ABOUT US

"When you have the overwhelming evidence from eminent scientists on one side, and a few skeptics on the other, we are guided by the thoughts of the overwhelming, not the few."

- Representative Sherwood Boehlert of New York (head of he House Science Comm.)

History and Background

Claire and Fred Mayer learned of the Northwest Earth Institute’s (NWEI) discussion courses in 1999.  They went to Portland Oregon for the annual training week to see what NWEI was about and came home inspired by what they saw and learned. They, together with Anne Paust and other friends, founded the Garden State Earth Institute which  became a 501.c3 non-profit organization in 2000. Since then there has been no looking back.

These popular discussion courses are held at faith centers, private homes, libraries, learning centers, environmental organizations. We also facilitate provocative and inspiring film presentations as well as practical workshops. So far, about a thousand  New Jerseans have attended  a course or program. 

We take delight in offering people a safe and supportive place where they can ponder the deep environmental issues, a place  to express themselves openly, where they  give and get support and encouragement from each other. Then they can act on those issues in ways that speak to them.

For the Future

It is heartening that people are becoming increasingly aware of the urgency and seriousness of global warming and other environmental problems. They realize that the world of the future will be vastly different from the world of today.  GSEI courses, programs and events are  essential  to help people learn to cope and thrive in these challenging times. 

We are looking forward to reaching more people. There is also a place for YOU within GSEI to strengthen and expand the current programs or start new ones. Don’t be shy, don’t hesitate; get in touch to see how we can best work together. We’d love to have you.  Please see the “Join Us” page.

Garden State Earth Institute - Members of the Board of Trustees

Claire Mayer – President, facilitator, long time earth activist.

Fred Mayer – Outreach coordinator, makes the calls, arranges the Intros. Retired senior technical staff at RCA. 

Anne Paust – Treasurer and Membership, keeps the accounts and membership data. Retired, Administrator of Social Work, Morris County Social Services.

Louisa Lubiak – Trustee, facilitator. Water specialist at the NJDEP.

Judy Leaf – Trustee, facilitator. Staff member at Genesis Farm - Regional coordinator for Awakening the Dreamer~Changing the Dream Symposium.

Ralph Braskett- Trustee. Public transportation expert.

Fred Chichester – Liaison with Montclair environmental group.  President  of Cornucopia of NJ. Retired mathematics professor.