Main Content
![Harvesting](https://somerset.njaes.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/wagon-1-1024x768.jpg)
![Wheat](https://somerset.njaes.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_3817-1-1024x768.jpg)
![Hay Bales](https://somerset.njaes.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_3214-1-1024x683.jpg)
The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources serves the residents of Somerset County through the development and dissemination of research-based information. Our goal is to teach people new skills and information so they can make better informed decisions and changes in themselves, their businesses, and personal lives. Broadly defined, our programs assist commercial businesses, governmental agencies, and residents through personal or group requests for assistance, information and consultation on issues related to agriculture, the environment, and natural resources management.
Upcoming Events
Commercial Agriculture
![Corn](https://somerset.njaes.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9003-2-1024x768.jpg)
![Wheat](https://somerset.njaes.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9686-1024x768.jpeg)
![Tomatoes](https://somerset.njaes.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tomatoes-1-1024x576.jpg)
Established in 1688, Somerset County, NJ is one of America’s oldest counties. Most of the early residents were Dutch and launched an agricultural industry based on beef, dairy, general livestock production, and the crops that support those livestock operations. From the 1960s to today, townships that were once exclusively agricultural have transformed into suburban communities. This also transformed the county’s agricultural industry to one emphasizing agritourism, direct marketing, and community farmers’ markets, thereby sustaining the county’s rich agricultural heritage.
We continually evaluate the needs of the agricultural community and develop relevant programming to address those needs. We deliver relevant research-based information to commercial farmers and horticulturalists through educational meetings, field demonstrations, applied research, consultations, written materials, and social media. We also work with commodity groups, government agencies, and agribusinesses to help determine and address the needs of the agricultural community.
Agricultural Mailing List: To be added to our mailing list, please complete our contact form or email Kate Brown, County ANR Agent, at kbrown@njaes.rutgers.edu. Please know that we do not, under any circumstances, share our mailing list.
Natural Resources
![Environmental Stewards](https://somerset.njaes.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/PXL_20221020_161935036-1024x768.jpg)
![Raritan River](https://somerset.njaes.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Raritan-River-1024x576.jpg)
![Woods](https://somerset.njaes.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/woods-3-1024x576.jpg)
From the NJ Highlands Region to the Sourland Mountains, Somerset County has a great diversity of natural resources, highlighted in preservation and open space planning efforts, tourism marketing, and sustainability efforts from the single backyard to the headwaters of the Raritan River Watershed. Forests, fields, lakes, streams, grass ways, and trails are interspersed with urban and suburban development and a growing population seeking to enjoy these natural resources. Increased stormwater runoff, invasive or destructive pests, vector-borne diseases, and wildlife management are just a few of the challenges we face.
There are many opportunities for residents to have a positive impact on the sustainability of our natural resources, from their own yards and out into the community.
Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program
This Rutgers Environmental Stewards program trains volunteers on how they can take action to help solve environmental problems in their communities.
Green Infrastructure Champions Program
http://water.rutgers.edu/Projects/GreenInfrastructureChampions/GIC.html
This program, offered by the Rutgers Water Resources Program, trains community members on green infrastructure planning and implementation, how to engage with community leaders, local NGOs, and schools to increase green infrastructure for stormwater management, and publicize implementation through social media and other outlets.
Raritan River Rain Barrel Rebate Program (PDF)
https://somerset.njaes.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2020-Rain-Barrel-Rebate-Program.pdf
The New Jersey Water Supply Authority is partnering with The Regional Center Partnership and Manville Borough to offer rebates for residents in Manville, Bridgewater, Raritan, and Somerville to install rain barrels at their homes.
Stormwater Management in our Backyard
https://njaes.rutgers.edu/environment/rain-garden-manual.php
A suite of resources to empower volunteers to educate their communities about the benefits of rain gardens, with materials for audiences of all ages.
NJ Woodland Stewards Program
https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/forest/privatelands/foreststewardshipprogram.html
The New Jersey Woodland Stewards Program promotes sustainable stewardship of our natural resources through individuals trained on the forest and wildlife stewardship principles.
Contact Information
Rutgers Cooperative Extension
310 Milltown Rd.
Bridgewater, NJ 08807-3587
Phone: 908-526-6293
Email: Ashley Higgins Administrative Assistant
Email: Kate Brown County Agent
![ANR logo](/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/agriculture-and-natural-resources.png)