Insectropolis, the "Bugseum" of New Jersey, is hosting their 2nd annual "Community Seed Swap Day" on Sunday, January 26, 11am-2pm. Join Ocean County Soil Conservation District and an array of environmental and garden-focused organizations for seed swapping, workshops, demonstrations, exhibits and more. Bring seeds to swap or purchase some from onsite vendors. FREE! Location: Insectropolis, 1761 Route 9, Toms River, 08755. For more information contact (732) 349-7090 or visit www.insectropolis.com.

The NJ Conservation Poster Contest is an annual contest sponsored by the  NJ Department of Agriculture, the  New Jersey Association of Conservation Districts and the Ocean County Soil Conservation District, which aims to promote a better understanding of the connection between natural resources and humans, in a fun and creative way that engages students throughout the county, state and nation. It is open to all students from grades 2-12. The 2020 theme is: "Where would we BEE without Pollinators?" The Ocean County Grand Champion Winner will receive a $50 cash prize.  Find out more about the contest, the prizes and how to enter. All Ocean County entries must be received by  March 1, 2020. Contact Becky Laboy (619) 971-7002 ext. 114 education@soildistrict.org 

Joel M. Mott IV, Principal Programs Specialist of the New Jersey Pinelands Commission, will offer a virtual walk in the woods showcasing the flora and fauna of the Pinelands. The talk will focus on the importance of water to the area's vegetation, as well as the cultural and historical resources of the region, while revealing this unique but fragile treasure. Thursday, March 5, 6:30-8:00pm in the Mancini Room at the Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library, 101 Washington Street, Toms River, 08753. Sponsored by the Jersey Shore Chapter of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey and the Barnegat Bay Partnership. For questions and information contact Karen Walzer, Public Outreach Coordinator for the Barnegat Bay Partnership,  kwalzer@ocean.edu (732) ext. 114

The Barnegat Bay Partnership is taking the lead on organizing the NJDEP's Rain Barrel Challenge. This is an annual art competition with an environmental theme for schools and youth organizations. The Rain Barrel Challenge aims to educate young people about the Barnegat Bay and its 660-square mile watershed and engage them in stewardship actions. The 2020 theme is: "Earth Day - Celebrating 50 Years of Protecting Our Planet!" Visit the BBP's website to learn more, or contact Karen Walzer, BBP's Public Outreach Coordinator, kwalzer@ocean.edu or (732) 255-0472 ext. 2.

The Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve is hosting a 2020 series of Jersey-Friendly Yards programs in collaboration with OCSCD and Barnegat Bay Partnership. Gain knowledge about selecting appropriate native plants, water conservation and other sustainable gardening practices. Attend one, or all 4 programs. Location: Cousteau Coastal Center at 130 Great Bay Blvd., Tuckerton. To register contact Kaitlin Gannon (609) 812-0649 x206 or gannon@marine.rutgers.edu

February 3, 6:00-7:30pm: The Importance of a Healthy Watershed. An introduction on watersheds, as well as green infrastructure, pollution reduction, and bay water quality monitoring.

February 10, 6:00-7:00pm: Jersey-Friendly Yards. How to choose the right native plants using the Jersey-Friendly Yards website.

February 17, 6:00-7:00pm: Start With Healthy Soil. Learn about the chemical, physical and biological characteristics of soil, soil testing, plus the fundamentals of composting.

February 24, 6:00-7:00pm: Water Wisely. Water conservation techniques, as well as storm water management, rain barrels, rain gardens and more.

Healthy lawns and gardens start with healthy soil. The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County is hosting a 2020 series of workshops focusing on SOIL. Learn more about your soil and how to keep it healthy. Location: Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County, 1623 Whitesville Road, Toms River, 08755. Please register by calling (732) 505-3671 or tbecker@co.ocean.nj.us Nonrefundable program fee of $10 each day.

The NJ Pinelands Commission will once again host their annual Pinelands Short Course - a day-long event featuring educational presentations that explore the unique history, ecology and culture of the Pinelands. OCSCD and Barnegat Bay Partnership are teaming-up to present "Combating Climate Change with a Jersey-Friendly Yard". Learn about the challenges that climate change poses to the residential landscape and how to mitigate the impacts.  March 14, 2020. Location: Stockton University 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway, NJ 08205. Cost: Adult: $50, Senior: $45, Student: $45. For more information, contact Joel Mott (609) 684-7300, ext. 125 or  info@pinelands.nj.gov

This program features spring planting and landscaping tips designed for homeowners that offer easy, yet comprehensive information about creating a healthy and sustainable backyard using native plants. The benefits of a Jersey-Friendly Yard include a healthier foundation of soil for your garden, appropriate plants for your soil conditions, plants that support the needs of wildlife such as birds and butterflies, and water conservation in the garden. A Jersey-Friendly Yard supports a healthier watershed by emphasizing the importance of eliminating or reducing the amount of fertilizer and pesticides you need to put on your lawn and garden.  March 25, 2020, 2:00-3:00pm. Location: Berkeley Branch of the Ocean County Library, 30 Station Road, Bayville, 08721. Please register through the Library. Free! For more information, contact Becky Laboy education@soildistrict.org or (609) 971-7002 ext. 114.

SAVE THE DATE, April 22, 2020, celebrate Earth Day with us at OCSCD's 23rd Annual Barnegat Bay Environmental Educators Roundtable! Engage in a variety of workshops and field trips that support STEM/STEAM-based activities and Next Generation Science Standards. Keynote Speaker, Senior Pollinator Conservation Specialist, Kelly Gill of Xerces Society will address pollinator conservation efforts through education. Event highlights also include networking opportunities, resource sharing, light dinner and dessert, and door prizes. Registration opens in January, 2020. Cost: $25. For more information, visit our website, or contact Becky Laboy (609) 971-7002, ext. 114 or  education@soildistrict.org