BRIDGETON — The Cousteau Center at Bridgeton turns to blueberries and cranberries for the next presentation of the Jersey Roots, Global Reach—Rutgers University Science in South Jersey seminar series.

Blueberries and cranberries are both native species to New Jersey. The so-called little gems of the N.J. Pine Barrens have experienced an increase in popularity as a result of what authorities called “the amazing compliment of health benefits.”

Rutgers University and the Agricultural Experiment Station have been involved in blueberry and cranberry research since the earliest stages of the industry.

Join the center 7 p.m. next Monday, Nov. 16 as Dr. Peter Oudemans, Rutgers University scientist presents a seminar entitled Blues and Reds—Berry Research in the New Jersey Pine Barrens.

Dr. Oudeman will highlight the history and current research at the PE Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research located in Chatsworth, Burlington County.

The Cousteau Center is in the historic David Sheppard House at 31 W. Commerce St.

The Jersey Roots, Global Reach—Rutgers University Science in South Jersey seminar series features discussions about research that is being conducted throughout southern New Jersey’s agricultural and marine centers. The seminars, which will be held monthly through June 2010, offer area residents an opportunity to meet a dozen Rutgers scientists and learn about their efforts to address locally important issues. Mark your calendars for upcoming seminars of the Jersey Roots Science Series.

• December 7—The New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences: Growing New Jersey’s Economy presented by Margaret Brennan-Tonetta, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.

• January 11—Rutgers Food Innovation Center—Partners for Growth From Concept to Commercialization presented by Louis Cooperhouse, Food Innovation Center.

• February 8—Financial Management for the Farm presented by David Lee, Salem County Cooperative Extension.

• March 8—The Status of the Oyster Stock in Delaware Bay: Management, Climate Change, and Disease presented by Eric Powell, Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory.

• April 5—Living Shorelines—A Natural Alternative to Shoreline Protection presented by David Bushek, Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory.

• April 19—Water Quality of Streams and Lakes in Cumberland County, and the Role of Agriculture in a Watershed presented by Salvatore Mangiafico, Cooperative Extension of Salem County.

• May 10—A History of the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center of Upper Deerfield presented by Jerry Ghidiu, Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center of Upper Deerfield.

• June 7—Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center Programs and Projects presented by Brad Majek, Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center of Upper Deerfield.

For more information about the Jersey Roots Science Series please contact the Cousteau Center at Bridgeton at (856) 575-5580. All seminars will be held at 7:00 pm at the Cousteau Center at Bridgeton, except for the Jan. 11 seminar, which will be held at the Rutgers University Food Innovation Center.