Work alongside your community to restore native plants, create healthy ecosystems, and ensure clean water for all.
Sessions are held on the Watershed Reserve, but specific locations will be communicated via email prior to the event.
For teens (age 12 and up) and adults. Â Ages 12-14 must be accompanied by a Parent or Guardian. Ages 15-16 may work independently with adult supervision of the Stewardship Group Leader. Â
To sign up- fill out our Volunteer application on Volunteer | thewatershed.org and check “Sunday Stewardship” box for interest.
When:Â September 30, 2026Â – November 4, 2026Â
Where: Self-paced course mostly online with live sessions on October 7 and November 3, 5:30 p.m. at The Watershed Institute and on Zoom. Optional Hike, Meet, and Learn on October 10 at The Watershed Reserve starting at 9 a.m.
Cost:Â Free. Suggested Donation of $30
Registration Deadline:Â September 30, 2026Â
*This class is designed for individuals 16 or older. There are no diploma or experience requirements for this class. We do not recommend younger students as the material requires a certain level of reading comprehension, writing, time management in a self-paced/online environment, and critical thinking skills.
The Community Watershed Advocate Program gives community members the information and training they need to be effective advocates for water-related environmental issues in their communities. Through the online training modules and regular check-in/support meetings, participants will:Â
Participants can go through online modules at their own pace anytime between September 30, 2026 to November 4, 2026. There will be an active online discussions board moderated by staff at The Watershed Institute throughout the course. Participants will also prepare a local advocacy project that they can implement in their own communities.
During two hybrid sessions, participants will have a chance to meet and learn from other guest local advocates, discuss issues and tips for local advocacy, and engage directly with staff on environmental advocacy opportunities.Â
With your support in advocacy, we can better protect our watersheds from issues such as flooding, climate change, and overdevelopment.
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If you have any questions about the class, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]
Come join us to learn all about our mighty trees. We’ll discuss the parts of the tree, discover which animals use them, and branch off into so much more! Classes generally include a craft, hike, and activity for the week’s theme. We spend time outdoors each week, so come dressed in layers and waterproof shoes.
This program is intended for children ages 3-5. Younger siblings are welcome to attend with a parent, but we ask that they do not participate in activities. Â Adult attendance and preregistration required- walk ins will not be allowed.
Homeschool: Aquatic Creatures — multiple dates 
Learn all about what life is like in, on and under Nature’s woodpiles. We’ll be viewing and rolling logs to discover all the life our logs sustain. Classes generally include a craft, hike, and activity for the week’s theme. We spend time outdoors each week, so come dressed in layers and waterproof shoes.
This program is intended for children ages 3-5. Younger siblings are welcome to attend with a parent, but we ask that they do not participate in activities. Â Adult attendance and preregistration required- walk ins will not be allowed.
Work alongside your community to restore native plants, create healthy ecosystems, and ensure clean water for all.
Sessions are held on the Watershed Reserve, but specific locations will be communicated via email prior to the event.
For teens (age 12 and up) and adults. Â Ages 12-14 must be accompanied by a Parent or Guardian. Ages 15-16 may work independently with adult supervision of the Stewardship Group Leader. Â
To sign up- fill out our Volunteer application on Volunteer | thewatershed.org and check “Sunday Stewardship” box for interest.
Homeschool: Aquatic Creatures — multiple datesÂ
Wednesday, October 14, 6-8 pm (virtual)
Saturday, October 17, 9 am – 4 pm (The Watershed Institute)
Wednesday, October 21, 6-8 pm (virtual)
Saturday, October 24, 9 am – 4 pm (Ocean County College)
Audience:Â
No prior experience or knowledge needed, only and interest in learning practical skills for implementing native plants for stormwater management solutions!
What You’ll Learn:
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Date:Â October 2, 2026 | 1Â p.m.
On Zoom
Cost: Free but registration required
CEUs:Â 1.5Â Continuing Legal Education (CLE) for Attorneys available for purchase ($35)
Speaker bios (coming soon):Â
The comment period is the public’s opportunity to weigh in on a proposed regulation or proposed permit. This is when the public can provide information, support an initiative, provide technical information, or explain the implications of a rule or section that an agency may not have considered.
In this webinar, learn how to review a proposal, effective ways to structure comments, when to submit an oral versus a written comment, and how you can make the most of the process. Additionally, the Federal and State rulemaking and comment period are not the same. Learn the differences. Discover how to make the most effective comments to support your position and influence the agency’s review.
This event will be 100% virtual. Recordings will be shared with attendees after the event. If you have any questions about the event, please feel free to contact Pri Oliveira at [email protected].Â
Crab spiders, jumping spiders, wolf spiders, orb and funnel weavers and more! Join our annual night hunt with a nocturnal naturalist. Bring your flashlight or headlamp to use as we navigate the trails in search of many different types of spiders.
Ages 5 and up. Adult attendance required. Dress for the weather.
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Come learn all about the changes happening in autumn at the Watershed reserve. Classes generally include a craft, hike, and activity for the week’s theme. We spend time outdoors each week, so come dressed in layers and waterproof shoes.
This program is intended for children ages 3-5. Younger siblings are welcome to attend with a parent, but we ask that they do not participate in activities.  Adult attendance and preregistration required- walk ins will not be allowed.
This program is intended for children ages 3-5. Younger siblings are welcome to attend with a parent, but we ask that they do not participate in activities. Â Adult attendance and preregistration required- walk ins will not be allowed.
Join us as we learn about one of the most common mammals of New Jersey: White-tailed deer! Classes generally include a craft, hike, and activity for the week’s theme. We spend time outdoors each week, so come dressed in layers and waterproof shoes.
This program is intended for children ages 3-5. Younger siblings are welcome to attend with a parent, but we ask that they do not participate in activities.  Adult attendance and preregistration required- walk ins will not be allowed.
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Contact E-mail
Join us as we explore the color black and the secrets of shadows! Classes generally include a craft, hike, and activity for the week’s theme. We spend time outdoors each week, so come dressed in layers and waterproof shoes.
This program is intended for children ages 3-5. Younger siblings are welcome to attend with a parent, but we ask that they do not participate in activities.  Adult attendance and preregistration required- walk ins will not be allowed.
Contact E-mail
Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/r/FWEbdMckty
This course will have two sessions being taught simultaneously, in separate rooms. One room will be taught in English-only, and one room will be taught in Spanish-only.
This training is suitable for Department of Public Works crews, facilities staff, or landscape crews and leaders who maintain green infrastructure features like rain gardens, meadows, or naturalized detention basins.Â
This workshop provides practical training that crews can apply immediately when maintaining green infrastructure features in your town or at your facility.Â
In this workshop, you will learn:
How stormwater impacts local waterways
Inspection, care, and adaptive management of green stormwater infrastructure
Native plant selection and identification for BMPs
Common invasive species and management approaches
How to read, interpret, and contribute to BMP maintenance plans
Please register soon, as we have a limited number of spots! Registration ends October 23th or when class is full. If you have any questions, contact Olivia at [email protected]
This program is provided in partnership with the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council, Kean University, and Mercer County Community College.
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