Rutgers Master Gardeners of Sussex County

The Internet is an excellent resource for investors, allowing them to easily and inexpensively research investment opportunities. But the Internet is also an excellent tool for fraudsters… “That’s why you should always think twice before you invest your money in any opportunity that you learn about online,” says Barbara O’Neill, an Andover Township resident, and an extension specialist in Financial Resource Management for Rutgers Cooperative Extension. “Anyone can reach tens of thousands of people by building a web site, posting a message on an online message board, entering a discussion in a live “chat” room, or sending mass emails. It’s easy for fraudsters to make their messages look real and credible and difficult for investors to tell the difference between fact and fiction.”

Stephen Gaffney knows “the farm” as a garden behind a historical society building that’s “got chickens in it.” On Friday, the opening day of the New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm and Horse Show, he got to see many more farm animals, from beef cattle to goats and sheep. And yes, there were chickens, too. Gaffney, 9, was among 35 youngsters from Montclair who traveled to the fair as part of their two-week summer “camp,” the fourth time that the Montclair club has brought summer campers to Sussex County. “These are all children we’re trying to get interested in the 4-H program,” said Marisa Blodnik, a Rutgers Cooperative Extension agent whose primary duty is overseeing the 4-H club. “We did have what’s called an ‘urban’ program, but, with Rutgers involved, we thought why not do an ag-based one,” she said.

This year visitors at the New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm and Horse Show can stop by a Rutgers tent, located outside of the 4-H Shotwell Building, to celebrate the university’s 250th anniversary, said Dave Foord, 4-H senior program coordinator…

Many homeowners ask, “I planted a flower listed as a hummingbird and butterfly magnet, why don’t I see any hummingbirds or butterflies?” Just like when you go to an all-you-can-eat buffet, you choose those items that most appeal to you, creatures do the same. There may be something in bloom at the moment that is even more attractive than the plant you picked, so all the creatures are going to that plant before it finishes blooming… Lisa Chiariello is The Master Gardener coordinator for Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Sussex County.

Teaching children about the importance of selflessness and hard work can be challenging. But make it fun and rewarding and it becomes a life lesson they’ll never forget… Lynn Waclawski, 33, of Blairstown, runs a local 4-H group of about 11 children a…

Gov. Chris Christie has signed a bill permitting researchers to grow oyster colonies in polluted waterways to try to improve water quality. The Republican presidential candidate on Tuesday signed a measure letting groups establish experimental oyster c…