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Annual Class

The 2023 Rutgers Environmental Steward class is closed. Sign up for upcoming programs.

 Region Coordinators Online Class DetailsProgram Overview and Testimonials

The Rutgers Environmental Steward program is designed to introduce non-scientists to the science behind important environmental issues affecting NJ. Stewards then give back to their own communities by helping to tackle local environmental problems. If you have a passion for the environment, a desire to learn and a willingness to volunteer, then this program is for you!

We offer one, statewide, online class which starts in January with approximately 5 days of in-person instruction. In order to become a Certified Environmental Steward, after the class participants must complete a 60-hour internship of their choosing. The internship exposes the Stewards to real-world environmental issues in their communities.

Essex butterfly.

Class Details

  1. Classes convene weekly on Tuesdays from January to May from 5:30–7:30pm with a content expert who covers that week's topic. From 7:30- 8pm, classes break out into regions to cover local issues and meet with their coordinator for further discussion and activities.
  2. Class fee is $260. Scholarships are available to those in need.
  3. Most classes are provided online via Zoom and our course management system called Canvas. You must have a computer or tablet with a microphone and speaker to participate. A desktop or laptop is preferred.
  4. Approximately 5 classes will be conducted in-person, during class time, by region for field activities, demonstration, or in-person discussion. Optional fieldtrips to environmentally significant sites around the state will also be provided.  
  5. Please note that you must be 16 years of age to participate. Under 18 requires parent permission and oversight. 

View a Model-RES-Curriculum-and-Schedule (subject to change).

Region Coordinators

For general program questions contact our Unit Administrator, Trish McGuire at t.mcguire@rutgers.edu or (908)-654-9856. For region specific questions, contact the region coordinator:

Region 1 –Hudson, Bergen, Essex, Passaic, Morris, and Sussex Counties. Coordinators: Amy Rowe, rowe@njaes.rutgers.edu, 908-235-1168 and Jean Epiphan, jean.epiphan@rutgers.edu, 973-258-8303

Region 2 –Union, Middlesex, Somerset, and Monmouth Counties. Coordinator: Michele Bakacs, bakacs@njaes.rutgers.edu, 732-398-5274 and Roslyn Dvorin, rdvorin@co.somerset.nj.us, 908-526-6293, ext. 2536

Region 3 – Mercer, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties. Coordinators: Rebecca Magron, magron@njaes.rutgers.edu, 908-788-1338; Kathryn Homa, kathhoma@njaes.rutgers.edu, 609-989-6845, and Lynn Waclawski, lwaclawski@co.warren.nj.us, 908-475-6507

Region 4- Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem Counties. Coordinator: Michael Jacob, mj740@scarletmail.rutgers.edu

Region 5 – Atlantic, Ocean, Cape May, and Cumberland Counties. Coordinator: Amy Menzel, amenzel@acua.com, 609-272-6934, and Claudia Gil Arroyo claudia.gilarroyo@rutgers.edu