Photo Courtesy of Wells Horton, Sherburne NY
WELCOME!
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. Ag 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. Community Center. In preparation for the summer growing season, we will be spring cleaning the Community Garden and receiving the generous donation of fresh soil from Syracuse Grows; we will also provide the materials for a neighborhood trash cleanup. We will be providing coffee and donuts (and likely more); our hope is to begin around 9 am and finish within a few hours (well before 1 pm). For those interested in volunteering, please shoot me a quick email of interest. Walk-ins on the day are also very welcome!
For anyone interested in Community Gardening at SNCC this summer, please shoot me an email ASAP. We are organizing a meeting for all our gardeners to connect and share plans for the season. Thank you all for your time and support! Leif Frymire (he/him/his) , Community Health Worker Syracuse Northeast Community Center 716 Hawley Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13203 c. 315-416-8104 o. 315-472-6343 From Hoard's Dairyman By Katelyn Allen ITS TIME TO CRACK DOWN ON FARM BIRDS Now that the strange symptoms observed in small pockets of U.S. dairy cattle that first gained widespread attention last month have been attributed to avian influenza, the question turns to how the disease is spreading. Since first being identified on dairies in Texas and Kansas, the disease has subsequently been confirmed in dairy animals in four more states as well as one person, an employee on an affected dairy. (For more details, USDA updates the detection of confirmed cases daily at this page). Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has caused the culling of 85 million birds on poultry farms in the last few years. Those cases have been attributed to migratory waterfowl such as ducks and geese. It has been reported that a slightly different strain of the same H5N1 virus is affecting dairy cattle, but it appears that all of the dairy cases came from one source. The case diagnosis, which had previously eluded veterinarians and scientists, was finally determined because avian influenza tests were conducted on the affected farms, which had reported dead birds on the property. Those birds, however, were not the migratory waterfowl deemed responsible in the poultry cases, according to an article in Science. They were species that are more commonly observed around human habitats like “grackles, blackbirds, and pigeons,” the story explained. Because the virus has not caused high morbidity or mortality in dairy cattle the way it has in poultry, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) announced this week that they will be referring to the disease as bovine influenza A virus. They encourage other officials and agencies to do the same. “The AABP does not believe that this disease should be referenced as ‘HPAI in cattle’ or ‘bird flu in cattle’ due to these differences,” AABP executive director Fred Gingrich and president Michael Capel wrote in a statement. How do we limit it? Whichever birds are proliferating the virus are likely doing so by spreading droppings in cattle feed and water. The virus has also spread between poultry operations in the past through the wind. Importantly, it is largely believed that dairy cows are not spreading the virus among themselves. USDA officials have said it may be possible that the virus is shed in the milk and could be transferred during milking, according to the same Science article. This would be similar to how mastitis pathogens are spread. Respiratory transfer does not appear to be occurring, though. The new cases popping up in additional states are attributed to the movement of cattle from affected areas. In addition to restricting animal movement and following strict quarantine measures, important biosecurity efforts to avoid introducing the virus to your herd include limiting wild bird contact with cows and their feed and water. Addison Carroll and Paul Kononoff from the University of Nebraska offer these tips to help control wild birds: Minimize wild birds’ (waterfowl and others) access to cow environments
99TH STATE CONVENTION MAY 2-4, 2024 - BUFFALO NY The New York State FFA Convention is scheduled to take place from May 2nd to May 4th, 2024! We are looking forward to gathering in-person at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center and welcoming over 2,000 FFA members, advisors and honored guests from across the state to hear from inspiring speakers, peers and agricultural professionals. State Convention offers you the opportunity to expand your knowledge during workshops and tours by exploring different fields in the agriculture industry and networking with agricultural business professionals and colleges during the Career Engagement Expo. State Convention is the state finals for 30 of our Career and Leadership Development Events (CDEs and LDEs). Students will test their knowledge and skills against others at the same competitive level and have the opportunity to take part in any number events or watch, learn, and observe as others compete by demonstrating their talents, aptitudes and abilities. Many of the CDE/LDE's serve as qualifiers to the National FFA Convention. This event also gives us the opportunity to recognize our members, advisors and avid supporters throughout our week long convention. This culminating event, allows everyone to appreciate the hard work and dedication that our members, advisors and supporters invest in the future leaders of our communities. Please Note: This is an image. Links are not live.
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. The goal of the annual professional development conference is to enhance the quality of instructional programs for secondary agricultural educators through in-service education with activity based workshops that address the needs of our constantly changing agricultural and agriscience programs. Virtual sessions are designed to both raise the scientific rigor of agricultural courses and provide middle, high, and postsecondary educators with new technologies and resources for their classrooms. This high-quality professional development opportunity meets the Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) criteria pursuant to Section 80-6 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. By attending this conference each teacher will receive up to 28 professional development hours. This conference has something for everyone! We are looking forward to seeing each of you in June! ALL PAYMENTS SHOULD BE MADE OUT TO:NYAAE300 KENNEDY HALLCORNELL UNIVERSITYITHACA, NY 14853 ELECTRONIC RECYCLING EVENT Assemblyman Magnarelli's annual electronics recycling event has been scheduled for 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). The link for registering for the event and to schedule a drop-off time is now live! Please click the link below to sign up and we will see you there! https://www.sunnking.com/events/destiny-usa-05-18-24 Northern Nut Growers Association Meeting
Stormwater Webinar: Revegetation & Restoration Solutions
Join Team EJP for Stormwater Webinar Wednesdays! From 11 - 12 PM on the third Wednesday of the month, Team EJP's Stormwater and Erosion Control Specialists will host free educational webinars that focus on stormwater and erosion control solutions and best practices. Each session will feature a special guest speaker. Host: Zach Lacasse - Team EJP Stormwater Specialist Presenter & Topic: Tom Bowman, Rocky Mountain Bio Products Revegetation & Restoration Solutions Enjoy a general overview of techniques and products that are available for successful revegetation and reclamation. Successfully reseeding poor soils is a challenge facing several industries. Therefore, Tom will provide information regarding soil amendments, fertilizers, and other soil treatments to enhance the success of revegetation/reclamation in disturbed and deficient soils. Learn more about Biosol Natural Organic Fertilizer, Menefee Humate, Mycorrhizal Applications, Inc., and more. U.S. EPA and DEC Launch Statewide Environmental Justice Listening Tour Meetings Advance Community Conversations and Engagement around Federal and New York State Environmental Justice Programs First Listening Session Scheduled for April 15 in Niagara Falls The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced a series of Environmental Justice listening sessions to support and enhance meaningful engagement with communities with environmental justice concerns. The events support DEC and EPA’s ongoing efforts to promote and enhance existing state and federal Environmental Justice programs to better serve the community, build relationships between the agencies and community members, and help prioritize future outreach efforts for public participation. “New York State is making significant progress to address longstanding environmental issues affecting disadvantaged communities, but more work must be done to advance DEC’s environmental justice objectives to improve the health and wellbeing of marginalized New Yorkers,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “DEC is proud to partner with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to launch this listening tour and hear directly from Indigenous Nations and communities disproportionately impacted by environmental pollution and climate change, particularly greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.” “Communities speak for themselves, and EPA is here to listen. We are honored to kick off our EJ Listening Tour in Western New York with DEC to better understand the unique challenges and aspirations of communities affected by the cumulative impacts of legacy pollution, climate change, and historic disinvestment,” Regional EPA Administrator Lisa F. Garcia said. “Our goal is to establish stronger relationships with community leaders and people potentially affected by environmental pollution to promote meaningful engagement.” The listening sessions are jointly organized by EPA Region 2 and DEC’s Offices of Environmental Justice and Indian Nation Affairs. The first meeting will be held on April 15 at the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, 1201 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls. Doors open at 5 p.m. and participants can attend any time between 5 to 7:30 p.m. to participate in an informal and interactive open house with EPA and DEC technical experts. There will be a formal presentation and brief remarks by DEC and EPA leadership at 6 p.m., with opportunities for attendees to provide input throughout the evening. Participants will be able to engage with staff from both agencies to provide comments and feedback on environmental issues in their neighborhoods during the listening session. DEC and EPA will also have information on grant and technical assistance opportunities available. Future sessions are planned statewide and will be announced throughout 2024 and 2025. DEC’s Office of Environmental Justice works to address environmental issues and concerns that affect primarily low-income and minority communities through grant opportunities, enforcement of environmental laws and regulations, consultation, guidance, and enhanced public participation. For more information on DEC’s Office of Environmental Justice, visit the DEC website. DEC’s Office of Indian Nation Affairs works to address environmental concerns, cultural resources, and advance shared knowledge through consultation with State and Federally recognized Indian Nations. To learn more, visit the DEC website. 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.
Art of Agriculture Date & Time April 19, 2024 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Cornell CALS Arts Quad Join Sigma Alpha, professional agricultural sorority, on the Arts Quad to learn more about agriculture! Experience student groups, research labs, and agricultural outreach organizations representing a wide array of opportunities and careers in the agriculture industry. Come learn about modern food production and its positive impact on our environment, health, and society. Don’t miss any of the hands-on activities, free food, adorable animals, and unique apparel available at the event! SUNY Cobleskill
106 Suffolk Circle Cobleskill, NY 12043 518-255-5632 Saturday, April 20, 2024 Experience a day of immersive learning at the 2024 Lifestyle Farming Conference, proudly presented by SUNY Cobleskill in collaboration with the Institute for Rural Vitality. At SUNY Cobleskill, we believe in hands-on learning and utilizing our resources to empower our neighbors. That is why we proudly announce this year’s Lifestyle Farming Conference, an intensive one-day educational event covering more than a dozen topics on farming and homesteading skills. In our classrooms and labs, SUNY Cobleskill faculty and external industry experts will teach meat butchery, home brewing, canning, mushroom growing, apiary management, and so much more. With four levels — 1-hour lectures, 1.5-hour courses, 3-hour skill builders, and Microcredential tracks, everyone from novice to experienced homesteaders will find a course to suit their interests and skill levels. Composting Backyard Poultry Brewing Gardening Tea Making Beekeeping Wild Edibles & More |
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.