All Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex December events

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – ‘Tis the season to get out and enjoy events in Middlesex County.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County is hosting family-friendly and fun events this December.

See what’s planned:

Online orientation/information sessions for 2025 are taking place NOW

Rutgers Master Gardener Training Program.

These information events are free and non-binding.

This orientation is designed to give you 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 engagement. Orientation is required for the program in Middlesex County. You only need to attend one session.

Register today and secure your spot! Links to register for orientation are listed below. Please note that both morning and evening sessions are available. All orientation sessions are virtual. Additional information will be provided to meeting attendees on how to apply for the program in your county.

Rutgers Environmental Steward Program

Are you concerned about the environment and want to learn how you can make a difference?

This program will introduce non-scientists to the science behind New Jersey’s environmental problems.

Stewards then give back to their own communities by helping to address local issues. If you have a passion for the environment, a desire to learn, and a willingness to volunteer, then this program is for you!

Classes will be held weekly on Tuesdays from January 21 to May 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with a content expert covering that week’s topic. From 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., classes are divided into regions to cover local topics and meet with their coordinator for further discussions and activities.

Registration is open for the Rutgers Environmental Stewards 2025 online course.

Holiday trees

Middlesex County farmers will have beautiful Christmas trees and great food for the family this holiday season. Find your nearest direct market at www.tinyurl.com/midcogrows

RU Ready 2 Garden Holiday Plant Edition Webinar

Care and selection of Christmas trees and Christmas plants

Charity Offers

Middlesex County 4-H Project GIFT – Gift Campaign

For over 25 years, the Middlesex County 4-H Teen and Junior Councils have hosted this free holiday shopping day for families of limited means. Since 1997, over 3,000 families and 6,500 young people have been reached.

They accept donations of new toys, clothing and gifts for toddlers up to 19 years old, or monetary donations. All donations will be requested before December 10th and can be brought to the EARTH Center. For other arrangements, please contact [email protected] or call 732-398-5261 for detailed drop-off information.

For more information about Project GIFT, visit Project Gift (4hprojectgift.org).

Donations are also possible via the website.

Rows for the Hungry – a Master Gardener Project

Rows for the Hungry is a donation garden that grows fresh produce for local food banks and soup kitchens to help break the cycle of hunger. Volunteers grow the plants and maintain the property year-round.

Rows for the Hungry is participating in the Seed Money Challenge again and could use your support. Not only do we keep 100% of the funds raised from individuals, but we also have a chance to win a grant of up to $1,000 from seed capital depending on how much we raise between November 15th and December 15th .

A quick look back at 2024: With the support of Middlesex County, our Greenhouse Project team, and RFH volunteers, we collected over 23,000 pounds of food – that’s 11.6 tons! The biggest weight we’ve grown to date.