persisting into December. This invasive shrub has creamy white flowers in clusters in the spring.
Invasive Species of the Month: Stiltgrass
Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum), or simply referred to as stiltgrass, is an annual grass that grows from 12 to 36 inches tall. Its narrow stem has segments separated by joints; each segment produces a leaf, and each has a silvery-pearlescent midvein and leaf margin. It was inadvertently introduced to the United States in 1919 in shipping packaging and has since become widespread.
Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer?
During the wildfire episode in June, New Jersey’s air quality was well into the hazardous range (300+) for particle pollution.
Invasive Species of the Month: Silvergrass
Miscanthus sinensis, Chinese Silver Grass
A common ornamental grass, Silver Grass quickly spreads over open disturbed areas and pushes out native plants that wildlife depend on for habitat.