NRCS - A Partner in New Jersey Conservation Since 1935

NRCS has been at work with conservation partners in New Jersey since 1935 helping people in the Garden State protect and improve natural resources and the environment. In this anniversary year, we celebrate the accomplishments in conservation in New Jersey and across the nation and look forward to the continued wise use and protection of our precious resources.

NJ Governor Proclaims April 27, 2005, Conservation Day in the Garden State

In honor of the 70th Anniversary of NRCS, Acting Governor Richard Codey issued an official proclamation naming April 27, 2005, "Conservation Day" in New Jersey.

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Proclamation from State of New Jersey Executive Department (55 kb)

Helping People Conserve Resources in New Jersey, the Garden State

The United States Congress established the Soil Conservation Service in the U.S. Department of Agriculture to conserve natural resources on agricultural lands on April 27, 1935. The Soil Conservation Service opened an office in New Jersey that year on the Douglass College campus in New Brunswick. Over the years, it moved to Bayard Street in New Brunswick, then to Hamilton Street in Somerset, and finally to its present location at 220 Davidson Avenue in Somerset. The agency changed its name to the Natural Resources Conservation Service in 1994 to reflect its expanding mission.

Garden State residents continue to enjoy the benefits of productive soils, clean air and water, and open spaces thanks in part to the work of NRCS and the strong conservation partnerships that have been developed in New Jersey to promote the responsible management of our natural resources.