Another Successful "Bayscape for Barnegat Bay"

Native Plant Demonstration GardenProgram reduces water use, fertilizers, pesticides and creates natural habitats Supports Governor Christie's Goal for Public Education

Toms River, Ocean County: On Monday, October 31st, the American Littoral Society announced the completion of another "Bayscape for Barnegat Bay" native plant garden project.The Laurel Commons Condominium Association, located off Old Freehold Road in the Long Swamp Creek subwatershed of the Toms River and Barnegat Bay, unveiled 3 native plant demonstration gardens that will serve as natural landscape alternatives that can be replicated throughout their 22-acre, 220 unit community and also be used as models for other communities to follow suit.

The gardens were designed by the Society's native plant consultant and horticulturist, Judy DeFiglio of Garden Guidance. The installation and hardscaping were provided by Down to Earth Landscaping.

Helen Henderson, Policy Advocate said Laurel Commons is a leader in community stewardship for protecting and restoring Barnegat Bay. "From the Society's perspective, it is especially important for homeowners in the highly developed areas of the Barnegat Bay watershed like Toms River to see examples of good stewardship like this," she stated. "We are fortunate that the association's board wanted to be proactive in doing their part to protect and restore the Bay through their personal landscape choices".

On October 22nd at the Society's 50th Annual Meeting in Cape May, Laurel Commons Condominium Association was conferred the organization's Citizen Advocate Award.The condo association's Vice-President Paul Krauss contacted the Society 2 years ago amidst growing concerns he had about the declining health of the Bay."I was greatly disturbed by what I saw happening. Stinging sea nettles and algae blooms were causing my grandchildren to stop participating in 'Grandpa's Camp' which for years consisted of boating, water skiing and swimming in the Bay" stated Krauss. "My grandchildren simply didn't want to come in contact with the polluted water anymore so I was forced to sell my boat".

Mr. Krauss, currently Vice-President of the community's board, contacted the Society and took the lead in convincing his homeowner's association to take actions on their property to help restore Barnegat Bay. To that end, the community will be reducing their lawn areas by 20%; replacing ornamental gardens onsite with native plant gardens; and participating in stormwater basin studies and retrofits to reduce nutrient pollution in stormwater runoff (nitrogen and phosphorus) that are harming the Bay.

The gardens at Laurel Commons are the latest in the series of "Bayscape" gardens being installed throughout the watershed as part of the Society's Shore Stewards program. The program, aimed at reducing the need for fertilizers and pesticides; conserving water; and creating improved habitats for species such as birds, bees and butterflies supports the Public Education Action Item #8 of Governor Christie's Barnegat Bay Plan.

The condo association committed $10,000 of their own money to the "Bayscape" project, with help from matching funds the Society received from the Trust for Public Land's Barnegat Bay Environmental Grant Fund. The project will be identified with signage on the property.

Additional "Bayscape for Barnegat Bay" gardens have been completed in the Bay's watershed, including: numerous private homeowner residences; the Maris Stella Retreat and Conference Center in Harvey Cedars, LBI; the Morning Star Presbyterian Church, Bayville; and plans are currently underway for a garden at Jake's Branch County Park, Berkeley.

This year, the Society also enlisted its first official "Bayscape" retail nursery supplier at Hammett's Garden Center in Forked River.

For those interested in learning more about "Bayscaping", the Society will hold a workshop this Wednesday, November 2nd at the Hilltop Clubhouse, Crestwood Village 5, 325 School House Road, Whiting, NJ 08759 at 1:30 p.m. For more information, contact Helen Henderson at 732.575.5701

About the American Littoral Society: The American Littoral Society is a membership-based, coastal conservation non-profit organization headquartered on Sandy Hook in Highlands New Jersey. For more than 50 years, it has empowered people to care for the coast through advocacy, conservation, and education. To learn more, visit www.littoralsociety.orghttp://www.littoralsociety.orghttp//www.littoralsociety.org/.

About the Trust for Public Land: The Trust for Public Land conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. TPL has protected more than 24,000 acres in New Jersey, including over 11,000 acres in the Barnegat Bay watershed. To learn more, visit w.tpl.org/newjerseyhttp://www.tpl.org/newjersey.

About the Laurel Commons Condominium Association: The Laurel Commons Condominium Association represents the residents of Laurel Commons, a 22-acre community of 230 condominium units on Carnation Circle in Toms River, NJ that has been serving the community for over 20 years.