Around the JerSey Shore In Celebration Of …The Groundhog

Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

That’s right! Celebration. While there are many who complain about the groundhog, what they may not understand is how necessary they are. The services they perform benefit humans, farmers, gardeners, and even other species. Can their burrows cause problems? Yes. A burrow located under protective fences used to keep other pests out, now allows access. In fields where tractors are used, can cause the ground to collapse under the weight of tractors. In rare cases burrows can affect the foundation of building. In comparison to the advantages of having groundhogs, those risks are minimal.

The most obvious benefits would be that they are responsible for aerating the soil. The same soil that contributes to the growth of plants. Soil that is unturned becomes limited in oxygen, making the roots hard to breathe. Groundhogs burrowing helps to mix the organic matter that accumulates on top of the soil. Within that mix are carbohydrates which helps to feed organisms like worms and mites. Other nutrients such as phosphorus, iron and calcium will leach from the top of the soil as rainwater sends them deeper into the ground. The groundhog digs its burrow, and this process delivers these nutrients deeper. As a result, this provides food for microorganisms, bringing minerals to the surface for plants to reuse them. It’s a process that is necessary.

The burrows of groundhogs are more than holes in the underground. While the groundhog gets the negative reputation, the reality is that other species will share these burrows, which are a network of rooms where animals such as rabbits, raccoons and skunks can occupy. Depending upon where you live, other larger creatures such as snakes, otters, foxes, will take over a burrow after a groundhog has moved out. These animals are natural predators who will prey on agricultural pests.

So, when you see a groundhog, maybe you will look upon them as an important resource and appreciate them for all the benefits they bring to many!

Information for this article from was gathered through multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-244-2768.

It is illegal to possess or relocate wildlife for any reason without the proper state and/or federal permits. Violating New Jersey laws protecting wildlife, which includes harm inflicted upon any animal, are punishable by law.

Timothy McDonald Chosen 2023 Library Commission Chair

TOMS RIVER – Timothy McDonald was named Chair of the Ocean County Library Commission for 2023 at the Commission’s January 17 Reorganization Meeting.

Paul Wolleon was chosen to serve as Vice Chair, and Susan Hutler as liaison to the Ocean County Library Foundation.

Mrs. Hutler was also reappointed to a new five year term as Ocean County Library Commissioner, becoming the Ocean County Library’s longest serving Library Commissioner, with 39 years of dedicated service.

Henry J. Mancini, Christopher J. Mullins, Bonnie R. Peterson, and Ruthanne Scaturro round out the 2023 Library Commission membership.

“I am incredibly honored to be named Chair of the finest library system in the State of New Jersey,” McDonald said. “Our 21 county-wide branches and reading centers offer a host of programs, ranging from music, to book talks, to craft classes and everything in between.”

Mc Donald added that evolving digital technology adds a valuable new dimension to books, videos, and compact discs. “With apps such as Libby, Hoopla, and Freegal Music, you can read, watch, or listen to an ever-growing list of titles, music and videos,” he said.

An Ocean County resident since 1985, Mr. McDonald lives with his wife, Laura, in Lacey Township, where he serves as Mayor and holds a seat on the Township Committee. He is semi-retired from his 33-year career in the financial service industry.

Ocean County Library Director Susan Quinn, along with administrators and staff, wish to extend special thanks to past Chair Ruthanne Scaturro and to past Vice Chair Christopher Mullins for their service to the organization from 2020 through 2022, and for their exemplary leadership during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic period.

EDUCATORS! Have a special event planned for your class? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper! Call 732-657-7344 to find out how!