The Montezuma Muckrace is a “Big Day” birding competition within the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. This will be the 23rd Annual Muckrace on September 6-7 and there is still time to register. Teams of some of the best birders, as well as novice birders from across New York State and beyond, compete in the 24-hour event to see how many species they can identify. In addition to providing some good fun and excitement, the Montezuma Muckrace raises money to support avian research and conservation at this Audubon New York Important Bird Area.

Please do your part for the birds! Register for the Montezuma Muckrace or sponsor a team at https://friendsofmontezuma.org/projects-programs/muckrace/.

The fundraising goal for this year’s event is $10,000. Proceeds will be used to support the goals of the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex focusing on habitat restoration, environmental education, scientific research and outdoor recreation in cooperation with the USFWS, NYSDEC, and Montezuma Audubon Center.

Bart

Photo Courtesy: Montezuma Audubon Center

Join Shannon Dermody, from the Department of Environmental Conservation and Horticulture at Finger Lakes Community College. Shannon will be leading participants through an educational evening of learning all about the bats that call New York State their home. You will learn what they eat if they migrate or hibernate, and that bats are not an animal to be afraid of.

Friday, August 6
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Montezuma Audubon Center
2295 NY-89, Savannah, NY 13146

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Fee: $5/child, $10/adult, $30/family.

Shannon has been studying bats for the last six years with various agencies, nonprofits, and educational institutions, and will be sharing her expertise with us. The program will begin indoors with a presentation detailing the nine species of bats found in NY. Once darkness falls, we’ll head outside for a short hike and demonstration of some of the technical equipment used to survey different bat species. Bring a flashlight and insect repellent! Long sleeves and pants may be desired as well.

To register, visit https://act.audubon.org/a/bats-new-york-8621

-Space is limited and pre-paid online reservations are required.

Seneca Falls, NY. On August 7-9, 2018, Rodman Lott and Son Farms at 2973 Route 414 in Seneca Falls, NY, becomes a showcase of shiny new agricultural equipment for test driving and in demonstrations, fields with new cover crop mixes to beat the summer heat and attract pollinators, Dairy Profit Seminars, beef cattle and horses, farm youth showing their tractor driving and welding skills, and much, much more.

Empire Farm Days show hours are Tuesday and Wednesday 9 am to 5 pm, and Thursday 9 am to 4 pm. Admission is free, parking is $10/vehicle. Directions to reach the showgrounds by automobile and airplane, and programming details and schedules are posted at www.empirefarmdays.com. For more information, call 877-697-7837.

New activities and highlights for the 2018 Empire Farm Days event that is the largest outdoor agricultural trade show of its kind include the following:

• Field Demonstrations Add Manure Application Options for Less Odor
The demo will highlight methods that reduce odor and runoff and retain nutrient value. Side-by-side demos include dribble bars, grassland tool, disks, shanks.

• Stone Grinder and Forestry Mulcher demonstrations

• Test Drive Applicators, Tractors, Trucks, Heavy Equipment, UTVs

• Cover Crop Demos: Options for Summer Stress Tolerance, Pollinators, Compaction
Side-by-side plots with options for dairy, crop and vegetable farmers with single cover crop species as well as mixes of stress-tolerant summer annuals, good combinations for dealing with compaction and adding organic matter, 3 pollinator-friendly mixes, and 4 blends for use after small grain or vegetable crops. Daily plot tour at 10:30 am.

• Soil Health Speakers:
. Tuesday: Dr. Sally A. Flis, Director of Agronomy, The Fertilizer Institute, Washington, DC
. Wednesday: Cornell Soil Science Professor Dr. Harold M. van Es, Building Soils for Better Crops co-author
. Thursday: Cornell University Cooperative Extension Regional Field Crops
Specialist Michael E. Hunter, a Resistance Management Specialty-certified Certified Crop Advisor.

• Tuesday-Only: “New Alfalfa Genetics for Forage Quality and Tips for On-Farm Forage Program Consistency” with Alfalfa & Forage Expert Tom Kilcer of Advanced Ag Systems: Registration preferred to www.FGIFieldDays.com; walks-in welcome.

• One Free DEC Credit Available: Daily 9:30 am Worker Protection and Pesticide Training

• Falcon Automated Soil Sampler Demonstrations

• Get a Bird’s Eye View: Quadcopter Demonstrations
• Dairy Profit Seminars:
. Three Dairy Herd Management Strategies for Challenging Times
. Data to Dollars: Making More Money from DHI Records and Milk Samples; and
. Changing Times, Changing Consumers: Telling Dairy’s Story.

• Beef Up Your Farm Enterprise
Daily programs on cattle handling system design, animal evaluation, preconditioning, and safe cattle handling. Tuesday-only: Beef Quality Assurance training, 4-7 pm, must pre-register with NY Beef Council, 315-339-6922.
• Equine Programs Will Inspire You to Adopt A Horse
. Tuesday: Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program
. Wednesday: From Wild to Mild with Jack and Emma Minter and their American Mustangs of Rose Hill Ranch
. Thursday: Begin Again Horse Rescue with miniature horses.
• New Programming for Livestock Producers
Feeding for Top Line and Body Condition, Safe Handling of Cattle, Simple Solutions for Electric Fencing, and Worry-Free, Frost-Free Watering.
• New Invasive Species, Grapes & Hops Program
Daily at 10:30 am at Craft Beverage Center with Patty Wakefield Brown of the Finger Lakes Institute and Finger Lakes PRISM, includes how to identify and report Spotted Lanternfly.
• Instagram stars, the NY Farm Girls
• Announcement of 4R Nutrient Stewardship Management Initiative
by NYSABA, The Fertilizer Institute, and The Nature Conservancy. Commercial fertilizer dealers and agricultural applicators will be invited to voluntarily participate in a 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification program
• Farm Family Safety and Fun
Visit Farm Bureau Family Education Center, New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) Safety Center, NYS Grange, and the Empire Farm Days pond for farm family fun activities and safety education. Try a pedal- drive kayak or standup paddleboard on the water!
More details on all of these programs, directions, daily schedules, and more are posted online on Facebook, Instagram, and www.empirefarmdays.com.

The Empire State Potato Growers started this event as the Potato Field Days in 1931 and have steadily grown it into an agricultural extravaganza with more than 65,000 farmers, agriculturists, and rural living enthusiasts attending each year. Admission is free, $10 per vehicle parking.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
. Empire Farm Days Show Manager Melanie Wickham, 585-526-5356
. EFD Publicist Kara Lynn Dunn, 315-465-7578, karalynn@gisco.net

Williamson, NY — The 2021 Lake Ontario Fruit Program Summer Fruit Tour will take place on Thursday, August 12, 2021. The tour will include lunch and sponsor visits at Williamson Town Park, 3773 Eddie Road, and Williamson, with a focus on the Marion and Williamson areas. Note: Pre-registration is required to take the tour. Especially important for lunch counts / seats and contact tracing. NO Carry-Ons Accepted. The registration link is as follows. Pre-registration required: https://lof.cce.cornell.edu/event_preregistration_new.php?id=1548

Note: If you would like to call to register yourself or someone else in your organization, please call or email Kim Hazel (585-798-4265, ext. 26). krh5@cornell.edu..

See also “Cornel Outdoor Conference Policy” at the bottom of this post please dress according to the weather and walking, and bring sunscreen, a hat, an umbrella, a chair, etc.

2.5 hours of DEC recertification credits are available on the tour. Please bring your DEC pesticide sprayer license. If you need DEC credits, arrive on time, sign the roster, and Will stay all day.. DEC does not allow partial credit.

Follow the Cornell Fruit Event Sign!

Hosts Morgan Farm, Stops 1-3 – Farm – Ben Nev Leather and Magdaleno Cervantes, Morgan Farm. Stop Leader-Mark Wilt Burger.
Stop 1-Warner Road Farm, 3905 Southwest of Warner Road, Marion, NY 14505

8:00 Registration / check-in and DEC re-authentication credit sign-in. Please bring your DEC ID card!

8:30 Welcome – LOF Team Leader Craig Kahlke.

8:35 Introducing Morgan Farm – Mark Wilt Burger. Mark explains the background of the Morgan Farm business and the three places to visit today. He introduces two farm managers, Ben Nevresin and Magdaleno Cervantes.

Orchard Walk-Mark Wilt Burger. At each location, visit processes of different ages and planting densities and fresh blocks. Mark reviews the history and performance of each block and discusses “lessons learned” with Ben and Magdaleno.

8:40 Established Warner Road Farm Site – Mark Wiltberger. Overview of the establishment of the Warner Road Farm Site.

8:45 Idared / Crispin Block – Mark Wilt Burger. An overview of the Idared / Crispin block by Ben Nevlezer and Magdaleno Cervantes.

8:50 Experience of fire blight in mature orchards for the past few seasons – – Janet van Zoeren, Ben Nevlezer, Isabella Yannuzzi, Dr. Kerik Cox (Cornell University).. In this presentation, Janet presents a regional background on how fire blight emerged this season. Kerrick and Isabella will follow recommendations for the rest of the season and beyond, including updates on streptococcal resistance.

9:15 Scarf Skin Management – ​​Dr. Kerrick Cox and David Strickland (Cornell University). Brief updates on PGR studies for managing scarf skins in the rainy season of sensitive varieties.

9:20 Fuji Block-Mark Wilt Burger. An overview of the Fuji block by Ben Nevlezer and Magdaleno Cervantes.

9:25 NY2 (RubyFrost ™) Block – Mark Wilt Burger. An overview of Ruby Frost ™ blocks by Ben Nevlezer and Magdaleno Cervantes.

9:30 Master Class Program – Cornell University, Nicole Waters. With Magdaleno Cervantes. Nicole discusses this class available on farms in the LOF area to train employees for leadership positions.

9:35 Trip to Morgan Farm Stop 2 – Ball Road Farm, 3990 Ball Road Northwest (5 minutes).

Morgan Farm Stop 2 – Ball Road Farm
10:00 Ball Road Farm Site Overview – Mark Wilt Burger.

10:05 Taylor Roma / Jonagold Block – Mark Wilt Burger. An overview of the Taylor Roma / Jonagold block by Ben Nevlaser and Magdaleno Cervantes.

10:10 NY674 (Autumn Crisp ™) Block – Mark Wilt Burger. An overview of the NY674 (Autumn Crisp ™) block by Benneb leather and Magdaleno Cervantes.

10:15 New Planting-Golden Delicious High Density Block-Mark Wilt Burger. Mark confirms the specifications of this high-density 12’x3′ processing block and some of the investment costs involved in its establishment.

10:25 Designing Processed Orchards for the Future – Dr. Terence Robinson of Cornell University. Terence discusses the optimal design for processing orchards for productivity and profit.

10:45 Travel Stop to Morgan Farm 3 – Corey Corners Road Farm, East Planting (“Siberia”) (10 minutes).

Morgan Farm Stop 3 – Corey Corners Road Farm
11:15 Overview of Cory Corners Road Farm site (“Siberia”) – Mark Wiltberger (5 minutes).

11:20 Underground Contribution to Block Reduction in High Density Orchards – Dr. Awais Khan, Cornell University. The newly funded USDA-SARE project will characterize the roots and viruses of two major rootstocks in a high-density orchard system in three regions of New York State. The results are critically analyzed to limit the role of roots in rapid decline and identify short-term, medium-term, and long-term management solutions.

11:40 Move to B. Foreman Park, 4507 Lake Rd, Williamson, NY 14589. (20 min).

Stop 4 – Lunch Stop – B.Foreman Park
12:00 B. Lunch and sponsor visit at Foreman Park.

1:30 Go to Hermenet Fruit Farm, 7017 Bear Swamp Rd, Williamson. (10 minutes).

Stop 5 – Hermenet Fruit Farm-Host Mark Hermenet. Stop Leader-Mario Miranda Sazo.
2:00 Fine-tuning new alternatives to fruit growth models and chemical thinning using Metamitron and ACC – Dr. Terence Robinson, Dr. Luis Gonzalez (Cornell University), Polyana Franceskat (Valent Biosciences), Mario Miranda Sazo.

2:15 Apply ATS Spray at Flowering / Use ACC as Rescue Treatment for Mature Gala Blocks Guided by Pollen Tube Growth Model (PTGM) – Dr. Terence Robinson, Mario Miranda Sazo, Mark Hermenet.

2:30 B.9 sophomore honeycrisp and NY-1 tree establishment, training and nutrition management.Trees produced by grower hosts and planted at 2x11ft.. In addition, there will be a brief discussion and demonstration of using the Huron platform and developing an automated steering system in collaboration with Ridge Automation LLC. – – Dr. Terence Robinson, Dr. Lyrian Chen, Mario Miranda Sazo, Mark Hermenet.

2:45 M.9 M.9 rootstock (5×13 ft planting) using Macoun, AceyMac, and Red Delicious to migrate from fresh blocks to processing blocks. – Dr. Terence Robinson, Mario Miranda Sazo, Mark Wiltberger, Mark Hermenet.

3:00 Electric mowers and precision atomizers – the future of orchard weed management? – Janet van Zoeren

3:30 Tour summary, receipt of DEC certificate.

Cornell Outdoor Conference Policy

Based on the latest guidance from Forward New York and the CDC for improved COVID-19 infection and vaccination rates, Watkins said the CCE Regional Ag Team’s outdoor field meeting (including outdoor well-ventilated barns) guidelines. We are supporting the revision. At this time. Beginning June 1, 2021, field meeting size limits will be increased from 25 to 500 in accordance with NYS and CDC guidelines. Masks are only required for unvaccinated participants and should also maintain a social distance of 6 feet during the event. The “honor system” is used to determine who needs to wear a mask and maintain social distance. All participants must sign in and provide contact information. I need a follow-up contact trace. There is no time limit for the event and meals may be served.

Photo courtesy Dave Spier

Jan. 26, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Owl Prowl

Get up close to live owls during an indoor presentation by KrittrKris to find out what special adaptations these birds have that allow them to survive the winter season and be successful hunters of the night. Then, join our staff for a short walk to search for the endangered Short-eared Owls and other birds of prey. It will be a real hoot! Fee: $6/child, $8/adult, $25/family.

Registration required. Call 315.365.3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org.

Meet up with the Neighborhood Association of Sodus Point and Save Our Sodus for a beach clean-up on Saturday May 18th.

Sodus Point Beach Pavillion
May 18th
10:00A.M.

 

 

 

Join Kelly Gill, Pollinator Conservation Specialist with the Xerces Society, for this full day workshop that will focus on concepts around protecting and enhancing populations of pollinators, especially bees, in agricultural landscapes. The course will provide an overview of bee natural history and farm practices that support pollinators, such as protecting and creating habitat, modified horticultural practices, and advice on how to manage pests while protecting pollinators.

December 6th, 2018
9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Cornell Cooperative Extension
Newark, NY

Click here to register

This full day workshop will focus on concepts around protecting and enhancing populations of pollinators, especially bees, in agricultural landscapes. The course will provide an overview of bee natural history and farm practices that support pollinators, such as protecting and creating habitat, modified horticultural practices, and advice on how to manage pests while protecting pollinators.

Introductory topics include the principles of pollinator biology and integrated crop pollination, the economics of insect pollination, basic bee field identification, and evaluating pollinator habitat. Advanced modules will cover land management practices for pollinator protection, pollinator habitat restoration, incorporating pollinator conservation into federal conservation programs, selection of plants for pollinator enhancement sites, management of natural landscapes, and financial and technical resources to support these efforts. Throughout the short course these training modules are illustrated by case studies of pollinator conservation efforts across the country.

Registrants will receive the Xerces Society’s Pollinator Conservation Toolkit which includes Xerces’ book, Attracting Native Pollinators. as well as habitat management guidelines and relevant USDA-NRCS and extension publications.

The Xerces Society is offering similar Pollinator Conservation Short Courses, as well as Conservation Biological Control Short Courses across the country.

Wayne County Soil and Water Conservation District will be holding a free ‘Soil Health’ workshop on December 13, 2016 at the Cornell Cooperative Extension offices in Newark, NY.

To register for the workshop, or if you have any questions call 315-946-4136. Please RSVP by December 9th at noon. For more information, visit www.waynecountynysoilandwater.org/cover-crop/
or contact Ian Priestley, AEM Specialist at Priestleyswcd@rochester.rr.com

This workshop will provide information to farmers that will allow them to better understand how to incorporate cover crops successfully into their agricultural systems, and why cover crops can be so beneficial to soil health and natural resource conservation.

Farmers know that good soil health is increasingly important. Soil erosion and sedimentation are one of the major problems farmers face. It takes 500 years to replenish just one inch of topsoil. The use of cover crops can help farmers by reducing the loss of a precious percentage of soil each year. Besides protection from wind and water erosion, some of the other benefits of cover crops, include the fact that they can reduce the impact of insects and soil disease pressure. Cover crops may lessen the presence of weeds, and can often build soil organic matter which help reduce soil compaction. In addition to helping to conserve soil, live cover crops allow for energy for soil microbes to recycle and store nutrients and build soil carbon and organic matter, saving fertilizer costs by scavenging nutrients or adding nitrogen to the soil through fixation. Cover crops protect water quality by reducing phosphorus runoff.

Warm-up with a beverage starting at 10:30 A.M. Morning (11am-12pm) and afternoon (12:30-1:30) speakers include Joe Lawrence, Cornell University. Joe will discuss spring management of cover crops, termination as green manure vs double crop for forage, rotation and what to watch out for in summer following crops (pests, etc.). Paul Salon of the NRCS will talk about crop establishment, use of the cover crop calculator, mixes info and the timing of crops. Each segment will include a discussion and Q&A. Local farmers are encouraged to attend to share success stories on planting cover crops, how to get started using them, and the results they see on their farms.

Following the morning session there will be a free lunch of homemade chili, (Traditional/White/Bean) cornbread, chips & cookies.

To register for the workshop, or if you have any questions call 315-946-4136. Please RSVP by December 9th at noon. For more information, visit www.waynecountynysoilandwater.org/cover-crop/
or contact Ian Priestley, AEM Specialist at Priestleyswcd@rochester.rr.com

Workshop partners include NY Wayne County, Cornell Cooperative Extension, NYS DEC, Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM).

Spotted Lantern Fly

A single adult Spotted Lantern Fly was discovered in a vehicle in the Albany District. In addition, a single adult insect was reported on a private Keuka Lake property in Penn Yan, Yates County.

The state departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Agriculture and Markets (DAM) today confirmed that spotted lanternfly (SLF), has been found in Albany and Yates counties. At this time, no additional insects have been found. DEC and DAM urge New Yorkers to report potential sightings to spottedlanternfly@dec.ny.gov

FACT SHEETS:

  • NYS DEC Spotted Lantern Fly Fact Sheet
    ID VIDEO:

    • 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.

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