All December Events From Rutgers Cooperative Extension Of Middlesex County

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 forming NOW for the 2025

Rutgers Master Gardener Training Program.

These information sessions are free, with no obligation.

This Orientation aims to provide you with 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 commitment. Orientation is required for the program in Middlesex County. You are only required to attend one session.

Register today to secure your spot! Links to register for orientation are listed below. Please note there are both morning and evening sessions available. All orientation sessions are virtual. Additional information for applying to the program in your county will be provided to those who attend the session.

• December 4, 9:00 AM https://go.rutgers.edu/1og3y9vu
• December 5, 6:00 PM https://go.rutgers.edu/8z5abw1k

Reach out to Angela Monaghan if you have any questions.

732-398-5278 or angela.monaghan@co.middlesex.nj.us

Rutgers Environmental Steward program

Concerned about the environment and want to learn how to make a difference?

This program will introduce non-scientists to the science behind environmental issues affecting New Jersey.

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

Classes convene weekly on Tuesdays from January 21 to May 13 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. with a content expert who covers that week’s topic. From 7:30- 8 p.m., classes break out into regions to cover local issues and meet with their coordinator for further discussion and activities.

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

Holiday Trees

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

RU Ready 2 Garden Holiday Plant Edition Webinar

Christmas Tree and Holiday Plant Care and Selection

Charitable Opportunities

Middlesex County 4-H Project GIFT- Gift Drive

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

They accept donations of new toys, clothing and gifts for ages infant to 19, or financial donations. All donations are requested before Dec. 10 and can be brought to the EARTH Center or for other arrangements contact lbovitz@njaes.rutgers.edu or call 732-398-5261 for detailed drop-off information.

Additional information on Project GIFT can be found at Project Gift (4hprojectgift.org)

Donations can also be made through the website.

Rows for the Hungry – a Master Gardener Project

Rows for the Hungry is a donation garden raising fresh produce for local food banks, and soup kitchens seeking to end the cycle of hunger. Volunteers grow the crops and maintain the plot year-round.

Rows for the Hungry is again participating in the Seed Money Challenge, and could use your support. In addition to keeping 100% of the funds we raise from individuals, we have a chance to win a grant of up to $1000 from Seed Money based on how much we raise between Nov. 15th to Dec. 15th.

A quick year in review for 2024: With the support from Middlesex County, our Greenhouse Project team, and RFH volunteers, we raised over 23,000 pounds of food – that’s 11.6 tons! The most poundage we have grown yet.

You can find our donation page here:

https://donate.seedmoney.org/10465/rows-for-the-hungry

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com