South Toms River Elementary School has taken a significant step toward sustainability with the installation of a rain garden designed to improve storm water management and promote environmental education. This project was made possible through funding from Veolia and the EPA’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), and a partnership with the Rutgers Water Resources Program. The rain garden location was strategically chosen using the NJDEP’s Environmental Justice Map to ensure that an overburdened community benefits from this important green infrastructure project.
Jersey-Friendly Yards School Certification
South Toms River Elementary School is enrolled in the Jersey-Friendly Yards School Certification Program, a program that promotes sustainable gardening and landscaping, as well as environmental education, on the school grounds. The school has successfully completed all certification requirements! Their official certification is pending review by the Jersey-Friendly Yards Certification Committee, which includes representatives from the Barnegat Bay Partnership, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County, and the Ocean County Soil Conservation District.
Native Plants for a Healthier Ecosystem
The rain garden features a variety of native, Jersey-Friendly plants, carefully selected and placed for their ability to thrive in moist and wet conditions, support pollinators, and enhance biodiversity. The plant list includes:
- Compact Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia ‘Compacta’)
- Foxglove Beardtongue ‘Dark Towers’ (Penstemon digitalis)
- Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
- Inkberry Holly ‘Densa’ (Ilex glabra ‘Densa’)
- Wood’s Sedge or Pretty Sedge (Carex woodii)
- Virginia Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum).
South Toms River Elementary School has continued their educational programming into 2025 with new students that have joined their monthly Environmental Club meetings. We look forward to working with them again through the coming months!