Rutgers Environmental Stewards Class of 2014

Hillsborough residents are lucky that the Central Jersey classes are held right here at Duke Farms. From the Rutgers Environmental Stewards program:

Want a New Year’s Resolution You’re Sure to Stick With?
Sign up for Rutgers Environmental Steward training

Are you looking for a New Year’s resolution that you’re likely to stick with, once you embark on the journey? How about a way to give something back to your community in a way that’s meaningful and guaranteed to get you out and about?

Consider joining the 2014 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 May.

 An innovative partnership between Rutgers Cooperative Extension and the Duke Farms Foundation, 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 years and well worth the $250 fee.

In order to serve the entire state, training is offered in regional locations and recruitment has begun in earnest for the Class of 2014. Questions about registration or schedules should be directed to the coordinator of the region in which you expect to attend classes.

 

Central/Duke Farms

Training Location: Duke Farms, Hillsborough, NJ
Normal Class Time: Thursdays, January to May, 2014; 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Cost: $250
Contact: Deb Thomas, dthomas@dukefarms.org , Duke Farms Foundation, 80 Route 206, Hillsborough, New Jersey 08844 908-722-3700 x 4

Duke application form