At the heart of Ocean County a new collaboration has taken root between the Ocean County Soil Conservation District (OCSCD), One Ocean County, and the Common Grounds Community Garden. Like planning a healthy garden, we are starting with a strong foundation consisting of common goals – to foster community connections, promote sustainability, and contribute to a healthier environment. Our partnership is built on a shared commitment to growth, and the belief that healthy soil and pollinator-friendly gardens are key to a thriving ecosystem and vibrant community life.
Overlapping Mission and Goals
The OCSCD’s mission aligns perfectly with One Ocean County and the Common Grounds Community Garden’s goals—cultivating sustainable practices that benefit both people and nature. At the core of this effort is a commitment to creating spaces where community members can connect, learn, and grow. Whether it’s through soil health education or pollinator habitat restoration, our collaboration is driven by a mutual desire to protect our natural resources while strengthening ties within the community.
Building Relationships through Collaboration
The partnership began with a simple idea: to bring people together around the common goals of environmental stewardship and community engagement. Through hands-on projects and workshops, we are building long-lasting relationships within the community, providing opportunities for learning, and inspiring collective action. The Common Grounds Community Garden has become a hub where residents can participate in sustainable gardening practices, share knowledge, and develop a deeper connection to the land.
Creating Healthy Soil and Pollinator Gardens
One of the highlights of our collaboration is the creation of a pollinator garden at the Common Grounds Community Garden. This project serves as both a practical and educational initiative. Healthy soil is essential to productive, resilient ecosystems, and by incorporating native plants, we are supporting pollinator species that are crucial to the region’s biodiversity.
This garden is more than just a space for plants—it’s a symbol of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared vision. By focusing on the importance of soil health, we are not only enhancing the beauty and functionality of the garden but also promoting environmental sustainability that benefits the wider Ocean County community.
For more details about the creation of the pollinator garden and our efforts to support soil health, you can read more about this exciting project here.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The collaboration between OCSCD, One Ocean County, and the Common Grounds Community Garden represents the kind of partnership that can make a lasting difference. As we continue to work together, our goal is to expand these initiatives, and foster continued community engagement and environmental stewardship. By educating and empowering individuals to take part in sustainable practices, we are planting the seeds for a greener, healthier future.
Together, we are finding common grounds—literally and figuratively—by nurturing our environment and building a community that cares for its natural resources.
Project Updates
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Celebrating Common Grounds
OCSCD was a proud sponsor of the 2024 Fall Festival, hosted by Common Grounds Community Garden at the John F. Patrick Sports Complex on Saturday, November 3. This was the second annual Fall Festival, which drew crowds of about 800 people. OCSCD Erosion Control Specialist, Brittany Moore, and Education Coordinator, Becky Laboy shared information with…
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Weeding for Wildlife, Helping the Common Grounds Pollinator Garden Thrive
OCSCD staff returned to the Common Grounds Pollinator Garden to carry out some essential maintenance. Weeding is a key part of keeping the garden healthy and ensuring that the native plants can thrive, allowing them to provide habitat and food for pollinators.
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Common Grounds is Abuzz with a New Pollinator Garden!
Common Grounds Community Garden is abuzz with the addition of a new pollinator garden!
