By: Patricia Maguire (Program Coordinator, Rutgers Environmental Steward Program) and Michele Bakacs (County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex and Union Counties) In January, 2026 New Jersey passed several environmental bills that will shape the future of waste reduction, habitat protection, pollution prevention, and land conservation statewide. This article summarizes the new laws and provides links to learn more. Staying […]
Steve Yergeau County Agent II, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean and Atlantic Counties Link to pdf: https://salem.njaes.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Earth-Day-Every-Day-February-2026.pdf Just like some couples need assistance from Cupid for Valentine’s Day, plants need help during pollination from pollinators like birds and insects. Pollination is the act of moving pollen grains in a flower from the anther (male part) […]
Douglas Zemeckis and Paige Radcliffe, Rutgers Cooperative Extension You often hear about Going Green to be environmentally friendly, which is a great message to encourage an ethos of being environmentally conscious. In fact, our team published an Earth Day Every Day newsletter article about “Green New Year’s Resolutions” back in January 2021. And, more recently […]
Amy Rowe, Rutgers Cooperative Extension PDF version The holidays are upon us, and they bring gifts, feasts, and cozy spaces during the cold winter months. All of these things can be draining on the environment, with excess waste and energy usage. Here are some practical ways to celebrate more sustainably during the holidays and throughout […]
Sal Mangiafico, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Introduction Integrated pest management (IPM) is an approach used in commercial agricultural production to conserve resources, save money, and act in an environmentally friendly manner. The principles of IPM are appropriate for the home gardener and landscaper as well. The goals of IPM for the homeowner include: Minimizing the use […]
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. […]
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 […]
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. […]
