The Ocean County Soil Conservation District is offering a series of free Jersey-Friendly Yards programs in Ocean County in 2018. The first 20 registered attendees at most programs will receive a free Jersey-Friendly plant. For more information, email Becky Laboy at education@soildistrict.org or call her at (609) 971-7002 ext. 114.

Tuesday, June 26 (2:00-3:00 p.m.)
Showcasing the Island Heights Library’s Jersey-Friendly Garden

Come explore the newly installed Jersey-Friendly Garden at the Island Heights Library.
This presenter will showcase native and Jersey-Friendly plants, and discuss the numerous
benefits to wildlife and the Barnegat Bay watershed these colorful and hardy plants provide.
FREE Jersey-Friendly plants for the first 20 registered attendees. REGISTRATION opens June 12, visit theoceancountylibrary.org, click on the calendar of events tab, search and register for program;
or call (732) 270-6266. PROGRAM LOCATION: 121 Central Ave, Island Heights, NJ 08732.
Program hosted by the Friends of the Island Heights Library and funded by the Barnegat Bay Partnership.

Tuesday, July 10 (6:30-7:30 p.m.)
Jersey-Friendly Yards: Landscaping for a Healthier Barnegat Bay

What we do in our yards has a direct impact on our health and the health of the Barnegat Bay. Learn how to create a beautiful, low-maintenance, bay-friendly landscape using the Jersey-Friendly Yards website. Be inspired by examples of successful Jersey-Friendly gardens. FREE Jersey-Friendly plants for the first 20 registered attendees. REGISTRATION opens June 26, visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org, click on the calendar of events tab, search and register for program, or call (609) 693-8566. PROGRAM LOCATION: 10 East Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ 08731. Program hosted by the Lacey Library and funded by the Barnegat Bay Partnership.

Sunday, July 22 (10:00-11:30 a.m.)
8 Steps to a Jersey-Friendly Yard

The Jersey-Friendly Yards website is a tool for home gardeners to plan, design and install your own Jersey-Friendly garden. Explore the steps to a Jersey-Friendly Yard and learn how to select plants appropriate for your own landscape. FREE Jersey-Friendly plants for the first 20 registered attendees. REGISTER: email Becky Laboy education@soildistrict.org or call (609) 971-7002 ext. 114, or complete this Registration Form. PROGRAM LOCATION: Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education, 7th Street & Navajo Drive, Waretown, NJ 08758. Program funded by The Watershed Institute.

Sunday, August 12 (10:00-11:30 a.m.)
Native Plants in the Landscape

Explore the benefits of native plants in the landscape. Learn how to use the Jersey-Friendly Yards website to select native plants appropriate for your own yard. FREE Jersey-Friendly plants for the first 20 registered attendees. REGISTER: email Becky Laboy education@soildistrict.org or call (609) 971-7002 ext. 114, or complete this Registration Form. PROGRAM LOCATION: Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education, 7th Street & Navajo Drive, Waretown, NJ 08758. Program funded by The Watershed Institute.

Sunday, August 19 (10:30-11:30 a.m.)
Showcasing Cattus Island’s Gardens

Explore “Jersey-Friendly Yards” and tour the gardens at Cattus Island to discover the beautiful native and Jersey-Friendly plants that thrive in this environment. FREE Jersey-Friendly plants for the first 20 registered attendees. REGISTER: email Becky Laboy education@soildistrict.org or call (609) 971-7002 ext. 114. PROGRAM LOCATION: Cattus Island County Park Nature Center. Program funded by The Watershed Institute.

Monday, September 17 (6:00-7:30 p.m.)
Designing a Jersey-Friendly Garden for the Benefit of Wildlife

Jersey-Friendly plants offer myriad benefits to wildlife. Learn how to use the Jersey-Friendly Yards website to design a garden or yard that will attract and support birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife. FREE Jersey-Friendly plants for the first 20 registered attendees. REGISTER: email Becky Laboy education@soildistrict.org or call (609) 971-7002 ext. 114, or complete this Registration Form. PROGRAM LOCATION: Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education, 7th Street & Navajo Drive, Waretown, NJ 08758. Program funded by The Watershed Institute.

Saturday, September 15 (10:00 a.m.)
Showcasing the Pine Beach Jersey-Friendly Garden

Come explore the newly installed Jersey-Friendly Garden in Pine Beach. This program will include an indoor presentation and an outdoor tour of the garden.  The presenters will showcase native and Jersey-Friendly plants, and discuss the numerous benefits to wildlife and the Barnegat Bay watershed that these colorful and hardy plants provide. FREE Jersey-Friendly plants for the first 20 registered attendees. REGISTER: email Juliane Esposito, pinebeachutilities@comcast.net. PROGRAM LOCATION: To be determined. Program hosted by the Pine Beach Environmental Commission and funded by the Barnegat Bay Partnership.

Saturday, September 22 (10:30-11:30 a.m.)
Showcasing Cattus Island’s Gardens

Explore “Jersey-Friendly Yards” and tour the gardens at Cattus Island to discover the beautiful native and Jersey-Friendly plants that thrive in this environment. FREE Jersey-Friendly plants for the first 20 registered attendees. REGISTER: email Becky Laboy education@soildistrict.org or call (609) 971-7002 ext. 114. PROGRAM LOCATION: Cattus Island County Park Nature Center. Program funded by The Watershed Institute.