On June 10, 2026, students and teachers at Barnegat High School joined the Ocean County Soil Conservation District (OCSCD) to create a new native pollinator garden that will provide habitat for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects while serving as an outdoor learning space for years to come.
The project was made possible through a Pollinator Habitat Kit awarded to OCSCD by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. The kit included a diverse selection of native plants supplied by Pinelands Nursery, a longtime partner in the Xerces Society’s habitat restoration efforts. The Pollinator Habitat Kit selected for this project contains species that thrive in sandy soils of the Northeast, including Common Milkweed, Seaside Goldenrod, Spotted Horsemint and Lowbush Blueberry, among others.
More than 20 students and teachers rolled up their sleeves to help install the garden. Together, they planted a variety of native species selected to provide nectar, pollen, and shelter for pollinators throughout the growing season.
In addition to enhancing the school grounds, the garden offers students opportunities to explore ecology, pollinator conservation, native plants, and the important connections between healthy habitats and healthy communities. As the plants mature, the garden will become a living classroom where students can observe the fascinating relationships between plants and wildlife.
OCSCD extends its sincere appreciation to the Xerces Society for providing the Pollinator Habitat Kit, Pinelands Nursery for supplying the plants, and the dedicated students and teachers at Barnegat High School whose enthusiasm and hard work helped transform a patch of landscape into a thriving habitat for pollinators.
Small actions can have a big impact—and thanks to this collaborative effort, Barnegat High School is helping create a brighter future for pollinators and people alike.
Ready to Bring Pollinator Power Home?
Visit the Jersey-Friendly Yards Plant Database to discover more than 400 native and “Jersey-Friendly” plants that support bees, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife. Search by soil type, moisture, and light conditions to find the right plants for your landscape, and explore resources on soil testing, composting, and water-wise gardening. Whether you’re planting a single flower bed or transforming your entire yard or school grounds, you can create a healthy, beautiful habitat that benefits both people and wildlife.