Do you care about the environment? Do you enjoy learning and connecting with other like-minded people? Are you looking for ways to help make positive change in your community? Sign up for the 2026 Rutgers Environmental Stewards program.

The Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program brings regional experts to explain the science behind a wide variety of environmental topics and issues. No scientific background is needed to join the weekly program.

Classes are held 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays starting Jan. 20, 2026, and include both online and in-person sessions, plus field trips to environmentally significant sites and supplemental classes that can be completed independently. Early Bird rates apply through December.

Topics include climate change, solid waste, recycling, food waste, soil health, alternative energy, water quality, habitat conservation, pollinator protection, environmental justice, communication and more. 

Participants use what they’ve learned to complete volunteer projects of their choice to earn certification as Environmental Stewards. You can link up with an organization looking for help to implement an existing project or identify a need in your community and create your own! 

Examples of volunteer projects include: 

·        Mapping and eradicating invasive species in local parks

·        Restoring native dune vegetation in shore communities

·        Improving recycling through data collection and education

·        Organizing and hosting a symposium on climate change

·        Creating and distributing native bee home kits with how-to guides

·        Starting NJ’s first Adopt-A-Stormdrain program

 The program has trained over 1000 volunteers since the start of the program in 2005, many of whom continue to use knowledge and experience gained through the program.

Learn more at Environmental Stewards