Rutgers Extension Brings Free Summer Programs To South Brunswick Location

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ - The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County has announced an exciting lineup of educational programs and community initiatives for July 2025, centered around their EARTH Center facility in Davidson's Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. These programs offer residents opportunities to learn about sustainable gardening, environmental conservation, and local food systems while supporting community wellness initiatives.

The EARTH Center's signature Butterfly House continues its popular summer run, welcoming families every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon throughout July and August. This free program requires no advance registration and provides an accessible introduction to pollinator conservation for visitors of all ages.

On Saturday, July 12 at 9:30 a.m., the center will host a specialized Children's Garden Activity focused on "Wiggly Worms in our Garden." This hands-on educational session explores the crucial role of red wigglers in vermi-composting systems and introduces participants to the earthworms that naturally enrich the Children's Garden soil. The program addresses fundamental questions about worm biology and their essential contributions to soil health.

The Master Gardener Helpline remains available year-round to assist county residents with their gardening challenges. This service connects community members with certified Master Gardeners who provide expert guidance on:

• Vegetable and fruit gardening techniques

• Tree care and maintenance

• Plant pest and disease identification and management

• Weed and insect identification and control strategies

Residents can access this resource by emailing mastergardeners@co.middlesex.nj.us or calling 732-398-5220. The program requires callers to provide their name, town of residence, and detailed problem descriptions, with photo submissions encouraged for accurate diagnosis.

The Rows for the Hungry program exemplifies the extension's commitment to addressing food insecurity through sustainable agriculture. This Master Gardener-inspired initiative maintains donation gardens that supply fresh vegetables to local food banks and soup kitchens. The program operates year-round, with volunteers managing crops from seed to harvest while maintaining garden plots throughout all seasons.

For habitat restoration projects, the extension offers Native Plant Donations to qualifying organizations in Middlesex, Union, and Somerset counties. These donations support the creation and enhancement of pollinator gardens, butterfly habitats, and rain gardens at public locations including libraries, schools, parks, and municipal complexes.

The extension actively promotes local agriculture through partnerships with area farmers and markets. The Cook's Market at Rutgers Gardens operates every Friday from 11 AM to 3 PM and accepts SNAP benefits for eligible products, making fresh, local produce accessible to all community members.

Additionally, the New Brunswick Community Farm Market provides another avenue for accessing local produce, operating on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays in the Hub City's downtown area.

The summer programming culminates with the EARTH Center Garden, Arts & Folk Festival scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 23. This comprehensive event will feature:

• Garden tours showcasing sustainable practices

• Butterfly House demonstrations

• Live music and family entertainment

• "Greatest of the Garden" competition for outstanding home garden produce

• Opportunities for hiking and biking through Davidson's Mill Pond Park

• On-site food trucks and picnic facilities

Unless otherwise specified, all programs require advance registration and take place at the EARTH Center, located at 42 Riva Ave in South Brunswick, NJ, within Davidson's Mill Pond Park. Participants should park in lots near the park entrance and walk along the road to reach the white covered hoop house facility.

For program information and registration, residents can contact the EARTH Center at 732-398-5262 or email carol.richiusa@co.middlesex.nj.us. Additional resources and information about local farming operations can be found at www.tinyurl.com/midcogrows.

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