Rutgers EARTH Center News Winter 2007

The home of Rutgers Cooperative Extension in Middlesex County is called the EARTH Center (Environment, Agriculture, Research, Teaching, and Health). As always, our Extension office emphasizes environmentally sound horticultural practices, youth and adult leadership education plus nutrition and health education. 482 acres of parkland surround the EARTH Center, and provide ample room for demonstration and research projects to address agricultural, horticultural and environmental issues. 

In addition to the herb, vegetable and rain gardens we have installed at the EARTH center since our arrival in2004; we are currently installing a low maintenance turf-grass display. All demonstration areas are intended to show homeowners how to get the best results from their landscaping efforts without relying on unnecessary fertilizers and pesticides.

The latest edition of the Award winning Middlesex County Master Gardener newsletter was recently posted online and can be viewed at http://www.co.middlesex.nj.us/extensionservices/agriculture-master.asp.

Take a look at some of the great projects that our Master Gardeners are involved in and maybe you will join them. Middlesex County is currently the only county in New Jersey that offers a daytime and evening Master Gardeners class, so contact us if you would like to be informed when the next program starts.

Now is a great time to book an informative EARTH Center tour for the spring.

Basic tours include vegetable garden, herb garden ornamental tree demonstration area.

Custom tours are available as well.

What topics would benefit you?

Pruning         Lawn Renovation

IPM Techniques   Project WILD for teachers

Call to set up a customized tour or workshop for your group.

Our 4-H Department’s Annual Haunted House was a success again this year. The Haunted House raises money to support 4-H’s Annual Charitable event Project GIFT.

Project GIFT is a free day of shopping for needy families in Middlesex County. Selected parents can come to the event and pick out items free of charge, to give as gifts to their children during the holiday season. Many participants have said in the past that this event provides the only way that they would be able to give gifts of clothes or toys to their children. Project GIFT is always accepting additional donations of new toys or clothes or additional funding. If you would like to contribute to Project GIFT contact our 4-H office at 732 398 5261.

The EARTH Center is located in Davidson's Mill Pond Park,42 Riva Ave in South Brunswick.

For more information contact the Rutgers Cooperative Extension's of Middlesex County's Ag office at 732 398 5262.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension educational programs are offered to all without regard to race, religion, color, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

A look at some of the new Solar panels providing power to the Middlesex County EARTH Center.