JULY 2025

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.

Jersey-Friendly Yards School Certification Program: Planting the Seeds of Stewardship

This year, Elms Elementary School and Jackson Liberty High School, have participated in the Jersey‑Friendly Yards School Certification Program, spearheaded by the Barnegat Bay Partnership in collaboration with the Ocean County Soil Conservation District. From soil sampling to pollinator garden planting, students are cultivating more than plants—they’re growing scientific minds and environmental responsibility. Read the full article in our blog.

The Pine Barrens and Ocean County Soil Conservation District: Making Connections Between Regulation and Preservation

Parts of Ocean County lie within the federally designated Pinelands National Reserve, a unique region spanning approximately 1.1 million acres across seven counties in New Jersey. The NJ Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Standards provide specific guidance for projects located within the Pinelands National Reserve, tailored to the region’s distinctive soil and ecological characteristics, including recommended Pinelands-approved seed mixtures for providing permanent vegetative cover for soil stabilization. These seed mixtures are also suitable for use outside the Reserve boundaries—particularly in regions with similar sandy, acidic soils. Read the full blog post to learn more about the species offered within these seed mixtures, and if they are suitable for your home landscape.

A Star-studded Jersey-Friendly Cast for Your Patriotic Plant Container


Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinals)

Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)

Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum)

Celebrate the season with a container garden! Container gardening with Jersey-Friendly plants is a great way to support local pollinators, add beauty to your porch or patio, and experiment with small-scale habitat gardening. By borrowing a bit of inspiration from the theater, you can think of your container garden in terms of a well-staged production. A successful ensemble features a showstopper to command attention, a supporting cast to add balance and interest, and an understory to play a subtle, grounding role. With that in mind, read our blog to learn how to create a patriotic red, white, and blue container that will keep the spotlight on your garden all summer long.

Visit our website: www.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.