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Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County

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Master Gardener Interns with TeacherRutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County can be found at the E.A.R.T.H. Center, in Davidson's Mill Pond Park and is part of a nationwide network that brings the research of the state land-grant universities to local people.

  • Cooperative Extension education is available to all residents without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability/handicap.
  • Is nationwide (More than 3,000 offices).
  • Is cooperatively funded by the Board of County Commissioners, Rutgers University - New Jersey, Agricultural Experiment Station, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
  • Programs are often offered free or for a minimal charge.
  • Provides practical, problem-based education.
  • Programs are based on scientific facts for local needs and are intended to be objective and non-political.

Upcoming Events

Master Gardener Orientation 2025

Online Orientation/Information Sessions forming NOW for the 2025

Rutgers Master Gardener Training Program. 

These information sessions are FREE, with no obligation.

Orientation is required for the Rutgers Master Gardener Training program in the Middlesex, County. You are only required to attend one session. This Orientation aims to provide you with all the information you need to decide if becoming a Rutgers Master Gardener is right for you.  We will review the program's role, structure, training, and commitment.

Beginning with the 2025 session, classes will be offered on Wednesday mornings and Thursday evenings. 

Register today to secure your spot!  Links to register for orientation are listed below.  Please note there are both morning and evening sessions available.  All orientation sessions are virtual. Additional information for applying to the program in your county will be provided to those who attend the session.

October 30, 9:00 AM https://go.rutgers.edu/rrta8dtg 

October 31, 6:00 PM https://go.rutgers.edu/soe7fs0k 

November 6, 9:00 AM https://go.rutgers.edu/ffh4pnpy 

November 7, 6:00 PM https://go.rutgers.edu/5rzgq38a 

November 13, 9:00 AM https://go.rutgers.edu/q2rzef9b 

November 14, 6:00 PM https://go.rutgers.edu/jnyumbyu 

November 20, 9:00 AM https://go.rutgers.edu/7dp2w5w 

November 21, 6:00 PM https://go.rutgers.edu/aoiapx6f 

November 27, 9:00 AM https://go.rutgers.edu/wguttf4o 

December 4, 9:00 AM https://go.rutgers.edu/1og3y9vu 

December 5, 6:00 PM https://go.rutgers.edu/8z5abw1k

  

We are very excited to offer this new program and look forward to meeting you!

Please reach out to Angela Monaghan if you have any questions.

732-398-5278 or angela.monaghan@co.middlesex.nj.us 

For all other counties, please contact your local extension office for information on Rutgers Master Gardener Training.

You can find your local extension office here: Cooperative Extension County Offices (Rutgers NJAES)

Cooperating Agencies: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Boards of County Commissioners. Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of the Rutgers New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station, is an equal opportunity program provider and employer.

Contact your local Extension Office for information regarding special needs or accommodations. Contact the State Extension Director's Office if you have concerns related to discrimination, 848-932-3584.

And Justice for All (usda.gov) 

 

EARTH Center Garden, Arts and Music Festival

  • Date: 08/20/2022 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM  
  • Location: 42 Riva Ave, Davidson’s Mill Pond Park

EARTH Center Garden, Arts, and Music Festival  Offers Fun for the Whole Family

 Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County will host its EARTH Center Garden, Arts and Music Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 20 at the EARTH Center, located in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park at 42 Riva Ave, South Brunswick. (the event is rain or shine)

 

The day will be filled with family-oriented activities, live arts displays, and local musical acts.
Activities for the kids will include a Scavenger Hunt, “The Recycling Magician”, a 4-H Small Animal Club and their furry friends; and “paint a pot” activity.
There will also be a limited supply of garden plants to be given away.

 

Throughout the afternoon, Rutgers Master Gardeners and Environmental Stewards will offer advice on horticulture and stewardship while guiding visitors through various teaching gardens and learning projects. Examples of their work include: a children’s garden, vegetable display garden and the popular butterfly house. Mini lectures on horticultural topics and culinary techniques will also be offered.

Visitors can also get a close look at the Rows for the Hungry Project which in recent years has grown and donated close to 30 tons of fresh, first quality produce to local food banks in Middlesex County. The scale and precision of this operation is sure to inspire community minded residents to join their volunteer efforts.  

Join the “Greatest of the Garden” competition, by bringing the homegrown produce you are most proud of; categories may include: Largest Tomato, Largest Zucchini, Strangest Heirloom, Biggest Sunflower Bloom and Best Likeness to a Celebrity or Historical Figure.

 

The Arts Institute of Middlesex County will also offer a Share Your Foodways kitchen demonstration where Chef Carolina Moratti will prepare delicious dishes with the bounty of the season.  A food truck will be available onsite, but carried in picnic lunches are also welcome.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item as a donation to REPLENISH, Middlesex County’s food bank program.

Davidson’s Mill Pond Park is also one of the County’s most beautiful passive recreation parks with hiking/biking trails and several locations suitable for fishing.

 

This event is a great opportunity for residents to acquaint themselves with the programs Middlesex County’s office of Rutgers Cooperative Extension has to offer.

For more information, please call 732-398-5268 or e-mail  david.smela@co.middlesex.nj.us. 

 

 

Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County educational programs are offered to all without regard to race, religion, color, age, national origin, gender.

 

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For more events happening at the EARTH Center, with 4-H or through Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County, visit the Rutgers NJAES Calendar.

2024 Fall Events Rack Card

Webcasts & Online Seminars

Earth Day, Every Day Series

Our Earth Day, Every Day webinar series focuses on steps everyone can take to protect the environment. 

View Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County including RU Ready 2 Garden webinars, Restoring the Manalapan Brook Watershed and more!

RU Ready 2 Garden
Get expert advice on effective gardening techniques from our Extension experts, who cover a variety of topics for beginners and professionals alike, with our "RU Ready 2 Garden" webinar series!

4-H Volunteer Opportunities

4-H Youth Development program volunteer opportunities for adults may be available.

4-H Horse Club Recruitment & Promotion

Master Gardener Speakers Bureau

Would you like a Rutgers trained Master Gardener to speak at your library, Church, Youth groups, or green team meeting on topics related to gardening, landscaping or agriculture?

If so, click here to fill out the Speaker Request form.