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 […]
A study by Rutgers ecologist Myla Aronson and colleagues has found “overwhelming” evidence that increasing biodiversity in cities – establishing parks, installing native plants and encouraging sustainable landscaping – can significantly improve human health. Reporting in the science journal People and Nature, Aronson and coauthors described conducting a systematic review of more than 1,500 studies to synthesize […]
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 […]
Is the “Invasive Species of the Month” useful to you? Let us know how. Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata synonym Ampelopsis brevipedunculata Porcelainberry, also known as Amur peppervine, (Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata) is a fast-growing, woody, deciduous vine (liana) that easily blankets any object or vegetation, smothering trees, shrubs, vines, herbaceous plants, and even other invasive plants. […]
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 […]
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. […]
