Audubon for All Guided Birding Hike – Saturday, June 19

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Saturday, June 19
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Join the Montezuma Audubon Center for a fun and inclusive birding walk with a Montezuma Audubon Center environmental educator during this month’s celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community. Enjoy a leisurely 1-mile walk through the grassland and forest while learning about the many birds that live there. This nature walk is for anyone who appreciates community, adventure, and wants to get outdoors to explore. We welcome those who identify as LGBTQIA+, allies, families, and anyone looking for a fun, educational, and inclusive outdoor experience. Facial coverings will be required, and we will follow physical distancing guidelines. This tour is funded in part through the generous support of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

Please note: This hike will depart from the Montezuma Audubon Center (2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY).

-Fee: $5/child, $10/adult, $25/family.
-Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early to get checked in and use the restroom.
-Space is limited and pre-paid online reservations are required.
-Call 315.365.3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org with questions.

Registration is required. https://act.audubon.org/a/audubon-all-guided-birding-hike-colvin-marsh-61921

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NYS Grown And Certified Program

16 Jun by

Why Join the New York State Grown & Certified Program?

New York producers who follow a higher standard of food handling and environmentally responsible practices will gain access to a variety of program benefits.

 

Diners at a restaurant that serves New York Grown & Certified produced dining with wine, coffee, and dates in a room filled with topiary and plants as ambiance.

Extensive research shows that a New York State Grown & Certified label builds on the existing positive perception that residents have of NYS produce, with people saying they would buy more (74%), pay more (49%), and favor food bearing this label over food that did not (96%).

A red apple adorned with the New York State Grown & Certified blue and white sealAccess to marketing support and use of the New York State Grown & Certified logo

New York State will fund a comprehensive marketing campaign around New York State Grown & Certified aimed at restaurants, institutional buyers, and retail consumers.

Participants in New York State Grown & Certified will have access to the label, which will promote awareness and highlight producers meeting the program’s standards. Participants will also be featured on the New York State Grown & Certified web page, while promotional materials are designed to encourage program participation among producers, and to educate retail, wholesale, restaurant, and institutional buyers.
A young plant growing out of the ground in Upstate New York that is past the sapling phase prior to blossoming into its final form.

Registration is easy and participation costs nothing

Becoming one of New York State Grown & Certified’s qualifying producers will increase sales due to the resulting demand while costing your business nothing to participate.

For more information,  or to register as a NYS Grown and Certified Producer contact  AEM District Technician Ian Priestley . 

Who is New York State Grown & Certified for?

New York State Grown & Certified is open to New York producers who adhere to the best practices in safe food handling and environmental stewardship. It is currently available to produce growers who are certified for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and are participating in Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) plans.

Filed Under: Grown And Certified

Wayne County Coastal Lakeshore Economy And Resiliency initiative (CLEAR)

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Thursday, June 10th at 5:00 is a presentation on the Wayne County Coastal Lakeshore Economy and Resiliency (CLEAR) initiative including information on public survey #1. A recording of the presentation will be made available after the event.
        Join the Zoom webinar June 10th 5:00-5:45 pm
Or by Telephone: +1 301 715 8592 or
+1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 845 5617 4596
For more information, please visit: https://www.waynecountyclear.com/
Filed Under: Events of Interest

NYS Invasive Species Awareness Week

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New York’s Invasive Species Awareness Week #NYISAW begins Sunday, June 6!

Invasive Species Awareness Week (ISAW) is a program established to raise public awareness of the economic and ecological impacts of invasive species to prevent their spread. New York State is particularly vulnerable to invasive species due to its role as a center for international trade and travel.

Invasive species are harmful to our natural resources; fish, wildlife, plants and overall ecosystem health. They can disrupt natural communities and their ecological processes by outcompeting native species for food and habitats and sometimes even cause their extinction.

Managing invasive species is a long-term effort. Public awareness and vigilance are key components to preventing the establishment and spread of invasive species. You can take action in your backyard.

Multi-flora Rose

During ISAW week, take the Invasive to Native gardening challenge by finding a patch of invasive species and replanting with native plants. Many local garden centers can help. One common invasive, multiflora rose is showing up right now, (May – June.) These drought tolerant fast spreading plants are full of white flowers, but don’t let these panicles of white fool you.

The multi-flora rose crowds out native plants and reduces biodiversity and can quickly grow up to 12 feet. Since multiflora rose is not easily controlled, the goal has become to eradicate it. The best method for getting rid of this plant is through a combination of mechanical and chemical techniques. Mowing is a first action to take. It prevents seedlings from further development. For a fully developed plant, digging, pulling, and cutting the bush to a stump is effective if you treat the stump with an herbicide.

Virginia rose

Once the area is cleared, plant the native Virginia rose (Rosa virginiana) in its place. Their pretty pink fragrant flowers in June- August attract butterflies. The rose hips or fruit is rich in vitamin C and can be eaten. They also make delicious jams and can be steeped to make rose hip tea.

Free public events and invasive species challenges are being offered including:

For more information and other tips on Invasive to Native, visit Wayne County Soil and Water Conservation District at www.waynecountynysoilandwater.org/ISAW or the Finger Lakes PRISM http://fingerlakesinvasives.org/ for a full list of regional events.

Filed Under: Events of Interest

Birding and Boating: Howland’s Island 5/26/21

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Registration is required. Wednesday, May 26  5:00 PM – 7:30 PM 

What better way to enjoy a beautiful spring evening than by taking a relaxing canoe/kayak paddle to explore the birds, other wildlife, and their habitats in the NYSDEC Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area? Paddle approximately 3 miles along the Seneca River to explore a variety of songbirds, shorebirds, and birds of prey including the Bald Eagle and Osprey. Facial coverings will be required when entering and exiting the water and we will follow physical distancing guidelines. Bring your own canoe/kayak or rent a boat from Montezuma Audubon. This tour is funded in part through the generous support of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

Please note: We will meet at the Montezuma Audubon Center (2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY) to check in, and then will caravan to the boat launch.

-Fee: $10/child without rental, $15/adult without rental, $25/solo kayak rental, $40/canoe rental (maximum 2 adults plus 1 child).
-Space is limited and pre-paid reservations are required.
-Call 315.365.3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org with questions.

Filed Under: Events of Interest

Soil Testing

19 May by

aem-logoThe District is also offering to gather the samples from the fields for the farmer/landowner as well as taking care of the shipping, handling, and paperwork involved. A qualified Technician will review the results of the sample with the farmer/landowner if requested.

1. Choose your Soil Testing Service (Click here for the order form)

2. Download and complete an AEM Tier I worksheet.

3. Call 315-946-7200 and speak with Ian to schedule a visit so we can take a soil sample.

While every farmer takes pride in stewardship, there are often many components that are difficult to manage on a regular basis such as soil health testing. Soil health management is a key component to the environment, economic and ethics management while working for crops of the various commodities. Whether the farm is fruit, vegetable or field crop, soil health monitoring every three years or so gives an opportunity to assess actual soil needs. This assessment gives a clear picture on what investment planning needs to be done for long term health planning. It is like retirement planning for soil. The longer more sustainable the soil health is, the longer more sustainable your crop will be.

By implementing an Agriculture Environmental Management (AEM): Soil Health plan, every farm has an opportunity to understand the actual needs and begin to implement various practices that can assist in building carbon matter for benefits on annual yields and potential manage inputs of starter, herb/pesticides and side dressing.

 

 

Filed Under: Soil Health

3-mile hike at Howland’s Island with Montezuma Audubon

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Join the Montezuma Audubon for a guided 3-mile hike at Howland’s Island. Step back in time as we discuss the historical uses of the island while looking for migratory songbirds. Most of the route will be on old gravel roads but some lesser-used grassy trails will be utilized as well. Wear sturdy shoes that you don’t mind getting a little muddy, dress for the weather, bring your binoculars, and a bottle of water if you like. This tour is funded in part through the generous support of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. Space is limited.

Howland’s Island Parking Lot
Saturday, May 22, 2021
10 AM EDT – 12:30 PM EDT
Registration Required: act.audubon.org/a/guided-hike-howlands-island-52221
Fee: $5/child, $10/adult, $25/family.

Please note: This hike will depart from the Howland’s Island parking area which is accessible via Carncross Road, Savannah, NY (43°04’43.6″N 76°41’23.1″W). The parking area is on the island itself.-Fee: $5/child, $10/adult, $25/family.
-Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early to get checked in.
-Space is limited and pre-paid online reservations are required.
-Call 315.365.3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org with questions.

Filed Under: Events of Interest

Master Gardeners Plant Sale

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Master Gardener Annual Plant Sale
Saturday, May 8, 2021, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Join the Cornell Master Gardeners for some great plants for your gardens and home landscapes. Plants available for purchase are a combination of shrubs, perennials, herbs, annual vegetables and flowers that are provided by local nurseries and from Master Gardener’s private collections. We sell out quickly so don’t delay!

Proceeds help support the Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Community Horticulture program.

For more information call 315-331-8415.

Location
1581 Route 88 North
Newark, NY 14513

Filed Under: Events of Interest

Crescent Beach REDI PROJECT Public Meeting Announced

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Wayne County invites you to a virtual meeting to provide residents and stakeholders with more in-depth explanation of the REDI project and objectives. Links have been distributed to residents – via email and mail to landowners within the property boundaries, and also by email and social media to the landowner’s associations – email hquigley@bartonandlogudice.com  for  the link  to  the  meeting.

Filed Under: Events of Interest

1.2 million has been awarded to the State’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) to help 33 farms!

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New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today announced more than $1.2 million has been awarded to the State’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) to help 33 farms implement practices to protect the environment. Funding from two programs will help these farms to conserve water resources, reduce the impacts of climate change, and implement environmental plans needed to participate in the New York State Grown & Certified program.

Commissioner Ball said, “As we celebrate Earth Day today, we also celebrate the work our farms are doing to improve and green their operations. Our farmers, working with their SWCDs, have long been implementing best management practices that are helping to reduce their environmental footprint and combat climate change. The funding announced today will help nearly three dozen farms to use advanced technology to conserve water, protect the land, and prioritize our natural resources.”

High-Efficiency Irrigation Water Management Systems Program

Through the Efficiency Irrigation Water Management System program, the Department has awarded $675,668 to SWCDs for the installation of new or upgraded water irrigation systems on 20 farms. This will allow farms to improve or expand their use of water resources and, at the same time, protect the environment by using high-efficiency systems, particularly micro-irrigation systems, that strategically place irrigated water within the root zone of the target crop. The new systems will help farms to conserve water resources and reduce the impacts of climate change while improving their ability to maintain consistent farm yields. They can also be used to target and deliver nutrients to the plant, reducing pollution risks to water resources.

Funding for High-Efficiency Agricultural Irrigation Water Management Systems has been made available through the Environmental Protection Fund. The following SWCDs received funding on behalf of farms in their county:

Essex County SWCD, one farm
Jefferson County SWCD, two farms
Madison County SWCD, one farm
Orleans County SWCD, seven farms
Saratoga County SWCD, one farm
Schuyler County SWCD, one farm
Seneca County SWCD, one farm
Suffolk County SWCD, one farm
Wayne County SWCD, three farms
Wyoming County SWCD, one farm
Yates County SWCD, one farm

AEM Implementation for NYS Grown & Certified Program

Through this program, 13 farms were awarded $564,195 to help them implement environmental plans that are needed to participate in the NYS Grown & Certified program. The NYS Grown & Certified program recognizes New York farms that are committed to producing high-quality agricultural products with a focus on environmental responsibility through the Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) program.
An AEM plan assists fruit, vegetable, specialty crop growers, and other farmers to produce foods and products using the highest environmental standards. It also helps farmers protect and improve New York’s natural resources, including water and soil quality.

Funding for the AEM Implementation for NYS Grown & Certified program has been made available through the Environmental Protection Fund. The following SWCDs received funding on behalf of farms in their county:

Niagara County, three farms
Orleans County, one farm
Schoharie County, one farm
Wayne County, eight farms

Chairman of the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee Dale Stein said, “The funding announced today will help our farms incorporate important practices into their daily operations to conserve and protect our natural resources. I thank our SWCDs for their work to help our farmers continue to steward the environment now and for our future generations on the farm.”

(reprinted from NYS Ag and Markets)

Filed Under: District News
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