The Ocean County Soil Conservation District (OCSCD) and partners recently completed the final phase of the Lakewood Township Stormwater Basin Retrofit Project with the creation of educational signs which will be installed at seven of the project’s retrofit sites. These interpretive signs will serve as lasting educational tools that highlight the importance of stormwater management, native vegetation, and community stewardship in maintaining healthy soil, water and habitat.
As part of this multi-year initiative, OCSCD worked with a network of partners to restore and enhance stormwater basins throughout Lakewood Township. Each retrofit was designed to improve water infiltration, reduce sediment and nutrient runoff, and provide habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. To help residents and visitors understand the ecological value of these basins, OCSCD developed a series of attractive, weather-resistant educational signs as a visual culmination of the project.
Three large 36” x 24” interpretive signs will be installed at the America Avenue, FirstEnergy Park North, and Sunset Avenue basins. Four smaller 24” x 12” signs will be placed at the FirstEnergy Park South, Rachel Court, Carol Street, and Shemen Street basin sites. Each sign includes “before and after” photographs that capture the transformation of the basins—from overgrown or poorly draining sites to thriving examples of green infrastructure. The signs also feature close-up images of the native vegetation planted during the retrofit process, highlighting species that support pollinators, stabilize soil, and enhance infiltration. Complemented by clear graphics and engaging text, the signs help visitors visualize how retrofitted basins function to filter pollutants, slow stormwater flow, and enhance groundwater recharge.
The signs were produced by Lark Signs, whose high-quality materials ensure durability and visibility in outdoor environments. Through thoughtful design and strategic placement, these signs will encourage visitors to connect the science of stormwater management with real-world examples in their own community.
The Lakewood Township Stormwater Basin Retrofit Project was made possible through a Federal 319(h) Water Quality Restoration grant awarded by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection to the South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council (SJRC&D). SJRC&D in partnership with the Ocean County Soil Conservation District, Camden County Soil Conservation District, Lakewood Township Department of Public Works, and Healthy Landscapes Inc., have not only improved the ecological function of local basins but also created enduring opportunities for public education.
By transforming stormwater basins into living learning spaces, OCSCD and its partners are promoting awareness of how every landscape—no matter how ordinary it may seem—plays a role in creating healthy soil, protecting water quality and enhancing community resilience.