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  ABOUT SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION
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Keeping up with the Joneses – How Neighbors Influence Shoreline Type When: Wednesday, June 21st at 7pm
Where: Zoom webinar
Registration: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lt9tJY0gQqWfKL9vbazMNQ
(you must register to receive the Zoom link)
Ever wondered why your neighbor has a hardened shoreline instead of a natural shoreline? Join us for this session that will provide context on human behavior related to shorelines. This presentation will share research-based information on predictors of shoreline type, or what influences a property owner’s shoreline type. This event will also explore research about peoples’ willingness to participate in different hypothetical shoreline programs. Additionally, there will be a presentation introducing the Vermont Lake Wise program – an example of an initiative by a neighboring state to encourage natural shorelines and protect lake health.
Questions? Contact Camille Marcotte, Water and Ecology Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension Onondaga County, at 
ctm78@cornell.edu or (315) 424-9485 ext.232.
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            CONGRATULATIONS TO SKANEATELES HIGH SCHOOL!
NEW YORK STATE AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER CONGRATULATES STUDENT WINNERS OF THE 2023 NEW YORK STATE ENVIROTHON COMPETITION

 High School Students in Ulster County Receive Top Honors in the Environmental Science Competition, Earn Scholarships

 2023 Competition Focused on Adapting to Changing Climates
 
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today congratulated the student winners of the annual New York State Envirothon Competition, which took place May 24 and 25 at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. The team from The Mount Academy in Ulster County was named New York State Champions at the long-standing hands-on environmental competition, which challenges students on their knowledge of natural resource science, public speaking, and civic engagement. Skaneateles High School from Onondaga County and Hudson High School in Columbia County were awarded second place and Schuylerville High School were awarded third place.
 
Commissioner Ball said, “The annual New York State Envirothon Competition is a critical part of environmental and agricultural education in our state. With the impacts of climate change becoming ever more real, it has never been more inspiring to see these passionate young people preparing to be ambassadors for the environment and our state’s natural resources in years to come. I send my congratulations to the Ulster County winning team and all of the participating students on their successes at this year’s competition.”
 
The Envirothon Competition is a series of field station tests in the areas of soils/land use, aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife, and an emerging environmental issue. The 2023 environmental issue focused on adapting to climate change. Forty two teams from across New York State competed in environmental science and natural resource management written and oral tests during the two-day competition. The teams, made up of five students from 9th to 12th grades, qualified at the regional or local level and received invitations to the state competition. 
The student team from The Mount Academy will once again head to the international NCF-Envirothon to represent New York State this summer at Mount Allison University Tantramar (Sackville)* in New Brunswick, Canada from July 23 through July 29. Each member of the team received a scholarship, and the team will compete against other top teams from the United States and Canada.
The 2023 New York State Envirothon was made possible through the contributions of several sponsors and partnering agencies, including the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The Department’s Division of Land and Water Resources works to protect New York's land and water through farmland protection, farmland conservation, and proactive environmental stewardship programs. Many federal and state environmental agencies, soil and water conservation districts, and higher education institutions provided expertise and helped to organize the event.
 
New York State Conservation District Employees' Association President Caitlin Stewart said, "The New York State Envirothon is the premier conservation event in the state where high school students flex their environmental expertise. The opportunity for students to meet peers from across the state and network with adults dedicated to careers in conservation is invaluable."     
New York State will be hosting the 2024 NCF-Envirothon in late July 2024. The New York State Envirothon Committee still looking for major donations and event sponsors along with volunteers. The Envirothon Competition is a weeklong event that includes many activities and learning opportunities.


Please Note: The Office Will Be Closed in Observance of the                                         Following Holidays in 2023

New Year's                                          MONDAY, JANUARY 2
Martin Luther King Day                  MONDAY, JANUARY 16
Presidents' Day                                 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Memorial Day                                    MONDAY, MAY 29
​Juneteenth                                         MONDAY, JUNE 19
4th of July                                           TUESDAY, JULY 4
Labor Day                                            MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
Columbus Day                                    MONDAY, OCTOBER 9
Veterans Day                                      FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Thanksgiving                                     THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23
Day after Thanksgiving                   FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24
​Christmas                                           MONDAY, DECEMBER 25
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Disinfecting Wells After a Disaster From The Center For Disease Control
If you suspect that your well may be contaminated by germs from flood waters or another source, contact your local, state, or tribal health department or agricultural extension agent for specific advice on inspecting and disinfecting your well. If possible, use a contractor with experience in disinfecting and servicing drinking water wells. Use this guidance after checking with local authorities for flood precautions for private wells in your area.
IMPORTANT: Fuel and other chemical releases and spills are common during floods. If your water smells like fuel or has a chemical odor, contact your local, state, or tribal health department to request a chemical analysis of your water before using it. Until you know the water is safe, use bottled water or some other safe supply of water. Boiling or disinfecting water contaminated with toxic chemicals or fuels will not make it safe.


Safety Precautions
Clear hazards away from wells before cleaning and disinfecting them. Follow these precautions:
  • Turn off all electricity to the well area before clearing debris. Do not attempt to repair the water system unless you are experienced with this type of work: electrical shock can occur. Inspect all electric connections for breaks in insulation and for moisture. Connections must be dry and unbroken to avoid electric shock.
  • Carefully inspect the area around the well for hazards such as power lines on the ground or in the water; sharp metal, glass, or wood debris; open holes; and slippery conditions.
  • Do not enter the well pit. Gases and vapors can build up in well pits, creating a hazardous environment. Clear debris from dug wells using buckets, grappling hooks, nets, and long-handled scoops.
  • Before the power is turned back on for the well, a qualified electrician, well contractor, or pump contractor should check the equipment wiring system.
  • Wear protective goggles or a face shield when working with chlorine solutions. Chlorine solutions may cause injury to the eye, irritate skin and damage clothing.
  • Work in well-ventilated areas and avoid breathing vapors when mixing and handling chlorine solutions.
  • Warn users not to drink or bathe in water until all the well has been disinfected.

Clear hazards away from wells before cleaning and disinfecting them. Follow these precautions:
  • Turn off all electricity to the well area before clearing debris. Do not attempt to repair the water system unless you are experienced with this type of work: electrical shock can occur. Inspect all electric connections for breaks in insulation and for moisture. Connections must be dry and unbroken to avoid electric shock.
  • Carefully inspect the area around the well for hazards such as power lines on the ground or in the water; sharp metal, glass, or wood debris; open holes; and slippery conditions.
  • Do not enter the well pit. Gases and vapors can build up in well pits, creating a hazardous environment. Clear debris from dug wells using buckets, grappling hooks, nets, and long-handled scoops.
  • Before the power is turned back on for the well, a qualified electrician, well contractor, or pump contractor should check the equipment wiring system.
  • Wear protective goggles or a face shield when working with chlorine solutions. Chlorine solutions may cause injury to the eye, irritate skin and damage clothing.
  • Work in well-ventilated areas and avoid breathing vapors when mixing and handling chlorine solutions.
  • Warn users not to drink or bathe in water until all the well has been disinfected.

Disinfection of Bored or Dug Wells
Bored and dug wells can be difficult to disinfect because the shallow depth and inadequate protection from flood water can allow contaminants to re-enter the well.
IMPORTANT: Bored or dug wells contaminated with fuel or toxic chemicals will not be made safe by disinfection. If your water smells like fuel or has a chemical odor, contact your local, state, or tribal health department for specific advice.
Follow these steps to disinfect bored or dug wells:
  1. If the well has an electrical pump, turn off all electricity and clear debris from around the top of the well.
  2. Repair the electrical system and pump if needed. Contact a qualified electrician, well contractor, or pump contractor if you are not experienced with this type of work.
  3. Start the pump and run water until it is clear. Use the outside faucet closest to the well to drain potentially contaminated water from the well and keep unsafe well water out of the interior household plumbing. If there isn’t a pump, bail water from the well with a bucket until water is clear.
  4. If the well is connected to interior home plumbing, close valves to any water softener unit.
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5. DISINFECTING RATIOS TABLE

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Notes:
  • Use only unscented household liquid chlorine bleach.
  • Bleach concentrations are generally between 5%-9%.
  • Quantities given in this table are approximate and are rounded to the nearest practical measurement. Amounts given are calculated in accordance with reaching a chlorine concentration of > 100 mg/L
Key:
  • gal: gallon
  • 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces
  • 1 gallon = 16 cups
  1. Using a 5-gallon bucket, mix the bleach from Table 1 with 3-5 gallons of water (12-19 liters).
  2. Add the bleach water mixture to the well. Avoid all electrical connections. Attach a clean hose to an outside faucet and use it to circulate water back into the well for thorough mixing. If there isn’t a pump, mix water by pouring it back into the well using a bucket.
  3. Rinse the inside of the well casing with a garden hose or bucket for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Open all faucets inside the home and run the water until you notice a strong odor of chlorine (bleach) at each faucet. Turn off all faucets and allow the solution to remain in the well and plumbing for at least 12 hours.
  5. After at least 12 hours, attach a hose to an outside faucet and drain the chlorinated water onto an area without plants or vegetation, such as a driveway. Continue draining until the chlorine odor disappears. Avoid draining into open sources of water (streams, ponds, etc.).
  6. Turn on all indoor faucets and run water until the chlorine odor disappears.
  7. Until well water has been tested, boil it (roiling boil for 1 minute) before using or use another alternative water source. Wait at least 7-10 days after disinfection, then have the water in your well tested. Water testing cannot be done until all traces of chlorine have been flushed from the system.

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  • Dates: June 2, 2023 - June 3, 2023
  • Location: Clinton Square Ice Rink
  • Address: Clinton Sq., Syracuse, NY 13202
  • Time: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Price: Free
The Summit Federal Credit Union TASTE OF SYRACUSE presented by Tops Friendly Markets RETURNS on June 2nd & 3rd in and around Clinton Square in Downtown Syracuse is FREE 11am-10pm both days! 25+ bands will play on the 3 stages over the course of the weekend with iconic 90's alt headliner SPIN DOCTORS playing Saturday Night on the Sysco Main Stage! PLUS rock band EVE 6 will also play too! Come try $2 samples from all of the participating restaurants! Visit www.tasteofsyracuse.com for a list of current food vendors & entertainment schedule. *New Layout* Clinton Square will now host the Main Stage and the festival will expand further down to Washington Street and takeover 2 new parking lots. Donations will be collected for P.E.A.C.E. inc and Sleep In Heavenly Peace at the Summit & Tops booths!
From National Grid
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Incentives and financing opportunities for forward-looking farms and growing facilities.
Farming is all about productivity—the more your facility produces, the higher your earning potential. A few smart energy upgrades such as high-efficiency lighting, fans and pumps can improve everything from harvest yield to herd health.
Whether you’re looking to tighten your operating costs, produce more profit or expand your operations, we can help with fresh ideas, incentives, discounts and financing for your farm.
Call: 
855-236-7052


We offer programs and incentives for:*
LED Lights
(interior or exterior)
Chillers
Ventilation Fans
Milk or Water
Transfer Pumps

Heat Recovery Units
Processing Equipment
for fruit, vegetable
and dairy operations

Scroll Refrigeration Compressors
Plate Coolers
*Incentive offers vary by service territory.



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On Friday April 21, 2023 Onondaga County Soil and Water staff got down and dirty picking up debris and planting a native garden at 6680 Onondaga Lake Parkway! 
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From Hoard's Dairyman
By Corey Geiger, May 22, 2023

FLAVORED MILK'S FUTURE IS ON THE LINE
The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) potential ban on flavored milk centers on added sugar. The decision would impact some 30 million school children who participate in government-led school meal programs. In past experiences when individual states banned flavored milk, dairy product consumption was cut in half.
That potential cut in milk consumption is a serious concern for children who are in a major growth phase. Milk is important for strong bones and dental health. In addition to serving as a primary dietary source of calcium and Vitamin D, milk offers a portfolio of 13 essential nutrients including protein and potassium.
“What are we trying to prove?” asked Katie Wilson, executive director of the Urban School Food Alliance, which represents 18 of the largest school districts in the country. “We want to take a product that most kids like . . . and say, ‘You can’t drink this, you have to drink plain?’” she asked in the article written by Kristina Peterson.
Knowing this could be a looming issue within the USDA hierarchy, 37 school milk processors, representing more than 90% of the school milk volume in the U.S., jumped ahead of USDA’s proposed guidelines with a Healthy School Milk Commitment. This pledge will offer nutritious school milk options with no more than 10 grams of added sugar per eight-ounce serving by the 2025 to 2026 school year.
Flavored milk is important to encourage children to make healthy choices. In a Morning Consult poll that included over 500 parents with school-age children, over 90% of parents expressed agreement that nonfat or low-fat flavored milk should remain an option in public schools in their community.
USDA had held off making a recommendation on flavored milk when releasing its proposed school meal guidelines earlier this year. It appears USDA and Cindy Long, administrator of USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, have inched closer to making a final recommendation.


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Ardent Mills Tour and Marketing Local Grains
An Educational and Networking Opportunity
for conventional & organic grain growers, organic grain buyers and ag professionals
  • Tour of Ardent Flour Mill (> 2million pounds/day capacity)
  • Opportunities to sell soft red winter wheat to Ardent Mill
  • Opportunities to sell organic grains to regional buyers
  • Network with Ardent Mills, Milestone Mill, Middle Brook Mill, Vermont Tortilla Company and others
  • Discussion of Wheat, Wheat Grading, Grain Varieties
Free Pre-registration Required.  Info & registration here. or call 518-765-3518.
Event Details
Date: June 23, 2023
Time: 1pm - 4:30pm
Location: 101 Normanskill St
Albany, NY 12202

Host: CCE Capital Area Agriculture and Horticulture Program
Aaron Gabriel Sr
518-380-1496








​​BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS
2023 

​Meeting schedule: 4th Wednesday of every month
10:00 a.m. at the District office (unless otherwise noted)

JANUARY 25

FEBRUARY 27 (MONDAY)
MARCH 22
APRIL 26
MAY 24
JUNE 21
JULY 26
AUGUST 23
SEPTEMBER 27
OCTOBER 25
NOVEMBER 15
DECEMBER 20


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YOU PICK STRAWBERRY ORCHARDS IN                       CENTRAL NEW YORK
ABBOTTS FARM
3275 Cold Spring Rd.
Baldwinsville, NY

 Phone: 315-638-7783
June-July

Fruit ripeness and volume depend on the weather. It’s always wise to call ahead and make sure we’re open before you come out. You can also keep up to date with us on Facebook. We keep our berry patch as weed-free as possible. Our strawberries are grown on raised beds, which makes them easier to reach. We also put straw between rows and plastic mulch within rows to keep the berries clean and your feet dry. Be sure to stop at our sheds located near each berry patch to get a list of what rows are open to pick that day and to pick up a container. We do take major credit cards (Visa, Master Card & Discover) in the field. Berries are sold by the pound on a first-come, first-served basis.
​Keep in mind that berries keep longer when picked in the cool of the day and refrigerated as soon as possible. There’s not much shade in a berry patch, so dress for the weather and bring your sunscreen. We will give you our reusable waxed boxes to fill! If you need to cool down after picking, we have ice cream in our Country Store as well as cool drinks and many other treats.
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Emmi Farms
1482 West Genesee Rd.
Baldwinsville, NY 13027

 315-635-7529
​Mid to Late June
  • Absolutely no refunds or discounts.
  • Pick only within boundaries. 
  • Watch your step, ground is uneven & irrigation pipes present. 
  • Holes and poison ivy are marked with flags, please report any we may have missed or other safety issues. 
  • Please keep children in visual range. Young children must be closely supervised.
  • We provide containers to pick at no charge. 
  • No pets or animals allowed. 
  • Service animals specifically trained to aid a disabled person are allowed. Emotional and/or companion animals are not certified service dogs by the ADA and are not allowed in our fields. We reserve the right to ask patrons with service animals to leave if the animals are being destructive to the farm. 
  • No smoking, vaping, or tobacco use of any kind. 
  • ​No eating. Water is allowed. 

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Navarino Orchard
3655 Cherry Valley Turnpike
Syracuse, NY 13215
info@navarinoorchard.com
315-673-9181
June
June is the month for strawberry picking. 

We grow several varieties, including Earliglow, Wendy, and Jewel, which are all ideal for making your own jams!
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SOIL AND WATER IN YOUR SCHOOL!!!!
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE SOIL AND WATER VISIT YOUR CLASSROOM FOR A ROUSING PRESENTATION, PLEASE CONTACT US AT :
315/457-0325 OR VIA EMAIL AT INFO@OCSWCD.ORG

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UPDATES ON MICRON IN CENTRAL NEW YORK
Spectrum News
by Luke Parsnow
April 28, 2023
​Committee of local representatives will help guide decisions as CNY preps for Micron facility.
A  Community Engagement Committee will aim to keep the local concerns and needs of the Central New York community front and center as the region transitions and prepares for Micron Technology’s massive chip manufacturing facility that will be built in Clay, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Friday in Syracuse.
The 15-member panel is designed to make sure the regional needs of training workers, education systems, housing, child care support and infrastructure are addressed in the coming years as the project takes hold.
It will be made up of Micron representatives and familiar regional people and institutions, including Syracuse Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens, East Syracuse-Minoa Central School District Superintendent Donna J. DeSiato, Town of Clay Supervisor Damian Ulatowski, SUNY Oswego Chief of Staff Kristi Eck, and leadership members of the Onondaga Nation, Empire State Development, Syracuse Community Health, Food Bank of Central New York and others.
The committee will be co-chaired by Melanie Littlejohn, vice president for customer and community engagement at National Grid, and Tim Penix, vice president of SUNY Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center.
“It’s imperative we have the local voices guiding decisions,” Gov. Hochul said Friday in Syracuse.
Micron will build a chip manufacturing facility in the White Pine Commerce Park in the town of Clay, composing of four 600,000-square-foot “clean rooms,” on that site, which will be roughly 40 football fields in size, making it one of the largest construction projects in North America. It will bring thousands of jobs and invest up to $100 billion in the region over the next 20 years.
“We want to make Micron not just a great place to work here. We want to make Clay and the surrounding communities a great place to live,” said Micron President and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, who visited the Clay site Friday morning.
Micron itself is investing $250 million into the transformation process and the state is investing $150 million to that effort.
“Micron, no matter where I go in New York state, they know the name, they know the impact and they know the possibilities,” Hochul said.
Earlier this month, the company and officials unveiled a partnership that will bring together colleges, universities, and community partners to invest in workforce development in the semiconductor industry.

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From New Channel 7
Ag report: Tapping trees, but not maple 
By Emily Griffin
Published: May. 3, 2023 at 7:06 AM EDT

LAKE PLACID, New York (WWNY) - We know that the maple industry is huge in the north country, but maple season doesn’t last very long and is entirely weather dependent.
So, researchers are looking at other trees to tap.
At the Uihlein Maple Research Forest in Lake Placid, forest director Adam Wild has found a new source of syrup: beech trees.
“Part of what we do at Cornell University in our maple program is doing research to help grow the maple industry,” he said, “and help landowners looking at other resources in our native ecosystems we can utilize.”
Beech trees don’t have a ton of use. They’re considered a nuisance by some, so researchers wanted to put them to use and they’ve never been studied for their sap.
“We look at tapping beech trees as kind of an open world with no knowledge out there,” Wild said, “so it’s exciting to do research when there’s nothing to build off of.”
Beech trees don’t need the same freeze-thaw conditions that maple trees do to pull sap. But they do need a suction system.
“The sap is coming from our spout to our drop line tube to this chamber, which is under vacuum,” Wild said.
The sap has less sugar, meaning it boils down to less syrup, but “one of the most exciting things we’ve learned is that within these trees, you can get the same amount of sap on a similar sized beech tree as you can with a maple,” Wild said.
Beech trees are also highly resilient to the taps themselves.
“We’re looking at the growth rate and finding that the trees are healing over, the tap holes were closing up,” Wild said. “More than 75% of the trees were healing after just one growing season.”
But the important thing is: how does it taste?
“A little like raisins,” Wild said, “slightly fruity but not tart, nice and sweet.”


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Protect Your Waters from Aquatic Invasive Species
Clean. Drain. Dry.

Boats, trailers, waders and other fishing and boating equipment can spread aquatic invasive species from waterbody to waterbody unless properly cleaned, dried or disinfected after use. State law requires boaters to take these steps before launching their watercraft into public waterbodies. Although some invasive species such as Eurasian water-milfoil are readily visible to the human eye, many others are too small to be easily noticed. To avoid spreading invasive species please use the following guidelines:
  • Check your boating and fishing equipment for invasive species.
  • Carefully examine common attachment points such as trailer bunks, axles, rollers, lights, transducer, license plate, and motor props for any plants, mud, or debris.
  • If your boat has been used in a waterbody known to have zebra mussels, run your hand along the hull. If it feels like sandpaper, it likely has mussels attached.
  • Also inspect all gear used during your trip, including fishing gear and anchor lines.
  • Clean any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting equipment.
  • Discard materials in an upland area or in one of the invasive species disposal stations that have been installed at many boat launch sites for your convenience. Do not wash or release material into a waterbody.
  • Some invasive species, such as zebra mussels, can be difficult to remove from a boat hull. They first need to be killed by water or steam that is 140 degrees F, then they need to be removed by a brush or pressure washer. For help cleaning your boat and equipment, visit a decontamination station for a free boat wash (leaves DEC website).
  • Dump unused bait in trash cans and bucket water on dry land, not in the water.
  • Drain all water holding compartments including ballast tanks, live wells, and bilge areas.
  • Drain your boat before you leave an access site.
  • Be sure to drain boat ballast tanks if your waterski or wakeboard has them.
  • Drain your live well if you have one.
  • Dry boats, trailers and all equipment before use in another waterbody. The most effective way to ensure that no invasive species or fish diseases are transported to a new body of water is to completely dry your boating and fishing equipment.
  • Drying times vary significantly depending on the type of equipment, air temperature, and relative humidity.
  • While the outside of a boat will dry relatively quickly, bilge, live wells, and other parts of a boat not reached by the sun or lacking good air circulation will take additional time to dry completely.
  • A minimum of 5-7 days drying time in dry, warm conditions is recommended.
  • Disinfect anything that came into contact with water if it cannot be dried before reuse.
  • Hot water is an effective disinfection agent for all aquatic invasive species and fish diseases. Soak all equipment in water that is at least 140 degrees F for 30 seconds.
  • Visit  Your Local Boat Steward to help protect New York's waters, boat stewards are located at various boat launches throughout the state. Boat stewards assist visitors with a free boat inspection to look for invasive species and they educate on the importance of cleaning, draining, and drying watercraft. They may also direct you to an on-site or nearby decontamination station. At decon stations, you may get your boat washed with high pressure hot water for free.
        POULTRY SPOTLIGHT
From the US Poultry & Egg Association 


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Finger Lakes Feather Club Poultry Show​
Poultry competition show with various breeds of poultry, waterfowl (ducks & geese), turkeys and bantam chickens.

DETAILS
  • DATE AND TIME
    Sun, June 4, 2023
    9:00am - 3:00pm
  • VENUE
    Poultry Building
  • ADMISSION
    Free
  • CONTACT PHONE #
    315.492.1974
  • CONTACT EMAIL
    jcpierce43@gmail.com


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om Ag Web
By Jenna Hoffman

World’s Largest Soil Archive Brings History to Life
In 2018, a barn on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) main campus was set to be demolished. On demo day, Andrew Margenot, associate professor of soil sciences, walked into the dusty, dilapidated barn to size up the job at hand. That’s when he stumbled upon a once-in-a-lifetime discovery.
Nestled within the confines of the decaying barn walls sat 8,000 mason jars filled with Illinois soil dating back to 1862. At 450 sampling locations spanning 21 million crop acres, it’s the world’s largest soil archive.
This unique find is likely the oldest collection, as few soil archives exceed 40 years.
“I went in there thinking I might find a few soil samples from a professor before me. But as I walked through the barn, I found collapsed wooden aisles that previously held the hundreds of jars on the ground — some broken, others in perfect condition,” Margenot says.
Upon closer inspection, he discovered the labels on the jars provided a road map. Each label included the sample date (down to the day), sample county and soil classification.
​History Comes Alive
Illinois was among the first states to begin mapping soil, specifically Adams County, where the first sample was collected in 1899. However, among the UIUC soil archive, Margenot found a jar that preceded the first mapped Illinois sample by 37 years. That’s when the shock set in.
“I realized we must be looking at the state collection USDA used to derive the soil maps we use today,” he says. “There was also soil from the Morrow Plots, so it was a pretty big find.”

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Each jar was labeled, including sample date, location and soil type, which
provides a road map to resample in the future to learn how the soil has changed.
The Morrow Plots, established in 1876 by UIUC Professor George Espy Morrow, are the world’s second-oldest continuous field experiments, after the Rothamstead Research Plots in the United Kingdom that date back to 1843. The Morrow Plots focus on crop rotation, inputs and fertility.
“For a soil nerd like me, it was a treasure. I didn’t sleep for a few nights because I was so excited about this detailed find,” Margenot says.
He spent the next three years cataloging the 8,000 samples, now stored in a barn 150 yards from the original barn. Fast forward to today, Margenot is ready to resample the original locations for insights into the state’s soil resource base for improvements in soil fertility and conservation.
“With these samples, we’re looking at the difference between anything you can imagine — thickness of topsoil, soil erosion, the amount of carbon and nutrients from the past 120 years of collections,” Margenot says.
He expects the data will benefit farmers, engineers and municipal planners, and could reveal interesting stories to tell about erosion, climate and sustainability.  
“We want to continue this public mission that began in the 1800s by resampling the locations from the archive. To do that, we need permission from landowners to sample their soil,” Margenot says. “We will do all the work; we just need permission.”
Permitting landowners can expect the team to use a 1.5" diameter probe to pull a soil sample at a 3' depth from three points across a 10' to 15' area. They will then share the soil data with landowners before stripping identifying location data from the samples and entering them into a database for analysis and comparison with the old soils.

From there, the database will be made available for researchers, landowners and other stakeholders.
“With this find, we have an opportunity to understand our state’s soils to an extent that no other part of the world will have. We need the public’s help to continue this legacy of learning about our soils, thereby providing farmers with more knowledge to use on-farm,” Margenot says.

             FROM PARKS & REC.
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        mediation assistance for farmers   
***Courtesy of the NYS Agricultural Mediation Program 
 Agricultural mediation has helped resolve problems of all sizes for farms of all sizes. Mediation can be used at any time—before a conflict escalates or when things are already full blown. 
FARM TRANSITIONS
Different tools for different needs  Farm families and farm enterprises contact us at different stages of a farm transition. Each situation is unique and we customize services to match needs.
Conflict Coaching
Conversations to help individuals identify what is most important to them and how they would like to address issues with the family.
Family Meeting
A facilitator helps the family develop an agenda, assures all have a chance to speak and be heard and drafts up any decisions the family makes during a family meeting.
Mediation
Helpful when a family seems stuck. Working with a professional trained in conflict management can often help family members find common goals and see additional possibilities. CREDIT AND DEBT ISSUES A mediator can help a farmer negotiate realistic plans with lenders or suppliers when they owe money and are struggling to pay on time. A mediator can also help a farmer with small or large claim issues or to have a conversation to resolve issues and maintain business relationships when someone owes them money.       
NEIGHBOR DISPUTES
Individuals or communities seek mediation when they are looking to sort out concerns without going to court. FARM LEASES Going beyond a handshake
Facilitation
Proactive meetings in the first two years of a lease for landowners and farmers to address any concerns with their situation. Facilitators help draft agendas, provide a process for discussion and document any changes to working agreements.
Mediation
Useful when there are disagreements/conflict and either or both landowner and farmer would like supported conversations to explore issues and solutions. INTERPERSONAL FARM FAMILY ISSUES
NYSAMP can offer services for a range of issues for farm families. Please reach out if you would like to see if our services are a good fit for your situation. Here are some examples of situations: Resolving co-parenting issues for parents living apart who might need to adjust child-care responsibilities. Coming to agreements about custody, visitation, and child support. Challenges between parents/guardians and adolescent children. Disputes between family members and other relatives. Siblings and extended family members making decisions about elder care issues.
Contact us for an initial confidential conversation, we can discuss options for your situation. Consultations are free and confidential.


In Case of Emergency

In 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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Safety Risk from Manure Storages of Dairy Cows Bedded with Gypsum
Reprinted From Penn State University
By Michael Hile and Eileen Fabian


Findings from on-farm monitoring of dairies using gypsum as stall bedding show a link has been found to highly toxic levels of hydrogen sulfide gas during manure movement and agitation.
Gypsum - Animal Welfare and Agronomic Improvement
Gypsum recycled from manufacturing and construction waste provides a bedding source for the dairy industry. Gypsum can be used as 100% of the bedding or as a bedding additive to traditional bedding materials. Advantages to its use include the following:
Bedding
  • Absorbs moisture
  • Low bacteria
  • Neutral pH
  • Improved udder health
Soil
  • Low carbon
  • Adds sulfur
  • Adds calcium
  • Reduced phosphorus runoff
Gypsum and Manure Gas Hydrogen Sulfide
Gypsum is calcium sulfate (CaSO4·2H2O) so it provides a source of sulfate, which under anaerobic conditions can be microbially converted to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas. Anaerobic conditions (without oxygen) exist in dairy manure slurry within many short-term and most long-term storages. Hydrogen sulfide is heavier-than-air. It therefore settles in low areas such as in pits, near storages, and in the breathing zones of calves and children. When present, H2S is released in bursts that are dangerous to nearby humans and cattle during manure movement or agitation.
Hydrogen sulfide is immediately dangerous to life and health above 100 ppm. Lower concentrations of 10 to 20 ppm can be tolerated for periods of time, such as a part of a workday. Hydrogen sulfide gas has a familiar "rotten egg" odor to a healthy human nose. Unfortunately, this distinctive odor goes undetected at dangerous levels or after extensive exposure. Because of this, instruments are needed to detect H2S concentrations to avoid dangerous conditions.

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Personal Monitoring to Save Lives
Portable gas instruments detect and indicate hazardous situations. Audible, vibration, and visual alarms are set to alert the user of dangerous gas concentrations that are not otherwise detectable. It is recommended that farm operators working around manure storages with gypsum bedding wear a hydrogen sulfide personal gas monitor. Single gas monitors (right) are about the size of a cell phone and cost under $300. Units can provide multi-year battery life, display of gas level, and a second backup sensor. For professional dairy manure haulers a four-gas monitor offers additional safety from methane, low oxygen level in a confined space, carbon monoxide (exhaust) from equipment operation, in addition to hydrogen sulfide protection for gypsum-using farms.

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Monitoring Manure Agitation Gas Release
Three types of farms were monitored based on their bedding management:
  1. conventional dairy stall bedding;
  2. gypsum bedding, and
  3. gypsum bedding with a manure additive treatment.
Instruments placed around the perimeter of the outdoor open-air manure storages recorded gas concentration immediately prior to and for up to two hours after manure agitation began. Findings are from ten farms during 19 events.
  • The use of gypsum bedding increased H2S gas release during manure agitation to levels that were dangerous near the storage (see graphs).
  • Almost no H2S was found near the non-gypsum dairy manure storages.
  • Some additive-treated manure and crust-free manure reduced H2S emissions during agitation.
  • Operators with highest H2S exposure were very close to agitation.
  • The first 30 to 60 minutes of agitation is the most dangerous even near open-air outdoor manure storages.
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Reducing Risks from Gypsum-Manure Storage
  1. Gypsum bedding adds sulfur to manure that can lead to dangerous levels of hydrogen sulfide gas emission at agitation; but not all farms with gypsum bedding have safety problems.
  2. Keep non-essential people away during agitation, especially children who are at increased risk as H2S is typically at higher concentration close to the ground. Nearby cattle are also at risk.
  3. Secure storage from entry; provide rescue and fall protection; gas monitors recommended.
  4. Manure moving-mixing-agitation creates highest gas levels for the first hour. Leave the area.
  5. Crust-free manure and additives seem to allow continuous H2S release lowering agitation risk.
  6. Gypsum benefits for cow bedding and agronomic values must be balanced against the potential gas hazard.
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               FROM THE ROSAMOND GIFFORD ZOO
    Tee Off FORE the Animals Golf Tournament
Monday, June 26, 2023Spend a late-spring day playing golf for a very worthy cause on one of the most coveted golf courses in the state of New York – the elegant and historic Bellevue Country Club. Designed by the world-renowned golf course architect Donald J. Ross, this challenging course offers breathtaking views of the Syracuse skyline and the surrounding hills of Central New York.
Join us for this Captain-and-Crew tournament featuring breakfast on the cart, lunch on the course and a post-tournament dinner in the luxurious clubhouse, as well as on-course contests, animal greeters and 18 holes of championship golf. All this, and the knowledge that you are supporting the Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s mission of saving species and conservation education.
Golf Tournament Participation Levels
Foursome
  • (1) One foursome in the Tee Off FORE the Animals Charity Golf Tournament
  • Company to be included on the Golf Tournament webpage
  • Company name to be included in sponsorship list in the event program
  • Each member of the foursome will enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Each member of the foursome will receive a complimentary gift for participating in the event
Individual Golfer
  • (1) One player spot in the Tee Off FORE the Animals Charity Golf Tournament
  • Company to be included on the Golf Tournament webpage
  • Company name to be included in sponsorship list in the event program
  • Complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Complimentary gift for participating in the event
  • Tournament Schedule
  • 7 a.m.
    Player Registration Opens
    Driving Range and Putting Green Opens
    Continental Breakfast Served

    8:45 a.m.
    Players Called to Carts
    Opening Remarks

    9 a.m.
    Shotgun Start

    11:30 a.m.
    Lunch Served on the Course

    3 p.m.
    Awards Ceremony
    Dinner

    3:30 p.m.
    Silent Auction Concludes

   Onondaga County Soil & Water
Conservation District​
6680 Onondaga Lake Parkway
LIverpool, NY 13088
(315) 457-0325
 Fax:  (315) 457-0410

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From Finger Lakes Daily News
By Lucas Day

Rep. Tenney Submits 2023 Farm Bill Priorities
Rep. Claudia Tenney has sent a letter to the House Committee on Agriculture detailing a range of priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill.
These priorities reflect the input of constituents from New York’s 24th Congressional District and were shaped by Congresswoman Tenney’s ongoing conversations with farmers and agricultural stakeholders throughout our region.
In April, Tenney launched a district-wide Farm Bill Listening Tour, which included multiple roundtable events like the one held in Phelps, in which she heard directly from farmers and producers regarding their priorities. Over 100 farmers who produce everything from dairy, beef, poultry, feed corn, alfalfa, onions, grapes, wine, maple syrup, apples, and stone fruit participated in this process and shared with Tenney their concerns and key issues for this vital piece of legislation.
In addition to holding these forums with farmers from across the 24th District, Congresswoman Tenney has also announced and continues to meet regularly with her Agriculture Advisory Committee. This committee is made up of farmers and agricultural stakeholders from across the district who share feedback regularly with Tenney.
The following were among the top asks for the 2023 Farm Bill:
  • Do not make any cuts to Farm Bill Programs;
  • Allow Federal Crop Insurance to be reformed to cover a wider range of items and better fit the needs of specialty crop growers;
  • Support funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, educational support for farmers, and the research and monitoring of invasive species;
  • Consider raising the Dairy Margin Coverage Tier 1 level’s 5-million-pound limit to better reflect the consolidation that has occurred in the dairy industry over the past five years;
  • Ensure greater transparency with the profit margins of dairy processors to better inform dairy policy and allow negotiations between dairy producers and processors to occur on a more even playing field;
  • Allow for greater flexibility in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cover crop rules;
  • Prioritize the cultivation and opening of foreign markets for U.S. agricultural goods and ensure fairer access to these foreign markets;
  • Improve support for our nation’s maple syrup industry, including by reforming the Acer Access and Development grant program to better incorporate input from farmers, classify maple syrup as a specialty crop, and boost the domestic market for maple syrup;
  • Mandate the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to expand its collection of grape production data from the top two states to the top five states nationwide;
  • Include Wyoming County, New York, as part of the Northern Border Regional Commission;
  • Raise the minimum fixed broadband speed for USDA ReConnect and Rural Utilities Services programs; and
  • Address the loss of prime agricultural land to solar farms.
The Farm Bill is considered every five years and is a vital piece of legislation for rural communities like New York’s 24th District. It sets national agriculture, nutrition, conservation, and forestry policies. It will be considered this year by Congress.
“New York’s 24th District is the top agriculture and dairy-producing district in our state and among the largest in the Northeast – it is absolutely essential that this year’s Farm Bill reflects our community’s priorities and input,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. “I will continue to advocate for our region to ensure this year’s Farm Bill delivers positive results for agricultural producers and farmers in our district.”

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STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ANNOUNCES $800,000 AWARDED TO URBAN FARMS AND COMMUNITY GARDENS ACROSS THE STATE
 Funding Helps Expand and Enhance Community Growing Organizations Across the State
 Builds on State’s Commitment to Strengthening Food Supply Chain and Supporting Urban Farms

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today announced that $800,000 has been awarded to 35 organizations across the state through the Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program. Funding for the program, which is designed to support community growing spaces and recognize their impact on local food resiliency, was included in the FY 2023 Enacted Budget and is a part of Governor Hochul’s 2023 State of the State commitment to making local food more accessible to all New Yorkers.
Commissioner Ball said, “Community gardens and urban farms are critical players in ensuring we have a strong, flexible, and streamlined local food supply chain. From rooftop farming to neighborhood gardens, these spaces are often based in the communities they serve and can respond directly to the unique needs and aspirations of their residents. The Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program provides community growers the support they need to continue giving our underserved communities greater access to nutritious, farm-fresh food.”
Funding was awarded to 35 urban farms and community gardens across the state for projects focusing on food production, food safety, and food distribution while creating a lasting impact on local food resiliency. The awarded recipients include:

Central New York
  • Brady Faith Center Inc., Building Capacity of the Brady Farm - $24,998.00
  • Young Men's Christian Association of Central New York, Inc., North Area Family YMCA -$25,000.00
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SEE BELOW LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS PROVIDING HAND PULLING WATER CHESTNUT CULLING SERVICES.
 
Curb Appeal of CNY, LLC
Joe Marotti-Owner
4734 Lythim Circle
Manlius, NY 13104
Tel. 315-692-2464
joemarotti@yahoo.com
 
Feliciano Landscape, LLC
36 Nelson Street
Auburn, NY 13021
Tel. 315-263-9598
Arfelici9@yahoo.com
 
Madcal Enterprises
315-317 Burnet Ave.
Syracuse, NY 13203
Tel. 315-751-3953
MadcalEnterprises@gmail.com
 
Gasparini Landscaping Co., Inc.
Gary Gasparini
5072 Smoral Road
Camillus, NY 13031
Tel. 315-488-4261 x9
Info@GaspariniLandScaping.com
 
Dr. Janitor Cleaning ‘n Landscapes
Leannue McMullen
319 Allen Street
Syracuse, NY 13210
Tel. 315-450-8514



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                   TODAY'S HELPFUL GARDENING TIP
                                 Use Cayenne Pepper to Ward Off Pests
Anyone with a garden knows pests can devastate anything and everything in no time at all. Rather than reaching for the latest and greatest chemical invention at the hardware store, consider using a little cayenne pepper to keep those pesky critters away. Cayenne won’t harm your plants, but it will keep unwanted animals and bugs from munching on all your hard work. All you need to do is sprinkle a quarter cup throughout your garden every few days and you’ll begin to see healthier plants without chewed-up leaves and half-eaten fruit.

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From OCCRA
                                            COMPOST AND MULCH
      Discover the wonder of OCRRA's Pride of New York Compost and Mulch.
Whether beautifying a residential landscape or ensuring the success of a large scale municipal project, using OCRRA's US Composting Council Certified Compost will make your next project flourish! Our Pride of New York Mulch also provides a professional finished look to your gardens and landscapes.
You can buy OCRRA Compost:
  • By the cubic yard at our Compost Sites.
  • By the trunk load at our Compost Sites.
  • By the bag at our Compost Sites or through more than 30 local retailers 
Benefits of OCRRA Mulch:
  • Suppresses weeds,
  • Retains moisture,
  • Gives your garden or landscape a finished look.
You can buy OCRRA Mulch:
  • By the cubic yard at our Compost Sites.
  • By the trunk load at our Compost Sites.
24% of our community’s waste is actually compostable material – material that could be used to enrich the soil of lawns and gardens. Households and businesses can bring yard and food scraps to OCRRA’s Compost Sites for conversion into nutrient-rich compost. (See quarterly test results that speak to the nutrient content and the weed seed-free properties of OCRRA's Compost.)
Composting organic materials like yard waste and food scraps is a simple way to save the world a little each day!
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DEC ANNOUNCES START OF 2023 'NYHABS' ONLINE NOTIFICATION AND REPORTING SYSTEM FOR HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS
DEC Encourages New Yorkers to "Know it, Avoid it, Report it"
 The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health (DOH) today reminded New Yorkers to learn about and be aware of harmful algal blooms, or "HABs," as the 2023 HABs notification season starts. DEC’s New York Harmful Algal Bloom System (NYHABS) is now active and allows the public and trained citizens to send reports of HABs to DEC electronically via a simple, user- and mobile phone-friendly form.
 "As summer begins, we encourage New Yorkers to be on the lookout for HABs, which can impact New York’s lakes and waterways and pose a potential public health risk," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Working closely with DOH and local partners in communities statewide, DEC continues to make significant investments to prevent excess nutrients and other contaminants from contributing to these potentially toxic blooms and is actively working to help New Yorkers understand how to identify and report HABs, as well as keep themselves, their families, and pets out of harm’s way.”
 “Harmful algal blooms contain toxins that pose health risks to people and animals, so we want to encourage New Yorkers to be on the lookout this summer as they spend time in the water,” said Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “The New York Harmful Algal Bloom System (NYHABS) is an easy tool that allows the public to both protect themselves by becoming aware of trouble areas as well as to report blooms in an effort to help protect others.”
 Once evaluated by DEC and DOH, reports are posted to the NYHABS page. The system features an interactive map of current and archived bloom locations to help keep New Yorkers informed. With resources such as the online HABs map and reporting system, New York continues to be a national leader in supporting initiatives to address HABs across the state and to ensure effective communication to the public. DEC works with DOH, the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), and other State and local partners in leading the most comprehensive HABs monitoring and reporting program in the nation. In cooperation with its partners, DEC monitors hundreds of waterbodies annually and works with DOH and OPRHP to ensure public health protections against HABs.
 HABs have been monitored closely across New York State for more than a decade. DEC’s Division of Water recently published an analysis of trends in the occurrence of HABs, “Detections of cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) in New York State, United States (2012–2020).” This work evaluated patterns in frequency, intensity, and duration of HABs compiled in large part through public reporting. This important piece of peer-reviewed literature suggests that increased public awareness of HABs, and their reporting through NYHABS, has led to an increase in confirmed HABs since 2012. However, few lakes had confirmed HABs every year of the study. The study also determined the intensity and duration of HABs did not increase. To best understand HAB conditions statewide and over time, the study highlights the importance of focusing monitoring efforts on a broad range of waterbody sizes and conditions coupled with consistent public reporting, elements DEC has incorporated into its monitoring programs and through NYHABS. HABs present several management challenges and this study and other research help advance the understanding of HABs to inform sound, scientifically driven, decision-making to protect public health and the environment.
 HABs are likely triggered by a combination of factors that include excess nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, lots of sunlight, low-water or low-flow conditions, calm water, and warm temperatures. HAB occurrence and reporting typically increases each year throughout the warmest months with the most reports received during August and September.
 New York State has many programs and activities to reduce phosphorus and nitrogen from entering the water from surrounding lands, including stormwater permitting programs, a nutrient law that restricts the use of phosphorus lawn fertilizer, and funding for water quality improvement projects that, among other issues, improve water quality impacted by nutrients and HABs.
 To date, New York has awarded more than $371 million in grants designed to reduce the frequency of algal blooms across the state by targeting phosphorus and nitrogen pollution, controllable factors that can contribute to the occurrence of HABs, and more than $14 million to research and development, pilot projects, and advanced monitoring. As part of New York State’s recently announced Consolidated Funding Application (CFA), DEC's Division of Water has two grant programs currently available that may support projects to help reduce the occurrence of HABs. These include at least $75 million in funding through the Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) program and up to $3 million in funding through the Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and MS4 Mapping Grant (NPG). DEC also continues to evaluate HAB mitigation technology and strategies.
 When it comes to HABs, DEC encourages New Yorkers to "KNOW IT, AVOID IT, REPORT IT."
 KNOW IT - HABs vary in appearance from scattered green dots in the water, to long, linear green streaks, pea soup or spilled green paint, to blue-green or white coloration. AVOID IT - People, pets, and livestock should avoid contact with water that is discolored or has algal scums on the surface. REPORT IT - If members of the public suspect a HAB, report it through the NYHABs online reporting form available on DEC's website. Symptoms or health concerns related to HABs should be reported to DOH at harmfulalgae@health.ny.gov.

 For more information about HABs, including bloom notifications, which are updated daily through fall, visit DEC's Harmful Algal Blooms web page. The HABs Program Guide, which includes information and links to resources regarding bloom prevention, management, and control, can also be downloaded from the DEC website. Visit DOH's website for DOH's public health information.
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                UPCOMING RECYCLING EVENTS 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
SHREDDING OPPORTUNITY 9:00AM-12:00PM
LOCATION: DESTINY USA PINK PARKING LOT
ONLY CONFIDENTIAL PERSONAL DOCUMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. NO PHONE BOOKS, MAGAZINES, JUNK MAIL, RECEIPTS, HANGING FILE FOLDERS, BINDERS, PHOTOS, PHOTOS OR PHOTO ALBUMS.
OCSWCD Takes to the Field for a Friday Afternoon of Seeding!
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                                 FARM SPOTLIGHT
Ron & Beth bought their farm in 2001, seeking some independence from just-in-time delivery corporatism and space for their growing family to roam.
Extra food was sold to friends at first. A small market at Green Hills gave them more public exposure. And for the last several years, the Westside Community Center Farmer’s market has been their primary public venue.
The children who have helped us start the farm have grown up and begun their own families. But new children have taken their place.

Throughout the changes, our primary goal has been to produce nutritious food…because we eat what we produce.
You can stay in touch with us through our email lists and our blog
Local, fresh food for CNYSouthwick Family Farm produces beef, pork, chicken, goat, eggs, and vegetables on 75 acres in Nedrow.
  • Visit our What’s Available page to see what products are available
  • Then email, call or text 315.200.2341
  • We provide on-farm sales
  • Or find us June-October at:
    • Westcott Farmers Market – Wednesday 2-6 p.m.
    • Fayetteville Farmers Market – Thursday 12-6 p.m.
    • Brady Farm Stand – Saturday 8-1:30 p.m
3950 Kennedy Rd., Nedrow, NY 13120
Call/text - 315.200.2341
Email - beth@southwickfamilyfarm


    



May 30, 2023
From the Governor's Office
By Andy Paden

Gov. Hochul begins listening tour for Environmental Bond Act at UB
The $4.2 billion act is the largest of its kind in state history.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — After suffering through a once-in-a-100-year storm in November, followed by a once in a generational blizzard in December, Governor Kathy Hochul said she’s had enough with the superlatives. 
“We can't be shocked by the scale or the frequency of these so-called unforeseen events because they're no longer unforeseen,” Hochul said. 
The governor launched her statewide listening tour at UB today for her $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act that passed overwhelmingly in the November election. 
The act — the largest of its kind in state history — will fund environmental and community projects and is also said to create 84,000 jobs. 
“There's not a lot that 67% of New Yorkers agree on these days,” said Jessica Ottney Maher of The Nature Conservancy. 
But the bipartisan agreement received some backlash, specifically among farmers, with the first installment of the governor’s listening tour needing to be paused after an attendee claimed the governor has done anything but listen. 
“We’ve reached out to the governor for two months, and we have asked for her to meet with us in person, and she refuses to meet with us in person,” the protestor said. 
The governor was asked how Western New Yorkers will see change as a result of the historic statewide spending. 
“I think a lot of it's going to be sewers, which are very expensive, but also building up resiliency and floodplains as well as just investing in creative community projects and looking for opportunities to create jobs,” she said. 
Hochul will conduct nine more listening tours between now and the end of August. Two will be held virtually in June and July.



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MAY 19, 2023
Albany, NY

Governor Hochul Announces Seasonal Opening of New York State Canal System
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of the 2023 Navigation Season for the 524-mile New York State Canal system, kicking off the 199th consecutive opening of the historic waterways. Locks and lift bridges on the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca Canals will operate daily today through October 11th, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and sightseeing to tourists, canal enthusiasts and all New Yorkers.
"The historic waterways of the Erie Canal and canals across the state have been an integral part of New York's story that continues to support our local communities, small businesses and tourism," Governor Hochul said. "The Canal system is a hub of recreation and tourism, and as a longtime boater, I encourage all New Yorkers to explore the endless recreational opportunities and adventure available throughout the canal system."
To prepare for the navigation season, the New York State Canal Corporation undertook an essential annual winter maintenance program that helps to ensure Canal infrastructure remains safe, operable, and in a state of good repair. This winter, the Canal Corporation completed rehabilitation projects at Lock C-6 (Fort Miller), Locks E-4 and E-5 (Waterford), Lock E-10 (Cranesville), Lock E-17 (Little Falls), Lock O-8 (Oswego), Lock E-30 (Macedon), Lock E-32 (Pittsford), and Lock E-34 (Lockport). Additionally, other maintenance and construction projects were completed along the Glens Falls Feeder Canal, the Erie Canal at German Flatts, Delta Dam, Lock CS-4 (Waterloo), Lock E-27 (Lyons), the Macedon By-Pass Lock Chamber, the concrete embankment at Bushnell's Basin and the Great Embankment in Pittsford, the Park Avenue Lift Bridge in Brockport, and along the earthen embankments in western Monroe County and Orleans County. Canal Corporation staff also performed required maintenance on its tugboats and vessels as well as other operating machinery and infrastructure.


DID YOU KNOW
Each year the Canal Corporation conducts dredging in order to maintain minimum water depths for navigation in the Cayuga-Seneca, Champlain, Erie and Oswego Canals. (Dredging in the Champlain Canal is currently limited to the confluence of the Hoosic River and Hudson River). Four floating plants, staffed with permanent and seasonal employees, are located on the Canal in Waterford, Utica, Syracuse and Albion. Each floating plant has the capability to dredge by hydraulic and mechanical methods.  Most dredging is conducted during the navigation season between May and November. The average yearly volume  of sediment dredged is approximately 280,000 cubic yards. 
Hydraulic dredging involves the pumping of sediments from the water into upland sites where solids are settled out before the water is returned to the Canal. Turbidity (a measure of the “cloudiness” of water) in the water being returned to the canal is monitored every few hours to ensure the waterway is not adversely impacted by the dredging operations.  Highly turbid water can adversely impact fish, wildlife, and sensitive environmental habitats. 
Mechanical dredge sites normally consist of coarse grained sediments. These sites are dredged through the use of clamshells, backhoes, and Gradalls.  Sediment is excavated and placed into barges for transport to the upland disposal site. The Canal Corporation uses a hydraulic off-loader which pumps the sediment directly from the barge into the upland site.
Dredging at stream mouths is avoided or limited during fish spawning season every May and June from April through June. This precaution ensures that these special areas and any fish seeking to spawn in the creeks are not adversely impacted.
In recent years, the Canal Corporation has expanded its use of “dry dredging.”  Dry dredging involves the use of traditional construction equipment to remove sediment during the non-navigation season when water levels are lowered.  This practice largely takes place out of the water and as a result, protects the water quality and minimizes any adverse impacts on environmental habitats.
DID YOU KNOW
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   DETAILS
  • DATE AND TIME
    Fri, June 16, 2023
    1:00pm - 10:00pm
  • VENUE
    Toyota Coliseum
  • ADMISSION
    Spectators are Free
  • WEBSITE
    nbha.com/show/2023-nbha-syracuse-super-show
  • CONTACT PHONE #
    706-722.7223
  $10,000 Added Money | 96 Wild Cards to Open, Youth & Senior
Team Fearless Approved | WPRA Pending

4 Circle Y Saddle Certificates to Open Average* D Winners plus awards to 2nd and 3rd
Youth & Senior Awards to Top 3 in each D Saturday

*Average based on all three days in the Open.
You MUST be a NBHA Member to receive awards.



ADDITIONAL DATES AND TIME
S
at, Jun 17, 2023 at 9:00am - 10:00pm
Sun, Jun 18, 2023 at 9:00am - 10:00pm

  
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THE ANNUAL  FLOWER SHOW TO RETURN TO THE GREAT NEW YORK STATE FAIR 
As gardeners around New York State plan their flower and produce gardens this spring, the Great New York State Fair hopes to “plant seeds” as well. To master and amateur gardeners around the state, the Fair encourages horticulturists to consider participating in one or more of the Fair’s competitions designed to show off the fruits (and flowers) of their labor.  Meanwhile, for fairgoers, the message is this: Flower shows are back! Each day during the Fair, visitors will have an opportunity to see “what’s growing on” in the Horticulture Building as a full slate of flower shows will be presented for the first time since 2019. 
During the Fair, the flower shows are a staple sight – and smell – at the center court area within the Horticulture Building, and the featured plants and specimen are visible during building hours. Led by Flower Show Superintendent Fred Miller, a group of a dozen volunteers are planning nine shows throughout the duration of the 2023 Fair. Each show will highlight a different theme, outlined in the table below. For planning purposes, educational exhibits will complement many of the shows. More details related to this will be provided later.  


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Held concurrently with the volunteer-led flower shows, three “Artistic Design” flower shows will also take place during the Fair. Presented by the Federated Garden Clubs of Central New York District VI, the overall theme of the Artistic Design Flower Show shines a spotlight on “The Power of Flowers.” Exhibitors will be able to showcase displays in categories including Tables, Creative Style and Traditional Flower Designs, as well as in Artistic Crafts, and Photography. 
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                                        MANY THANKS 
                      
TO OUR  NEWSLETTER SPONSORS!!​
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                                             JUNE IS NATIONAL                                      POLLINATOR MONTH

National Pollinator Week is an annual event celebrated internationally in support of pollinator health. It's a time to celebrate pollinators and spread the word about what we can do to protect them.
Pollinator Week was initiated and is managed by Pollinator Partnership, and fifteen years ago the U.S. Senate’s unanimous approval and designation of a week in June as “National Pollinator Week” marked a necessary step toward addressing the urgent issue of declining pollinator populations. Pollinator Week has now grown into an international celebration, promoting the valuable ecosystem services provided by bees, birds, butterflies, bats, beetles, moths, wasps, and flies. People across the planet have pledged to continue promoting pollinator health and well-being through their Pollinator Week events. Through the numerous virtual and in-person gatherings, webinars, planting sessions, garden and farm walks, and monument lightings, Pollinator Week 2023 is geared to be the busiest and best one yet!
Bee Smart School Garden Kit
www.pollinator.org/bee-smart 
Cultivate learning about monarchs and other pollinators by creating your own garden learning area! The Bee Smart School Garden Kit includes 10 lesson plans, worksheets, tests, and materials for the included activities. This kit is perfect for school administrators, educators, teachers, garden coordinators, and parents for use with students in grades 3 to 6. Kits options vary and cost for the kit can be found on P2's website. ​

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​BEACH TIME!!

2023 Beach Open/Peak Season Dates/Hours:

May 27 - June 11: Saturday & Sunday (& Memorial Day) • 11am - 6pm

June 17 - August 20: Friday - Sunday (& July 4) • 11am - 6pm; Monday - Thursday • 12pm - 6pm

Dates/Hours are subject to change. 

Admission (Peak/Beach Season):
$7 per vehicle (pay at the gate)
Seniors (62+) - $4 per vehicle - Monday-Thursday only, excluding holidays
Active Military & Veterans - Free admission for one car
Must present military I.D., Onondaga County FAVOR card, discharge papers or another form of official military identification.

OR pay once and go all season...

Season Beach Passes, valid at Jamesville Beach AND Oneida Shores Park, are available to purchase online beginning April 1.
In-person sales are available at both beaches during beach open hours, see above for dates.
Click here for beach pass rules & conditions of use.
  • $50 per vehicle - Onondaga County Resident
  • $100 per vehicle - Non-Resident
  • $21 per vehicle - Seniors, Resident & Non-Resident (62+)
Questions?? Contact us at (315) 451-6249 or reservations@ongov.net.
Not sure how to navigate our system? Click here first for a step by step guide. 

The Onondaga County Health Department samples both beaches approximately every two weeks during the summer season. Click here to see the most recent results.
Jamesville Beach Park
300' of lifeguard patrolled waterfront featuring a 0' - 4' shallow water zone, a 4' - 10' deep water zone with floating platform, and a 3000' square foot inflatable raft zone.  Swimming is permitted only during scheduled beach hours when lifeguards are on duty. Click here for admission information. Click here for current beach hours. 
VISIT JAMESVILLE BEACH PARK ACTIVITIES

​Oneida Shores Park
A sandy waterfront with guarded swimming area, a section for inflatables, bathhouse, and children's playground on the largest lake entirely in New York State. Swimming is permitted only during scheduled hours when lifeguards are on duty. Click here for admission information. Click here for current beach hours. 

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NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Endorsed 4-Hour Erosion                                           & Sediment Control  Training
The 4-Hour Erosion & Sediment Control Training is a required course for certain contractors, subcontractors, consultants, and other qualified individuals that will be involved with the implementation of the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan on a construction site that has coverage under a NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) State Pollution Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit for Stormwater Discharges from construction activity.  The certification received by this course is viable for 3 years from the date that the training was completed. This course is required for new employees involved in such activity as well as individuals who have not taken the course within the past 3 years.
Under the SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activity, certain contractors (Trained Contractor) and certain Qualified Inspectors are required to complete 4 hours of Department endorsed training in the principles and practices of erosion and sediment control (E&SC) every 3 years.
Trained Contractor - Prior to the commencement of construction, an owner or operator shall have each contractor and subcontractor, that has been identified as being responsible for implementation of the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), identify at least one employee from their company (Trained Contractor) that has received 4 hours of endorsed E&SC training. The Trained Contractor must be on site on a daily basis when soil disturbance activities are being performed and will be responsible for implementation of the practices included in the SWPPP.
Qualified Inspector - An owner or operator of a regulated construction project, with some exceptions, shall have a Qualified Inspector conduct specific site inspections. Certain Qualified Inspectors who work on these sites (i.e., individuals working under direct supervision of, and at the same company as, a licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Landscape Architect of NYS) are required to complete 4 hours of E&SC training under the General Permit.

*****If your organization requires 4 Hour Erosion and Sediment Control Training, please contact Onondaga County Soil & Water to speak with one of our certified trainers, Conor Larkin, Aaron Buchta, or Mark Burger.*****


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  From Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Science
About New York’s Bee Diversity
The majority (54%) of bees in New York State are digger bees (ground-nesting, solitary bees, such as Andrena, Lasioglossum, Colletes and Melissodes). Species of Andrena are typical of ground-nesting bees in their life history. At the start of the nesting season (in the spring, summer or fall, depending on the species), female Andrena begin constructing burrows in the soil. At the end of these subterranean burrows they construct brood cells, which are lined with waterproof secretions from the Dufour’s gland. Once a brood cell has been constructed, a female provisions it with a mixture of pollen and nectar collected from flowering plants in the vicinity of the nest. Foraging ranges in these solitary bees are small – on the order of 500 m maximum – so nests are typically close the floral resources. Once the provisions have been collected, the pollen/nectar mixture is sculpted into a spherical pollen ball and an egg is laid on top. The brood cell is then closed and the female begins constructing a new brood cell. Brood cells range in depth from just a few inches to several feet. A typical solitary female might produce just 10-15 offspring over a period of two to three weeks of active foraging.
While the majority of bees in New York state are ground-nesting, several species also make nests in preexisting cavities, such as twigs, hollow stems, beetle burrows, or in sites above ground. These aboveground, cavity nesters include mason bees, wool carder bees and various resin bees. Mason bees in New York include genera such as Osmia, Hoplitis, Prochelostoma and Heriades. Mason bees comprise roughly 7% of the species of bees in the state. Other cavity- and stem-nesting bees include the leaf-cutter bees in the genus Megachile (Sheffield et al. 2011), carder bees in the genus Anthidium, Pseudoanthidium and Paranthidium, and the yellow-faced bees in the genus Hylaeus. Megachile females line their cells with circular pieces of leaf that they cut from rosebushes and other plants. Hylaeus females line their burrows (constructed in plant stems or other hollow tubes) with a cellophane-like material produced by the Dufour’s gland. Hylaeus are unusual bees because they carry pollen internally and not externally, as do most pollen-collecting bees.
Another important group of bees are the carpenter bees. In North America we have both small (Ceratina) and large (Xylocopa) carpenter bees. These bees construct nests in wood or preexisting cavities. Xylocopa virginica is a common bee in New York. Nests are conspicuous because males hover in front of the nests (typically located in fence posts, wooden park benches and houses) and engage in aggressive territorial battles.
Cleptoparasitic bees comprise 23% of the bee species in New York. The two largest genera of cleptoparasitic bees in New York are Sphecodes and Nomada. Parasitic bees are fascinating creatures. They have lost the morphological structures associated with nest construction and pollen collection in most other bees. Instead of constructing and provisioning their own brood cells, parasitic bees enter the nests of other bees (usually when the host female is away) and lay their eggs within the host nest. Once the host female has laid her egg and closed the cell, the parasitic larva hatches from its own egg and kills either the host egg or young larva, then feeds on the host’s pollen. Parasitic bees have devious methods for hiding their eggs from the host females. For example, Nomada and relatives (in the subfamily Nomadinae) put their eggs in the cell wall of the host bee’s nest.
So far, the vast majority of bees we have mentioned are solitary (or parasitic). Important eusocial bees in New York state include both advanced eusocial taxa in which queens and workers are morphologically distinct (such as Apis mellifera, the introduced honey bee) and primitively eusocial taxa, in which queens and workers are distinguishable from each other based only on size or behavior. Important primitively eusocial taxa include Bombus (bumble bees; Apidae), as well as Augochlorella, Halictus and some species of Lasioglossum (Halictidae). We estimate that approximately 19% of the bee species in New York are eusocial.

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From Syracusehoney.com
HONEY BEES ARE NOT "PESTS", SO DO NOT SPRAY THE BEES
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Honey Bees have been declared THE MOST important creatures on the face of the planet, without which, we would have little to no plant based food, i.e., fruits, vegetables, and grains, etc. They are an essential link of the food chain and they are in trouble. Bees are quickly disappearing. With the onset of industrialized farming, bees are falling victim to the prolific use of pesticides and fertilizers. In addition to the rampant spread of disease and parasites, each year there are fewer and fewer hives. Here at Syracuse Honey, we are working to change that, saving one colony at a time. We specialize in the safe, humane removal of existing colonies from homes and other structures where they have become a destructive nuisance. We relocate those nuisance colonies or swarms to sites managed by proper beekeepers. This allows them to continue thriving and pollinating for years and years. In this way, everybody wins. You can get the bees off your property and they can continue helping to make our food. 
Here is a List of Local Honey Producers:

Hillside Hives
7440 Hillside Rd 
Baldwinsville NY 13027
315-420-1378
Hillsidehivesbville@yahoo.com

Sunshine Honey Bee Farm

7466 Kirkville Road
East Syracuse, NY 13057
(315) 656-3149 

Moon Bee Honey

1056 Moore Rd.
Kirkville, NY 13082
315 420-5913
richesapiary@gmail.com

Sue Garing Honey

294 Ostrum Rd.
Kirkwood, NY 13795
(607) 775 - 5041
sue@suegaringhoney.com




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the farmer's museum in cooperstown openED for the season april 1, 2023

HOURS April 1 – May 26
Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 am–4:00 pm Closed Mondays.
Museum Store open 11:00 am–4:00 pm. Closed Mondays. May 27 – October 9
Open Daily, 10:00 am–5:00 pm
Museum Store: open daily, 11:00 am–5:00 pm
Crossroads Cafe: open daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm October 10 – October 31
Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 am–4:00 pm. Closed Mondays.
Museum Store: open 11:00 am–4:00 pm. Closed Mondays.
Crossroads Cafe: Closed November – March
Closed for winter except for special programs and events.
Museum Store: The Farmers’ Museum Store has everything you need when shopping for the Holidays!
11/1-11/22: open Tuesday-Sunday, 11:00am-4:00pm (closed Mondays and Thanksgiving Day)
11/24-12/24 (Holiday Hours): open daily, 11:00am-4:00pm after Thanksgiving
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Workshop: Balms and Salves
June 24 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Learn how to make your own tinctures, extracts, balms, salves, and rubs. Make your own to take home.
Stock your medicine cabinet with a variety of homemade remedies for everyday ailments – bruises, cuts, burns or sore muscles – all made from natural ingredients! Learn about the properties of plants, from the backyard as well as from the spice rack, and how to make tinctures, extracts, balms, salves, and rubs, then make your own to take home. It’s a cheap, natural, and fun alternative to a trip to the pharmacy!
Class Fee:  Members: $70 / Non-members $80. Lunch will be provided. Requires advance registration, limited to 8 participants, recommended for ages 14 and older.
Please bring an apron or wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty. Closed-toe shoes are required. Location: The Farmers’ Museum Creamery classroom and gardens.

Please email d.anderson@farmersmuseum.org with any questions.
Reserve your spot at HERE!
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Workshop: Backyard Weeds
June 25 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Learn how what many consider weeds have medical, culinary, cosmetic, and household uses. After a weed walk make and sample herbal creations.
This program explores the many uses of plants that most of us refer to as weeds. Burdock, dandelion, sumac, and plantain are just a few of the plants that will be explored. While participants learn about the history of these plants they will also discover the medical, culinary, cosmetic and household uses. Participants will go on a weed walk around the museum grounds while learning how to identify and gather plant material.
The walk will be followed by a workshop making and taste-testing samples of teas and herbal treats produced from these plants. Recipes and other handouts will be given to workshop participants.
Class Fee:  Members: $55 / Non-members $65. Lunch will be provided. Requires advance registration, limited to 8 participants, recommended for ages 14 and older.
Please bring an apron or wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty. Closed-toe shoes are required. Location: The Farmers’ Museum Creamery classroom and gardens.

Please email d.anderson@farmersmuseum.org with any questions.


BAT AND BIRD HOUSES ARE HERE !!!!!!!!
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BAT AND BIRD HOUSES ARE HERE!!!!!


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                         TO ACCESS OUR ONLINE PARTNERS
                                      CLICK ON LINKS BELOW
Skaneateles Lake Watershed
SKANLAKEINFO.ORG 


Kettle Lakes Watershed News:
​www.uppersusquehanna.org/usc/kettle-lakes/


Sharing the Road with Slow Moving Vehicles - What you need to know.
             http://www.safeny.ny.gov/media/SMV-broc4-09.pdf
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​​Water Deflectors - Managing Surface Water & Reducing 
Erosion on Unpaved Roads    
http://cceonondaga.org/resources/water-deflectors-managing-surface-water-and-reducing-erosion-on-unpaved-roads​
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What's the Poop on Manure Lagoons?  To watch the interview, click below​http://www.newyorkupstate.com/news/2017/06/whats_the_poop_on_manure_lagoons_see_how_they_work_why_farmers_need_them_video.html​ ​  ​​

Information on Hemlock Wooly Adelgid
https://blogs.cornell.edu/nyshemlockinitiative/
https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7250.html
https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/lands_forests_pdf/hwafactsheet.pdf
http://nyis.info/invasive_species/hemlock-woolly-adelgid/


Coming Soon More Soil News and Updates!!!

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.
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