Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County

Registration is now open for the 2026 Jersey-Friendly Yards conference!

Themed “Principles of Permaculture in Your Jersey-Friendly Yard”, this year's conference will explore how our landscapes can be designed to nourish both people and ecosystems.

To register, visit https://jerseyyards.org/events/2026-conference/ today!

2026 Conference - Jersey-Friendly Yards Join us for our 2026 Jersey-Friendly Yards Conference: Principles of Permaculture in Your Jersey-Friendly Yard!

When we talk about Ocean County's local environment, most people think about our soil, pine barrens, or coastal flora. But our marine ecosystems right off the shore are just as dynamic—and vital.

Our coastal and estuarine waters support a rich diversity of apex predators, including over 20 shark species. From Barnegat Bay to the open ocean, our local inlets play an essential role in the life cycles and regional ecology of marine species.

Scroll through the images below to learn more about sharks in our Ocean County waters! 🦈

Local commercial growers and agricultural professionals are invited to the Rutgers Research Twilight Meeting on Wednesday, August 12, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Rutgers Snyder Research and Extension Farm (140 Locust Grove Rd, Pittstown).

The evening will feature wagon tours of active research plots and practical updates on managing corn earworm and cucurbit downy mildew. Extension agents will also demonstrate new agricultural technologies.

Pesticide recertification credits have been requested for CORE, PP2, 1A, and 10.

Admission is free, but RSVPs are required by Monday, August 10 for meal and wagon headcount.

To RSVP or learn more, visit plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu or contact Ashley Higgins at [email protected] / (908) 526-6293.

Ocean County is leading the way in supporting our community as we age! We are proud to highlight New Jersey’s first county-level Multisector Plan for Aging (MPA)—a visionary roadmap designed to support our older adult population and serve as a model for the entire state.

Join presenters Dr. Kathleen Cullinen, Assistant Professor with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County and Principal Investigator of Age-Friendly Ocean County, and Maria La Face, Director of the Ocean County Office of Senior Services and Project Director of Age-Friendly Ocean County, for an informative Zoom webinar on Thursday, July 30th at 2:00 PM. Learn about the plan’s development, goals, and vision for the future.

Register for FREE at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/sokzeHInS06Nb7Q5hywQCw #/registration.

Discover how Ocean County is helping shape the future of aging services, housing, transportation, healthcare, and community support across New Jersey!

Want to stay active, strong, and healthy as you age?

Join Erin Comollo, EdD (CCFT & Precision Nutrition Certified Coach) TOMORROW, Wednesday, July 29th at 12:30 PM for a live presentation: Nutrition for Active Aging: Fueling Your Body Across the Lifespan.

Learn practical strategies on protein, key micronutrients, and movement to fuel your body through every stage of life.

Register here for FREE: https://go.rutgers.edu/gte5js5l

Got gardening questions? 🌿 Ask a Rutgers Master Gardener!

The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Ocean County are popping up at two local library branches and the Stafford Green Fair this week! Bring by your plants or insect samples for identification, diagnosis, and care tips.

📅 This Week’s Schedule:
📍 Barnegat Library: Mon, July 27 | 9 AM – 12 PM
📍 Stafford Township Green Fair: Mon, July 27 | 4 PM – 7 PM
📍 Manchester Library: Thu, July 30 | 1 PM – 3 PM

Come say hello, and let's keep Ocean County growing together!

We’re excited to be part of the Stafford Township Green Fair this year!

Come visit our table on July 27th from 4–7 PM at Manahawkin Lake Park located at 86 N. Main Street, Manahawkin NJ, and explore everything this amazing community event has to offer, from local resources and sustainability tips to fun activities for all ages.

Hope to see you there!

Thank you to everyone who helped set up and stop by the 4-H tent at the Ocean County Fair. We could not have done it without our dedicated volunteers, leaders, and club members! 🎡

As summer temps rise, staying safe and hydrated becomes extra important—especially for older adults! Join Ocean County's own Kathleen Cullinen, Ph.D., RDN, TOMORROW, Wednesday, July 22nd at 12:30 PM for an insightful presentation: "Stay Cool, Stay Safe: Summer Health for Older Adults." Learn essential tips on staying hydrated, preventing heat-related illnesses, and keeping safe during hot summer days.

This webinar is FREE, but registration is required at https://go.rutgers.edu/utfspy8n

⛈️ Mother Nature cut our Saturday night short, but we aren’t letting a little rain stop the fun!
​The Ocean County Fair reopens tomorrow at 11:00 AM for the very last day of the season. It is officially Senior Day, so it’s the perfect time to bring the whole family out to the 4-H tents! 🐐
​While you're visiting the animals, make sure to stop by the RCE table under the main 4-H tent. You can learn all about the exciting new Age-Friendly Ocean County initiative and how it's shaping a supportive community for all ages!
​Check out tomorrow's full schedule below—we've got everything from an archery contest to our "Rutgers Master Gardener" table ready for your questions. Let’s finish the weekend strong! 🍀