Rutgers University has opened registration for their Environmental Stewards (RES) Program, which trains volunteers on important environmental issues affecting New Jersey. The program introduces non-scientists to the science of underlying key environmental issues in the Garden State. Leading researches from Rutgers will be joined by colleagues from government and the nonprofit sector to share knowledge and help Stewards make a difference in their communities.

Stewards will attend classes once a week to learn about a variety of topics from climate change, soil health and energy conservation to water resource protection, invasive species management, habitat conservation and water resource protection. There will be optional field trips to environmentally significant sites around the state as well. After the classroom portion of the program, stewards will be asked to complete an internship project for certification.

Classes will be held in Atlantic, Somerset, Union and Burlington counties. You do not have to live in the counties to attend. While the certification does not replace a science degree, the program does help citizens educate themselves on how to deal with real-world environmental problems. 

Cost: $250. Various locations. For more information, visit EnviroStewards.Rutgers.edu.