Photo Courtesy of Wells Horton, Sherburne NY
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ABOUT SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION Please Note: The Office Will Be Closed in Observance of the Following Holidays in 2024
New Year's MONDAY, JANUARY 1 Martin Luther King Day MONDAY, JANUARY 15 Presidents' Day MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Memorial Day MONDAY, MAY 27 Juneteenth WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19 4th of July THURSDAY, JULY 4 Labor Day MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Columbus Day MONDAY, OCTOBER 14 Veterans Day MONDAY NOVEMBER 11 Thanksgiving THURSDAY,NOV. 28 Day after Thanksgiving FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29 Christmas WEDNESDAY, DEC. 25 Please note that this is a general informational website. If you have specific questions regarding the watershed, please feel free to email info@ocswcd.org and we will do our best to respond to your inquiry. MAY 1, 2024 Albany, NY Governor Hochul Highlights Opening of Corky Lee Exhibit to Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Governor Kathy Hochul announces the opening of “Focus on Justice: The Photography of Corky Lee,” a new exhibition that shines a light on the life and art of celebrated photographer and activist Corky Lee. The exhibit is located in the Governor’s Reception Room on the second floor of the New York State Capitol and will run throughout May’s AAPI Heritage Month observance. “New York proudly embraces the celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month,” Governor Hochul said. “The AAPI communities enrich our State, fostering strength and resilience through their boundless contributions. May this month bring joy as we honor their vibrant heritage.” Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Exhibit Celebrated photographer and activist Corky Lee began his career documenting the lives, struggles, and contributions of Asian Americans in New York and beyond. His work not only brought awareness to the Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) community but visually presented a retelling of AAPI history through the lens of the everyday Asian American. Corky Lee was born Young Kwok Lee in Queens to immigrant parents from China; his father owned a hand-laundry business, and his mother was a seamstress. In junior high school, Lee came across the historic photo celebrating the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 and was struck that the photograph did not include any of the Chinese laborers integral to its construction. This sparked a 50-year career of activism, as Lee began using his camera to illuminate and correct omissions of AAPI communities from history. Lee’s passion for the AAPI community continued until his very last photographic project, which depicted a group of Guardian Angels working to halt the spread of anti-Asian sentiment in New York City during the outbreak of COVID-19. Lee passed away shortly after in January 2021 at the age of 73 from COVID-19 complications. Through Lee’s photographs, the exhibit delves into the influence that generations of New York’s AAPI community have had on transforming cities into bustling economic and multicultural hubs, broadening the horizons of New Yorkers by introducing them to new cultures and traditions, and providing a welcoming environment for refugees and their families hoping to start a new life in the Empire State. Assemblyman Magnarelli's annual electronics recycling event will be on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 from 8:30am to 12pm at the Pink Lot at Destiny USA, entrance off of Solar Street (1 Destiny USA Dr, Syracuse, NY 13204). Please click the link below to sign up and we will see you there! https://www.sunnking.com/events/destiny-usa-05-18-24 The Finger Lakes PRISM is pleased to announce a newly revamped bootbrush station program! Bootbrush stations are a simple and easy way to educate the public about invasive species while simultaneously inhibiting the introduction of invasive species. We've worked with dozens of partner organizations in the past to set up bootbrush stations across the Finger Lakes region. This year, we have revamped our bootbrush station program to make things easier for applicants. Learn more about bootbrush stations, and how to apply below: What is a bootbrush station? A bootbrush station is a sign that is designed to educate people and prevent the spread of invasive species. All stations include a bootbrush at their base that allow members of the public to scrape potential invasive species off their boots. Attached to the station is a sign that shows invasive species common to the area and discusses their threat to the environment. Typically bootbrush stations are placed at trailheads, nature centers, visitor centers, or anywhere people pass through trails or other natural open spaces. Examples of what bootbrush stations look like can be found here: https://hws.box.com/s/pgy74mp75xy97gegjtu66hkd0s8nvdq6 How do I participate in the program? To participate, please fill out the signup link (here: https://arcg.is/1KmfOP0). If approved, we will work together to construct our bootbrush station according to the following steps:
All costs of bootbrush stations are covered by the PRISM. We look forward to your participation with us this year. If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to email us at Gallo@hws.edu Walking Tour of the Champlain Canalway When: Saturday, May 18th, 10:00 AM - Noon Where: Lock E2 Park Details: Discover the history and beauty of the Champlain Canalway on this free guided tour. More info. Face Painting at Lock 2 When: Saturday, May 18th & Sunday, May 19th, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Details: Enjoy free face painting for kids and adults alike at Lock 2. Paddle around Peebles Island When: Sunday, May 19th, 2024, 1:00 PM Cost: $20/person (registration required at Upstate Kayak Rentals) Details: Explore the scenic beauty of Peebles Island from the water. Kayak rental available. More info. Bounce House Fun When: Saturday, May 18th (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM) & Sunday, May 19th (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM) Details: Let your kids jump and play for free in our bounce house at Lock 2. Kid's Fishing Clinic When: Saturday, May 18th (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM) & Sunday, May 19th (10:00 AM - 2:00 PM) Where: Peebles Island Details: Join us for a free fishing clinic. Poles, bait, and expert instruction provided. More info. Paddle the Flight When: Saturday, May 18th, 10:00 AM Where: Starts at Lock 6 Cost: $45 (registration required with Upstate Kayak Rentals) Details: Experience the thrill of paddling through the locks. Equipment provided. More info. Boat Rides When: Saturday, May 18th (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM) & Sunday, May 19th (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM) Where: Front of the visitor center or at Lock 2 Details: Enjoy a leisurely boat ride along the canal. Free for all visitors. Champlain Canalway Trail Family Bicycle Celebration When: Sunday, May 19th, 2024, 10:00 AM - Noon Where: Lock 2, Champlain Canalway Trail Details: Join us for a family-friendly bike ride with a midway stop at Upper Newtown Road. More info. Children’s Bicycle Safety Rodeo When: Sunday, May 19th, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Details: A fun and educational event for young cyclists (ages 4-12). Bring your own bike. More info. DEC Family Fishing Day The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Onondaga County Parks, and Friends of Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery will conduct a free Family Fishing Clinic on Saturday, June 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery, 1672 Route 321, in Elbridge. During the free fishing clinic, participants can learn about fish identification, fishing equipment and technique, aquatic invertebrates, and how to cook and clean fish during four, 15-minute instructional sections presented by DEC. During the second half of the session, the group will split time between casting practice and fishing in a trout pond. The event is free, and fishing licenses are not required to fish during the program. Fishing rods, tackle, bait, and educational materials will be provided. The event is catch-and-release only. Children under age 16 must be supervised. CARPENTER'S BROOK FISH HATCHERY 1672 Route 321 Elbridge, NY 13060 JUN 1 9:30 AM - 12:30 AM JenaAg Museum Launching 1st Annual Cayuga County Cheese Fest By Ed Vivenzio A new food-themed festival is coming to Cayuga County next month. Ward O’Hara Agricultural Museum will host the first annual Cayuga County Cheese Festival. The event will see local cheese makers give demonstrations on the cheese-making process and offer free samples. Products will also be on hand for purchase. There will also be free Model T and horse and wagon rides as well as live music and kids activities. Admission and parking are free for the day-long event. The Cheese Festival debuts May 4 at the museum located at 6880 NY-38A, Auburn. From Hoard's Dairyman By Jenna Byrne A Vet's Perspective on Liver Abscesses Liver abscesses have become a hot topic of discussion among many farmers, veterinarians, and slaughter plants across the nation as beef-on-dairy crosses have become more popular. At the recent Dairy Calf and Heifer Association annual meeting, Taylor Engle, D.V.M., stated that for certain breeds, liver abscesses occur only less than 2% of the time, while for other breeds of cattle, it can occur at an upward of 80%. For the last few years, the number of liver abscesses in slaughtered cattle has been averaging between 10% and 20%. “Dairy-beef crosses are a population of cattle with a lot of different genetics. Liver abscesses in these animals are super variable and can be anywhere from 10% to 80%,” said Engle, a veterinarian with Four Star Vet Service in Dayton, Ohio. Liver abscesses are defined as discrete, circumcised focal sites of bacterial infection. They occur due to the bacteria translocation from the rumen to the liver, resulting in polymicrobial infections. When these infections occur, a lot of bacteria are present, making them so detrimental. From an economic standpoint, liver abscesses have a significant impact. Engle stated that in 2018, there was an estimated $60 million annual loss in the cattle industry due to liver abscesses. Since 2018, that number is assumed to be much higher. Engle also associated liver abscesses with time, labor, and product losses. Slaughterhouses are spending more time and labor dealing with liver abscesses as these cattle come into the plant because if they rupture, it affects the rest of the meat. Cutting around liver abscesses also results in more wasted product. As we continue to navigate beef-on-dairy crosses, it is important to remember that most liver abscesses are caused by a multitude of factors, including the vast variation in the industry’s infrastructure. Often the easiest thing to do is to blame the calf. “The calf is not the culprit, the calf is the victim — not the perpetrator,” stated Engle. Calves are a reactive animal and will respond to the environments that we place them in. Nutritional changes, social changes, navel infections, and touch points (the number of times they are transferred place to place) are just some stressors that could impact the animal. Ultimately, the environment will dictate the genetic potential of that animal. To prevent abscesses from forming, it is important to mitigate stressors that affect these animals. Calves utilize two lines of defense when it comes to maintaining overall health. The first is a series of natural barriers such as mucous, tears, gastric pH, saliva, and skin. Hydration drives this line of defense to fight off infections and diseases. The second line of defense is also known as the immune response, which is where vaccines come into play. Typically, the biggest stressor for cattle is trucking. As calves are being transported, they may go hours without food or water, so it is critical to make sure they are hydrated prior to their journey. Engle recommended giving all calves electrolytes before they make their way onto the truck. As beef-on-dairy crosses continue to become a more common sight on farms across the country, there are still a lot of unknowns that come with raising them. To prevent liver abscesses, Engle said to minimize high grain diets, and prevent rumenitis and acidosis by not overfeeding. WHAT IS BOAT FLOAT? Saturday, June 15th IT ALL STARTED WHEN… The Old Erie Canal Working Group recognized the untapped potential of the Old Erie Canal as a prime location for paddling recreation. With a vision to celebrate the historical significance of the canal while promoting outdoor leisure activities, the group embarked on a journey to create an event that would highlight the canal's scenic beauty and recreational possibilities. Their efforts culminated in the inaugural Boat Float, an event that garnered significant attention and praise for its unique blend of history, nature, and paddling adventure. As the event gained momentum and popularity, it evolved into the Boat Float n' Folk Festival, hosted by Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum. This evolution stands as a testament to the dedication and passion of the Old Erie Canal Working Group, whose commitment to preserving history and fostering community engagement continues to shape the success of this beloved annual event. HOW IT WORKSThe calm, flat waters of the canal make for a pleasant paddling experience for all levels. Sites along the way include scenic widewater areas, wildlife, sunken canal boats, and historic aqueducts. Choose from 4 launch locations depending on your preferred distance. Shuttle service is available for a fee. Shuttles available in the morning at Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum. Drop your Kayak at the site you want to paddle from (Cedar Bay, Manlius Center, or Pool’s Brook) Drive to the Chittenango Landing Boat Museum where volunteers will show you where to park your car. Take the shuttle back to your boat to enjoy your paddle down the canal. New This Year: FREE Boat check. Stay for the music, food and fun. Check your boat with an attendant so you don’t have to load till later. PARTY WITH A PURPOSEFrom 11 pm to 6 pm, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the festival, that also helps ring in the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of New York State Parks and kicking off our 2025 celebration of the Erie Canal's Bicentennial. Indulge your senses with a lineup of local folk favorites, serenading you with soulful tunes throughout the day. Satisfy your hunger cravings with a variety of delicious offerings from local food trucks, ensuring there's something for every palate. But the excitement doesn't stop there. Explore the rich heritage of folk arts with live demonstrations including basketry, blacksmithing, and fiber arts. Feeling crafty yourself? Dive in and try your hand at these traditional crafts under the guidance of skilled artisans. Peruse through a marketplace bustling with craft artisans, showcasing their unique creations for sale. From handmade jewelry to intricately woven textiles, there's no shortage of treasures to discover. Best of all, your participation in the Boat Float n' Folk Festival serves a dual purpose. Not only does it support the Chittenango Landing Erie Canal Boat Museum, but it also contributes to the preservation of our rich canal heritage for generations to come. Mark your calendars and join us for a day filled with paddling, music, crafts, and community spirit at the Boat Float n' Folk Festival. Don't miss out on this unforgettable celebration of history, culture, and camaraderie along the Erie Canal! Cayuga Receives Proposal for 23-Acre Solar Farm By Ed Vivenzio Could Cayuga County soon see more solar panels?The Village of Cayuga has received a proposal from New Energy Equity for a 23-acre solar farm to be constructed just east of the former water tower. Spanning the land between Genesee Street and Cayuga Road, the Tier 3 facility would produce an estimated 3.66MW of AC electricity. Speaking on FLX Morning, Mayor Don Wilson Jr said the plan is in its infancy and, as such, it’s too early to tell whether or not it will happen. “It’s another thing that’s really in its infancy stages and there’s a lot that needs to be done with open-to-the-public meetings, the neighboring property owners need to be notified and they have to have their time before the planning board as well,” said Wilson. “so we won’t see anything on that for a couple of months before that gets hashed out whether it moves forward or not.” The land is currently zoned for agricultural/residential use. Wilson added that it was hoped in the village’s comprehensive plan that the land would be used for more residential housing. Developers are scheduled to meet with the village’s planning board on May 14 at 7:00p. At the meeting Wilson said they’ll have to discuss if the project can be modified to meet local criteria. “According to our code enforcement officer and our village local law, this Tier 3 program that they’re planning on putting in, it actually doesn’t meet our local laws,” he continued. “So, there’s going to be some back and forth with the developer to meet our criteria, if they do make our criteria for that matter. The village will update residents as the plan progresses and is encouraging residents to speak up during calls for public input. In Case of EmergencyIn case assistance is needed at an agricultural spill, and it's after office hours (4:30 p.m.) you can call Mark Burger directly at 315-415-5057.
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Onondaga County Soil & Water
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Our mission is to promote excellence in the wise use of our rural/urban natural resources.
Our vision is to live in a society in which future generations will have natural resources necessary to sustain and enrich their quality of life.
The Onondaga County Soil & Water Conservation District prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status.