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.

COASTAL Project - Year Three

This year is the third year for conservation practice implementation for oyster farmers participating in the COASTAL Project (Conservation Opportunities Advancing Sustainable Technologies for Aquaculture Leases). The nine independent farmers each foster oyster spat on shell on their leases for one growing season before planting it on restoration reefs managed by Stockton University. Earlier this year, OCSCD staff assisted with the oyster counts at the beginning of the grow out process. Counts will take place again at the end of the growing season to ensure all criteria have been met prior to planting on the reef, or deployment of the spat on shell. Pictured above from left to right: Georgie Lennon, Jessica Pinto, Brian Gisinger and Ben Hayden. Pictured below from left to right: Dylan Neumann, Eswar Chandra and Danella Funk.

SAVE THE DATE for the 30th Annual Barnegat Bay Environmental Educator's Roundtable!

Join Ocean County Soil Conservation District on Wednesday, April 21st, 2027, for our 30th Annual Barnegat Bay Environmental Educators Roundtable, located at the Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education, Waretown. Each year environmental organizations, agencies and groups from around the watershed come together to provide this much anticipated Teachers Professional Development event.

This year's theme is: A Pearl Anniversary — 30 Years of Teaching, Exploring & Discovering the Barnegat Bay Watershed. The Environmental Educators Roundtable features an Open House, Light Dinner, Workshops, Keynote, Dessert and Door Prizes. We hope you will join us! Visit our website to view past Environmental Educators Roundtable events. For more information contact Jessica Pinto, jpinto@soildistrict.org.

Wildlife Gardens

Small Spaces, Big Benefits

Whether you have a sprawling backyard or just a small corner of your landscape, a wildlife garden can make a meaningful difference for nature and the environment.

By planting a variety of native plants, providing water and offering places to nest, homeowners can support wildlife while creating a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy throughout the growing season.

Read the full article on our Blog!

Recycle your old Wetsuits and Waders!

Ocean County 2026 Farmland Plan Update

Attend this Public Meeting on October 8th to learn more about the Ocean County Farmland Preservation Program

Did you know that as of January 2026, New Jersey has preserved 61 farms totaling 3,667 acres of land!

Farmland preservation is an important part of keeping New Jersey green and prosperous. Preserved farmland limits urban sprawl, protects our water and soils, provides us with an abundance of locally grown farm products and maintains our connection to the land and the longstanding agricultural traditions that earned our reputation as the Garden State.

The Farmland Preservation Program is administered by the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC), which coordinates with County Agriculture Development Boards, Ocean County Planning, municipal governments, nonprofit organizations and landowners in the development of plans that best meet the needs of individual landowners.

NJ Department of Agriculture Listening Session

In 2026 Ocean County Soil Conservation District celebrates our 74th 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.