Roadside Naturalization for Native Biodiversity and Stormwater Mitigation, Ocean County NJ

Nicholas Mazur

Co-Presenters: Kevin Billy, Joshua Dovey, Danella Funk, Mateo Gonzalez, Amber Newell, Benjamin Okun

College: Hennings College of Science Mathematics and Technology

Major: BS.ENVIRSCI

Faculty Research Mentor: Shebitz, Daniela  

Abstract:

The conversion of roadside grasses into native wildflower meadows is a cost-effective way to mitigate stormwater runoff, recharge groundwater, and increase biodiversity while reducing the costs associated with mowing for a municipality. By working with a local community partner, The Barnegat Bay Partnership, this senior capstone team of Environmental Science students coordinated the creation of roadside meadows in several locations along Ocean County owned roadways. The objectives of this project are to locate suitable sites for roadside meadows, communicate with the county, help acquire any necessary permits, conduct a site assessment, and develop a planting strategy. To address our community partner’s needs, the team worked with Ocean County to document their priorities and suggestions, used GIS software to locate and visualize sites, conducted soil surveys at each of the sites, and communicated with local nurseries about ecologically appropriate seed mixtures for each location. We anticipate that Ocean County can save $200-400 for each square acre of land converted to wildflower meadow, depending on how many no-mow meadows are created. This can add up to thousands of dollars saved annually while keeping the local environment healthy.