Field Trip to the Covanta Energy Recovery Facility in Oxford, NJ, as part of the 2012 Rutgers Environmental Stewards program
Be a citizen-scientist by becoming a Rutgers Environmental Steward
Are you looking for a New Year’s resolution that you’re likely to stick with? How about a way to give something back to your community that’s meaningful and also guaranteed to get you out and about? Consider joining the 2013 class of the Rutgers Environmental Stewards program, which helps non-scientists to become citizen-scientists. Classes begin the first week in January in Atlantic, Warren, and Somerset counties, and typically run through June.
An innovative environmental program conceived by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, the Rutgers Environmental Stewards program teaches participants about land and water stewardship, best management practices, environmental public advocacy, and leadership.
The curriculum is designed to introduce non-scientists to the science underlying key environmental issues in the New Jersey. Academics are joined by colleagues from government and the non-profit sector to share understanding and insights with the students.
“Students don’t only receive facts, but also are introduced to a network of expert individuals and organizations who can be of service to them in the future as they wrestle with solving local environmental problems,” said Bruce Barbour, agricultural and resource management agent with Rutgers Cooperative Extension, the program’s originator.
“This can be among the most meaningful six months in your life,” adds Barbour, who has led the program for eight years and well worth the reduced fee of $250.
In order to serve the entire state, training is offered in regional locations and recruitment has begun in earnest for the Class of 2013. Questions about registration or schedules should be directed to the coordinator of the region in which you expect to attend classes.
Warren/North
Training Location: RCE of Warren County, 165 Route 519 South, Belvidere, NJ, 07823.
Normal Class Time: Thursdays, Jan. to May, 2013; 9:30 to 12:30 pm.
Contact: Milly Rice, marnavy@hotmail.com, Secretary, Department of Ag and Resource Management, 908-475-6505. Warren location application form
Central/Duke
Training Location: Duke Farms, Hillsborough, NJ.
Normal Class Time: Tuesdays, Jan. to May, 2013; 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Contact: Rosalie Kelly, rkelly@ddcf.org, Duke Farms Foundation, 80 Route 206, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844. 908-243-3602. Duke Farms location application form
Coastal Region
Training Location: Atlantic County Utility Authority, 6700 Delilah Road, Egg Harbor Twp., NJ.
Normal Class Time: Wednesdays, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Contact: Amy Menzel, amenzel@acua.com, P.O. Box 996, Pleasantville, NJ, 08232. 609-272-6950, ext 6934. Coastal location application form.
More information, including the current schedule for lectures can be found on the Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program website.
