John and Susan Landau completed the Rutgers Environmental Stewards (RES) program in 2021. Their capstone project focused on restoring Foote’s Pond Wood, a 24-acre public park near their home in Morristown, adjacent to an elementary school. Once overrun by invasive species and littered with debris, the park is now a vibrant natural space. Spring peepers […]
Discover how the Rutgers Environmental Stewards program is transforming lives and communities across New Jersey. In this tribute video, program participants share their personal experiences, how they’ve tackled environmental challenges, built stronger communities, and inspired sustainable change. Watch now and hear their stories of commitment, collaboration and impact. Watch the RES Stories
On Saturday, November 1, 2025, the Rutgers Environmental Stewards (RES) Program proudly celebrates 20 years of empowering New Jersey residents to become informed and effective advocates for the environment. Since its founding, this transformative certificate program, offered through Rutgers Cooperative Extension, has trained 1,400 volunteers across all 21 counties in New Jersey. Join the Celebration […]
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 […]
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. […]
Sharonda Allen, MPA Founder and Executive Director, Operation Grow Inc. RES 2023 Operation Grow Inc. and the NJDEP Greenway Pop Up Garden was the first and only activation at the proposed Greenway, which is the site of a decommissioned, 9-mile railway that stretches from Upper Montclair to Jersey City, right here in New Jersey. Operation Grow Inc. […]
The Rutgers Environmental Steward Impact Summit is fast approaching, offering an exciting opportunity for anyone passionate about addressing environmental challenges in New Jersey. On Saturday, October 26, the Summit will bring together current class participants, alumni, and community leaders and members from across the state to foster greater environmental resilience. Register today: https://go.rutgers.edu/ImpactSummit24 What is […]
Written by Carolina Dias, RES class of 2024 For my certification project, I am working to educate local schools and restaurants about ways they can reduce their food waste, by talking to restaurant managers about food waste and handing out flyers. I was motivated to start this project after learning in the Rutgers Environmental Steward […]
My Journey from Rutgers Environmental Steward to Boat Steward – Ann Cucchiara RES 2019 Cert 2020 It was back in 2019 that I decided to enroll in the Rutgers Environmental Steward Program being offered at my favorite outdoor playground – Duke Farms. As a recently retired schoolteacher, I wanted to learn more about the negative, […]
