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The Rutgers Environmental Steward program is designed to introduce non-scientists to the science behind important environmental issues and the impacts of climate change 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 class which starts in January with approximately 5 sessions of in-person instruction and 12 sessions of online instruction. The class is organized into 5 regions and each region has its own Coordinator. In order to become a Certified Environmental Steward, class participants must complete a 60-hour project of their choosing after the conclusion of the course. The community-based project exposes the Stewards to real-world environmental issues in their communities.
2027 Registration is OPEN!
Please read through this page carefully, then register below using the “Register for” links.
I’ve learned that I’m not alone—and that there’s real power in being part of a community of like-minded people who care deeply about the environment.
2025 year end survey respondent
Class Details
- Classes convene weekly on Tuesdays from January 20 to May 12 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.
- Class fee is $325. A limited number of discounts are available to those in need. Contact the regional coordinator for your county.
- 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.
- NOTE! Approximately 5 classes will take place in-person at an environmentally significant location, scheduled during your regular weekly time slot. In-person sessions are organized by geographic region.
- Please note that you must be 16 years of age to participate. Under 18 requires parent permission and oversight. Those 16-17 who are motivated to take this weekly, fairly rigorous course should email the regional coordinator to gain clearance first before registering.
Regions
The Environmental Steward Program is organized by region and delivered through your County’s Rutgers Cooperative Extension office.
Participants must register for the region in which they reside. If your county does not appear below, then the program is not currently offered in your area.
To email a coordinator with region specific questions, click on their name below.
- Register for Region 1: Hudson, Bergen, Essex, Passaic, Morris, and Sussex
Region 1 Coordinators: Amy Rowe, Phaedra Singelis and Roxana Marroquin - Register for Region 2: Union, Somerset, and Middlesex. (Monmouth County enrollment is closed)
Region 2 Coordinators: Michele Bakacs and Jessica Shick - Register for Region 3: Hunterdon, Mercer, and Warren. (Mercer County has limited enrollment)
Region 3 Coordinators: Rebecca Magron and Lynn Waclawski. - Register for Region 5: Atlantic, Ocean, Cape May, and Cumberland .
Region 5 Coordinators: Amy Menzel, Claudia Gil Arroyo and Jennifer Sawyer Caraballo.
For general program questions, contact our program coordinator, Trish Maguire.