OCEAN COUNTY SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT Conservation Conversation

We equip the community with knowledge needed to understand and care for our watershed.

We regulate soil disturbance to protect our landscapes and waterways.

We inspire stewardship to preserve the health of our soil, water and natural resources.

New Jersey Envirothon - May 9, 2026

Calling all NJ High Schools!

If you're a teacher or high school student passionate about the world around you, the 2026 New Jersey Envirothon is for you! This annual event invites high school teams statewide to compete in hands-on environmental challenges covering conservation, natural resources and sustainability. Teams are tested on soil, aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife and current issues. The 2026 theme is "Non-Point Source Pollution: It begins at home!", which highlights how daily choices contribute to pollution, and it stresses individual responsibility. Students will examine causes of non-point source pollution in urban and rural areas and learn about solutions for their communities and watersheds. The event will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education, Waretown. Registration for high school teams is now open. OCSCD is offering a grant to offset the cost of the registration fee to the first 5 Ocean County high schools to register. Please contact Becky Laboy, Education Outreach Coordinator, OCSCD, for more information about this grant. Please visit www.njenvirothon.org for more information about this event. Read the NJ Envirothon Press Release.

Toms River High School South Earns

Jersey-Friendly Yards School Certification

Toms River High School South has proudly completed its Jersey-Friendly Yards School Certification, marking the culmination of a year-long learning journey grounded in ecology, stewardship, and hands-on environmental science. Working in partnership with the Barnegat Bay Partnership and Ocean County Soil Conservation District, and guided by Garden Club Advisor Kate Fevola, students designed, planted and tested their way through a full sustainability project that will benefit the school grounds - and local wildlife - for years to come.

Teachers - Mark your Calendar!

April 22, 2026

Professional Development

Join us on Wednesday, April 22, 3:00pm-8:00pm, at the Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education in Waretown for the 29th Annual Barnegat Bay Environmental Educators Roundtable!

This year’s theme,“Earth Day: Past, Present, Future", invites us to reflect on the history of Earth Day, consider today’s challenges, and look ahead to the role we all play in empowering the next generation of environmental stewards. The evening will feature engaging workshops, inspiring exhibitors, and a thought-provoking keynote. For more information, please visit our website, or contact Becky Laboy, Education Outreach Coordinator, education@soildistrict.org.

In 2025 Ocean County Soil Conservation District celebrates our 73rd year. We remain committed to building and sustaining a conservation legacy by working with our partners and constituents to conserve, protect and restore our soil, water and natural resources by providing technical assistance, implementing restoration projects, and most importantly through education.