Imagine being able to discuss climate change with the State Climatologist or learn about New Jersey’s Geology from the people who map it. How about learning about habitat restoration in your own community or helping improve water quality of a local river or stream? These are some of the opportunities available to enrollees in the 2017 Rutgers Environmental Steward Training Program.
The Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) will host the Rutgers Environmental Stewards Training in Egg Harbor Township, beginning Jan. 25, 2017. In addition to the training at the ACUA, the program is offered in Burlington, Passaic, Somerset and Middlesex Counties.
The Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program educates the public about the science behind pressing environmental issues and helps participants create positive change in their communities. Weekly classes focus on a wide variety of topics including climate change, soil health, energy, waste management, water resource protection, invasive species management and habitat conservation. In addition, students also learn about conflict resolution and leadership. Optional fieldtrips to environmentally significant sites around the state are included as part of the program.
Anyone can become an Environmental Steward. The program introduces non-scientists to the science underlying key environmental issues in our region. Leading authorities from academia are joined by leaders from environmental and non-profit organizations to share information and insights with the Stewards and help them make a difference in their own communities.
“Stewards have used this training as a stepping stone for further involvement in environmental work in their community,” said Pat Rector, State Coordinator for the Environmental Steward Program. “Close to 40% of our alumni serve on a local board or commission and for many, that service is a direct result of having participated in our program”.
In order to become a certified Environmental Steward, graduates of the class portion of the program complete a 60-hour volunteer internship of their choosing. Internships are unique and intended to align with the passion of the individual, the needs of the program, and the community.
Space is still available for the Atlantic County session of the Rutgers Environmental Steward Class of 2017. In southern New Jersey, interested parties may contact the Atlantic County Utility Authority to learn more or to sign up for the class.
Training Location: Atlantic County Utility Authority, 6700 Delilah Rd., Egg Harbor Township
Normal Class Time: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $250
More information including application forms and the current schedule for lectures can be found on the web at envirostewards.rutgers.edu or acua.com/stewards, or by calling (609) 272-6950.
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