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After 13 weeks of virtual learning, our Environmental Steward participants stepped beyond the screen and into the field—bringing their knowledge to life in some of New Jersey’s most environmentally significant places.
The Rutgers Environmental Stewards Strike Back Against Invasive Species In Helyar Woods
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When Anne Norris approached Rutgers Gardens with the idea to form an Invasive Species Strike Team comprised of volunteers and fellow Rutgers Environmental Stewards, her eagerness to make an impact in Helyar Woods was immediately apparent.
Warren County Pollinator Protectors to the Rescue
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The group started with eight people and expanded to twenty in the first year. In 2024, three Warren County residents, Michelle St. Andre, Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, and Clairanne Arcaro, were part of the Rutgers Environmental Steward (RES) class. Each had her own independent project establishing native gardens in Knowlton, Belvidere, and Allamuchy, respectively, but they worked […]
Transforming Communities: The Landaus’ Journey from Local Action to Statewide Change
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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 […]
Stories of Impact: How Environmental Stewards Are Making a Difference
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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
Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program Celebrates 20 Years of Environmental Impact
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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 […]
Plant It and They Will Come
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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 […]
A Season of Discovery:
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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 […]
Join the Rutgers Environmental Steward Program- Class starts January 21
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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. […]
Operation Grow: Focus on Human, Economic, Social, and Environmental Sustainability.
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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. […]