From Lawn to Garden – Going Green, Saving Green
The Ocean County Soil Conservation District, in partnership with OceanFirst Bank, is pleased to offer you our 2016 monthly series of educational programs, From Lawn to Garden – Going Green, Saving Green. Programs are designed to promote low maintenance landscaping, highlight the ecologic and economic benefits of best landscape management practices, and inspire stewardship of natural resources. Program goals and objectives are supported by the Landscape for Life™ curriculum, which is based on the principles of the Sustainable Sites Initiative™ (SITES™) program. Each month features a new topic; all programs are FREE to the public. The From Lawn to Garden – Going Green, Saving Green monthly educational program series is made possible in part through funding from the Barnegat Bay Partnership. Scroll below for a list of exciting programs and tours. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! *Registration closes the Thursday prior to the scheduled program. For more information or to register, please contact Becky Laboy, Education Outreach Specialist, Education@soildistrict.org, (609) 971-7002 ext. 114.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 31 (12:30-2:30 pm): Water Conservation in the Garden
Water makes our garden grow! Knowing how to water your garden is just as important as knowing when to water. In this program we will introduce you to some water-saving tips to significantly reduce the water requirements of your garden and landscape. Topics explored include: remediating stormwater runoff in your yard, amending garden soil, mulching, how plants take-in water from the soil, and appropriate plant selection. Presented by Shari Kondrup, Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority and Becky Laboy, Ocean County Soil Conservation District. FREE! Location: Jakes Branch County Park. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! *Registration closes the Thursday prior to the scheduled program. For more information or to register, please contact Becky Laboy, Education Outreach Specialist, Ocean County Soil Conservation District, (609) 971-7002 ext. 114 or education@soildistrict.org
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28 (12:30-2:30 pm): Bees, Native Plants and Healthy Soil – a Sweet Garden Recipe
Soil provides the foundation in which all food grows – even food for bees! Bees and other pollinators depend on a healthy food source of nectar and pollen. Native plants growing in healthy native soil are the perfect choice for gardeners who want to support the life cycle of honey bees and attract native pollinators to their yard. Join us for an introduction to home beekeeping, healthy soil and native plants, and taste the sweet rewards of a sustainable yard and garden. Presented by John Zingis, Air, Land & Sea Environmental Management, Inc., and Becky Laboy, Ocean County Soil Conservation District. FREE! Location: Jakes Branch County Park. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! *Registration closes the Thursday prior to the scheduled program. For more information or to register, please contact Becky Laboy, Education Outreach Specialist, Ocean County Soil Conservation District, (609) 971-7002 ext. 114 or education@soildistrict.org
TUESDAY, MARCH 22 (6:30-8:30 pm): Winter Planning for a 3-Season Flower Garden
When the weather outside is frightful… it’s a good time to begin planning your garden! Imagine your yard bursting with color from early spring to first frost in late autumn. By taking the time to assess your conditions, including soil, sun and moisture, you will have the foundational information on which to build your blooms. This program will introduce you to garden planning, design and plant selection using the Jersey-Friendly Yards website.
Presented by Karen Walzer, Public Outreach Coordinator, Barnegat Bay Partnership, Pam Almeida, co-leader, Jersey Shore Chapter, Native Plant Society of New Jersey, and Becky Laboy, Education Outreach Specialist, Ocean County Soil Conservation District. FREE! Location: Toms River Library. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! *Registration closes the Thursday prior to the scheduled program. For more information or to register, please contact Becky Laboy, Ocean County Soil Conservation District, (609) 971-7002 ext. 114 or education@soildistrict.org
TUESDAY, APRIL 5 (6:30 pm-8:00 pm): Native Plants and Pollinators
The Ocean County Soil Conservation District, together with Barnegat Bay Partnership and the Jersey Shore Chapter of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey is delighted to bring you: “Native Plants and Pollinators”. Join Tom and Steve Knezick, the next generation of native plant specialists in their family-owned business, Pinelands Nursery and Pinelands Direct. Tom will discuss the ecological functions and benefits of planting natives in your garden and explore the idea of “local provenance”. Steve will share some of his favorite native wildflowers and the interesting pollinators that depend on them. Together they offer a fresh take on how to use natives in your landscape that will make your yard attractive to birds, bees, butterflies and humans! Made possible in part through funding from the Barnegat Bay Partnership. FREE! Location: Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St., Mancini Hall. Pre-registration required, please contact Becky Laboy, Ocean County Soil Conservation District, (609) 971-7002 ext. 114 or education@soildistrict.org or visit www.soildistrict.org
SATURDAY, APRIL 16 (10:00 am-12:00 pm): Composting Workshop
The Ocean County Board of Freeholders with Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management and Ocean County Soil Conservation District is sponsoring a free “how-to” compost workshop for Ocean County residents. Learn how you can manage your organic waste, explore the benefits of using finished compost, and improve your soil health. Presented by the Ocean County Master Composters in collaboration with the Ocean County Soil Conservation District. FREE! Location: Ocean County Recycling Education Center. Pre-registration required, seating is limited. For more information and to register, contact Mary Jerkowicz, Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management, 732-506-5047 ext. 4365. For additional information about educational programs through the Ocean County Soil Conservation District, please contact Becky Laboy, Ocean County Soil Conservation District, (609) 971-7002 ext. 114 or education@soildistrict.org
SATURDAY, MAY 21 (9:00 am-12:30 pm): Rain Barrel Workshop
Rain barrels are a great water conservation tool for the home gardener or conscientious citizen. Rain barrels capture rain from rooftops and help prevent pollution from stormwater runoff from entering our creeks, rivers, bay and ocean. Rain water harvesting can lower your water bill by providing you with free water and a fun way to irrigate your garden during droughts and public water supply restrictions, without wasting our precious limited natural resources. Presented by Shari Kondrup of Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority and Becky Laboy of the Ocean County Soil Conservation District.
FREE!
Location: Brick Township Municipal Utilities Reservoir, 811 Herbertsville Road, Brick, NJ 08724 For directions, please visit http://brickmua.com/reservoir/resdirections.asp) To register, please contact Shari Kondrup, Watershed Education and Outreach, (732) 701-4282 or skondrup@brickmua.com
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED, SEATING IS LIMITED. For more information about educational programs through Ocean County Soil Conservation District, please contact Becky Laboy, Ocean County Soil Conservation District, (609) 971-7002 ext. 114 or education@soildistrict.org
SATURDAY, JUNE 11 (12:30-2:30pm): The Chemistry of Soil – a Primer for the Home Gardener.
Soil is arguably the most important component in a gardener’s landscape. Understanding the chemistry of your soil can help guide you in nurturing healthy plants and creating a healthy yard and garden. Join Dr. Stephanie Murphy, of Rutgers Cooperative Extension/Soil Testing Laboratory, as she breaks down the complexities of the science of soil for a fascinating look at the chemical processes that take place beneath our feet. FREE! Location: Jakes Branch County Park. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! *Registration closes the Thursday prior to the scheduled program. For more information or to register, please contact Becky Laboy, Ocean County Soil Conservation District, (609) 971-7002 ext. 114 or education@soildistrict.org
SATURDAY, JULY 30 (10:30am-12:00pm) Native Stars of the Summer Garden, Part 1: Outdoor Garden Tour – Rain Garden and Wet Garden
Native plant species offer a diversity of color, bloom time, sustenance to wildlife and joy to the native plant gardener. They are adapted to the natural soil conditions, climate and water resources within their local environment. A tour of the SHIP (Soil Health Improvement Project) native plant demonstration gardens offers a look at the diversity of natives that create beauty and color in the summer months. We will tour the Rain Garden and Wet Garden. Rain or shine, dress for the weather. FREE! Location: Jakes Branch County Park. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! *Registration closes the Thursday prior to the scheduled program. For more information or to register, please contact Becky Laboy, Ocean County Soil Conservation District, (609) 971-7002 ext. 114 or education@soildistrict.org
CANCELLED!! SUNDAY, AUGUST 28 (10:30am-12:00pm) Native Stars of the Summer Garden, Part 2: Outdoor Garden Tour – Sun Garden, Shade Garden and Butterfly Garden
Native plant species offer a diversity of color, bloom time, sustenance to wildlife and joy to the native plant gardener. They are adapted to the natural soil conditions, climate and water resources within their local environment. A tour of the SHIP (Soil Health Improvement Project) native plant demonstration gardens offers a look at the diversity of natives that create beauty and color in the summer months. We will tour the Sun Garden, Shade Garden and Butterfly Garden. Rain or shine, dress for the weather. FREE! Location: Jakes Branch County Park. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! *Registration closes the Thursday prior to the scheduled program. For more information or to register, please contact Becky Laboy, Ocean County Soil Conservation District, (609) 971-7002 ext. 114 or education@soildistrict.org
CANCELED!! SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 (10:30am-12:30pm) Assessing Your Soil Health
**Please note: this program has been canceled. It is rescheduled for October 8th. It will be presented in combination with the previously scheduled October 8th program: “Soil Food Web Gardening”.
See descriptions of both programs below.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8 (12:30-2:30 pm): Assessing Your Soil Health AND Soil Food Web Gardening
It’s important to have a healthy foundation on which to build your garden. Soil is that foundation – it provides your plants with mineral nutrients, air, water and a place to grow. But, how do you know if your soil is healthy? A “soil health assessment” can provide you with valuable information about the physical, chemical and biological properties of your soil, and offer solutions to common problems such as compaction, erosion, lack of nutrients, and pH that is too acidic or too alkaline. Discover how to assess your own soil, determine its health, and amend your soil to create a healthier garden.
Healthy soil is at the root of all life on Earth – including the plants in your garden. Enhance your garden’s productivity by becoming a soil food web gardener. Join Dr. Jennifer Adams Krumins of Montclair University on an exploration of the macro and micro-organisms that live in a balanced underground ecosystem in your soil. Gain a deeper understanding of the optimum soil conditions they need to survive. You’ll reap the benefits of healthy, functioning, naturally nutrient-rich soil that supports your home garden or landscape. FREE! Location: Jakes Branch County Park. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! *Registration closes the Thursday prior to the scheduled program. For more information or to register, please contact Becky Laboy, Ocean County Soil Conservation District, (609) 971-7002 ext. 114 or education@soildistrict.org
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19 (12:30-2:30 pm): Turtle Gardens – Creating Native Habitat Along Jersey Shore Backyards
Intact coastal soils and native vegetation are vital shoreline components for the survival and well-being of native New Jersey turtles. This program emphasizes the importance of healthy soil and upland habitat for nesting activity and hatchling survival of turtles, in particular the Diamondback Terrapin, a protected NJ species. Dr. John Wnek, of Project Terrapin and Stephanie Egger, of Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, will introduce the concept of a “backyard turtle garden” and share information about how to create new nesting locations in coastal backyards along the Jersey Shore. FREE! Location: Jakes Branch County Park. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! *Registration closes the Thursday prior to the scheduled program. For more information or to register, please contact Becky Laboy, Education Outreach Specialist, Ocean County Soil Conservation District, (609) 971-7002 ext. 114 or education@soildistrict.org
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 (12:30-2:30 pm): Matching Your Garden to Your Soil
Every plant that grows on the face of the earth, whether it has been planted in a garden or crop field, or was established on its own in woods or meadow, has a specific set of soil and site conditions that support its growth. Wherever you want to establish a garden, it is critical to match the plants you wish to grow to the soil and site conditions. Join Fred Schoenagel, Resource Soil Scientist from the US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) as he discusses some of the physical and chemical properties of soils that are essential to plant growth. The knowledge gained from this program will help you to evaluate your own proposed planting area and help you to choose the most suitable types of plants. This program includes some hands-on activities, so be prepared to get your hands dirty, literally! FREE! Location: Jakes Branch County Park. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! *Registration closes the Thursday prior to the scheduled program. For more information or to register, please contact Becky Laboy, Education Outreach Specialist, Ocean County Soil Conservation District, (609) 971-7002 ext. 114 or education@soildistrict.org