Union County, NJ – Union County residents who are interested in tackling the environmental issues of today can join the Environmental Stewards program. Conveniently based in Westfield, the program is designed to help local residents design and execute environmental projects in their communities.
“The Environmental Stewards program brings the insights of scientists and researchers to Union County’s doorstep, and helps our citizens take effective action,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “If you working on environmental issues in your community, this program will help you gather the skills and knowledge to achieve your goals and make a real difference.”
Environmental Stewards is an award-winning program run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, a division of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station supported in part by the Freeholder Board.
Any Union County resident is welcome to join the program as an individual, or on behalf of their municipality, employer or group such as a non-profit organization, academic institution, civic association, religious institution, Scout troop or local environmental commission.
“Union County is fortunate to host some outstanding environmental citizens in the corporate world, so we would also like to see our business community get involved in the program,” said Granados.
Experts from Rutgers University, non-profit organizations and Union County government will guide the participants through topics including energy conservation, climate change, invasive species, open space management, soil health, water resource pollution, environmental policy, protecting pollinators, and habitat conservation.
Rutgers has previously offered the program in other counties. This is the first year it has been offered in Union County.
The Environmental Stewards program will hold classroom training sessions beginning Friday, January 26 at the Extension offices in Westfield, at the Colleen Fraser Building in the Union County complex, 300 North Avenue East.
Classes are held on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for 20 weeks. Applications are available online at envirostewards.rutgers.edu. A fee of $250.00 applies.
For more information, contact Michele Bakacs at bakacs@njaes.rutgers.edu or 732-398-5274.
For information on all Extension programs offered in Union County, including 4-H, Master Gardeners and Master Tree Stewards, visit ucnj.org/rce.
Visit the Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection for all Union County environmental programs and activities.
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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
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