Ramapo College of New Jersey || President: Speeches

The Havemeyer Edible Garden at Ramapo College

Home of the Edible Garden

Join us at

Spring Savoring &
Sipping

Monday, June 9 at 6:00 p.m.

Havemeyer House Edible Garden
at Ramapo College

We will endeavor to delight all of your
senses with a tour and cocktails
followed by a delicious locally grown
organic dinner.

Tickets: $150* per person
(includes cocktail party, tour and dinner)
*90% of the ticket price is tax deductible

More Information (PDF)

After moving to New Jersey in July 2005 to become President of Ramapo College, Dr. Peter Mercer and his wife Jackie Ehlert-Mercer became aware of a resolution urging public institutions of higher education in New Jersey to establish educational programs on obesity. This resolution, coupled with Jackie's commitment to sustainable eating and her professional background as a registered dietitian, propelled them to explore ways to address the issue of obesity and sustainable nutritional eating in New Jersey.

They envisioned starting an edible garden on the grounds of the official presidential residence, The Havemeyer House. In the fall of 2005, they began exploring the possibility with the focus of using the edible garden as part of the curriculum to give students experience in sustainable eating and nutrition and as a model for localized sustainable eating. After a year of planning, the edible garden was founded during the Spring of 2006. In place of an empty, rocky lot now lies an organic edible garden containing a wide variety of hybrid tomatoes, egg-plant, carrots, green and red peppers, cucumbers, beans, radishes, onions, strawberries, apples, blueberries and a broad array of fresh herbs. Every year since its inception a number of sustainable eating and nutrition programs have taken place.