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The following short courses are offered to Rutgers Environmental Steward Alumni whose interests and volunteer work align with the subject matter. Enrollment is limited to those who meet the prerequisites as space is limited.
Forest Plant & Tree ID (FPTID)
This course is a 4-part on-site training designed for individuals with foundational woodland plant and tree knowledge who are ready to take their forest stewardship skills to the next level. This hands-on program is especially recommended for those planning to enroll in the Advanced Forest Stewardship (AFS) class, as it provides the essential identification skills required for success in forest stewardship evaluation and planning. This course is a collaboration of the Rutgers Urban Forestry program and the Rutgers Environmental Steward program.
Course Topics Include:
- Identification of native and invasive plant and tree species found in Northern NJ forests.
- Botanical terminology relevant to forest plant and tree identification.
- Plant families, communities, and relationships within NJ forests.
- Invasive species management protocols.
Who should attend:
Enrollment is open to individuals who meet both of the following criteria:
- Are active in one of the following roles:
- Rutgers Cooperative Extension volunteer (Environmental Steward, Tree Steward, Green Infrastructure Champion, Master Gardener)
- Landscape industry professional
- Government employee (e.g., Parks Department)
- Stewardship professional
- Are currently involved in the stewardship or management of a forested or woodland area.
Course Format: This in-person program is delivered across four immersive sessions held in typical Northern New Jersey forest settings. Each session features small-group instructions, allowing for personalized guidance and interactive learning with expert instructors. Participants will walk the woods together, observing and identifying native species in their natural habitats.
Important Note: FPTID is designed as four standalone sessions, allowing participants flexibility in attending any or all of the four sessions. Each session covers approximately 15 individual species. Those who attend all four sessions will benefit from learning about 50 native and invasive species combined.
Course Fee: $25 per session
Advanced Forest Stewards (AFS)
This course is an immersive, four-session short course designed to equip participants with the practical skills and scientific knowledge needed for effective forest stewardship. Through a dynamic blend of hands-on learning and expert instruction, participants learn to assess forest conditions, prioritize management actions, and create a customized stewardship plan aligned with the specifics of the forest plot. This course is a collaboration of the Rutgers Urban Forestry program and the Rutgers Environmental Steward program
Course Topics Include:
- Forest Ecology
- Deer Pressure and Management
- Plant Identification
- Forest Health Assessment
- Invasive Species Management
- Restoration Planning
Who Should Attend: This course is tailored for:
- Active Rutgers Cooperative Extension volunteers (Environmental Stewards, Tree Stewards, Green Infrastructure Champions, Master Gardeners)
- Landscape industry professionals
- Government employees (e.g., Parks Department)
- Stewardship professionals managing forested or woodland areas in New Jersey
- Registrants should have basic woodland plant identification training.
Course Format: Delivered through a hybrid learning model, the program combines online instruction with in-person field sessions, offering both theoretical foundations and practical, real-world applications.
Important Note: Full participation in all four sessions is essential for successful completion of the course. Please review your calendar carefully before registering.
Course Fee $100