Earth Day Every Day

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Register here for the 2024 fall webinar series!

The Winds of Change: Environmental Impacts from an Altered Climate.

Climate change is predicted to have far-reaching impacts beyond modified weather patterns. A changing climate is expected to alter habitats causing wildlife and plants to migrate into new areas as ‘invasive’ species and to increase the impact of coastal hazards on beaches and estuaries. In our fall webinar series we continue our collaboration with the Marine Extension Program Seminar Series (MEPSS), to learn about these changes in response to climate change and what we can do to mitigate these issues.

Live, one hour webinars start at 6:30pm and are provided via Zoom.

Missed a webinar? Recordings are posted within a week of the live session. Click on the title for the recording.

October 8 – Nothing endures but change: invasive species, climate change, and conservation. Dr. Julie Lockwood, Rutgers University. Nothing endures but change’ is attributed to the philosopher Heraclitus, who viewed the world as always ‘becoming’ but never ‘being’.  Echoes of this 2000 year old philosophy are found in scientist’s modern understanding of the Earth — including its climate and living residents – as being constantly in flux and evolving.  What we face today, however, is change so out of the ordinary that it has few, if any, precedents.  This change emerges from globalized travel and trade, massive land use change, and accelerating climate change.  In this video, Dr. Lockwood explores the response of terrestrial invasive species to a warming New Jersey climate as an example of the complexity we face as environmental conservationists.  Also explored is the ‘levers’ available to us to reduce the impacts of invasive species under climate change and better conserve our natural heritage. 

October 15 – Food Waste and Climate Change. Dr. Amy Rowe, Rutgers University 60 million tons of food are wasted in the United States each year and that wasted food generates more than 170 million tons of CO2 equivalents in greenhouse gases each year. Food waste, its climate change impacts, and what you can do to mitigate those impacts are discussed during this presentation.

October 24 – 2 part session

• How Climate Change affects Coastal Hazards in New Jersey. Dr. James Shope, Rutgers University. Dr Shope will be discussing sea-level rise and how stronger storms can increase coastal flooding and erosion on the New Jersey shoreline. Dr. Shope will discuss historic trends and the science underlying sea-level rise and the potential for more destructive coastal storms in New Jersey with implications for our coastal communities.

• Help Document our Changing Coast with MyCoast: New Jersey. Amanda Archer, Rutgers University New Jersey is a platform for communities to learn about climate-related flood risks and document coastal changes over time. Various tools on the website or mobile app allow community users to share photos and stories that document impacts of flooding and changes to shorelines due to higher tides, storms, and erosion. MyCoast fetches background data on location, weather, and water levels to add scientific context to each report. The submitted MyCoast reports inform state agencies, local governments, and community organizations and gives your community a voice in future climate and coastal resilience planning efforts.

October 30 – Trees of the Living Dead: How to Remove Aggressively Sprouting Invasive Trees. Jean Epiphan, Rutgers University. Have you ever cut down an invasive tree just to get 50 more in its place?  Learn which invasive trees species do this and the properly timed steps to prevent zombie trees from sprouting back to life. 

November 4 – Invasive Insects Update: Spotted Lanternfly, Emerald Ash Borer and Hornets. Dr. George Hamilton, Rutgers University. New Jersey’s forests, farms, and residents face invasive insect pests including spotted lanternfly and emerald ash borer.  Join Dr. George Hamilton, Rutgers Extension Specialist in Pest Management, for an update on efforts to combat these pests, as well as a discussion on some of the large wasps we may — or may not — encounter in the Garden State: European hornets, cicada killer wasps, and the newsworthy Asian giant hornet.

November 12 – Changes in South Jersey Estuaries: Influences of Climate Change, Invasive Species and Human Modifications. Dr. Ken Able, Rutgers University. Our coastal estuaries in southern New Jersey have experienced many impacts from climate change, including shifts in the animals and plants found both under and above the water. Join us to learn more about the observed changes in a wide range of species, including changes in the fish species found locally and rising sea levels impacting coastal marshes and forests. Dr. Ken Able (Professor Emeritus, Rutgers University) will be our featured speaker and has more than 45 years of experience studying New Jersey’s estuaries.

Our Earth Day, Every Day webinar series focuses on steps everyone can take to protect the environment. We can all do our part to take actions that make our homes more sustainable, from environmentally-friendly lawn care, to recycling, to conducting a home energy audit. These actions, more than ever, start at home.

• Register for the 2024 fall series.
• Sign up to be notified of upcoming programs
• View recorded sessions
• Make a donation to support this programming
• Read our monthly Earth Day, Every Day newsletter to learn about environmental issues that impact you and your community as well as upcoming programs and resources.

Webinar Archive

Click on the category titles below to view the YouTube archives for all of our webinars.

Climate Change

Nothing endures but change: invasive species, climate change, and conservation

Featuring Dr. Julie Lockwood, Rutgers University, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources.

Nothing endures but change’ is attributed to the philosopher Heraclitus, who viewed the world as always ...‘becoming’ but never ‘being’. Echoes of this 2000 year old philosophy are found in scientist’s modern understanding of the Earth — including its climate and living residents – as being constantly in flux and evolving. What we face today, however, is change so out of the ordinary that it has few, if any, precedents. This change emerges from globalized travel and trade, massive land use change, and accelerating climate change. This presentation explores the response of terrestrial invasive species to a warming New Jersey climate as an example of the complexity we face as environmental conservationists. It also explores the ‘levers’ available to us to reduce the impacts of invasive species under climate change and better conserve our natural heritage.[+] Show More

Nothing endures but change: invasive species, climate change, and conservation

Featuring Dr. Julie Lockwood, Rutgers University, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources. Nothing endures but change’ is ...

Featuring Dr. Julie Lockwood, Rutgers University, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources.

Nothing endures but change’ is attributed to the philosopher Heraclitus, who viewed the world as always ...‘becoming’ but never ‘being’. Echoes of this 2000 year old philosophy are found in scientist’s modern understanding of the Earth — including its climate and living residents – as being constantly in flux and evolving. What we face today, however, is change so out of the ordinary that it has few, if any, precedents. This change emerges from globalized travel and trade, massive land use change, and accelerating climate change. This presentation explores the response of terrestrial invasive species to a warming New Jersey climate as an example of the complexity we face as environmental conservationists. It also explores the ‘levers’ available to us to reduce the impacts of invasive species under climate change and better conserve our natural heritage.[+] Show More

Planning For The Unplanned: Preparing For Marine Debris Response In New Jersey

Featuring Jessica Conway, NOAA Marine Debris Program. Recorded on November 21, 2022 As we learned from Superstorm Sandy-responding to disaster ...

Featuring Jessica Conway, NOAA Marine Debris Program. Recorded on November 21, 2022

As we learned from Superstorm Sandy-responding to disaster debris in waterways can be complicated and time consuming, especially when ...there are multiple agencies with overlapping jurisdictions and limited resources. The NOAA Marine Debris Program has been leading a highly collaborative process to improve national preparedness for response to marine debris after disasters. Goals of this initiative are to work with coastal states and U.S. territories to clarify key organization roles and shed light on common challenges. Join Jessica Conway, Response Specialist, NOAA Marine Debris Program, to learn how the Marine Debris Program collaborated with government agencies to produce an emergency response guide and associated tools for state organizations.[+] Show More

Strategies To Minimize the Impacts Of Coastal Flooding And Salt Water On Agricultural Lands

Featuring Chris Miller, USDA- NRCS. Recorded on November 14, 2022 Managing the impact of saltwater inundation will require farmers to use more ...

Featuring Chris Miller, USDA- NRCS. Recorded on November 14, 2022

Managing the impact of saltwater inundation will require farmers to use more adaptive agricultural practices. With better site assessment tools and ...implementation of appropriate conservation practices, producers in these impacted areas may not need to completely abandon their affected fields. In addition, potential income opportunities may be possible by growing value-added, niche conservation plants that also provide valuable ecosystem services. Join Christopher Miller, Manager/Plant Specialist with the USDA-NRCS Cape May Plant Materials Center as he discusses methods for dealing with flooding and saltwater on farms.[+] Show More

Living Shorelines in the Decade Since Sandy: Lessons Learned and Implications for Future Design

Featuring Jon Miller, Stevens Institute of Technology. (Recorded on October 24, 2022) Superstorm Sandy both affirmed the effectiveness of beaches ...

Featuring Jon Miller, Stevens Institute of Technology. (Recorded on October 24, 2022)

Superstorm Sandy both affirmed the effectiveness of beaches and dunes at protecting oceanfront communities and highlighted the need for ...new techniques for restoring New Jersey’s long neglected interior shorelines. In the decade since Sandy, New Jersey has expanded its nourishment efforts along the oceanfront and has begun incorporating living shorelines along its interior shorelines. Join Dr. Miller, Research Associate Professor at Stevens, and the New Jersey Sea Grant Coastal Processes Specialist, as he reviews the progress made over the past decade along both coasts and offers a perspective on how the lessons of the past can inform projects of the future.[+] Show More

Adapting to Climate Change in Your Community with Tanya Rohrbach, NJ Future.

Featuring Tanya Rohrbach, NJ Future. Recorded on October 17, 2022 As the impacts of climate change become increasingly evident, we are learning ...

Featuring Tanya Rohrbach, NJ Future. Recorded on October 17, 2022

As the impacts of climate change become increasingly evident, we are learning how to be resilient in facing the challenges brought ...by climate-related events or conditions. We are also working to understand how to adapt the way we plan and design our communities to be climate ready. Learn about some of the strategies for advancing local climate readiness.[+] Show More

Beyond Recovery From Sandy: Setting The Stage For Future Community Resilience

Fearturing Dr Tom Herrington, Monmouth University's Urban Coast Institute. The significant damage generated by Superstorm Sandy exposed New ...

Fearturing Dr Tom Herrington, Monmouth University's Urban Coast Institute.

The significant damage generated by Superstorm Sandy exposed New Jersey’s substantial vulnerability to coastal storms, many of which were unknown or unrecognized ...prior to Sandy. Faced with significant threats to the state’s infrastructure, businesses and communities, Sandy ushered in new and innovative thinking about how communities can become resilient to future storms. Join Dr. Tom Herrington, Associate Director of Monmouth University’s Urban Coast Institute, as he discusses how innovative resilience concepts have been incorporated into regional and local planning and project design.[+] Show More

From One Extreme To Another: Climate Change Driven Storm Events And What To Do About Them

Featuring Dr. David Robinson, NJ State Climatologist. Since Superstorm Sandy, New Jersey has faced its share of storm events described as ...

Featuring Dr. David Robinson, NJ State Climatologist.

Since Superstorm Sandy, New Jersey has faced its share of storm events described as ‘extreme’, ‘severe’, or ‘unprecedented’ with associated impacts of excessive flooding, ...property damage, and electricity and water disruptions. Join Dr. David Robinson, Rutgers University Professor and NJ’s State Climatologist, as he explains what causes these storms, how they are predicted, and what can be done to protect our environment and ourselves from their impacts.[+] Show More

The Cost of Climate Change

Climate change is causing more intense heat waves, more intense rainfall, and higher coastal flooding, causing economic harms around the world, ...

Climate change is causing more intense heat waves, more intense rainfall, and higher coastal flooding, causing economic harms around the world, including in New Jersey. Professor Bob Kopp was a ...lead author of the 2021 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Sixth Assessment Report. Professor Kopp discusses what we know about climate change’s economic costs and how we can manage the risks climate change is creating.[+] Show More

New Jersey Coastal Hazards and Using MyCoast Online Tools

Featuring Dr. James Shope and Amanda Archer, Rutgers University Recorded on October 24, 2024 How Climate Change affects Coastal Hazards in New ...

Featuring Dr. James Shope and Amanda Archer, Rutgers University

Recorded on October 24, 2024

How Climate Change affects Coastal Hazards in New Jersey. Dr Shope discusses the science of sea-level rise and ...how stronger storms can increase coastal flooding and erosion on the New Jersey shoreline. He will also review historic trends and the science and the potential for more destructive coastal storms in New Jersey.

Help Document our Changing Coast with MyCoast: New Jersey. Ms. Archer discusses the mycoast.org/nj platform for communities to learn about climate-related flood risks and document coastal changes over time. Various tools on the website or mobile app allow community users to share photos and stories that document impacts of flooding and changes to shorelines due to higher tides, storms, and erosion. MyCoast fetches background data on location, weather, and water levels to add scientific context to each report. The submitted MyCoast reports inform state agencies, local governments, and community organizations and gives your community a voice in future climate and coastal resilience planning efforts.[+] Show More

Energy

What's An Energy Audit And Do you Need One? | View the recording

Many homes use more energy than they actually need. The solution is a home energy efficiency assessment (aka audit). An energy efficiency assessment does more than help you save energy—it ...increases your personal comfort, makes your home healthier/safer and increases the value of your home. Join Sandi Eisner, the Outreach Account Manager with New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program™ to learn the what, how and why of a home energy efficiency assessment as well as how to save energy and money[+] Show More

What's An Energy Audit And Do you Need One? | View the recording

Many homes use more energy than they actually need. The solution is a home energy efficiency assessment (aka audit). An energy efficiency ...

Many homes use more energy than they actually need. The solution is a home energy efficiency assessment (aka audit). An energy efficiency assessment does more than help you save energy—it ...increases your personal comfort, makes your home healthier/safer and increases the value of your home. Join Sandi Eisner, the Outreach Account Manager with New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program™ to learn the what, how and why of a home energy efficiency assessment as well as how to save energy and money[+] Show More

Overview of Energy Use in NJ and Renewable Energy’s Role in Carbon Reduction Goals

New Jersey may be a small state, but it uses a lot of energy. Dave Specca, Assistant Director of the Rutgers EcoComplex, provides a summary of ...

New Jersey may be a small state, but it uses a lot of energy. Dave Specca, Assistant Director of the Rutgers EcoComplex, provides a summary of overall energy use, ...and the amount of clean energy currently produced in the Garden State. A discussion of the future mix of renewable energy production in New Jersey, and the role it will play in meeting the State’s greenhouse gas reduction goals, is covered. The need to utilize renewable energy technologies that conserve our valuable land is also discussed.[+] Show More

September 25, 2023: Residential Rooftop Solar for a Greener Garden State

Dr. Dunbar Birnie with Rutgers University’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering, sheds light on the technical, financial, and policy ...

Dr. Dunbar Birnie with Rutgers University’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering, sheds light on the technical, financial, and policy aspects of adding solar to your house in New Jersey. ...Is it a scam? What are your options? How should you move forward with new solar? Your big solar questions are answered.[+] Show More

What’s Happening with Offshore Wind Off New Jersey?

Dr. Douglas Zemeckis with Rutgers Cooperative Extension, and Dr. Josh Kohut with Rutgers University, Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, ...

Dr. Douglas Zemeckis with Rutgers Cooperative Extension, and Dr. Josh Kohut with Rutgers University, Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, provide an overview of offshore wind energy development off the ...coast of New Jersey, including information about individual windfarms in different locations off our coast. A summary of the related research, education, and workforce development initiatives at Rutgers University is provided. Recorded October 23, 2023.[+] Show More

Bioenergy/Biofuels as a Renewable Energy Source in New Jersey

Dr. Serpil Guran, Director of the Rutgers EcoComplex, discusses renewable energy resources such as solar, wind and offshore wind play an ...

Dr. Serpil Guran, Director of the Rutgers EcoComplex, discusses renewable energy resources such as solar, wind and offshore wind play an important role in mitigating climate change. Biomass also has ...long been considered as a renewable energy source. However, attention needs to be paid on which biomass resources may provide New Jersey needed carbon reduction and climate change mitigation benefits. Dr Gura covers available biomass types and suitable technologies to convert them into renewable energy and achieve circular carbon economy in New Jersey. Recorded October 30, 2023.[+] Show More

Winterizing Your Home for Energy Efficiency

Winter months are often an energy consumption and budget strain. There are lots of reasons why our energy usage and bills can be higher during ...

Winter months are often an energy consumption and budget strain. There are lots of reasons why our energy usage and bills can be higher during the winter season. Join us ...for this presentation to learn how you can prep your home to maximize your energy efficiency. Michele Calabrese is the Outreach Account Manager with New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program™ and will teach NJ homeowners how to winterize their home to save energy, money and the environment.[+] Show More

Reeling in Community Scientists for Fisheries Monitoring of Offshore Wind Development

In this seminar we dove into the ocean realm as offshore wind development continues off the New Jersey coast, many are concerned about potential ...

In this seminar we dove into the ocean realm as offshore wind development continues off the New Jersey coast, many are concerned about potential impacts on the marine ecosystem. Environmental ...DNA (eDNA) provides a non-extractive method of monitoring fish community composition that can be done by community scientists and professionals alike. We described a fisheries monitoring program run by Monmouth University and funded by the NJ Research and Monitoring Initiative (RMI) that includes a role for community scientists. Community science is important as it fosters open communication and increased understanding for both stakeholders and researchers. Other partners in this project include Emma Najarian, Keith J. Dunton, Sam Chew Chin and Shannon O’Leary. Recorded on April 24, 2024.[+] Show More

Offshore Wind for New Jersey: the Opportunities and Challenges

For the air element, our featured speaker was Kris Ohleth who has more than 20 years’ experience working in the offshore wind sector. The ...

For the air element, our featured speaker was Kris Ohleth who has more than 20 years’ experience working in the offshore wind sector. The offshore wind industry started approximately 30 ...years ago in Europe and is rapidly developing in the United States, including off New Jersey. Join us to learn more about the opportunities and challenges associated with developing offshore wind off New Jersey’s coast. Recorded on May 23, 2024.[+] Show More

Food

Reducing Food Waste

Thirty to forty percent of all food produced in the US is wasted. This talk will define food waste, its environmental impacts, and will provide tips for reducing food waste ...at home. Amy Rowe, Associate Professor/ County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Essex/ Passaic Counties.[+] Show More

Reducing Food Waste

Thirty to forty percent of all food produced in the US is wasted. This talk will define food waste, its environmental impacts, and will provide ...

Thirty to forty percent of all food produced in the US is wasted. This talk will define food waste, its environmental impacts, and will provide tips for reducing food waste ...at home. Amy Rowe, Associate Professor/ County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Essex/ Passaic Counties.[+] Show More

Food Systems and Climate Change

Hear from Xenia Morin, Associate Professor with the New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health (IFNH) to learn how our food systems are ...

Hear from Xenia Morin, Associate Professor with the New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health (IFNH) to learn how our food systems are connected to climate change. You'll learn ...how many of the top 100 climate solutions proposed by Project Drawdown are related to food systems, and how you can reduce your impact at home through food.[+] Show More

Food Waste and Climate Change

Featuring Dr. Amy Rowe, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Recorded October 15, 2024 60 million tons of food are wasted in the United States each year ...

Featuring Dr. Amy Rowe, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Recorded October 15, 2024

60 million tons of food are wasted in the United States each year and that wasted food generates more than ...170 million tons of CO2 equivalents in greenhouse gases each year. Food waste, its climate change impacts, and what you can do to mitigate those impacts are discussed during this presentation.[+] Show More

Insect & Pest Management

Ticks and Lyme Disease

Protect yourself from ticks and Lyme disease by learning about the tick life cycle, tick removal, and differences between a variety of tick species. Learn also how to reduce tick ...habitat around your home. Amy Rowe, Associate Professor/ County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Passaic/ Essex Counties[+] Show More

Ticks and Lyme Disease

Protect yourself from ticks and Lyme disease by learning about the tick life cycle, tick removal, and differences between a variety of tick ...

Protect yourself from ticks and Lyme disease by learning about the tick life cycle, tick removal, and differences between a variety of tick species. Learn also how to reduce tick ...habitat around your home. Amy Rowe, Associate Professor/ County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Passaic/ Essex Counties[+] Show More

An Update on the Spread and Management of Spotted Lanternfly in New Jersey.

The invasion has begun! Dr. George Hamilton, Chair of the Department of Entomology and Extension Specialist in Pest Management at Rutgers, will ...

The invasion has begun! Dr. George Hamilton, Chair of the Department of Entomology and Extension Specialist in Pest Management at Rutgers, will discuss all things spotted lanternfly (Lycorma deliculata). Come ...learn about the spotted lanternfly’s biology, its introduction and spread in the U.S., and potential ways to manage or reduce the population of this invasive insect.[+] Show More

Beech Leaf Disease and the Teeny Tiny Pest With BIG Impacts. April 17

Join Jean Epiphan, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Morris County Agent and Assistant Professor​, to learn about a new invasive pest that has hit NJ ...

Join Jean Epiphan, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Morris County Agent and Assistant Professor​, to learn about a new invasive pest that has hit NJ Forests. It is only a tiny nematode, ...but the damage to our forests are potentially HUGE. Learn about some critical roles beech trees serve in forests, how to identify beech leaf disease, how forests will be impacted, and some stewardship strategies towards mitigation.[+] Show More

Native Plants

Trees, Wonderful Trees

Celebrate Arbor Day with us! With over 100 species of trees in NJ, it can be challenging to decide what should be in your yard and where to find reliable ...tree information. We'll discuss that with Jason Grabosky, Rutgers Professor in Urban Forestry as well as the ecological services trees provide…and how that might influence placement on your property. Knowing that the climate is causing changes in the structure of our forests, how might you make a choice for the landscape of today on a promise of 70 years?[+] Show More

Trees, Wonderful Trees

Celebrate Arbor Day with us! With over 100 species of trees in NJ, it can be challenging to decide what should be in your yard and where to find ...

Celebrate Arbor Day with us! With over 100 species of trees in NJ, it can be challenging to decide what should be in your yard and where to find reliable ...tree information. We'll discuss that with Jason Grabosky, Rutgers Professor in Urban Forestry as well as the ecological services trees provide…and how that might influence placement on your property. Knowing that the climate is causing changes in the structure of our forests, how might you make a choice for the landscape of today on a promise of 70 years?[+] Show More

Starting a Native Plant Garden 1

New to native plant gardening? Not sure which native plants will thrive where you live? Angela Monaghan, Master Gardener Coordinator for ...

New to native plant gardening? Not sure which native plants will thrive where you live? Angela Monaghan, Master Gardener Coordinator for Middlesex County, taught us how to start native plants ...from seed back in the fall (EarthDay2020 is the recording password). Angela had so much fun with us that she came back to help you plan your new native plant habitat. She covers garden site assessment, finding the best native plants for your area, and how to provide resources for pollinators and other beneficial creatures in your garden.[+] Show More

Plant This Not That – Avoiding Invasives in Your Yard.

Some popular ornamental plants are actually garden "bullies" invading local ecosystems and destroying natural wildlife habitats. Learn about the ...

Some popular ornamental plants are actually garden "bullies" invading local ecosystems and destroying natural wildlife habitats. Learn about the importance of using native plants in your yards for supporting local ...ecology including examples of species you can use to replace invasives. Michele Bakacs, Associate Professor, Rutgers Cooperative Extension- Middlesex/ Union Counties.[+] Show More

Collecting Native Seeds: Sow Much to Know!

How do you get started incorporating native plants into your yard? One easy way is to collect native seeds and overwinter them to start your own ...

How do you get started incorporating native plants into your yard? One easy way is to collect native seeds and overwinter them to start your own plants. Join ...Angela Monaghan, Rutgers Master Gardener Coordinator for Middlesex County to learn the ins and outs of native seed collection and sowing seeds for next year's garden.[+] Show More

Plastics

Reducing Plastic Waste

Every year, 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans. Learn about the impact plastic is having on our environment and the steps you can take to ...reduce plastic waste in your home. Casey Lippincott, NJDEP Watershed Ambassador.[+] Show More

Reducing Plastic Waste

Every year, 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans. Learn about the impact plastic is having on our environment and the steps you ...

Every year, 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans. Learn about the impact plastic is having on our environment and the steps you can take to ...reduce plastic waste in your home. Casey Lippincott, NJDEP Watershed Ambassador.[+] Show More

Earth Day, Every Day Basics of Recycling, November 2, 2020

Despite what you may have heard about changing global markets and challenges to the recycling industry, recycling remains as one of the easiest ...

Despite what you may have heard about changing global markets and challenges to the recycling industry, recycling remains as one of the easiest ways individuals can make a difference that ...benefits the environment. While recycling specifics vary depending on where you live, we’ll talk about the universal recycling truths; dispelling myths and shining a light on what actually happens when your recyclables leave the curb with Amy Cook-Menzel, the Communications Manager with the Atlantic County Utility Authority. This webinar was delivered as part of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Earth Day, Every Day webinar series. Additional information and videos are available at https://envirostewards.rutgers.edu/Earth-Day.html.[+] Show More

RU Ready for NJ's New Plastic Pollution Reduction Law

Starting November 2021, NJ's new plastics law goes into effect to help reduce the amount of single-use plastics and protect our natural ...

Starting November 2021, NJ's new plastics law goes into effect to help reduce the amount of single-use plastics and protect our natural environment. Plastics from generation to disposal are ...creating a human health and environmental crisis. Right now, New Jerseyans use over 4 billion single-use plastic carryout bags annually. Join Nandini Checko, Project Director with the Association of NJ Environmental Commissions, to learn about the nation’s strongest plastic pollution law and how you can get started right now! Hint: Say YES to Reusables![+] Show More

Microplastics: Tiny Particles with Major Impacts. April 24

Dr. Judith Weis with Rutgers University​ will discuss all aspects of microplastics - how diverse they are, where they come from, how they are ...

Dr. Judith Weis with Rutgers University​ will discuss all aspects of microplastics - how diverse they are, where they come from, how they are distributed in the environment, what effects ...they have, and what can be done about them - including what you can do.[+] Show More

Soil

Get to the Root of Soil Compaction

Soil compaction is a major problem that can impact your lawn, garden, and cause rainwater runoff. Come learn about what causes compaction, how to figure out if your yard is ...experiencing compaction, and how to correct soil compaction at home. Steve Yergeau, Assistant Professor/ County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension- Ocean/Atlantic Counties.[+] Show More

Get to the Root of Soil Compaction

Soil compaction is a major problem that can impact your lawn, garden, and cause rainwater runoff. Come learn about what causes compaction, how to ...

Soil compaction is a major problem that can impact your lawn, garden, and cause rainwater runoff. Come learn about what causes compaction, how to figure out if your yard is ...experiencing compaction, and how to correct soil compaction at home. Steve Yergeau, Assistant Professor/ County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension- Ocean/Atlantic Counties.[+] Show More

Safe Soil for Urban Gardening

The soil in older, urban neighborhoods can be contaminated with lead. Gardening in the city can be done safely, but there are steps everyone ...

The soil in older, urban neighborhoods can be contaminated with lead. Gardening in the city can be done safely, but there are steps everyone should take to reduce their exposure ...to lead, especially while gardening with children. Learn the basics of soil contamination with Michele Bakacs, Associate Professor and Extension Agent at Rutgers and best practices for having safe soil while gardening.[+] Show More

Down to Earth Soil Management

For the earth element, we were joined by Bill Errickson, County Agent with Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County to look at soil ...

For the earth element, we were joined by Bill Errickson, County Agent with Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County to look at soil health and how it is defined as ...the continued capacity to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans. Maintaining soil health is an essential component of a productive and thriving garden that is more resistant to disease and abiotic stress. This presentation will highlight the important ecological roles of soil organisms as they relate to the physical and chemical properties of soil in home-scale and community gardens. Topics will include proper methods of soil testing, optimizing soil fertility, and practices to support soil organism biodiversity through increasing soil organic matter. Recorded on May 20, 2024.[+] Show More

Water

Exploring Your Watershed

We all live in a watershed and you can navigate yours from your computer. Learn about free online platforms and mapping websites that provide all kinds of information for you ...to explore local streams, habitat, water sources, soil types, and the environment right around your home. Sal Mangiafico, Associate Professor, Rutgers Cooperative Extension- Salem/ Cumberland Counties.[+] Show More

Exploring Your Watershed

We all live in a watershed and you can navigate yours from your computer. Learn about free online platforms and mapping websites that provide all ...

We all live in a watershed and you can navigate yours from your computer. Learn about free online platforms and mapping websites that provide all kinds of information for you ...to explore local streams, habitat, water sources, soil types, and the environment right around your home. Sal Mangiafico, Associate Professor, Rutgers Cooperative Extension- Salem/ Cumberland Counties.[+] Show More

Understanding the 2019 Harmful Algae Blooms in NJ

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) plagued many aquatic waterways in 2019. This talk will cover what it is, what to look for, health effects, and how ...

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) plagued many aquatic waterways in 2019. This talk will cover what it is, what to look for, health effects, and how you can do your part ...to prevent them. Mike Haberland, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Associate Professor/County Agent- Burlington/ Camden Counties.[+] Show More

Earth Day, Every Day Ten Ways to Adapt to Coastal Flooding October 19, 2020

Ten Ways to Adapt to Coastal Flooding. Government agencies and other organizations are helping coastal communities prepare for sea-level rise and ...

Ten Ways to Adapt to Coastal Flooding. Government agencies and other organizations are helping coastal communities prepare for sea-level rise and adapt to increased flooding. Learn about these initiatives and ...10 steps residents can take to prepare their homes and help increase their communities’ resilience to flooding and climate change with Vanessa Dornisch, Coastal Training Program Coordinator at the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve. This webinar was delivered as part of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Earth Day, Every Day webinar series. Additional information and videos are available at https://envirostewards.rutgers.edu/Earth-Day.html.[+] Show More

Responsible Stewardship of New Jersey’s Marine Resources

From March 15, 2021 Earth Day, Every Day webinar session. The Jersey coast and all that it has to offer ‘shore’ could use your help! We need to ...

From March 15, 2021 Earth Day, Every Day webinar session.


The Jersey coast and all that it has to offer ‘shore’ could use your help! We need to protect the ...health of our coastal marine ecosystems to continue and enjoy recreational opportunities, tourism, and local seafood. Join Doug Zemeckis, Marine Extension Agent for Ocean, Atlantic, and Monmouth Counties to learn what you can do while being on or near the water in our coastal watersheds. This webinar was delivered as part of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Earth Day, Every Day webinar series. Additional information and videos are available at https://envirostewards.rutgers.edu/Earth-Day.html[+] Show More

From Rain Gardens to Rain Barrels; Protecting Watersheds at Home

What we do on our home landscapes impacts water quality in local streams, rivers, and lakes. Everything from fertilizer to pet waste becomes ...

What we do on our home landscapes impacts water quality in local streams, rivers, and lakes. Everything from fertilizer to pet waste becomes pollution once it gets into rainwater runoff. ...Learn what you can do to protect local water quality with Michele Bakacs, Associate Professor with Rutgers Cooperative Extension- Middlesex/ Union Counties. NOTE: If you are in Manalapan, Monroe, Jamesburg, Spotswood, or Helmetta you may qualify to receive free native plants and a Rutgers Soil Test Kit when you view this session. Learn more here![+] Show More

How Does a Rain Garden Grow?

We'll take a deeper dive into the design and installation of rain gardens as fall is a perfect time to get them in the ground. Amy Rowe, ...

We'll take a deeper dive into the design and installation of rain gardens as fall is a perfect time to get them in the ground. Amy Rowe, Associate Professor/ County ...Agent with Rutgers Cooperative Extension will run through how to plan, design, and install these popular stormwater management techniquest that reduce rainwater runoff and bring beauty to your home and community.[+] Show More

Combined Sewers and Their Impact on Water Quality

Combined sewer overflows (CSO's), have been in use since the middle 1800's in many large American cities including 21 cities in New Jersey. ...

Combined sewer overflows (CSO's), have been in use since the middle 1800's in many large American cities including 21 cities in New Jersey. Initially, they were thought to be ...a hygienic solution to open-pit sewers. Now these systems are outdated and cause for public and ecological health concerns. The EPA has mandated that all US cities with CSOs eliminate or reduce their overflows. So, what are New Jersey cities doing to reduce their CSOs and what can YOU do to help make this work as sustainable as possible? Join Liz Pyshnik, Program Coordinator with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program, to find out![+] Show More

Let's Stop As-Salting Our Streams The Impacts of Road Salt on Freshwater

New Jersey is applying more and more salt on its roads every winter - and its freshwaters are becoming saltier too. Join Erin Stretz, Assistant ...

New Jersey is applying more and more salt on its roads every winter - and its freshwaters are becoming saltier too. Join Erin Stretz, Assistant Director of Science at The ...Watershed Institute and coordinator of the New Jersey Watershed Watch Network, to discover the ecological consequences of road salting on freshwater streams and lakes and how you can help put your watershed on a reduced-sodium diet. You will also learn more about our community science effort to measure chloride levels across the state. Join up and contribute to freshwater salinization research this winter![+] Show More

Wildlife

Creating Wildlife Habitat in Your Backyard

All creatures need to eat, drink, hide from predators, take cover from harsh weather, and safely raise their young. Hear from Kathleen Kerwin, Program Associate, Wildlife Conservation and Management Program ...with Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Whatever the size of your yard, learn how you can transform it into a haven for wildlife.[+] Show More

Creating Wildlife Habitat in Your Backyard

All creatures need to eat, drink, hide from predators, take cover from harsh weather, and safely raise their young. Hear from Kathleen Kerwin, ...

All creatures need to eat, drink, hide from predators, take cover from harsh weather, and safely raise their young. Hear from Kathleen Kerwin, Program Associate, Wildlife Conservation and Management Program ...with Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Whatever the size of your yard, learn how you can transform it into a haven for wildlife.[+] Show More

RU Wildlife Wise Defensive Driving to Avoid Wildlife Vehicle Collisions

Caution animal crossing! Drivers in New Jersey are all too familiar with the interaction between vehicles and wildlife. Come learn the ecology of ...

Caution animal crossing! Drivers in New Jersey are all too familiar with the interaction between vehicles and wildlife. Come learn the ecology of wildlife in relation to roads and how ...to avoid being part of the national and state statistics on wildlife-vehicle collisions with Kathleen Kerwin, Program Associate with the Rutgers Wildlife Conservation and Management Program.[+] Show More

RU Wildlife Wise Demystifying Iconic Halloween Animals

Halloween is known for wildlife that many find scary, such as bats, ravens, snakes, and others. How and why did these animals become associated ...

Halloween is known for wildlife that many find scary, such as bats, ravens, snakes, and others. How and why did these animals become associated with Halloween? Join us to learn ...some tricks on managing issues these animals may cause at home and treat yourself to some cool, fun facts about these misunderstood holiday creatures with Evan Drake, PhD candidate with the Rutgers Wildlife Conservation and Management Program.[+] Show More

Let's Not Pass the Buck Deer Management in New Jersey

Most of us have been impacted by deer overpopulation issues in NJ: vehicular accidents, Lyme disease, losses in agricultural crops, and damage in ...

Most of us have been impacted by deer overpopulation issues in NJ: vehicular accidents, Lyme disease, losses in agricultural crops, and damage in landscapes and gardens. Gene Huntington, lead consultant ...at Steward Green, former Director of Research & Natural Resources at Duke Farms, will discuss our responsibilities when it comes to implementing effective deer management solutions. Gene will review nonlethal and lethal management options and present a case study that is working well as a model in NJ for managing deer issues in an urban environment.[+] Show More

RU Wildlife Wise Spring Babies! Tips for Helping Injured or Orphaned Wildlife

As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, spring will emerge chock full of newborn wildlife! In the spring, it is common to come upon ...

As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, spring will emerge chock full of newborn wildlife! In the spring, it is common to come upon young animals that appear ...injured or orphaned in your own backyard or neighborhood. In this webinar, Kathleen Kerwin, Program Associate with Rutgers Cooperative Extension Wildlife Conservation and Management Program will provide important tips for understanding animal parental care, as well as guidance for determining when young wildlife are in need of human intervention. Types of wildlife to be discussed will include birds, deer, squirrels, fox, bats, turtles, and more![+] Show More

RU Wildlife Wise Successfully Navigating the Urban Wild

Join us to discover the wild animals that ‘go bump in the night’ this Halloween with Kathleen Kerwin, Program Associate with Rutgers Cooperative ...

Join us to discover the wild animals that ‘go bump in the night’ this Halloween with Kathleen Kerwin, Program Associate with Rutgers Cooperative Extension Wildlife Conservation and Management Program. Learn ...about what lives in our urban environment and how to reduce human-wildlife conflict. Species covered will include coyotes, fox, raccoons, skunks, bats, birds, deer, and more![+] Show More

The Influence of Personal Experiences on Perceptions of Black Bears in New Jersey

In this seminar Dr. Joseph Paulin, Rutgers University explores how over the past 30 years, people have more regularly interacted with black bears ...

In this seminar Dr. Joseph Paulin, Rutgers University explores how over the past 30 years, people have more regularly interacted with black bears in New Jersey. These experiences can be ...both positive and undesirable. Although it can be exciting to see a bear from afar while hiking, bears have also been known to frequent residential neighborhoods, rummage through garbage, and cause agricultural damage that negatively impacts farmers’ livelihoods. In this talk, we discuss research that explores how direct personal experiences with bears can influence public tolerance and support for management. Recorded on April 29, 2024.[+] Show More

Urban Humpback Whales: Coexisting With Our Charismatic Neighbors

For our spirit element, we were joined by Danielle Brown, Rutgers University, Graduate Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, and ...

For our spirit element, we were joined by Danielle Brown, Rutgers University, Graduate Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, and Director of Marine Mammal Research for Gotham Whale. Danielle ...discussed how the Humpback whales have become an exciting part of the coastal ecosystem in NJ and NY, what we have learned about humpback whale ecology over the last decade, and how we can best coexist with whales in our region. Recorded on June 3, 2024[+] Show More

Yard Care

Environmentally Friendly Lawn Care

Want to reduce chemical use on your lawn and garden? Bill Hlubik will focus on earth-wise land care practices everyone should use including using proper plant genetics, using right plant, ...right place concepts, having the soil tested, using appropriate cultural practices and educating yourself and the public about the dangers of chemical over-application to home landscapes. William T. Hlubik, Full Professor/ County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County.[+] Show More

Environmentally Friendly Lawn Care

Want to reduce chemical use on your lawn and garden? Bill Hlubik will focus on earth-wise land care practices everyone should use including using ...

Want to reduce chemical use on your lawn and garden? Bill Hlubik will focus on earth-wise land care practices everyone should use including using proper plant genetics, using right plant, ...right place concepts, having the soil tested, using appropriate cultural practices and educating yourself and the public about the dangers of chemical over-application to home landscapes. William T. Hlubik, Full Professor/ County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County.[+] Show More

Home Vegetable Gardening For Food, Fun and Stress Management

Growing your own food can be physically and mentally rewarding. There are important tips to consider when starting a home vegetable garden such ...

Growing your own food can be physically and mentally rewarding. There are important tips to consider when starting a home vegetable garden such as location, sunlight, water, soil quality, and ...wildlife exclusion. This presentation will cover important tips for vegetable gardening including selecting vegetable varieties, starting seeds indoors and outside, planting and spacing, managing pests in the garden, watering, and harvesting the garden. Michelle Infante-Casella, Full Professor/ County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Gloucester County.[+] Show More

Backyard Composting 101

Starting home composting is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste while improving your soil. Learn how to turn your kitchen scraps and yard ...

Starting home composting is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste while improving your soil. Learn how to turn your kitchen scraps and yard waste into black gold for ...your soil with these tips for success. Michele Bakacs, Associate Professor, Rutgers Cooperative Extension- Middlesex/ Union Counties.[+] Show More

Fall Lawn Care the Earthwise Way

Fall is a critical time to reinvigorate your lawn the environmentally friendly way. Fertilizing, overseeding, and top dressing with compost are ...

Fall is a critical time to reinvigorate your lawn the environmentally friendly way. Fertilizing, overseeding, and top dressing with compost are all best done in the fall when weeds are ...going dormant. Learn how to reap the benefits of fall lawn care with Bill Hlubik, Professor and Agriculture Agent with Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County.[+] Show More

Trees of the Living Dead: How to Remove Aggressively Sprouting Invasive Trees

Recorded October 30 Featuring Jean Epiphan, Rutgers University. Have you ever cut down an invasive tree just to get 50 more in its place? Learn ...

Recorded October 30
Featuring Jean Epiphan, Rutgers University.

Have you ever cut down an invasive tree just to get 50 more in its place? Learn which invasive trees species ...do this and the properly timed steps to prevent zombie trees from sprouting back to life.[+] Show More