Those squishy, stingy jellysh have been around for
millions of years, and they will be back again this
summer. The amount of jellysh varies each year
depending on levels of pollution, sediment and algae
in our waterways. Chair of the Rumson Environmental
Commission Kristen Rolfes Hall shared some important
information on how your lawn care affects the environment
that can increase jellysh numbers.
Fish and jellysh compete for the same resources,
but an increase in algae growth depletes the oxygen
in the waters. Fish die off, but jellysh can survive and
thrive in low-oxygen waters, enjoying the remaining
abundance of food and lack of predators.
Unusually warm weather and misuse of fertilizers
contributes to algal blooms. Fertilizers nd their way
into local waters and promote the growth of algae, just
like they promote growth in the garden. Homeowners
should know the effects of lawn care choices.
Healthy lawns don’t require as much fertilizer as
you might think. Help the rivers by following these ve
steps:
1. Do not fertilize your lawn if rain is in the
forecast. Instead of soaking into the soil, the fertilizer
is likely to simply wash away with the stormwater and
nd its way to local waters.
2. Once established, only fertilize your lawn in
the fall. According to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension,
“Fertilizing your lawn in September through November
reduces or eliminates the need for fertilizer in
the spring, reduces frequency of mowing and improves
drought resistance.” Fall fertilizing strengthens roots
system while spring fertilizing promotes top growth,
which requires more frequent mowing and can actually
stunt root growth.
Annual Rally for the Rivers Eco-Fest
16 APRIL 2020 | TheJournalNJ.com
3. Don’t overwater your lawn. Most New
Jersey lawns only require a thorough watering
once or twice a week during the summer. Anything
more is excessive and may undermine your
lawn’s health. The most efcient time to water is
between 10 pm and 8 am when the water won’t
evaporate and can penetrate the root system.
Sprinkler systems should be tted with a rain
censor to prevent your system from watering following
a rain.
4. Proper mowing practices. A 2 ½ to 3½
inch mowing height will help increase drought
resistance and will decrease insects and disease
damage. Grass clippings, which are comprised
mostly of water, should remain on your lawn. The
clippings decompose quickly and provide nutrients
for the soil and roots.
5. Planting ground cover reduces your
reliance on fertilizers. Native ground cover also
provides a benecial habitat for insects and wildlife.
Beautiful, hearty perennial borders along
the curb or riverbank can capture water and nutrients
before they enter the storm water system
and local rivers.
The Rumson Environmental Commission
is an all-volunteer commission appointed by the
mayor and Township Council of Rumson to help
the town identify and protect its natural resources
and promote sustainable practices and land
use within the community.
Rivers and Wildlife
BY LORI DRAZ
Fertilizers nd their way into local waters and promote the
growth of algae, just like they promote growth in the garden.
On Saturday, May 30 from 9 am to
12:30 pm, many organizations and
towns in the Two River area will be
“connecting the drops” at the third annual
environmental celebration of the Navesink
and Shrewsbury Rivers, the Rally for the
Rivers Eco-Fest.
For the third year, Clean Ocean Action
and the Rumson Environmental Commission
are co-coordinating the event for the
Rally for the Navesink project – an alliance
of more than 20 organizations and eight
towns to help protect the Navesink and
Shrewsbury Rivers.
Everyone gets into the spirit of the
day at this extravaganza of education about
waterway mindfulness. Youngsters enjoy
crafts, face painting, music, river seining,
yoga, ribbon dancing and more as they
learn that clean rivers to also help the
ocean, all while having a great time.
Children will be given an environmental
passport which they can get stamped
after visiting different activity stations,
throughout the park. A completed passport
may earn them extra credit in the classroom
and other environmental friendly rewards
and special treats from local businesses.
For more information or to get involved,
contact Clean Ocean Action. Call
Alison Jones at 732-872-0111. Rain date
is Sunday, May 31
Returns for Third Year
/TheJournalNJ.com