World Soil Day 2024
World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on December 5 as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and advocating for the sustainable management of soil resources.
Healthy Soil Resources
Soil and Water, Working Together Underground
Did you know that a large chunk of the water cycle is going on in the soil underneath your feet? Read more about the underground relationship between soil and water.
New Jersey Honey Queen Pollinates the Garden State
Known as the “Bee-Girl” Kaitlyn “Katie” Culbert is passionate about pollinators! Read about her many endeavors to support honey bees and other pollinators.
Soil Taxonomy – Classifying Soils
Did you know that soils are classified into taxonomic groups? The soil classification system is similar to the way that living organisms, including plants and animals, are classified into groups based on physical, chemical and morphological properties. Soil scientists classify soils into hierarchical taxonomic categories including order, suborder, great group, subgroup, family and series. The … Read more
The Important Role of Soil Organisms in a Healthy Garden
The vibrant community of soil organisms that live beneath our feet are the unsung heroes of our yards and gardens. Below the soil surface, a bustling community of soil organisms tirelessly works to maintain the vitality of the living landscape above. These tiny creatures, including bacteria, fungi, earthworms and insects, play a pivotal role in … Read more
Jersey-Friendly Yards Conference 2023
The 2023 Jersey-Friendly Yards Conference was on Saturday, September 30th. Ocean County Soil Conservation District is a proud partner of the Jersey-Friendly Yards initiative.
Selecting Appropriate Plant Species for Basin Retrofit Projects
The Lakewood Township Stormwater Basin Retrofit Project had a productive 2023 spring seeding season. Five additional stormwater basin retrofit designs have been implemented throughout the municipality.
Digging Deeper: Downer Soil
You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that New Jersey has a state soil, just as it has a state bird (American Goldfinch), a state flower (Purple Violet) and a state tree (Red Oak). Our state soil is called Downer.
Summer Blooming Perennials to Celebrate
Show your colors this Independence Day by adding some red, white and blue to your summer garden! American native plants support local bees, butterflies and birds by providing nectar, pollen, seeds and nesting materials.
Spring Blooming Natives for Your Garden
Native plants are perfectly adapted to our sandy south Jersey native soils and local climate. Support pollinators, birds and wildlife by adding a few spring blooming native plants to your yard.