The South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. (SJRC&D), located in Columbus, New Jersey; was formed in 1974 to address environmental issues in South Jersey.  The Council covers 4,710 sq. miles and includes the eleven southern counties of Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Salem.  The Council is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization and is comprised of a County government and a Soil Conservation District representative from each of the eleven counties.  The Council bridges the gap between local resource needs and community development providing a unique partnership between county, local and federal partners. 

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from South Jersey Resource Conservation & Development Council

Click here for Council names and position.

In this Issue:
Diamonds sparkle on South Jersey RC&D
South Jersey Levee Inventory Work Begins
$ave some Green, Love your Loam!
Wildlife may acquire new condos!

Welcome to the sjrcd-eZine, fifth edition. We’ll distribute this online news vehicle periodically, updating friends and stakeholders who share a passion for conserving our environment and properly utilizing its natural resources. We draw your attention to worthy projects and fascinating developments. And encourage dialog among you and our professional staff and dedicated team of volunteers.

The sjrcd-eZine is a work in progress and will evolve to meet the needs of you, our readers. If you have a great idea for a new eZine name then please send it to us. We welcome any and all constructive comments.

Diamonds sparkle on South Jersey RC&D

In demonstrating its positive impact on the quality of life within the South Jersey region, the National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils (NARC&DC) has awarded the South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council membership in its Circle of Diamonds Program.

This distinction is awarded only to those Councils nation-wide that have achieved high standards of excellence while exhibiting a strong commitment to the RC&D mission. Circle of Diamonds members are publicly accountable in continuing to uphold the Council’s structure, process and outcomes.

“In attaining the Circle of Diamonds designation, the South Jersey RC&D Council has displayed its unique ability to meet the specific benchmarks forth in the Circle of Diamonds Program guidelines. This mark of excellence is testimony to the honesty, integrity and commitment of our council members to the RC&D mission,” said SJRC&D Chair, Jack Sworaski.

Picture to right: Tom Drewes, (seated left in the picture) State Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, signs the Area Plan, a five year strategic plan, with Jack Sworaski, (seated right) Council Chair, the Camden County council representative. Also in the picture are Dave Friedman, (standing left) the Ocean County Soil Conservation District representative and Rick Westergaard, the Gloucester County representative.

More information on SJRCD projects and programs.

— By KP Kilpatrick

South Jersey Levee Inventory Work Begins

-- by Greg Westfall

$ave Some Green, Love Your Loam!

Soil Quality Workshop

February 26, 2009, 6:00 - 8:30 PM

Picture to right: The charismatic Eileen Miller, NRCS Resource Conservationist, conducts the Soil Quality Workshop.

As part of its “Friendly Farms” Outreach Program, the South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council (SJRCD) will present the first in a planned series of workshops on soil quality improvement and its benefits. This workshop will be held on February 26, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:30 PM at the Burlington County Soil Conservation District offices in Columbus. Experts from the USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and Rutgers University will discuss proven methodologies to improve soil health and increase crop production as well as other benefits to the resources that support our agricultural industry. The discussion will also examine data specific to the Assiscunk Watershed.

The Burlington County Freeholder Board is co-sponsoring this free workshop through their Annaricken-Assiscunk-Barkers Brook watershed project grant. Future workshops will include a tour of Rodale Farms, use of the soil quality test kit, and a no-till demonstration for vegetable cropping. Sign-ups for future events will be available at the February 26th workshop. If you are interested in attending the February 26th workshop or any of the other planned events, please contact Ken Taaffe, SJRCD Coordinator at 609-267-1639 X110 or Gina Berg, Burlington County Water Resources Coordinator at 856-642-3850.

It's free and we're serving dinner!

Proposed Agenda

Burlington County Soil and Conservation District
1971 Jacksonville-Jobstown Road
Columbus, NJ 08022

— By Ken Taaffe & Gina Berg

Wildlife may acquire new condos!

Team Habitat, a program of the South Jersey RC&D Council, is being awarded a $50,000 grant to install critical wildlife habitat on at least 100 acres in South Jersey. These National Fish and Wildlife Foundation funds will allow the Council to hire a skilled professional to work directly with landowners to develop a plan, obtain funding, and install improved habitat.

Picture to right: Nick Cassetta demonstrating the use of the Truax grass drill for seeding warm season grasses.

“Rick Parenteau, our Team Habitat Manager, can fill in the gaps to get critical habitat established on the land” states Jack Sworaski, SJRC&D Chair. “Rick will work with local, state and federal agencies, and our non profit partners to find potential sites, develop a work plan, mobilize equipment, and provide the labor in getting on the tractor to plant grasses or whatever else is necessary.”

Team Habitat partners are a veritable “Who’s Who” of wildlife conservation. “Partners include the New Jersey Audubon Society, NJ Sportsmen Club, Bear Creek Conservancy, Cape-Atlantic Conservation District, Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever, Conserve Wildlife Foundation, US Fish and Wildlife Service, New Jersey Quail Project, NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, and New Jersey Forestry Association;” continues Council Treasurer, Nick Cassetta. “These partners provide technical assistance, volunteers, equipment, and landowner contacts.”

Cassetta, District Manager of the Cape-Atlantic Conservation District, is a founder of Team Habitat. In 2003 he realized landowners want to improve their property for wildlife, but don’t have the knowledge or access to the specialized equipment required. Team Habitat partners provide the required expertise, equipment, and now an operator to develop proper habitat in South Jersey.

— By Ken Taaffe

Wylie says, "Watch for me!"

"I'll be here soon in glorious color!"