Monmouth County Environmental Newsletter: Winter 2021

Monmouth County, New Jersey sent this bulletin at 03/08/2021 09:06 AM EST
Cheesequake Park Amber Mallm
Monmouth County Seal 2018

Monmouth County Environmental Newsletter:  Winter 2021

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RU Testing Your Soil?

Start your garden with healthy soil this spring. Photo source: Rutgers Cooperative Extension.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension Planting

Whether you are growing a vegetable garden, perennial flowers or lush green turf, healthy plants start with healthy soil. Plants require specific amounts of nutrients including Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), as well as a balanced pH level (6.2 to 6.8 for most plants). Soil fertility testing is the best way to make sure that your plants are getting all the nutrients that they require without adding any excess fertilizer to your soil, which can have negative impacts on the environment. Soil samples are best taken after the harvest in the fall or in the early spring before any fertilizer applications. Soil testing should be repeated at least every 2 to 3 years because fertility conditions can change as plants take up the nutrients that are in the soil. Soil test kits can be obtained from your Rutgers Cooperative Extension County Office or from the Rutgers Soils Laboratory.  

To take a soil sample, collect 10 to 15 cores or trowels full of soil by walking in a randomized pattern in your yard or garden. Place all the cores into a bucket and mix them together, being sure to break up any clods. Take approximately 2 cups of soil from the bucket and place it into a plastic bag. Fill out the questionnaire that comes with the soil test kit and mail the sample to the laboratory. After the sample is analyzed, you will receive a soil test report with lime and fertilizer recommendations specific to your garden. For more information on soil testing for home lawns and gardens, click here, or contact the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County office.

Contributed by Bill Errickson, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County.

Upcoming Environmental & Outdoor Events in Monmouth County

Some activities require registration and/or fees:

Sustainable Jersey Offers Community Solar Guidebook

Sustainable Jersey recently issued its Community Solar Guidebook, which offers guidance for municipalities interested in supporting community solar projects. Typically, in order to experience the benefits of solar energy, individuals must install solar panels on their property, then they receive a credit on their utility bill for the electricity generated on the panels. However, residents, business and other organizations may be unable to install solar panels on because they are renters, a roof may be in poor condition or the site may be too shady. But in a community solar project, individuals do not need to install panels on their property. Instead, customers can sign up to participate in a solar installation located off their property but in their utility provider’s service area. The guidebook outlines ways municipalities can start a community solar project and offers case studies from a 2019 Community Solar Energy Pilot Program with the Board of Public Utility’s New Jersey Clean Energy Program.

Two Monmouth County Towns Recognized by ANJEC

Below: Wreck Pond Nature Preserve was highlighted in an award winning article series written by the Wall Township Environmental Advisory Committee. Source Linda Brennen.

Wreck Pond Linda J Brennen

The Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC) annually celebrates outstanding achievement by local environmental commissions and nonprofit organizations.  Two Monmouth County municipalities, Keyport and Wall Township, were among the 10 honorees for 2020. 

The Keyport Borough Environmental Commission’s Cedar Street Beach Dune Restoration Project was a volunteer effort assisted by the Jersey Shore Surfrider Association to improve storm resilience and reduce airborne sand that was impacting an adjacent park.  The volunteers removed invasive plants, restored a dune and planted native beach grasses over a multi-year period.

A series of “Environmentally Yours” articles, published monthly in Wall Township Living magazine, brought recognition to the Wall Township Environmental Advisory Committee.  The intent of the articles is to educate residents about a variety of environmental issues and highlight local resources.  Article topics included single use plastic bags, recycling, gardening, and the Township’s Green Business Recognition Program.  Resource focused articles highlighted a self-guided nature trail and the Wreck Pond Nature Preserve.

Ocean Township's Schools Receive $10,000 for Urban Agriculture Program

Sustainable Jersey provided nine energy grants, funded by the Gardinier Environmental Fund, to four school districts and five municipalities for sustainable energy projects.  The Ocean Township School District received $10,000 for their Sustainable Greenhouse that they plan to use for their Environmental Studies and Urban Agriculture Program.  The district will use the funds to build a greenhouse to teach modern urban growing techniques in the face of climate change. To make the greenhouse energy-efficient, the District plans to use glazing for efficient sun exposure, geothermal heating, solar energy where possible for supplemental energy, and rain-capture irrigation.  For information on this and the other grantees, see the press release.