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.

Wishing You a Happy 250 Celebration! Commemorate with some Red, White & Blue in your Jersey-Friendly Garden

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticilata)

Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)

Celebrate America's 250th birthday by adding a little red, white, and blue to your landscape! Native flowering plants not only create a beautiful display, but they also support pollinators, birds, and other wildlife that depend on healthy habitats. Visit the Jersey-Friendly Yards website and click on the Plant Database to discover native species that are perfectly suited to your garden.

Jersey-Friendly Yards Conference 2026

Permaculture

The 2026 Jersey-Friendly Yards Conference, with a theme of Permaculture, will explore how our landscapes can nourish both people and ecosystems. Keynote speaker Dr. William Errickson will introduce participants to the principles of permaculture through the lens of native edible plants. His talk will highlight species such as elderberry, beach plum, blueberry, chokeberry, persimmon, serviceberry, and paw paw, examining their roles in native ecosystems while offering practical guidance for incorporating them into home landscapes. Save-the-Date: Saturday, September 26! More information can be found on the Jersey-Friendly Yards website.

New Pollinator Garden Takes Root at

Barnegat High School

On June 10, 2026, students and teachers at Barnegat High School joined the Ocean County Soil Conservation District (OCSCD) staff to create a new native pollinator garden that will provide habitat for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects while serving as an outdoor learning space for years to come. Read more on our Blog!

Soil Resources on OCSCD's Website

OCSCD offers a variety of resources on our website for gardeners, teachers, students and professionals. Soil, water, stormwater basins, wildlife habitat, native plants for pollinators - there's something for everyone! Click on this short list of NRCS Soil Health Fact Sheets below, or peruse our Healthy Soil Resources webpage for information, activities, and links.

• Athletic Field Soil Quality
• Corporate Lawn Conversion to Native Plants
• Cropland Soil Quality
• New Commercial and Residential Developments
• Stormwater Basins
• Best Practices for Soil Management for Lawns

NATURE DISCOVERY CAMP FOR KIDS!

Registration is now open for the Natural Resource Education Foundation's Nature Discovery Camp, a summer day camp serving children ages 5-12. The camp runs weekly from June 22 through August 21, 2026, and offers hands-on environmental learning through outdoor exploration, habitat studies, creative arts and crafts, and nature-based activities. The summer camp location is the Lighthouse Center, 140 Camp Lighthouse Road, Waretown, NJ. Download the FLYER and share with friends and family!

In 2026 Ocean County Soil Conservation District celebrates our 74th 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.