Jersey-Friendly Yards

UNKNOWN

There is limited data available to quantify Wetland and Riparian Buffer Preservation, or updated data to quantify Wetland Acreage. The BBP has obtained funding and will begin assessment efforts for both targets, in the next few years.

 

 Hard Clam abundance has not been updated since 2012. Recovery of the stock will be guided by the Fishery Management Plan for Hard Clams, which is under development with the NJDEP, BBP, and other organizations. Reclam the Bay and other partners have continued to plant clams for restoration purposes. Continued plantings in strategic locations which maximize survival and reproduction is one strategy to pursue in the coming years. This work can use a model developed by Rutgers with BBP funding which identified areas where planted clams could have the greatest dispersal of their larvae and thus potentially maximally contribute to the recovery of the stock.

 Water Withdrawals were over the target in the 2021 report; USGS has not yet completed its latest update, so a definitive determination of status is not available. However, additional NJDEP data show that it is likely that we continue to not meet the target. Per capita water use has gone down, demonstrating the effectiveness of water-saving appliances and practices, but that decrease has been offset by population gains. 


IN PROGRESS

New maps quantifying Submerged Aquatic Vegetation extent were developed, but poor image clarity resulted in a high degree of uncertainty in the total acreage. NJDEP and Rutgers are working to resolve the uncertainty of these maps, and improve the total acreage estimate. Funding has also been obtained for further research and restoration activities. Several groups are developing potential restoration actions.

The USGS has completed the first phase of its study to identify minimum ecological flows in select Barnegat Bay tributaries. USGS scientists compared streamflow statistics between historical and current time periods to better understand trends in watershed flow conditions. This work provides a foundation for developing ecological flow targets in the Barnegat Bay watershed.  Similar to SAV extent, funding (approximately $450K) has been obtained by the BBP to complete the remaining phases necessary for threshold determination.

 

TARGETS ACHIEVED

No targets can be considered “Achieved” at this time.

 

NOT ACHIEVING

Several Public Swimming Beaches exceeded their safe swimming standards more frequently than during their baseline time period (2016-2018).

While most beaches are routinely safe for swimming, several problematic areas such as Beachwood, Hancock, Windward, and several lake beaches need track-down studies and restoration to pinpoint and address sources of bacteria.

Acres of Approved Shellfish Waters decreased from the last report. While this decrease was small, it represents a loss of previously approved waters. Similar to public beaches, track-down studies and restoration work are needed to pinpoint and address sources of bacteria.

 

Jersey-Friendly Yards

December might not seem like an ideal month to plant a garden. While this assumption is mostly accurate because the first frost has likely already occurred in November, planting is not impossible. In fact, getting plants into the ground rather than leaving them in containers until spring can be surprisingly beneficial. Although many people associate December with winter, the season does not officially begin until December 21. Late autumn offers a perfect chance to tuck plants into the soil so they can settle in before spring arrives. This timing supports strong root development, reduces stress compared to spring planting, and limits weed competition as the plants become established. It also lowers pest and disease pressure during the vulnerable early stages of growth. While planting before the first frost is ideal, early December still provides a workable and often overlooked opportunity.

This past week, Jersey-Friendly Yards, the Barnegat Bay Partnership, and Ocean County College received a very generous donation of more than 400 young native plants from the Master Gardeners of Ocean County. The donation supports Jersey-Friendly Yards outreach, education, and the school certification program. Eighty plants were installed at Toms River High School South on November 18, bringing the school much closer to completing its certification.

The remaining plants were added to the gardens around Bartlett Hall at Ocean County College. College staff, students, and volunteers came together on December 4 and bundled up to get over 300 plants in the ground. Autumn rains had softened the soil, and that made digging much easier on planting day. In less than two hours, every plant was settled into place. The species donated were a diverse mix of native plants that will grow into a resilient, dynamic garden supporting wildlife from early spring through late fall.

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Caroline McFarland holding a “Thank You! Master Gardeners” Sign at Toms River High School South on November 18, 2025.
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Watershed Ambassadors Amy Johnson and Richard Robinson planting with Ocean County College Facilities Staff at Bartlett Hall on December 4, 2025.

Early bloomers such as Foxglove Beardtongue, Lanceleaf Coreopsis, Butterfly Weed, and Shrubby St. John’s Wort will provide much-needed nectar for emerging bees and offer habitat and larval resources for a variety of insects. Butterfly Weed is an essential host plant for butterfly and moth larvae, especially the iconic Monarch Butterfly. Ninebark contributes additional early-season support through its nectar-rich flower clusters and offers important structure and shelter throughout the year. As the season progresses, midsummer plants like Rattlesnake Master, Spotted Beebalm, Greyhead Coneflower, Purple Giant Hyssop, and Joe-Pye Weed will attract a wide variety of native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Later in the season, Ironweed, Upland White Goldenrod, Stiff Goldenrod, Blue Mistflower, Great Blue Lobelia, and Obedient Plant will deliver essential nectar for migrating monarchs and overwintering bumblebee queens at a time when food sources become scarce.

Finally, Big Blue Stem and Purple Love Grass will add structure, nesting habitat, and natural weed suppression, helping to anchor the planting and support wildlife throughout the year. Collectively, these species create continuous bloom, strong habitat structure, and multi-season ecological value that will foster a vibrant and self-sustaining environment for pollinators and other wildlife.

Together, this project supports the Barnegat Bay Partnership’s long-term stewardship goals and strengthens the Jersey-Friendly Yards vision of teaching communities how small actions can create big, lasting change. With every plant in the ground, we are building a healthier landscape for the entire Barnegat Bay watershed. Jersey-Friendly Yards is grateful to work alongside the Master Gardeners of Ocean County and truly appreciates their support. The Master Gardeners will be selling native plants again in the spring, and in the meantime, be sure to keep an eye out for workshops and seasonal events. If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County, you can learn more on their website.

Time-lapse video of one of the garden plantings at Bartlett Hall on December 4, 2025.
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