In-person sessions take place in the spring providing an opportunity for stewards to experience environmentally significant sites within their region. Photo credit: T. Maguire.
The Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program, a certificate program that trains adult volunteers on important environmental issues in New Jersey in areas such as sustainable climate change solutions, storm water management, and habitat conservation marks its 20th anniversary this year. The milestone will be celebrated at the program’s annual Impact Summit on November 1 at the Rutgers Douglas Student Center in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in a showcase of projects, alumni stories, opportunities to connect with environmental leaders and organizations. All are welcome to attend and must register to join in the celebration.
Offered through Rutgers Cooperative Extension, the program has trained more than 1,300 residents across all 21 New Jersey counties since it was established in 2005.
“The program puts boots on the ground,” said Michele Bakacs, natural resources agent with RCE of Middlesex and Union counties. “Over the years we have learned how to make the program effective for local decision makers,” added Bakacs, who is also the Environmental Stewards Statewide Coordinator.
Kim Correro, at right, is awarded her Rutgers Environmental Steward certificate by Amy Rowe, County Agent. Photo credit: T. Maguire.
The impact of the program is sizeable, with volunteers completing a total of 316 projects with more than 50 partnership organizations. Notably, many of the projects have been geared towards helping to reduce the impact of climate change in volunteer’s respective communities. Volunteers have measurably engaged in 22,439 hours of environmental service across the state, contributing $860,136 in conservation value and impact to partnership projects and enhancing or creating 145 habitat sites through natural resource activities.
According to Bakacs, “the class portion is a crash course in environmental protection in New Jersey for those who have not had the chance to learn about these issues. We want them to understand the science and know that Rutgers is a resource for them to utilize when they are working locally.”
Noting that there is a great deal of misinformation on the internet and in the public sphere, Bakacs counters that “the program allows them to hear from experts in the field, from climate science to waste management, and in this way, volunteers can make environmental decisions based on information from local scientists.”
This fact is reinforced by Kim Correro, a volunteer from Jersey City.
“The Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program was truly transformative. It deepened my understanding of sustainability and gave me the tools and confidence to take meaningful action. In a time of ecological urgency, the program empowers everyday people to become informed, impactful environmental leaders. I’m proud to be part of this network of changemakers.”
Steffen Parratt showcases the reduction of stormwater runoff as a result of the rain garden he designed and built. Photo credit: T. Maguire.
Steward volunteers go on to serve on municipal environmental commissions or green team members, while some apply their newfound expertise to help organizations like the Atlantic County Utility Authority reduce waste. The effect on other volunteers’ own environmental awareness and empowerment has been appreciable, leading some to continue their engagement with RCE, working on invasive plant management projects.
Barbara Boucke of Cranbury Township is a proud alumna of the Rutgers Environmental Stewards program. “I excited to apply what I’ve learned as a new volunteer with the Cranbury Township Tree Shade Committee. This opportunity feels like a full-circle moment, and I’m so grateful for the foundation the RES program gave me.”
A part of the 2021-2022 cohort, Boucke was deeply impacted by her experience. “The program sparked my passion for environmental ethics and justice—topics I now plan to explore further as a Rutgers–New Brunswick student majoring in Biological Sciences with minors in Ecology and Philosophy. Thank you for planting the seeds that continue to grow in my work and studies,” she said.
“I volunteer with the Raritan Headwaters Association’s Science Department,” said Raymond Croot of Hillsborough. “Not coming from a science background, the RES program provided me with a wealth of information enabling me to get more from my activities and to be a better volunteer. The administrators and guest lecturers are top notch. The program is well worth it.”
