Earth Day 2013

Earth Day at Rutgers Newark was started in 2005 as a one day event at the Newark Conservancy. It has since grown to include a day of service on campus and a day at the Newark Conservancy's Urban Garden. Over the years volunteers have created three sustainable gardens on campus, a native grasses garden, and installed a bird pond so the over 100 types of birds that visit campus every year have a place to drink.
This spring's Earth Day activities took place on April 22 and 24, 2013
April 22nd at the Norman Samuels Plaza, Free Period (11:30am - 1:00pm):
The Greater Newark Conservancy staff was on campus with free soil, pots, and basil seeds – everything students needed to start their own little pot of herbs on a windowsill.
Members of the Rutgers Ecology and Evolution program were also there to demonstrate how many years of past Earth Day activities has made us (more ) wild and sustainable.
April 24th at the Greater Newark Conservancy (two shifts, 10:00 - 11:30am or 12:30 - 2:00pm):
Dozens of students celebrated Earth Day by volunteering at Greater Newark Conservancy’s Outdoor Learning Center Gardens! They planted flowers in the Sundial and Butterfly gardens, turned the compost bins and sifted out soil, and started the next wave of seeds for the Sensory garden.
Research with an Environmental Impact
For many faculty at Rutgers-Newark, Earth Day truly is every day. The scope of their teaching and research demonstrates the many facets of environmental stewardship. Learn more
Our Gardens in the News
- Urban Wilderness at Rutgers: a hotspot for biodiversity Described as a “bio-diversity haven,” the two large planters on the Norman Samuels Plaza at Rutgers-Newark have been created by hundreds of Earth Day student volunteers, working with staff members, faculty from the Dept. of Biological Sciences, and horticulture professionals from the nearby Greater Newark Conservancy. Six consecutive years of Earth Day activities have resulted in a huge increase in the number of native plant species growing in the planters, providing a wildlife habitat that is largely self-sustainable, as well as notable media coverage.
- Star-Ledger: An ecological urban wild land sprouts in Newark
More Volunteer Activities
In September 2012, we added a border of bushes and sustainable flowering plants around the edge of one planter. Thanks to all the volunteers that rolled up their sleeves and helped!
In April 2012 we once again had a great group of volunteers over two days. On April 16th, we planted a sustainable garden in front of the entrance to University Square. On Wednesday, April 18th, volunteers went to the Newark Conservancy's Urban Garden.
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April 2012 At University Square.
Photo gallery (including the dramatic before + after). - April 2012 At the Newark Conservancy's Urban Environmental & Ecological Center.
Photo gallery
Thank you volunteers!
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Campus Overview
Founded: 1908
Joined Rutgers: 1946
Campus Size: 38 acres, 33 buildings
Interim Chancellor: Philip Yeagle
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Full-time Faculty: 585
Faculty with Terminal Degrees: 99%
Full-time Staff: 770
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