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.

Save the Date! 29th Annual Barnegat Bay Environmental Educators Roundtable

April 22, 2026

Click, download and share this flyer! We hope to see you at our 29th Annual Barnegat Bay Environmental Educators Roundtable on April 22, 2026!

Registration is Open for the 2025

Jersey-Friendly Yards Conference

Join us on Saturday, September 27, 8:30am-12:30pm, on the Ocean County College campus, Gateway Building 101 for the 2025 Jersey-Friendly Yards Conference! Themed “Don’t Let These Garden Visitors Bug You!”, the JFY Conference will highlight the complex and essential roles insects play in our yards and ecosystems. Keynote speaker Dr. Dan Duran will reveal the important ways insects keep ecosystems functioning, reminding us that all life on Earth depends on them in more ways than we often realize. Plenary speaker Sabrina Tirpak will then take us deep into the world of bark and ambrosia beetles. Her talk will cover their biology, the damage they cause to trees, their role in spreading diseases, and how climate extremes influence their presence in New Jersey. Native Plant Sale continues until 2:00pm. Click on the button below for more details and to register!

Summer Spat Counts for COASTAL Project

This summer, District staff and interns assisted Kristin Adams, COASTAL Project Coordinator, with summer spat counts for the COASTAL Project. 

Stratigraphy and Stewardship: A Chronicle of Conservation at Buck Mine

Located on Pine Hill Road in Millstone Township, Monmouth County, Buck Mine is one of the most geologically informative landscapes in the state. OCSCD Inspector II, Joseph Serio, shares the unique history of Buck Mine through photos and text, including a detailed record of ancient environments, including shorelines, seabeds, and sediments deposited over millions of years. 

Spotlight on OCSCD's Summer Intern

Jianna Pagan

At OCSCD, internships open the door to a wide range of professional experiences—from clerical to technical to educational and beyond. This past summer, intern Jianna Pagan explored the world of soil, gaining hands-on experience alongside our staff. Read her story and discover how OCSCD cultivates the next generation of conservation professionals.

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.