There are many programs in New Jersey that are centered on environmentally friendly practices for landscaping and yard care. Programs like Jersey-Friendly Yards provide guidance on the different steps you can take to reduce the environmental impact of your landscaping and garden practices. For example, they cover planting of native vegetation to reduce chemical fertilizer […]
By: Douglas Zemeckis (County Agent II/Associate Professor) The summer season is in full swing at the Jersey Shore. To help escape the summer heat and to have some fun in the sun, you might be planning to do some outdoors activities such as swimming or fishing. Before heading to your favorite shore locations, there are […]
New Jersey had a record-setting drought during the fall of 2024, with October being the driest month ever recorded for the state going back to 1895. The state received only 0.02 inches of precipitation on average that month, which is 4 inches below normal. The exceedingly dry fall led to the drought continuing into 2025. […]
Invasive vines such as Wisteria spp. can kill healthy, mature trees. Simple actions like controlling invasive vines can help save trees, which are vital for capturing greenhouse gases and reducing the impact of climate change.
Many people are committed to implementing more sustainable practices at home. But often people also want to do more for their community by participating in organizations or groups that may have a larger impact, offer opportunities for challenges and growth, or simply provide more social interaction with like-minded people. Reasons why people may want to […]
Written by Kirsi Bhasin, RES Class of 2024, Certified 2024 It all began with a Monarch butterfly, which I spotted fluttering through our backyard during our first summer after moving to NJ. Despite not having planted flowers or having any blooms at the time, the butterfly’s presence intrigued me. However, the following week, I found […]
Eastern Bluebird Nest Box Monitoring Submitted by: Nick Bernardo, RES 2024, Certification Candidate Project Host: Monmouth County Huber Woods Park For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to exploring nature and understanding the challenges facing our environment. I found my answer in the Rutgers Environmental Steward (RES) Program, which opened a […]
I spent the past year watching as beech leaf disease ravaged through some of my favorite forests in New Jersey. Seeing these majestic beech trees suddenly dying around me, has brought me sorrow in a way that I have never felt before about the natural world. I go to the woods to escape and heal. […]
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community and the environment? The Rutgers Environmental Steward Program offers a unique opportunity to learn from University experts, state and national conservation organizations, and government agencies. The program equips volunteers with the knowledge and tools to address local environmental challenges and advance sustainable climate change solutions. […]
The Introductory Fisheries Science for Stakeholders (IFISSH) course is offered annually via webinar by Rutgers Cooperative Extension to educate stakeholders of New Jersey’s marine fisheries on the science, management, and responsible stewardship of fishery resources so that they are better prepared to make progress on and get involved with issues impacting their industries. Most stakeholders […]
