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!
EDUCATIONAL WEBINARS
Don't Treat Your Soil Like Dirt!
June 24, 7:00pm-8:00pm
Hosted by the Native Plant Society of New Jersey
Soil is one of the most important components of your garden, but possibly the least understood. We will explore the chemical, physical and biological processes of soil and how they work together to create a healthy foundation for your native plant garden in the Coastal Plain region of New Jersey. Presented by OCSCD's Education Outreach Specialist, Becky Laboy. Hosted by the
Native Plant Society of New Jersey.
Registration required, click to register. For questions, contact
jerseyshore@npsnj.org
Combating Climate Change with a Jersey-Friendly Yard
July 23, 10:00-11:00am
Hosted by the Pinelands Commission
As climate change manifests across the planet you may be experiencing gardening challenges in your own backyard. Becky Laboy, OCSCD's Education Outreach Specialist, and Karen Walzer, Public Outreach Coordinator for
Barnegat Bay Partnership, will show you how to use the
Jersey-Friendly Yards website, tools and resources to select appropriate plants for your sandy soil, turn your yard into a sponge and provide habitat for wildlife. Hosted by the
NJ Pinelands Commission for their weekly
Pinelands Speaker Series. Watch "live" via the
Pinelands Commission's YouTube page. For questions, contact Paul Leakan,
info@pinelands.nj.gov
CONSERVATION CONVERSATION
Plant Suggestions for Gardens in the Coastal Plain Region of NJ
Goat's Rue(Tephrosia virginiana) is a tenacious multi-branched flowering herb. Yellow and purple bi-colored flowers form clusters at the tips of the branches. Leaves are finely cut, resembling ferns. Goat's Rue is a nice addition to a sandy yard or garden. This legume fixes nitrogen in the soil.
Beach Plum(Prunus marítima) is a profusely flowering shrub that thrives in sandy soils. The small white flowers hug the branches from end
to end. Their early spring bloom time ensures nectar for waking bees. This native plant requires minimal care and makes an excellent addition to a Jersey-Friendly yard or garden.
Lyreleaf Sage(Salvia lyrata) grows in a variety of soils including sand, clay and loam. It tolerates drought and flooding, as well as foot traffic and mowing. The delicate purple flowers whorl around the upright stem, while the green and purple patterned leaves form a rosette below. This self-seeder makes an excellent groundcover in sun or shade.
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: education@soildistrict.org.
