Tree ID workshop Sat., Oct. 1 in Glen Rock

Rutgers University's ecologist from the Center for Urban Restoration Ecology, Jean Epiphan, will conduct a workshop on identifying trees and shrubs in specific ways from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sat., Oct. 1 at the Thielke Arboretum, 460 Doremus Ave., Glen Rock.

Cost is $8.

Information: 201-991-8140 or www.glenrockarboretum.org.

Menendez, Booker Announce $2.8 Million to fund Rutgers research designed to protect bees, other insects that pollinate, allow plant life to flourish

U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-NJ) announced a $2,849,975 National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant to Rutgers University in New Brunswick to fund critical research focused on striking the horticultural balance between pest control and protecting vital insect populations, such as bees, which pollinate plants and aid in the persistence of our food supply of fruits and vegetables.

“This is great news for Rutgers and New Jersey families,” said Sen. Menendez. “A healthy pollinator population is critical for the farms and orchards of the Garden State. This grant will fund critical research into how to best protect the pollinators that help our ecosystem flourish, while still making scientific advances in pest control.”

“A healthy ecosystem for pollinators in our region is a vital part of New Jersey’s environmental and economic well-being, and is vital for New Jersey’s agriculture industry,” said Sen. Booker. “This grant will enable the bright minds at Rutgers University to find new ways to better balance between protecting farmers’ lands from pests while keeping bees and other insects safe from pest control products.” 

Rutgers University’s landscape courses scheduled

Rutgers University’s next annual Home Gardeners School will take place on Sat., March 18, 2017 in New Brunswick

Details will be finalized in late fall.

In addition, they’ll have several landscaping courses scheduled:

--Introduction to Plant Identification – Nov. 9-10, 2016.

--Soil and Plant Relationships – Dec. 9 & 16, 2016.

--Water Management and Drainage – Dec. 13, 2016.

--Growing Ornamental Plants – December 19, 2016.