Middlesex County

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EARTH Center Garden Workshop on July 31

butterfly branch vintage image black and white

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County’s free workshop “Attracting Birds & Butterflies,” is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 31 at the EARTH Center, located in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park at 42 Riva Ave., South Brunswick. This workshop will teach participants about the plants and features that can be added to a backyard to make it more desirable to birds and butterflies. It is designed for the beginner or intermediate gardener who is looking to not only beautify their home, but also make a positive impact on the environment. Many experts believe that the public can help end the current decline of monarch butterfly populations. These butterflies are in danger due to the eradication of milkweed, its larvae’s host plant. Continue Reading →

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County Youth Conservation Corps To Hire High School, College Students

Middlesex County Conserfvation Corps works on trail sign for county's Open Space program.

Applications are now being accepted for the Middlesex County Youth Conservation Corps, whose mission is to protect and preserve the more than 7,500 acres of Open Space owned and maintained by Middlesex County. The County recognizes that these natural areas must always be guarded from misuse, polluters and the forces of nature, and needs help in keeping these areas green and safe. Conservation Corps crew members earn $9.00 per hour and will work Saturdays from Sept. 24 through Nov. 19. Continue Reading →

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Rain Garden Workshop at EARTH Center July 13

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County will be holding a gardening workshop “Rain Gardens for Home Landscapes” 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13 at the EARTH Center, in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, 42 Riva Avenue, South Brunswick. Rain gardens are used to help filter polluted rainwater, and to renew an area’s groundwater. Rainwater runoff, also called storm water, can be directed from household downspouts or from impervious surfaces like driveways, rooftops, walkways and compacted lawn areas. When storm water is intercepted by a rain garden, potential pollutants like road salt, fertilizers, pesticides or motor oil, are prevented from entering our local waterways. Participants in the workshop will learn how to plan, design and install a rain garden at home and will receive a Rain Garden Installation Manual. Continue Reading →

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County History Grant Program Now Accepting Online Applications for 2017

The Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Office of Culture and Heritage are accepting applications for the 2017 History Grants program. Middlesex County based, non-profit organizations or municipal groups are eligible to apply for projects taking place from January 2017 through December 2017. The guidelines are accessible online at www.co.middlesex.nj.us; search History Grants and Services. Hard copy versions of the guidelines are available by calling the Office of Culture and Heritage at 732-745-4489. Applications must be submitted online no later than midnight, Friday, July 1, 2016. Continue Reading →

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Middlesex County Encourages Residents’ Aid in Controlling Mosquitoes

The Middlesex County Mosquito Extermination Commission which has been inspecting and treating sites throughout the county this season is requesting assistance from residents to controlling the mosquito problem. Dr. Deepak Matadha, Superintendent of the Mosquito Extermination Commission, said many mosquito species come from large flood plains and swamps, which can best be controlled by NJDEP-licensed personnel employed by the commission. Experts use a comprehensive and integrated approach, which includes: mosquito surveillance, water management, biological control, chemical control and public education. However, Dr. Matadha said, there may also be many small “mosquito breeding sites” in and around homes or places of business that individuals can eliminate to reduce mosquitoes. These man-made containers can produce the Asian tiger mosquito, an aggressive daytime biter which is now known to spread Zika. Continue Reading →

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Symposium for Middlesex County Food-Related Charities on July 6

fruits and vegetables

Middlesex County’s Office of Extension Services will present “Getting Healthy Food to Those in Need: A Symposium for Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens” at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 6 at the EARTH Center in Davidsons Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. The conference is free, but registration is required by July 1. The purpose of the symposium is to assist food pantries, soup kitchens, social service agencies and churches throughout Middlesex County in being successful providers of food to those in need. The first part of the evening will be an introduction to USDA programs aimed at low-income residents, and their families. Programs include EFNEP and SNAP-Ed. Continue Reading →

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Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office To Hold Civilian Academy in Fall

Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office Civilian Academy.

The Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for an eight-week-long Sheriff’s Civilian Academy for residents of Middlesex County in the Fall of 2016. The Sheriff’s Civilian Academy which is designed to educate Middlesex County residents on the various functions and duties of the Sheriff’s Office will be held at the Middlesex County Police Training Center on North Patrol Road in Edison. The first session is scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, September 14. Classes will continue weekly on Wednesdays. One Saturday class will be held. Continue Reading →

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Middlesex County Senior Art Show Accepting Submissions

The Middlesex County Office of Aging and Disabled Services’ annual juried Senior Citizen Art Contest & Exhibition is scheduled for July 18 through August 11 at The Studio Art Gallery at Middlesex County College’s Performing Arts Center, 2600 Woodbridge Avenue in Edison. Any artist, age 60 or over, may submit one entry completed within the past three years to the Middlesex County exhibit. The entry may not have been previously entered in a County Senior Art Show or in the New Jersey Senior Citizens Annual Juried Art Show. Eligible entries winning first place at the county level are automatically eligible to advance to the State competition. Only one entry per artist is accepted on the State level. Continue Reading →

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EARTH Center Open House to Feature Home-Grown Produce Contest

fruits and vegetables

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County will host its Garden Field Day/Open House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 20 at the EARTH Center located in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park at 42 Riva Avenue in South Brunswick. The rain date will be August 21. The day will be filled with activities for the whole family, including garden tours, presentations and showcases on gardening and landscaping and live music. This day will also celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of Rutgers University. Throughout the event, the Extension’s Agriculture Office and Rutgers Master Gardeners will offer advice on horticulture and environmental stewardship while guiding visitors through various teaching gardens and learning projects. Continue Reading →

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EARTH Butterfly House Opens for Summer Season

butterfly branch vintage image black and white

The Butterfly House in the Middlesex County EARTH Center has opened for the summer season. The “hoop house” which is maintained by the Master Gardener Program is filled with plants that feed and shelter butterflies and larvae native to New Jersey. Information is available on butterfly host plants and attracting butterflies to local yards and gardens. Hours are from 10 a.m. to noon every Saturday and Sunday in June, July and August (weather permitting). There is no admission charge. Continue Reading →

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