Environmental Center

Cooperative Extension
Department Head 
Marissa Staffen  
Marissa.staffen@rutgers.edu  

Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) Cooperative Extension helps the diverse population of New Jersey adapt to a rapidly changing society and improve their lives and communities through an educational process that uses science based knowledge. Through science-based educational programs, Rutgers Cooperative Extension truly enhances the quality of life for residents of New Jersey and brings the wealth of knowledge of the state university to local communities.

Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) Cooperative Extension of Essex County:

• Provides educational programs to homemakers, home owners, agribusiness people, and youth.
• Is professionally staffed by Rutgers University faculty and support personnel.
• Uses the research and expertise of Rutgers University and other land-grant colleges to solve local challenges.
• Is guided by local advisory groups in identifying and meeting the needs of Essex County residents.
• Is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and the Essex County Executive and Board of Freeholders.
• Is available to any county resident without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status.
• 4-H programs and projects depend on the skills and interests of volunteer leaders. If you are an adult, and would like to start a new club, contact the 4-H office at 973-353-1338, ext 109.

Rutgers Master Gardener Program

     Master Gardener Volunteer Application (203k PDF)

The New Jersey Master Gardener Program, founded in 1972, now serves as volunteer arm of the University Extension programs in more than 40 states. Master Gardeners are required to pursue a year of intensive study of botany, entomology, plant diseases, landscaping and environmentally sound methods of horticulture.

Following state certification, master gardeners perform community service. Programs include a helpline for gardeners, lectures for community groups, and advice and assistance to schools, to bring an understanding of the interrelationships of nature to our lives.

Master Gardeners use their skills in a variety of areas, including: Gardening demonstrations, Telephone Helpline and Plant Clinics, Horticultural therapy, Information booths at county fairs and other public events, Research assistance at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Harvesting and packing food for the hungry

Master Gardeners receive in-depth, hands-on training in horticulture from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey faculty and professional staff.

Some basic topics include plant biology, propagation, soil science, and disease and pest control. There is a fee to cover material and program costs. (Scholarships are available.)

In exchange for the training, Master Gardeners agree to volunteer a certain number of hours, working in their community in programs sponsored by the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES). Successful graduates of the training become Certified Master Gardeners after they complete their volunteer service.

For More Information:

Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station
Cooperative Extension of Essex County
Master Gardener Program
621a Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ 07068
Essex County Master Gardener Helpline: 973-228-2210

4-H Youth Development Program

4-H is the youth development component of Rutgers Cooperative Extension. 4-H uses a learn-by-doing approach to enable youth to become competent, caring citizens of the world. Dedicated adult volunteers provide leadership to 4-H clubs and activities.

Essex County 4-H staff and volunteers work together to develop programs which will provide youngsters with opportunities for new experiences and a broader view of life. Under the guidance of caring adult and teen leaders, youth in grades K-13 develop characteristics of leadership and citizenship, improve their skills, become more aware of others and the environment in which they live, and help others through community service. 4-H works with all youth on a grade-appropriate basis, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

Marissa Staffen (she/her) essex4h@njaes.rutgers.edu 

4-H Dog Club: Discover the Paw-sitive World of Canine Companionship
Meeting dates: November 21; December 19; January 23 & February 20
5:30pm to 6:30pm
For youth in grades 4 through 12. Join the 4-H Dog Club and embark on a journey
of learning and fun! Youth in grades 4-12 and well-behaved dogs are welcome. Whether you're a
seasoned dog owner or a first-time pet parent, our 4-H Dog Club offers a welcoming and supportive
environment for you and your furry friend. Sign up here: https://essex.njaes.rutgers.edu/4h/
Participants gain valuable skills in:
• Dog Training Basics: Learn essential commands such as sit, stay and come.
• Responsible Pet Ownership: Understand the importance of proper care, nutrition and
grooming.
• Showmanship: Develop your dog's show ring skills and learn how to present your canine
companion with confidence.
• Community Service: Participate in community events and volunteer opportunities to give
back.
• Life Skills: Build leadership, teamwork and communication skills through club activities.

Wellness Wednesdays with FCHS
Wellness Wednesday webinars with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Department of Family and
Community Health Sciences (FCHS) focus on a variety of topics related to food, nutrition and healthy
lifestyles. All sessions are free, last approximately 45 minutes, and provided via Zoom. For a full list of
upcoming topics and to register, visit https://njaes.rutgers.edu/wellness-wednesdays/.

Rutgers Environmental Stewards
There are 16 weekly classes held on Tuesdays from 5:30pm to 8pm, with classes starting on January
12, 2025. The Rutgers Environmental Steward program trains volunteers on important
environmental issues in New Jersey and how they can make a difference in their community.
Stewards learn how to help advance sustainable climate change solutions, not just in their own lives,
but in their communities. This program is virtual with some in-person field trips. Fee: $325 or
$300 if registering before December 31.

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION CONTACTS

Department Head
Marissa Staffen
Marissa.staffen@rutgers.edu 

Expanded Food and Nutrition Program
Senior Program Coordinator
Victoria Figliola
vf174@njaes.rutgers.edu

4-H Youth Development
County 4-H Agent
Marissa Staffen
Marissa.staffen@rutgers.edu 

Family and Consumer Health Sciences
County FCHS Agent
Veronica Jones
jonesve@njaes.rutgers.edu 

Agriculture and Resource Management
County ANR Agent/s

Amy Rowe rowe@njaes.rutgers.edu 

Claudia Urdanivia cru1@njaes.rutgers.edu 

Master Gardener Helpline
Volunteers
mastergardenerec@gmail.com 

The New Jersey Wood turners club was started in 1988 with 20 members and has steadily grown to its current membership of over 70 turners. Our members come from many locations in New Jersey e.g. Annandale, Basking Ridge, Belle Mead, Bridgewater, Carteret, Chatham, Chester, Clark, Colonia, Cranbury, East Brunswick, Edison, Fanwood, Franklin Park, Green Brook, Little York, Mendham, Milburn, Mountainside, Neshanic, North Brunswick, Old Bridge, Roselle, Scotch Plains, South Orange, Somerset, South Plainfield, South River, Staten Island, Springfield, Tinton Falls, Westfield, Whitehouse and Sellersvile in Pennsylvania.

The monthly meetings are held at the Essex County Environmental Center and are well attended and feature a wide selection of topics from demonstrations, to auctions, to show and tell. These meetings are a great place for both novice and experienced turners to learn and share experiences.

The club also participates in a number of community activities and exhibitions.

There is a monthly news letter which keep members up to date on activities and events.

Membership Benefits:

Turnathons – hands-on instruction at meetings
Mentoring – personalized instruction
Use of specialized woodworking equipment
Earth Day – participation in ECEC annual festival
Library – hundreds of books, tapes and videos
Discounted Supplies – sandpaper, laminated wood, Anchorseal
Free Logs – from time to time
Woodworking Shows – participation in show and tell

http://www.njwoodturners.com

The purpose of our Society is to (1) foster and promote the art of apiculture in New Jersey, (2) to educate residents of the Garden State about the state insect, the honey bee, and its vital role in agriculture, (3) to produce bees and honey and related products, and (4) to simply share and enjoy our fabulous and fun-filled pursuit of raising and caring for honey bees.

Its members, beekeepers and non-beekeepers alike, work, cooperate and support each other in promoting beekeeping and related activities. Our members mentor new beekeepers, hold periodic social and business meetings to share experiences and ideas, and provide educational opportunities for schools and the public at large.

http://www.ecbs.njbeekeepers.org

Great Swamp Bonsai Society - New Jersey's Bonsai Club

Who Are We?
Welcome to the Great Swamp Bonsai Society (GSBS), New Jersey bonsai club for anyone interested in the ancient art of bonsai - growing miniature trees in pots. Our  Northern New Jersey bonsai society welcomes enthusiasts of any age or background, whether you are a beginner bonsai artist or have years of bonsai experience, or even if you simply admire these beautiful miniature trees and enjoy participating as a spectator in our New Jersey bonsai community.

Everyone is welcome to attend Great Swamp Bonsai Society meetings as our guest until such time as you decide to join our Northern New Jersey bonsai club officially. Our GSBS members come from throughout the New Jersey areas to learn bonsai techniques and share their passion for this traditional Japanese art form.

Meetings

GSBS Monthly Meetings - Essex County Environmental Center, 621b Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland, New Jersey 07068

Great Swamp Bonsai Society meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30-9:00 PM, with informal bonsai discussions beginning at 6:00 PM.

Join fellow New Jersey bonsai enthusiasts at our Essex County location:

Contact Information 

Diego G.   Great.swampbonsai@gmail.com 

http://www.Greatswampbonsai.com 

The New Jersey Audubon Society is a privately supported, not-for profit, statewide membership organization. Founded in 1897, and one of the oldest independent Audubon societies, New Jersey Audubon has no connection with the National Audubon Society.

New Jersey Audubon fosters environmental awareness and a conservation ethic among New Jersey's citizens; protects New Jersey's birds, mammals, other animals, and plants, especially endangered and threatened species; and promotes preservation of New Jersey's valuable natural habitats.

New Jersey Audubon Society Headquarters
9 Hardscrabble Road
Bernardsville, New Jersey 07924
(908) 204-8998
E-mail: hq@njaudubon.org 

http://www.njaudubon.org