Ramapo College of New Jersey || The Havemeyer Edible Garden at Ramapo College

The Havemeyer Edible Garden at Ramapo College

Our History

The Havemeyer Edible Garden was established by Ramapo College President Dr. Peter P. Mercer and his wife, Dr. Jacqueline Ehlert-Mercer, in the Spring 2006. Funded with private donations, the garden was established in response to a call for public institutions of higher education in New Jersey to initiate educational programs to prevent childhood and adolescent obesity. This call for action, coupled with Jackie's commitment to sustainable eating and her professional background as a registered dietitian, propelled the Mercers to explore ways to address the issue of obesity and sustainable nutritional eating in New Jersey.

The Havemeyer Edible Garden is the foundation for a curriculum that provides Ramapo College students experience in sustainable eating and nutrition. The garden contains a wide variety of hybrid tomatoes, eggplant, carrots, green and red peppers, cucumbers, beans, radishes, onions, strawberries, apples, blueberries, cherries, apricots, peaches, plums and a broad array of fresh herbs.

Each year, area school children also visit the garden for courses on nutrition and sustainability. The educational programs at the Havemeyer Edible Garden are entirely run by volunteers using an academic theory based curriculum developed by Dr. Ehlert-Mercer. Her research at the garden is supported by collaborators from Columbia University and the Master of Arts in Sustainability Studies program at Ramapo College.

Our Mission

The Havemeyer Edible Garden at Ramapo College serves as a fertile ground for learning about sustainable food, eating and nutrition.

Our Purpose

Learning experiences involving the Havemeyer Edible Garden focus on sustainable food and nutrition programs that bring about awareness and motivate individuals to make healthier food choices.

Dr. Ehlert-Mercer with students Jenna Pfarr, Brian Tragno and Paul Coraggio.

Photo: Garden Dr. Ehlert-Mercer, with assistance from Leah Peterson, deliver a nutrition lecture to students living in Sustainable Housing at Ramapo College.

Our Events and News

The Havemeyer Edible Garden Fifth Annual Fundraiser took place this fall and featured New York-based-award winning author Corinne Trang. Corinne delighted attendees with her knowledge and insight. Thank you, Corinne!
(Press Release)

Corinne Trang

High School Senior Makes A Difference: Learn here about how Lauren Williams of Mahwah contributed to the Garden’s summer harvest. (Programs)

High School Student Programs: Learn more about hands-on nutrition programming for high school students. (Programs)

College Students' Programs: From clubs like SIFE and 1Step to the Peer Nutrition Educators, EOF programs, and sustainable living residences, opportunities abound for Ramapo students to get involved in the Garden and promote healthy sustainable living. (Programs)

Photo: Garden The major focus of the garden is:

Deliver sustainable food and nutrition programs for students.
Provide sustainable food and nutrition education programs for athletes.
Deliver a sustainable food and nutrition lecture series, inviting the community to get involved.
Present nutrition programs for children.
Invite teachers to participate in sustainable food and nutrition programs.
Create global sustainability initiatives for students pursuing study abroad programs.

Printable Brochure: Download this printable brochure of the Havemeyer Edible Garden and learn more about educational programming at the Garden. Printable Brochure (PDF)