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.

Local Working Group

Your Voice Matters!

Please Take Our SURVEY

Although our Local Working Group was postponed due to inclement weather, we have decided not to reschedule an in-person meeting this year. Instead, we are asking stakeholders and community members to participate in a brief online survey, which will take the place of the meeting. Your input is extremely important to us, and we truly value the perspectives and recommendations of everyone involved. The survey should only take a few minutes to complete, and your responses will help guide local conservation priorities and funding decisions. Please complete the survey by March 22, 2026. Once all responses are compiled, we will share a summary of results in a Report of Findings. For more information, please visit our website, or contact Kristin Adams, Conservation Specialist, kadams@soildistrict.org or (609) 991-1455.

2026 NJ Conservation Poster Contest

Deadline to Submit Entries: March 9

The 2026 NJ Conservation Poster Contest is now open! This year's theme: Soil. Where it all Begins highlights the importance of soil as a natural resource. Students in grades 2-12 are eligible to participate. One First Place Winner will be selected from 4 different Grade Groups, and the Grand Champion will receive a $50 cash prize from OCSCD! Visit our website for more information and to download the Entry Form. The deadline to submit an entry to the Ocean County Soil Conservation District is March 9, 2026. Email education@soildistrict.org with any questions.

Registration is Open!

Teacher Professional Development

April 22, 2026

Join us on Wednesday, April 22, 3:00pm-8:00pm, at the Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education in Waretown for our 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 event 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.

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.

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 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.