New Jersey Department of Agriculture Secretary Douglas H. Fisher is encouraging New Jersey residents to help take part in eliminating Spotted Lanternfly egg masses before they hatch near the end of April or in early May.
Fisher and NJDA Plant Industry Division Director Joseph Zoltowski provide information and instructions on how to find and destroy the egg masses in a video that has been released to the public, according to a press release.
Spotted Lanternfly egg masses hold between 30 and 50 eggs of the invasive species. One sign to look for to see where Spotted Lanternfly has been is a black sooty mold on a tree.
The Spotted Lanternfly prefers the Tree of Heaven, which is common in New Jersey. While the Spotted Lanternfly is not a threat to humans or animals, it is known to feed on numerous types of vegetation, according to the press release.
NJDA and USDA crews have combined to treat more than 20,000 acres and have destroyed thousands of egg masses on nearly 600 properties throughout this past winter season.
The New Jersey counties currently under quarantine are Warren, Hunterdon, Mercer, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem and Somerset and that is expected to expand.
To watch the instructional egg mass scraping video, go to https://bit.ly/3dn8HQu
To learn more about the Spotted Lanternfly and what to do if you find them on your property, go to https://bit.ly/3rAuVnp
The Monmouth County Park System is seeking entries into its upcoming Color Exhibit. Held from May 1 through June 26 at the Gallery in the Thompson Park Creative Arts Center, Lincroft, this exhibit will feature works defined by their expressive use of color.
This show is open to artists working in any medium exploring the use of color as their primary concept in order to create dynamic, unique works, according to a press release.
Local artist Jordan Robinson is the guest judge. Additional information and an entry form are available at www.MonmouthCountyParks.com. The entry deadline is April 19.
For more information about the exhibit, the Thompson Park Creative Arts Center or the park system, visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com
To commemorate National County Government Month in April, Monmouth County’s constitutional officers – Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon, Surrogate Rosemarie D. Peters and Sheriff Shaun Golden – are inviting the county’s fourth-graders to showcase what they like best about Monmouth County by having students create posters that fit the theme “My County.”
“The ‘My County’ poster contest helps students learn about the inherent beauty and
exceptional opportunities of the county in which they live,” Golden saod. “The constitutional officers work harmoniously to provide safety, security, vital records and estate resolution assistance to the 600,000-plus residents of Monmouth County.”
Posters must be on a standard 22-inch by 28-inch poster board; the words “Monmouth County” must appear at the top of the poster in 4-inch letters with black marker; the student’s name, teacher’s name and school must be printed neatly in the lower right-hand corner on the back of the poster.
Posters must be mailed or delivered to the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office, 33
Mechanic St., Freehold Borough, by 4:30 p.m. April 30. For more information, visit MonmouthCountyClerk.com or call 732-431-7324, ext. 8739.