Center for Environmental Studies

We study how overabundant deer, invasive species, land use history and other factors are affecting forest ecosystems in NJ and the region. Each winter we measure white-tailed deer densities using infrared drones and in the warmer months we collect data on forest vegetation and soils, all to document the health of our forests and determine what strategies are most effective for forest restoration and wildlife management. This work has been conducted in partnership with more than 100 local organizations and has included studies of more than 300 forest sites to date, representing one of the most comprehensive studies of forests and deer ever conducted in NJ. Click here (https://npsnj.org/native-plants/all-about-natives/webinar-recordings/addressing-the-impacts-of-overabundant-deer-and-invasive-plant-species-in-northern-new-jersey-strategies-for-forest-restoration/) to learn more about the impacts of deer and invasive plant species on NJ’s forests, and here (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112723006618) for an example of our research on the relationships between land use history, invasive plant species and deer in NJ forests. Contact Professor Jay Kelly for more information.

Each year we work to protect NJ’s coastlines by installing beach fencing in NJ’s coastal state parks to protect endangered plant and animal species and their habitats, and by studying the effects of conservation efforts and other human activities on rare species, dune development and coastal storm recovery. Our work with rare plant species extends far beyond the shoreline – with botanical inventories, population monitoring, ecological research, plant propagation and other activities aiding the survival and recovery of endangered plant species throughout NJ and the region. Our partners include the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Pinelands Preservation Alliance, Duke Farms, and NJ Conserve Wildlife Foundation, among others. Learn more about our work protecting coastal species and habitats at the Pinelands Preservation Alliance website (https://pinelandsalliance.org/learn-about-the-pinelands/pinelands-science/protecting-critical-dune-and-beach-habitat/) and about our work with other endangered plant species at the NJDEP Office of Natural Lands Management website (https://dep.nj.gov/parksandforests/conservation/natural-lands/). Contact Professor Jay Kelly for more information.

RVCC’s Water Quality Laboratory partners with local environmental organizations to monitor the health of rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs throughout central New Jersey. We collect samples in the field year round, process them in the lab, and analyze them for nutrients, bacteria, algal counts, and more. Results are communicated with relevant agencies and used to inform management decisions. We present our research findings at local and regional meetings and scientific conferences. Contact Professor Emilie Stander for more information.

We collaborate with campus stakeholders to support existing sustainability initiatives on campus, like operating the campus composter, maintaining the rain garden, and participating in the college-wide Sustainability Committee. We prepare an issue of the CES newsletter, Stewards & Scholars, each semester and maintain CES’s social media accounts to get the word out about our research, stewardship, and educational activities. We also propose, design, and implement a new campus sustainability project of their choosing with input and support from campus stakeholders and decisionmakers. Contact Professor Emilie Stander for more information.

We work closely with local partners to assist with a variety of environmental stewardship activities to help take care of preserved public open spaces. This includes tree plantings, invasive species management, deer exclosure maintenance, interpretive trails and signage, and more. Our primary partners include the Somerset County Parks System, Readington and Raritan Townships, Sourland Conservancy, and more. Prospective partners can contact us for more information. Hands On Experiences for Students Students can participate in paid internships, putting their academic learning to good use in solving real-world environmental problems. “It’s very beneficial as a student to see your work taken seriously. It gives you a reason to push yourself and learn more, an opportunity to develop valuable skills, and concrete experience to draw from after graduation.” – Deidre Supple, Class of 2011 & 2016