WELCOME!
ABOUT SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION 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 IN THE NEWS Reprinted Syracuse.com Beck Farms in Tompkins County offers virtual farm tours through American Dairy Association by: Adrienne Smith FREEVILLE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Did you know it’s National Agriculture Week? As a way to highlight the industry, the American Dairy Association North East has teamed up with Beck Farms in Tompkins County to offer virtual farm tours to students. As a proud fourth-generation farmer, Tyler Beck of Beck Farms is at the forefront of evolving his family’s dairy farm in Freeville. His great-grandfather founded the farm in the 1920s. One thing that has remained consistent for Beck Farms over the last 100 years? The hard work and dedication it takes to run the dairy farm. Thanks to technology advancements and a partnership with the American Dairy Association North East, Beck Farms is reaching the younger generation, near and far. Since 2018, the American Dairy Association North East has been working with local dairy farmers to bring their farms right to the classroom. The lessons not only educate students about where their dairy and agricultural products come from, but it gives them a glimpse of life on the farm in real-time. “It takes about 35 people to complete this team and care for about 2,000 cows,” Beck explained. “It’s hard nowadays to find people that want to get up earlier, work the long hours out in the cold, do everything it takes to be a farmer, but once you get into it, you get addicted to it. It’s very fruitful.” Modern technology is not only helping to teach the younger generation about the agricultural industry, but it also helps with the growing day-to-day operations at Beck Farms. “With the technology, we can basically monitor each cow on an individual basis because when you have 2,000 of them, it’s hard to keep track of them all,” Beck explained. “So the buttons and technology allow us to really watch their health metrics.” If you’re interested in signing up for a virtual farm tour, click here. You can also find pre-recorded virtual farm tours that you can watch anytime! 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 ![]()
From NYS AG & Markets Website MARCH 20, 2023 ALBANY, NY New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Kicks off New York Agricultural Literacy Week Agriculture and Education Commissioners Participate in Ag Literacy Week, Reading to Boulevard Elementary School Students in Gloversville Wednesday, March 22 Week-Long Celebration Benefits More than 80,000 Students, Promotes Importance of Agricultural Industry Through Literature and Hands-On Lessons More than a Dozen Agriculture and Markets Staff Read to Students in Schools Across the State. State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball today announced the start of Agricultural Literacy Week in New York with a full slate of reading events planned across the State throughout the week. Now in its 18th year, Agricultural Literacy Week is a statewide effort, organized by New York Agriculture in the Classroom (NYAITC), to educate students about the importance of agriculture and opportunities for careers in the industry. Commissioner Ball said, “Cliché as it may sound, our children really are the future. As leaders in the agricultural community, it’s our responsibility to foster an understanding and appreciation of how our food is grown and where it comes from in our young people. Agricultural Literacy week gives us the opportunity to teach New York students to see the value of agriculture in their daily lives, and maybe even find a calling in the field. I am grateful to my fellow State Commissioners, our Department employees and so many other volunteers from across the State who are helping to share the importance of our industry this week.” New York State has one of the longest running and largest Agricultural Literacy Week programs in the country. Each year, thousands of volunteers visit schools throughout the state to read an agricultural-themed book to elementary school students. This year, more than 80,000 students statewide will participate in Agricultural Literacy Week. Students also benefit from an interactive lesson with volunteers sharing their experiences in agriculture. Teachers are provided with follow up activities to continue these important educational opportunities throughout the school year. All follow-up lessons, activities and supplementary materials are aligned with the Common Core Learning Standards. This year’s selected book is “Tomatoes for Neela,” by Padma Lakshmi, an intergenerational tale of connecting with other cultures, building communities, and bonding with family through food. OCSWCD ANSWERS THE LITERACY CALL! Pictured below are soil and water staff members Chris Travis and Eric Jensen reading Tomatoes for Neela at McKinley Brighton Elementary School and Dr. King Elementary School. Did you know March is the peak of maple syrup season? Check out these Central New York Maple Syrup Producers 1) Critz Farms – Cazenovia’s Critz Farms offers family-friendly activities throughout the year. During maple season, families can take a wagon ride to the sugarbush, learn about production, and sample syrup. Where: 3232 Rippleton Road, Cazenovia. More information: critzfarms.com. 2)Dutch Hill Maple – Dave Williams founded Dutch Hill Maple in 1968 with 15 maple trees. Since then, the number of taps has grown to more than 7,500. Maple syrup, maple crunch, maple BBQ sauce, and maple pops are all available for purchase, but keep in mind, orders must be shipped or picked up. Where: 1435 Dutch Hill Road, Tully. More information: dutchhillmaple.com. 3) Red Schoolhouse Maple – Located south of Lake Ontario, Red Schoolhouse Maple produces pure maple syrup. Make sure to also try some of its specialty products, including maple cream, hot maple mustard and sweet maple and apple cider vinaigrette. Where: 2437 County Route 4, Fulton. More information: redschoolhousemaple.com. 4) Schoolyard Sugarbush – Schoolyard Sugarbush’s name comes from its roots – the business started outside a one-room schoolhouse. Now in its fourth generation, it offers maple sugar, maple candy, and maple cream, along with several grades of its maple syrup. Where: 5967 Appletree Point Road, Moravia. More information: schoolyardsugarbush.org. 5) Skaneateles Sugar Shack – Skaneateles Sugar Shack collects more than 100,000 gallons of sap each year, according to its website, shipping its products all over the world. Stop by its retail space about five miles south of the village to purchase maple syrup, maple cotton candy, maple sugar, and more. Where: 2234 Benson Road, Skaneateles. More information: skaneatelessugarshack.com. 6) Smokey Hollow Maple Products – Nearly five decades ago, the Hotaling family started making maple syrup with a wash tub and a campfire, eventually turning their hobby into a business in 1986. These days, they use a more modern process, selling everything from maple syrup to maple coated nuts to maple mustard. Where: 8597 Pierce Road, Jordan. More information: smokeyhollowmaplesyrup.com. DEC Summer Camps are Special DEC camps help instill a life-long passion for nature and stewardship of natural resourcesDEC camps combine environmental education, hunter education programs, and outdoor recreation into a fun adventure. We use a hands-on approach to teach about the environment. Camps run Sunday afternoon through Friday afternoon. Campers will have the opportunity to learn outdoor skills including backpacking, camping, and canoeing. They will explore New York's diverse habitats, have the chance to learn basic ecological concepts, and how human activities affect the environment. Campers solve challenges, explore environmental concepts, practice outdoor skills, and spend the week immersed in nature. The 2022 Camp Season marked 75 years of fostering a love for the natural world. Explore DEC's Summer Camps through images on the DEC's Summer Camps Facebook page. (leaves DEC website) Adventure, Education, & Fun! Lessons at camp cover a range of topics led by counselors with backgrounds in science, education, or recreation and include examining insects and flowers in a field, using nets along the lake shore to study macroinvertebrates, or venturing in the forest to learn about biodiversity and forestry. Throughout the week campers engage in activities that emphasize basic ecological concepts about habitats, species identification, and how organisms and habitats adapt to changes. Campers also consider environmental solutions through activities and scenarios that encourage them to make decisions to mitigate their impacts on the environment. At camp, youth also have a chance to try new skills, including archery, canoeing, fishing, birding, or taking a hunter education course. Hunter education programs are limited and offer campers a chance to complete their safety certificates on the path to a hunting, bowhunting, or trapping license. Visit Hunter Education at Camp to learn more. Counselors also use the I FISH NY program to teach about fishing and fish identification. Day trips might include hiking, canoeing in nearby lakes, or visiting local nature museums as the week allows. Each week campers also go on one overnight trip and learn camping skills. Of course, camp also includes skits, songs, campfires, swimming, and recreation games to round out the week. Many of the games and activities at camp are from environmental education programs like Projects Learning Tree, WILD, & WET, allowing campers to play games while further reinforcing ecological concepts. Follow these links to learn more about camp.
Our counselors are well-educated and committed to providing a great experience for all campers. Many of our staff are former campers, continuing the DEC Summer Camps tradition by returning to teach the next generation of campers. All environmental education camp counselors have at least two years of college in natural or biological sciences, natural resource conservation, recreation management, environmental education or primary and secondary education. Our counselors are all certified in First Aid and CPR/AED and have been checked through the NYS Sex Offenders Registry. Cost and Sponsorships DEC camp costs $350 per camper, per week. Many campers are sponsored by local conservation organizations, hunting and fishing clubs, garden clubs, and community groups. Talk with organizations in your area to find out if they offer sponsorships, and how to receive one. Sponsored campers must work with their sponsoring organization to receive sponsorship ahead of the March 2023 registration opening for camps. Visit Sponsoring Youth to Camp for more information. ![]() SWCD 'Municipal Partner of the Year' Award presentation to the Town of Skaneateles
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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.
This year we invite you to participate in Skaneateles Easter Scavenger Hunt starting March 31st and going until April 14th! Scavenger Hunt Forms are available at the Skaneateles Chamber (22 Jordan St.), Hobby House Toys (7 Jordan St.), and Pride + Joy (88 E Genesee St.) or digitally through the pdf below.
Families will find Easter/Spring themed cutouts in the windows of shops throughout the Village. Put 5 place names with the correct picture together to get an Easter Bag of goodies. Correctly find all the cutouts and you'll get an Easter Bag and an entry for the chance to win one of three grand prizes donated by HABA Toys, Hobby House Toys, and Pride + Joy.
This event is planned for children, but there are no age-specific requirements. If you have any questions about the event don't hesitate to contact us at (315) 685-0552.
The Skaneateles Chamber office hours are Monday-Friday from 10-4 pm.
This event is hosted by The Skaneateles Foundation.
Families will find Easter/Spring themed cutouts in the windows of shops throughout the Village. Put 5 place names with the correct picture together to get an Easter Bag of goodies. Correctly find all the cutouts and you'll get an Easter Bag and an entry for the chance to win one of three grand prizes donated by HABA Toys, Hobby House Toys, and Pride + Joy.
This event is planned for children, but there are no age-specific requirements. If you have any questions about the event don't hesitate to contact us at (315) 685-0552.
The Skaneateles Chamber office hours are Monday-Friday from 10-4 pm.
This event is hosted by The Skaneateles Foundation.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GIVE A ZOO ANIMAL AN EGG?
Animal Egg-stravaganza
Watch the animals as they enjoy their very own “Egg-Stravaganza.” A variety of animals will receive eggs and egg-shaped enrichment items throughout the day. Don’t miss this egg-citing event! Presenting unusual items to the animals is part of the zoo’s enrichment program, designed to promote natural behaviors and keep our animals engaged, curious and happy.
SUNDAY
APR 2
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
FREE WITH ZOO MEMBERSHIP OR ADMISSION.
Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Schedule:
10:30 a.m. Komodo Dragon – Social Animals Building
11 a.m. Siamang – Social Animals Building
11:30 a.m. Red Panda – Wildlife Trail
12 p.m. Red River Hogs – Wildlife Trail
12:30 p.m. Meerkats – Social Animals Building
1 p.m. Stanley Blue Cranes – Wildlife Trail
1:30 p.m. Andean Bear – Wildlife Trail
2 p.m. Asian Elephants – Helga Beck Asian Elephant Preserve
2:30 p.m. Turkmenian Markhor – Wildlife Trail
3 p.m. Giant Pacific Octopus – USS Antiquities
3:30 p.m. Diversity of Birds Aviary
Free with zoo membership or admission.
Animal Egg-stravaganza
Watch the animals as they enjoy their very own “Egg-Stravaganza.” A variety of animals will receive eggs and egg-shaped enrichment items throughout the day. Don’t miss this egg-citing event! Presenting unusual items to the animals is part of the zoo’s enrichment program, designed to promote natural behaviors and keep our animals engaged, curious and happy.
SUNDAY
APR 2
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
FREE WITH ZOO MEMBERSHIP OR ADMISSION.
Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Schedule:
10:30 a.m. Komodo Dragon – Social Animals Building
11 a.m. Siamang – Social Animals Building
11:30 a.m. Red Panda – Wildlife Trail
12 p.m. Red River Hogs – Wildlife Trail
12:30 p.m. Meerkats – Social Animals Building
1 p.m. Stanley Blue Cranes – Wildlife Trail
1:30 p.m. Andean Bear – Wildlife Trail
2 p.m. Asian Elephants – Helga Beck Asian Elephant Preserve
2:30 p.m. Turkmenian Markhor – Wildlife Trail
3 p.m. Giant Pacific Octopus – USS Antiquities
3:30 p.m. Diversity of Birds Aviary
Free with zoo membership or admission.
Onondaga County Soil & Water
Conservation District
6680 Onondaga Lake Parkway
LIverpool, NY 13088
(315) 457-0325
Fax: (315) 457-0410
UPCOMING RECYCLING EVENTS
APRIL 22, 2023
ELECTRONICS RECYCLING 8:00AM-2:00PM
LOCATION: DESTINY USA PINK PARKING LOT
REGISTER: https://form.jotform.com/Sunnking/Magnarelli23
What You Can Bring
computers
televisions
tablets
monitors
cameras
copiers
fax machines
scanners
printers
vcr + dvd players
cable boxes
digital music players
gaming consoles
cell phones
av equipment
MAY 6, 2023
SHREDDING OPPORTUNITY 9:00-12:00PM
LOCATION: DESTINY USA PINK PARKING LOT
REGISTER: https://nyassembly.gov/mem/William-B-Magnarelli/story/105155
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.
PLAN EARLY TO TAKE PART IN EARTH DAY EVENTS AROUND CNY
Earth Fest 2023 Sustainable Manlius is partnering with Renewable Fayetteville to bring EarthFest back for 2023! This year EarthFest will be held at Fayetteville's Canal Landing Park. With even more EV's to showcase at the EV Car Show, Music, Food Trucks, Fun Activities for kids and more, EarthFest will be an amazing event celebrating sustainable practices, products and more.
Learn how you can electrify your ride, home and more at EarthFest 2023! Visit “EV Row” where you can see a variety of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles and their owners. Meet with local organizations who offer great educational resources and volunteer opportunities to help make our community a more sustainable and eco-driven community. Connect with local business owners and learn how their business is striving to help our community reach our sustainability goals.
For more information contact Craig: 315-952-4227
Learn how you can electrify your ride, home and more at EarthFest 2023! Visit “EV Row” where you can see a variety of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles and their owners. Meet with local organizations who offer great educational resources and volunteer opportunities to help make our community a more sustainable and eco-driven community. Connect with local business owners and learn how their business is striving to help our community reach our sustainability goals.
For more information contact Craig: 315-952-4227
Downtown Syracuse Earth Day Registration
The Downtown Syracuse Earth Day Cleanup 2023 will be Saturday, April 22. Throughout the morning, our staff will meet volunteers at four different locations spread out through Downtown Syracuse. We'll provide gloves, trash bags and distribute t-shirts to all volunteers.
8:30 am - Clinton & Adams Streets: Early birds can meet our staff at the parking lot behind 572 S. Salina Street (map).
9:00 am - Onondaga Creekwalk: Our crew will meet the next round of volunteers at the Walton Street extension near West Street (map). To provide a frame of reference, this is the park located across from the Syracuse University Warehouse.
9:30 am - Armory Square: Our third meeting location is in Armory Square. We meet volunteers on the lawn outside The MOST (map).
10:30 am - Downtown East: Our fourth and final meeting location of the morning is at 217 Montgomery Street (map)
If you are interested, let us know how many volunteers will be participating, the location if you have a preference and the sizes of the shirts for your volunteers.
If you have any other questions, please email us at Mail@DowntownSyracuse.com.
PLACE
Corner Rt. 370 & Vann Road
Baldwinsville, NY US 13027
DESCRIPTION
EARTH DAY HALF MARATHON, 5K & Relay April 23, 2023
The Earth Day Half Marathon & 5K has quickly become one of CNY’s most looked forward to springtime races! Along with some of the best swag out there, all participants get a tree to plant! Runners love the connection to the countryside setting. As you run along the low-traffic country roads, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of rolling farmland, pastures with cows and horses and the lookout at Beaver Lake. The race start/finish and post-race fest are at the Emmi Farm’s Greenhouse with lots of parking, conveniently nearby- within walking distance.
The half marathon is mostly a loop course on low-traffic, country roads with many friendly neighbors that come out to cheer you on! The course is described as having rolling hills with a couple good ones between Mile 8/9. The Half Marathon Relay is a 2 person relay with each member of the team running 6.55 miles (1/4 marathon). The 5K is an out & back along two fairly flat stretches of country road.
The Earth Day Half Marathon, Relay & 5K event benefits the Baldwinsville Meals on Wheels, the Volunteer Center and other local not for profit groups.
Corner Rt. 370 & Vann Road
Baldwinsville, NY US 13027
DESCRIPTION
EARTH DAY HALF MARATHON, 5K & Relay April 23, 2023
The Earth Day Half Marathon & 5K has quickly become one of CNY’s most looked forward to springtime races! Along with some of the best swag out there, all participants get a tree to plant! Runners love the connection to the countryside setting. As you run along the low-traffic country roads, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of rolling farmland, pastures with cows and horses and the lookout at Beaver Lake. The race start/finish and post-race fest are at the Emmi Farm’s Greenhouse with lots of parking, conveniently nearby- within walking distance.
The half marathon is mostly a loop course on low-traffic, country roads with many friendly neighbors that come out to cheer you on! The course is described as having rolling hills with a couple good ones between Mile 8/9. The Half Marathon Relay is a 2 person relay with each member of the team running 6.55 miles (1/4 marathon). The 5K is an out & back along two fairly flat stretches of country road.
The Earth Day Half Marathon, Relay & 5K event benefits the Baldwinsville Meals on Wheels, the Volunteer Center and other local not for profit groups.
Ready for spring? We. Can't. Wait. Enjoy a lovely day outside, get some exercise with friends and pick up litter during OCRRA's Annual Earth Day Cleanup!
You won't find a more flexible way to volunteer! Pick an area where you'd like to clean up litter in Onondaga County, pick your partners and pick the time and day.
Individuals or groups can register to volunteer on Friday, April 21 or Saturday, April 22 - Earth Day!
OCRRA will mail trash bag stickers and drop-off instructions to group leaders before the event.
Since YOU lead the way, this is a perfect opportunity for company community service, volunteering as a family or getting your exercise group out of the gym.
Register here by April 12, 2023: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/522956365567
It's never too early to start planning for better weather and a clean community.
You won't find a more flexible way to volunteer! Pick an area where you'd like to clean up litter in Onondaga County, pick your partners and pick the time and day.
Individuals or groups can register to volunteer on Friday, April 21 or Saturday, April 22 - Earth Day!
OCRRA will mail trash bag stickers and drop-off instructions to group leaders before the event.
Since YOU lead the way, this is a perfect opportunity for company community service, volunteering as a family or getting your exercise group out of the gym.
Register here by April 12, 2023: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/522956365567
It's never too early to start planning for better weather and a clean community.
Reprinted from Farm Journal Ag Web
What Bodies of Water are Considered WOTUS?
By JIM WIESEMEYER March 19, 2023
The EPA’s new definition of Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) takes effect Monday. It will be a key topic Wednesday when EPA Administrator Michael Regan appears before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
Naysayers to the Biden WOTUS approach should take heart because as usual, EPA will take longer than most expect to implement it.
WOTUS BackgroundBiden’s EPA action would replace the Trump-era WOTUS rule with a new regulation that would expand federal protections for certain bodies of water.
The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on Sept. 3, 2021, and is known as the "Definition of Waters of the United States" rule. Under the proposed rule, the following bodies of water would be considered WOTUS and therefore subject to federal regulation:
Traditional navigable waters
• Tributaries that contribute perennial or intermittent flow to such waters
• Certain ditches that meet specific criteria related to flow and function
• Certain lakes and ponds
• Impoundments of otherwise jurisdictional waters
• Wetlands that are adjacent to jurisdictional waters
The proposed rule also seeks to provide more clarity around which waters are not considered WOTUS and therefore not subject to federal regulation. For example, the rule would exclude certain types of ditches, ephemeral streams that only flow in response to precipitation, and groundwater.
The Biden administration has emphasized that the proposed rule is grounded in science and aims to protect public health, support communities and economies, and address climate change. However, the rule is likely to face legal challenges from industry groups and some states and as noted, the real “clarity” will come by June via the Supreme Court ruling.
Don’t waste your time following congressional efforts to overturn the WOTUS rule under the Congressional Review Act (CRA).
Even though it passed the House, and even should it clear the Senate (by no means a certainty), President Joe Biden has already said he would veto it and the votes to override are lacking.
Naysayers to the Biden WOTUS approach should take heart because as usual, EPA will take longer than most expect to implement it.
WOTUS BackgroundBiden’s EPA action would replace the Trump-era WOTUS rule with a new regulation that would expand federal protections for certain bodies of water.
The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on Sept. 3, 2021, and is known as the "Definition of Waters of the United States" rule. Under the proposed rule, the following bodies of water would be considered WOTUS and therefore subject to federal regulation:
Traditional navigable waters
• Tributaries that contribute perennial or intermittent flow to such waters
• Certain ditches that meet specific criteria related to flow and function
• Certain lakes and ponds
• Impoundments of otherwise jurisdictional waters
• Wetlands that are adjacent to jurisdictional waters
The proposed rule also seeks to provide more clarity around which waters are not considered WOTUS and therefore not subject to federal regulation. For example, the rule would exclude certain types of ditches, ephemeral streams that only flow in response to precipitation, and groundwater.
The Biden administration has emphasized that the proposed rule is grounded in science and aims to protect public health, support communities and economies, and address climate change. However, the rule is likely to face legal challenges from industry groups and some states and as noted, the real “clarity” will come by June via the Supreme Court ruling.
Don’t waste your time following congressional efforts to overturn the WOTUS rule under the Congressional Review Act (CRA).
Even though it passed the House, and even should it clear the Senate (by no means a certainty), President Joe Biden has already said he would veto it and the votes to override are lacking.
INTERNATIONAL TASTE FESTIVAL AT THE NEW YORK STATE FAIR GROUNDS
The 2nd Annual International Taste Festival will be held April 1, 2023 at the New York State Fairgrounds ~ Center of Progress Building!
With a focus on the tastes and traditions of many different countries and cultures, we invite you to attend with family and friends.
Enjoy foods from our diverse Regions:
* Foods of the Americas
* Asian Creations
* Middle Eastern Treats
* Pan African Cuisine
* Tastes of Europe
Enjoy family fun, local diverse entertainment, and all food vendors will offer $2 sample items, along with full priced items!
An International Taste Fest 5K/10K is also part of the event- please see attached details for separate registration.
Visit us here for updates and… we can’t wait to see you there!
International Taste Festival 2023 details:
April 1, 2023
11:00 am – 9:00 pm
NYS Fairgrounds ~ Center of Progress Building
581 State Fair Boulevard
Syracuse, NY 13209
https://www.showpass.com/internationaltastefest/
Syracuse PHA Horse Show
The 71st Annual Syracuse Chapter PHA Horse Show with competitions for riders of all ages.
USEF NATIONAL RATED JUMPER 1 RATED.
Featuring Hunter Classics, Junior/Amateur Owner, Children's, Adult Amateur, & Bit O'Straw.
New for 2023: $3500 Syracuse PHA Pairs Exhibition
ADDITIONAL DATES AND TIMES
Thu, Apr 27, 2023 at 8:00am - 8:00pm
Fri, Apr 28, 2023 at 8:00am - 8:00pm
Sat, Apr 29, 2023 at 7:30am - 8:00pm
Sun, Apr 30, 2023 at 7:30am - 6:00pm
DETAILS
The 71st Annual Syracuse Chapter PHA Horse Show with competitions for riders of all ages.
USEF NATIONAL RATED JUMPER 1 RATED.
Featuring Hunter Classics, Junior/Amateur Owner, Children's, Adult Amateur, & Bit O'Straw.
New for 2023: $3500 Syracuse PHA Pairs Exhibition
ADDITIONAL DATES AND TIMES
Thu, Apr 27, 2023 at 8:00am - 8:00pm
Fri, Apr 28, 2023 at 8:00am - 8:00pm
Sat, Apr 29, 2023 at 7:30am - 8:00pm
Sun, Apr 30, 2023 at 7:30am - 6:00pm
DETAILS
- DATE AND TIME
Wed, April 26, 2023
9:30am - 8:00pm - VENUE
Toyota Coliseum - ADMISSION
Free - WEBSITE
www.syracusepha.org - CONTACT EMAIL
kkocher63@gmail.com

March is Women's History Month
Meet Mollie H. Beattie:
Mollie H. Beattie (April 27, 1947 – June 27, 1996) was an American conservationist and government official who served as director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2009, she was designated a Women's History Month Honoree by the National Women's History Project.
From 1985 to 1989, Beattie was Vermont Commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation. From 1989 to 1990, she was deputy of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. From September 10,1993 to June 5,1996, she served as the first female director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. She oversaw the successful reintroduction of the gray wolf into northern Rocky Mountains. During her tenure, she oversaw the addition of 15 new wildlife refuges, and established over 100 new habitat conservation plans. Mollie also fought fiercely in Washington D.C. to bring a new "ecosystem approach" to fish and wildlife management, to protect the wildlife refuges, and against efforts to weaken Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Meet Mollie H. Beattie:
Mollie H. Beattie (April 27, 1947 – June 27, 1996) was an American conservationist and government official who served as director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2009, she was designated a Women's History Month Honoree by the National Women's History Project.
From 1985 to 1989, Beattie was Vermont Commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation. From 1989 to 1990, she was deputy of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. From September 10,1993 to June 5,1996, she served as the first female director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. She oversaw the successful reintroduction of the gray wolf into northern Rocky Mountains. During her tenure, she oversaw the addition of 15 new wildlife refuges, and established over 100 new habitat conservation plans. Mollie also fought fiercely in Washington D.C. to bring a new "ecosystem approach" to fish and wildlife management, to protect the wildlife refuges, and against efforts to weaken Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Skaneateles Weather Station Encourages IPM
By Eric Jensen, Resource Conservation Specialist
The Skaneateles Lake Watershed Ag Program (SLWAP) is partnering with Anyela’s Vineyard to install a KestrelMet 6000 ag weather station to foster greater Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program use in the watershed. This station is compatible with the Network for Environment and Weather Applications (NEWA) which collects on-farm weather data from more than 700 weather stations across 15 partner states and generates crop production tools and IPM forecasts. These agronomic tools promote better IPM, reduced pesticide use, and improved environmental protection.
The on-farm weather data and all the IPM tools are available on the internet via the www.newa.cornell.edu website at the Skaneateles station marker. Many farm managers find that “NEWA provides reliable IPM information that supports responsible management practices, enhances decision-making, and increases awareness of pest and production risks.”
A comprehensive suite of various crop IPM tools and pest forecast information, including for grape management, is available on the website. The growing degree day (GDD) calculator is very helpful to any local grower or gardener to track plant and pest development stages. This Skaneateles IPM weather station will provide valuable data for local growers and has the potential to help reduce environmental risks in the watershed for years to come.
For more information, contact the SLWAP & Onondaga County Soil & Water Conservation District office location at 6680 Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool at (315) 457-0325.
By Eric Jensen, Resource Conservation Specialist
The Skaneateles Lake Watershed Ag Program (SLWAP) is partnering with Anyela’s Vineyard to install a KestrelMet 6000 ag weather station to foster greater Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program use in the watershed. This station is compatible with the Network for Environment and Weather Applications (NEWA) which collects on-farm weather data from more than 700 weather stations across 15 partner states and generates crop production tools and IPM forecasts. These agronomic tools promote better IPM, reduced pesticide use, and improved environmental protection.
The on-farm weather data and all the IPM tools are available on the internet via the www.newa.cornell.edu website at the Skaneateles station marker. Many farm managers find that “NEWA provides reliable IPM information that supports responsible management practices, enhances decision-making, and increases awareness of pest and production risks.”
A comprehensive suite of various crop IPM tools and pest forecast information, including for grape management, is available on the website. The growing degree day (GDD) calculator is very helpful to any local grower or gardener to track plant and pest development stages. This Skaneateles IPM weather station will provide valuable data for local growers and has the potential to help reduce environmental risks in the watershed for years to come.
For more information, contact the SLWAP & Onondaga County Soil & Water Conservation District office location at 6680 Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool at (315) 457-0325.
Pictures Above : Jim Nocek of Anyela's Vineyard standing next to the IPM weather station.
BEAVER LAKE NATURE CENTER
8477 East Mud Lake Road
Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Wood Duck WanderAdvance Registration Required
No duck is more striking than the Wood Duck, which is often found at Beaver Lake nesting in the old Beech trees along the Deep Woods Trail. Early spring is when Wood Duck pairs seek a suitable nesting location in a hollow tree. A quiet guided walk in the early morning may allow you to see one of nature’s finest offerings.
SATURDAY
APR 1
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
FREE WITH NATURE CENTER ADMISSION
315-638-2519
8477 East Mud Lake Road
Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Wood Duck WanderAdvance Registration Required
No duck is more striking than the Wood Duck, which is often found at Beaver Lake nesting in the old Beech trees along the Deep Woods Trail. Early spring is when Wood Duck pairs seek a suitable nesting location in a hollow tree. A quiet guided walk in the early morning may allow you to see one of nature’s finest offerings.
SATURDAY
APR 1
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
FREE WITH NATURE CENTER ADMISSION
315-638-2519
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today announced applications are being accepted for New York State’s 2023 Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Leopold Conservation Award. Presented in partnership with the Sand County Foundation, the annual award honors a farm and its nominating Soil and Water Conservation District for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In New York, the $10,000 award is presented in partnership with national sponsor American Farmland Trust, and state partner Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Commissioner Ball said, “The distinguished New York AEM-Leopold Conservation award is a great way to honor our state’s farmers who work hard to protect our environment and combat climate change; preserve soil health and water quality; and leave the land better than they found it. I thank the Sand County Foundation and all of our partners for their collaboration in presenting this award, and encourage eligible farms to work with their local Soil and Water Conservation District to apply.”
Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage. The Sand County Foundation presents the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 25 states. In New York, the longstanding AEM Award joined with the Leopold Conservation Award program in 2020, most recently awarding Greenfield Farms of Skaneateles in 2022.
Applications for the New York AEM Leopold Conservation Award are now being accepted, with county Soil and Water Conservation Districts applying on behalf of the farm. Eligible candidates successfully incorporate AEM Best Management Practices into the management of the farm, assisting the landowner in meeting business and environmental goals. Applicants should demonstrate conservation leadership and outreach in the agricultural sector and be an inspiration to other landowners.
Applications for the New York AEM Leopold Conservation Award must be received by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets by May 27, 2023. Nominations will be reviewed by an independent panel of conservation leaders. Interested candidates should contact their local county Soil and Water Conservation District. Contact information can be found at https://agriculture.ny.gov/soil-and-water/soil-water-conservation-district-offices.
The application can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.
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.*****
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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Pollution Insurance: Are You Properly Covered?
Information Provided by:
Kristen Juliana, CIC, CRM, AAI
Licensed Insurance Agent/Broker
Eastern Shore Associates
Pollution Liability Insurance can mean different things in different industries. Company forms can be standard or non-standard, and coverage can be written on a narrow or broad scope. It is very important to read your policy forms and make sure your agent is familiar with all of your operations.
So, why is there a need for Pollution Insurance? Standard General Liability policies exclude Bodily Injury or Property Damage arising out of the release, dispersal, seepage, migration or escape of a pollutant. Depending on the policy, pollutants can be defined as a solid, liquid, gaseous, thermal irritant, or contaminant, including smoke, vapor, soot, fumes, acids, alkalis, chemicals, odor, or waste. In addition, waste can include materials to be recycled, reconditioned, or reclaimed.
There are two common options to obtain Pollution Coverage for your operations. First, General Liability policies can be endorsed to cover specific (narrow) exposures depending on the industry and your coverage needs. The second and broader option is a stand-alone Pollution policy that can be tailored to meet your operation’s needs.
Farming, for instance, has some unique exposures that might include:
o Pesticide/Herbicide Application and Storage
o Transportation of Pollutants (Milk can be a pollutant)
o Non-Owned Disposal sites
o Manure Storage Facilities
o Spreading Manure
o Above or Below Ground Fuel Tanks
Coverage to look for in your Pollution Program:
On-Site and Off-Site Clean Up Pesticide/Herbicide application/overspray
On-Site and Off-Site Bodily Injury Over the Road Exposures
On-Site and Off-Site Property Damage Legal Defense
Off-Site Application of Manure Nutrients Bacteria and Odors as Defined Pollutants
Cleanup of Natural Resources Above Ground Storage Tanks/Manure Storage
Under Ground Storage Tanks (fuel, waste oil,
heating oil)
A well nurtured agent client relationship will help you identify exposures and seek out options for insuringagainst loss and not leaving coverage to chance.
Information Provided by:
Kristen Juliana, CIC, CRM, AAI
Licensed Insurance Agent/Broker
Eastern Shore Associates
Pollution Liability Insurance can mean different things in different industries. Company forms can be standard or non-standard, and coverage can be written on a narrow or broad scope. It is very important to read your policy forms and make sure your agent is familiar with all of your operations.
So, why is there a need for Pollution Insurance? Standard General Liability policies exclude Bodily Injury or Property Damage arising out of the release, dispersal, seepage, migration or escape of a pollutant. Depending on the policy, pollutants can be defined as a solid, liquid, gaseous, thermal irritant, or contaminant, including smoke, vapor, soot, fumes, acids, alkalis, chemicals, odor, or waste. In addition, waste can include materials to be recycled, reconditioned, or reclaimed.
There are two common options to obtain Pollution Coverage for your operations. First, General Liability policies can be endorsed to cover specific (narrow) exposures depending on the industry and your coverage needs. The second and broader option is a stand-alone Pollution policy that can be tailored to meet your operation’s needs.
Farming, for instance, has some unique exposures that might include:
o Pesticide/Herbicide Application and Storage
o Transportation of Pollutants (Milk can be a pollutant)
o Non-Owned Disposal sites
o Manure Storage Facilities
o Spreading Manure
o Above or Below Ground Fuel Tanks
Coverage to look for in your Pollution Program:
On-Site and Off-Site Clean Up Pesticide/Herbicide application/overspray
On-Site and Off-Site Bodily Injury Over the Road Exposures
On-Site and Off-Site Property Damage Legal Defense
Off-Site Application of Manure Nutrients Bacteria and Odors as Defined Pollutants
Cleanup of Natural Resources Above Ground Storage Tanks/Manure Storage
Under Ground Storage Tanks (fuel, waste oil,
heating oil)
A well nurtured agent client relationship will help you identify exposures and seek out options for insuringagainst loss and not leaving coverage to chance.
.
WE NEED YOU, SYRACUSE!
We’re looking for YOUR help to grow the Syracuse Community Forest in 1 of 2 ways:
1. Receive a FREE tree planted in front of your house in the city of Syracuse, N.Y. Homeowners, email sharris@syr.gov, to see if you qualify.
2. Volunteer at Syracuse City community tree planting events, watch for upcoming posts for event dates and times.
We’re looking for YOUR help to grow the Syracuse Community Forest in 1 of 2 ways:
1. Receive a FREE tree planted in front of your house in the city of Syracuse, N.Y. Homeowners, email sharris@syr.gov, to see if you qualify.
2. Volunteer at Syracuse City community tree planting events, watch for upcoming posts for event dates and times.
UPDATES FROM MICRON
By Glenn Coin | gcoin@syracuse.com
3/6/2023
Syracuse, N.Y. – The four semiconductor manufacturing plants Micron Technology has pledged to build in Clay would be as tall as the JMA Wireless Dome.
The 160-foot-tall plants would be flanked by dozens of other buildings and facilities, from an office complex to an on-site water treatment plant.
Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard gleaned those details from Micron officials and the application the company filed in its hometown of Boise, Idaho, to build a manufacturing plant there. That plant will be the model for the four in Clay.
The Boise manufacturing plant, called a fab, would be 160 feet tall, according to plans Micron filed with the city of Boise. The fab will have a 600,000-square-foot clean room, or production area. It will look very much like the fabs planned for the Clay campus, Scott Gatzemeier, a Micron vice president in charge of U.S. expansion efforts, confirmed to syracuse.com.
“We’re going to take that one 600,000-square-foot fab and lay out four of them in New York,” Gatzemeier said. “Over time they will be built on very similar architectural and engineering designs to what we have here in Idaho.”
Gatzemeier said the four fabs in Clay will run north to south, and be linked by corridors. The fabs would sit back from the roads, and the public would see a large office building along Caughdenoy Road, he said. The rest of the campus would unfold behind it.
When you drive up, you just see the office buildings, with a good facade,” he said. “The lab and manufacturing and all the gas yards, electrical yards, and all that’s kind of behind it.”
The Boise fab, where millions of tiny computer chips will be produced, is just one of the buildings planned for the Idaho campus. The site would also have a water treatment plant, utility building and administrative offices and thousands of parking spaces.
The total square footage of those ancillary buildings would be three times greater than the fab’s footprint. The whole complex would have nearly triple the square feet of DestinyUSA.
In Clay, Micron says it will build two of those fabs over the next 10 years, at a cost of $48 billion, and the other two would be built in the decade after that. The fabs are plants where silicon wafers are turned into integrated circuits, the tiny chips that power personal computers, cell phones and other electronic devices.
Each clean room inside the fabs would be the size of 10 football fields.
The Boise fab will also have twin gas-exchange towers, which look like smokestacks. Those towers will each be 185 feet high, taller than the Onondaga County Courthouse or Syracuse City Hall.
Micron already has a large research and development headquarters in Boise, where it has about 5,000 employees. The company owns about 1,000 acres and is annexing about 300 more for the expansion.
Onondaga County has acquired 1,400 acres at White Pines for the Micron development and is still buying up land, for Micron and for the suppliers and contractors expected to locate close to the fab.
Here’s what else Micron plans to build to support the Boise fab. The Clay site is likely to have similar and larger ancillary buildings.
- A 620,000-square-foot water treatment plant.
- A 350,000-square-foot building, called production support.
- A 450,000-square-foot utility building.
- A 440,000-square foot administration building.
- A 22-acre electrical substation that will send power to the rest of the complex.
- Twin 185-foot-high columns resembling smokestacks, to filter out gases from the fab.
- About 6,000 parking spaces for employees, contractors and vendors.
Construction is expected to start this year, and chip-making could start in 2025.
In Clay, Micron said it could spend up to $100 billion over the next 20 years. That would create an estimated 9,000 Micron jobs and 40,000 jobs in construction and supply chains.
The first project in Clay would employ 3,000 people in one $20 billion “mega-fab” that would begin production in the latter half of the decade, the company said. Site preparation is expected to begin this year at the White Pines Commerce Park, with construction starting in 2024.
Micron is the world’s fourth-largest semiconductor manufacturer, with revenues of about $31 billion last year. It’s one of the big three global producers of chips called dynamic random access memory, or DRAM. That’s the kind of chips Micron plans to make in Clay.
SUPPORTING NEW YORK FARMS, FOOD BANKS, AND COMMUNITIES IN NEED
From the Nourish New York Website
New York State's Nourish New York Initiative is a lifeline for our families and our farmers who have been struggling with changes brought on by COVID-19. This critical program helps people who are food insecure to access the nourishment that they need, while providing a market for farmers to sell their products. A total of $147 million has been dedicated to the program so far. The funding will allow New York's emergency food providers to continue to purchase surplus products from New York farmers and dairy manufacturers and deliver it to New York families in need through the end of the year.
New York farmers, suppliers, and processors are encouraged to share details about their available products, such as produce, meat, eggs, seafood, and dairy products, so food banks across the state can find New York agricultural food products to purchase and distribute to communities in need.
For more information, please email NourishNY@agriculture.ny.gov.
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.