August 2020
OCEAN COUNTY SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT NEWS, PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Soil is the foundation of all life on Earth! Attend one of OCSCD's online educational programs, or engage with our many environmental education partners throughout Ocean County. Experience nature at its roots!
OCSCD AWARDED GRANT FUNDING TO SUPPORT SHELLFISH FARMERS
Sustainable Practices for Aquaculture Resources Conservation (SPARC) Project
The Ocean County Soil Conservation District (OCSCD) has been awarded a technical assistance grant from the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD). This is the third year of the NACD technical assistance grant program, which was created with funds from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to help increase staffing at the field level and provide conservation services to farmers, ranchers and local communities across the U.S. To date, NACD and NRCS have awarded $15 million in technical assistance grants. Since the program's inception, NACD has funded technical assistance in all 50 states and three U.S. territories.
Ocean County Soil Conservation District's Sustainable Practices for Aquaculture Resources Conservation (SPARC) project will build District capacity through two pathways that will occur simultaneously. District staff, in cluding Christine Raabe, District Director, and Kristin Adams, Erosion Control Specialist, along with a broad-based Advisory Committee Partnership will connect with local shellfish farmers primarily within Barnegat Bay and Great Bay, to gain a better understanding of their specific natural resource concerns. Ms. Adams will work towards NRCS Apprentice Conservation Planner certification, with a long-term goal of achieving NRCS Certified Conservation Planner status. The District will provide a boots-on-the-ground, local connection between NRCS and the shellfish producers to further develop the conservation practices of the NJ NRCS Aquaculture Initiative while increasing producer participation and involvement. For questions, please contact Kristin Adams at  [email protected] . Please visit our website for more information about the SPARC project. For more information about the NACD technical assistance grant program, please visit NACD's website .
EDUCATIONAL WEBINARS
"The Buzz With Bees - Native and Managed Pollinators"
August 4, 7:00-8:00pm
Hosted by the Barnegat Bay Partnership, OCSCD and RCE
Join Barnegat Bay Partnership , OCSCD and RCE for our 2020 Jersey-Friendly Yards Webinar Series : "Wild About Jersey-Friendly Yards"  Our next webinar is, "The Buzz With Bees" , on August 4, at 7:00pm. Learn about the biology, ecology and habitat of native and wild bees in New Jersey and what you can do in your yard to support them. Presented by Mike Haberland, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Associate Professor, County Agent, Burlington and Camden Counties. Registration required . F or more information contact Karen Walzer [email protected].
"Plant This, Not That - Deer Resistant Native
Alternatives to Invasive Plants"
August 18, 7:00-8:00pm
Hosted by the Barnegat Bay Partnership, OCSCD and RCE
Join Barnegat Bay Partnership , OCSCD and RCE for our 2020 Jersey-Friendly Yards Webinar Series : "Wild About Jersey-Friendly Yards" . On August 18, join us for "Plant This, Not That - Deer Resistant Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants" . The NJ Invasive Species Strike Team is known for its work in eradicating invasive species for the protection of native plants and wildlife. Dr. Mike Van Clef will discuss the impacts of invasive species in natural areas, ways to identify and control them at your home, and offer native alternatives. He will also cover how to select deer-resistant native plants and develop creative ways to protect any native plant from marauding deer.
Presenter: Dr. Mike Van Clef, Director, NJ Invasive Species Strike Team. Registration required . For more information contact Karen Walzer [email protected].
Weekends at the Reservoir
August 27 and September 10, 7:00-8:00pm
Hosted by the Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority
Since it's not possible to meet in person for BTMUA's  "Weekend at the Reservoir" events this summer, BTMUA is bringing these programs to your home - through free monthly summer webinars. Join BTMUA  virtually on select Thursday evenings in August and September, from 7:00-8:00pm. Program topics focus on creating and maintaining a healthy, water efficient and environmentally friendly landscape based on Jersey-Friendly Yards principles and practices.
  • August 27: Secrets of Low Maintenance Landscaping
  • September 10: Fall - Putting Your Garden to Sleep
For questions and to register, contact Shari Kondrup at  [email protected]
Attracting Birds to Your Jersey-Friendly Yard
September 1, 7:00-8:00pm
Hosted by the Barnegat Bay Partnership, OCSCD and RCE
Join Barnegat Bay Partnership , OCSCD and RCE for our 2020 Jersey-Friendly Yards Webinar Series : "Wild About Jersey-Friendly Yards" . On September 1, join us for "Attracting Birds to Your Jersey-Friendly Yard" . Native plants are the key to attracting birds to your yard. They provide the habitat, food, shelter and nesting places that birds need to survive. By creating a landscape of beautiful plants that are compatible with our native soils, you can make your yard a low-maintenance, chemical-free oasis for the birds! Presenter: Becky Laboy, Education Specialist, Ocean County Soil Conservation District. Registration required . For more information contact Karen Walzer [email protected].
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...
"Combating Climate Change with a
Jersey-Friendly Yard"
Live Webinar Recording Available
In case you missed our program, Combating Climate Change with a Jersey-Friendly Yard, on July 23, hosted by the Pinelands Commission, you can click to access a live recording, and watch it at your leisure on YouTube. No password needed.
"Creature Feature - Shorebirds of NJ"
Live Webinar Recording Available
In case you missed our program, Creature Feature: Shorebirds of New Jersey, on July 14, hosted by Jaques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve, you can click to access a live recording, and watch it at your leisure. Password : CgCp33Zt
"Ways to Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to Keep Our Waters Clean"
Live Webinar Recording Available
In case you missed our program, Ways to Use Integrated Pest Management to Keep Our Waters Clean, on July 9, hosted by Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority (BTMUA), you can click to access a live recording, and watch it at your leisure. Password: IPMwebinar2020
"Introduction to Jersey-Friendly Yards"
Live Webinar Recording Available
In case you missed our program, Introduction to Jersey-Friendly Yards, on July 7, hosted by the Barnegat Bay Partnership, you can click to access a live recording, and watch it at your leisure. Password: Wildwebinar1
"Don't Treat your Soil Like Dirt!"
Live Webinar Recording Available
In case you missed our program, Don't Treat Your Soil Like Dirt! on June 25, hosted by the Native Plant Society of New Jersey, you can click to access a live recording, and watch it at your leisure. Password: 0a.78+!8
"Unique Plants & Wildflowers of
Barrens and Bogs"
Live Webinar Recording Available
In case you missed our program, Unique Plants & Wildflowers of Barrens and Bogs on June 4, hosted by the Pinelands Commission, you can click to access a live recording, and watch it at your leisure on YouTube. No password needed.
PLANT THIS!
Native NJ Goldenrods:
Find the One that is "Just Right" for Your Garden!
Zig-zag Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis) A woodland plant in the wild, Zigzag Goldenrod grows best in dappled shade, but will also grow in full shade and tolerates full sun. It grows in well-drained sandy soil, and also tolerates clay soil. Zig Zag Goldenrod can be easily grown from seed and will self-seed in the garden. Flowers bloom August-September, and are attractive to long-tongued bees, small-tongued bees, wasps, flies, and butterflies. It is a host plant for many moth caterpillars.
Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens) Seaside Goldenrod features dense, deep-yellow flowers, which bloom on terminal stalks, August-October. The thick, waxy leaves deter salt and sand penetration, making this plant a good choice for coastal gardens. Seaside Goldenrod provides a nectar source for native bees, honeybees, and butterflies. The dried seeds provide a food source for birds. 
Photo: Becky Laboy
Wreath Goldenrod (Solidago caesia) Wreath Goldenrod features small yellow flowers in August-September. This woodland species tolerates some shade, but blooms best in full sun. Wreath Goldenrod does not spread aggressively, as do some other species of goldenrod. The flower nectar provides an important food source for native bees, honeybees, and butterflies. Wreath Goldenrod is host to beneficial predatory insects, which prey on garden pest insects in your yard.

For more information about education programs and events pertaining to soil, water, conservation and native gardening, please contact Becky Laboy, Education Outreach Specialist, Ocean County Soil Conservation District: [email protected] .