Home > Archives for Science

Science Archive

Help Track Invasive Species in New Jersey with iNaturalist

September 24, 2026 by

Main Content

By Michele Bakacs (mbakacs@rutgers.edu)Rutgers Cooperative Extension – Middlesex and Union Counties Read this article as a PDF: salem.njaes.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Earth-Day-Every-Day-September-2026.pdf Every time you identify a plant with your smartphone, you could be helping scientists track invasive species across New Jersey.Using the free iNaturalist app, anyone can contribute observations that help researchers, conservation professionals, and state agencies monitor […]

Japanese Barberry

September 22, 2026 by

Main Content

Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is a deciduous, multi-stemmed ornamental shrub that has escaped cultivation to become a severe threat to forest ecosystems. Promoted in the late 1800s as a hardy, disease-resistant alternative to European barberry, it grew rapidly in popularity in the nursery trade due to its easy maintenance, adaptability, and high resistance to deer browsing.

Make Waves as a Coastal Steward

August 28, 2026 by

Main Content

By Paige Radcliffe (pradcliffe@oceancountynj.gov), Douglas Zemeckis (zemeckis@njaes.rutgers.edu), and Steve Yergeau ( yergeau@njaes.rutgers.edu)Rutgers Cooperative Extension – Ocean County Link to PDF: https://salem.njaes.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Earth-Day-Every-Day-August-2026.pdf The month of August at the Jersey Shore is the season’s last great exhale, a fleeting stretch of sun-soaked days that seem to linger just a little longer.  As we embrace the warmth before […]

Get Hooked This Summer! Saltwater Recreational Fishing at The Jersey Shore

July 23, 2026 by

Main Content

Douglas Zemeckis, County Agent II, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean, Atlantic, and Monmouth Counties (zemeckis@njaes.rutgers.edu | 732-349-1152) Link to PDF version of this article: salem.njaes.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Earth-Day-Every-Day-July-2026.pdf Going out recreational fishing is an excellent way to connect with our marine ecosystems here in New Jersey, while providing opportunities not only for enjoyment but also to harvest some […]

Repping New Jersey at ANREP

June 18, 2026 by

Main Content

Amy Rowe, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Pdf version: salem.njaes.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Earth-Day-Every-Day-June-2026.pdf Last month, members of the Earth Day Every Day team, attended the Association of Natural Resources Extension Professional’s (ANREP) Biannual Conference. This is one of our favorite conferences as we get to learn about natural resources programs and research conducted by our Extension colleagues from across the […]

Invasive Species Spotlight: Dame’s Rocket  

May 15, 2026 by and

Main Content

Is the “Invasive Species Spotlight” useful to you?  Let us know how.  Hesperis matronalis  Dame’s Rocket (Hesperis matronalis) is a 2-3 foot tall flowering biennial often found along moist roadsides and wooded areas. Its erect, multi-stemmed structure and purple/pink flowers resemble native eastern blue phlox (Phlox divaricata) and therefore often misidentified as native. Dame’s rocket was introduced to the US in the 1600’s as a garden plant; however, its success invading the wild is largely due to its popularity in commercial […]

How’s the Weather in the Garden State?

April 13, 2026 by

Main Content

Exploring Current Weather and Drought Conditions Data Sal Mangiafico, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Link to PDF: salem.njaes.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Earth-Day-Every-Day-April-2026.pdf State and federal websites are available to assess recent trends in temperature, precipitation, and drought status for New Jersey.  In particular, data describing recent weather can be compared with 30-year normal values to contrast recent weather with the more […]

Rutgers Earth Day Every Day Webinars – Eat Your Way to a Healthy Environment – Spring 2026

April 7, 2026 by

Main Content

PDF of Flyer: https://salem.njaes.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Spring2026E2D2Flyer.pdf Registration site: https://go.rutgers.edu/foodforthought Thank you for your interest in the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Earth Day Every Day Webinar Series. Review the webinars and descriptions then choose which webinars you’d like to attend below. You will receive reminder emails as the dates get closer. All webinars begin at 6:30 PM and will […]

What’s New in 2026:  A Guide to New Jersey’s Latest Environmental Laws

March 19, 2026 by

Main Content

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 […]