What's Planned At The Middlesex County EARTH Center In September, October

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Here's what the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County has planned in September and October.

Unless specified, most of these events will be held at the Middlesex County EARTH Center, located in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, 42 Riva Avenue, South Brunswick, NJ, 08902.

Sept. 13, Children’s Garden Activity – Succulents and the Sand Garden. Bring kids to learn about succulents and the environments in which they thrive. What makes a succulent different from other plants? Create a mini garden to take home, complete with sand, succulents and rocks. Program starts at 9:30 a.m. at the EARTH Center.

Master Gardener Program orientation sessions: For adults. Join a virtual information session for the upcoming Master Gardener Training Program. Orientation dates are August 28 at 6:30 p.m., September 10 at 10 a.m., and September 11 at 6:30 p.m. The 2025-2026 volunteer program will start on September 17 at 9:30 a.m. or September 18 at 6:30 p.m. Participants must attend an orientation to enroll in the Master Gardener Program. Register today at go.rutgers.edu/iyvbcmov.

Sept. 24, Harvesting and Preserving Your Garden Herbs. For adults. Learn how timing and technique can help maximize a garden's harvest. Participants will discover times and methods for harvesting leaves, flowers, seeds and roots, and how to preserve them. Program starts at 6:30 p.m. at the EARTH Center.

Oct. 5: Middlesex County 4-H Open House: Bring the whole family! From 1–3 p.m. Oct. 5, come explore Middlesex County 4-H and learn how your child can join a club or become an adult volunteer. 4-H focuses on citizenship, healthy living and STEAM programs. The open house will take place at the 4-H Youth Center, located at 645 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick. For more information, please call 732-398-5261.

Oct. 7: Native Plants You Can Eat. Explore native plants that can grow in a backyard and discover how to forage for them in the wild. Attendees can attend this program in person or virtually. Program starts at 6:30 p.m. at the EARTH Center.

Oct. 11: Introduction to Backyard Composting. Learn how to turn kitchen and yard scraps into garden gold. Register at 732-745-4170 or solidwaste@co.middlesex.nj.us. Program starts at 10 a.m. at the EARTH Center.

Middlesex County 4-H Haunted House and Hayride Charitable Fundraiser: Enjoy food and fun at the 4-H Haunted House and Hayride, held every Friday and Saturday in October from 7–10:30 p.m. Tickets are $6 for individual tickets and $10 for a combo ticket. All proceeds will benefit 4-H youth and community service programs. The event will take place on the 4-H Youth Center grounds, on the corner of Cranbury and Fern roads in East Brunswick. For more information, please visit middlesexcounty4h.com.

For information or registration, contact the EARTH Center at 732-398-5262 or email carol.richiusa@co.middlesex.nj.us. To learn more about programs and offerings at the Middlesex County Extension, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov/extension.