Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program Begins Jan. 25 Mercer Co

EAST WINDSOR, NJ —If you're interested in helping protect the environment in your community, but don't know where to start, here's a program that is just for you. The Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program is all set to begin Tuesday, Jan 25.

The program teaches volunteers how to tackle important environmental issues and use what's learned to make a difference. Anyone can join the program and a background in science is not needed.

Under the program, participants attend weekly classes on topics like climate change, green infrastructure, environmental justice, and wildlife habitat. Each class is taught by a leading researcher from Rutgers University, a government agency or someone from the non-profit sector.

The 2022 class will run from Jan. 25 through May 17 on Tuesdays, from 5:30-8:00 p.m. This year’s class will be a hybrid of zoom sessions, in-person instruction, field trips, and on-demand electives.

Participants complete a 60-hour volunteer internship within their community to become certified Rutgers Environmental Stewards.

“We’ve trained over 900 volunteers since the start of the program in 2005, many of whom are still making an impact within their communities,” said Michele Bakacs, county agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension.

There's still space for Mercer County residents to join. For class and registration details, click here.