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.

Register!

Teacher Professional Development

April 22, 2026

Join us on Wednesday, April 22, 3:00pm-8:00pm, at the Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education in Waretown for our 29th Annual Barnegat Bay Environmental Educators Roundtable!

This year’s theme, Earth Day: Past, Present, Future, invites us to reflect on the history of Earth Day, consider today’s challenges, and look ahead to the role we all play in empowering the next generation of environmental stewards. The event will feature FUN engaging workshops, inspiring exhibitors, and a thought-provoking keynote. For more information, please visit our website, or contact Becky Laboy, Education Outreach Coordinator, education@soildistrict.org.

OCSCD Announces Conservation

Poster Contest Winners

The Ocean County Soil Conservation District is pleased to announce that Ethan Harding of New Egypt High School has been named the 2026 Grand Champion winner of the Ocean County Conservation Poster Contest. Madeline Janik, Olivia Carlson and Derek Disanza all won First Place for their grade groups. All 4 winning entries will compete in the Statewide Conservation Poster Contest. As the Grand Champion winner, Ethan will receive a $50 prize from OCSCD.

This year’s theme, "Soil. Where It All Begins" highlights the critical role healthy soil plays in supporting food, clean water, wildlife habitat, and thriving communities. Congratulations to Ethan, Derek, Olivia and Madeline. We appreciate the amazing artwork submitted by all of the students who participated in this year’s contest! Read more and see the winning posters on our website and our Blog.

The New Jersey Conservation Partnership has been working collaboratively for more than 85 years to protect the state’s natural resources. Through a long-standing partnership between the New Jersey Department of Agriculture State Soil Conservation Committee, the Soil Conservation Districts, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), conservation efforts support suburban, urban, and agricultural lands across the state. Together, these organizations address soil erosion, protect waterways, and safeguard valuable ecosystems. In addition to this legacy partnership, many other conservation partners—including Rutgers University, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Forestry, and national conservation organizations—continue to work together to strengthen resource conservation throughout New Jersey. Please take a few minutes to peruse the New Jersey Conservation Partnership Congressional Report to learn about the important work we do.

New Jersey Envirothon - May 9, 2026

Calling all NJ High Schools!

If you're a teacher or high school student passionate about the world around you, the 2026 New Jersey Envirothon is for you! This annual event invites high school teams statewide to compete in hands-on environmental challenges covering conservation, natural resources and sustainability. Teams are tested on soil, aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife and current issues. The 2026 theme is "Non-Point Source Pollution: It begins at home!", which highlights how daily choices contribute to pollution, and it stresses individual responsibility. Students will examine causes of non-point source pollution in urban and rural areas and learn about solutions for their communities and watersheds. The event will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education, Waretown. Registration for high school teams is now open. OCSCD is offering a grant to offset the cost of the registration fee to the first 5 Ocean County high schools to register. Please contact Becky Laboy, Education Outreach Coordinator, OCSCD, for more information about this grant. Please visit www.njenvirothon.org for more information about this event. Read the NJ Envirothon Press Release.

2026 Local Working Group

Report of Findings

Due to the significant inclement weather this past winter and early spring, our 2026 in-person Local Working Group meeting had to be canceled. In its place, we invited stakeholders and community members to participate in a brief online survey to help identify local conservation priorities. After the March 22 survey deadline, all responses were compiled and summarized into a 2026 Local Working Group Report of Findings. Because we value public input and want to hear from as many residents as possible, the survey will remain open throughout the year so you can participate at any time. We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about OCSCD's Local Working Group meetings and to take the brief survey to share your input on local conservation and natural resource concerns. If you have any questions, please contact Kristin Adams, Conservation Specialist, kadams@soildistrict.org or (609) 991-1455.

NATURE DISCOVERY CAMP FOR KIDS!

Registration is now open for the Natural Resource Education Foundation's Nature Discovery Camp, a summer day camp serving children ages 5-12. The camp runs weekly from June 22 through August 21, 2026, and offers hands-on environmental learning through outdoor exploration, habitat studies, creative arts and crafts, and nature-based activities. The summer camp location is the Lighthouse Center, 140 Camp Lighthouse Road, Waretown, NJ. Download the FLYER and share with friends and family!

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.