The Lucy Holman School has taken an innovative approach to education by utilizing a native demonstration garden as an Outdoor Classroom. The Outdoor Classroom at the Holman School takes the native plant demonstration garden idea to the next level. By using this garden as an educational tool, the students and community learn essential concepts needed to appreciate how watersheds function. Educating students and the community about the garden ' s values is essential in fostering the proper relationship within the watershed and protecting the Barnegat Bay. Demonstration gardens not only serve as educational tools, but also as a community resource.
Local citizens visit to learn about native plant uses and soil and water conservation techniques.
While Jackson and Lacey Townships planted demonstration gardens, Lakewood Township has also taken a crucial first step in watershed protection. Lakewood Township's Environmental and Greenways Commission identified and mapped several watershed areas presently being protected as well as high priority protection areas. By mapping and prioritizing areas of concern along rivers and streams, Lakewood's Greenways Commission has laid the groundwork for future protection efforts. They also supported an average buffer strip of one hundred feet with wetlands of value buffered at approximately one hundred and fifty feet. Finally, the Greenways Commission encouraged the development of a tax credit program that will provide an incentive for preservation and protection of private lands.