Our Organization
OCCA is a regional conservation organization addressing a broad spectrum of basic environmental concerns who promotes the appreciation and sustainable use of our region’s resources. OCCA implements crucial programs and projects to improve or protect Otsego County’s air, land, and water. Broad support from county residents enhances our ability to accomplish our mission.
Engaging our Communities in Responsible Stewardship
Support our work in 2024!
In 2024, our main goal is to connect with more of you. During the summer of 2024 we are raising money to fund our invasives species management program. From mid-May until September, our extensive work identifying, monitoring, and managing invasive species infestations throughout the county consumes most of our time and energy.
Some of the most pervasive in our region that OCCA currently works on are Water Chestnuts, European Frog Bit, Yellow Floating Heart, Japanese Knotweed, Asian Longhorn Beatle, Emerald Ash Borer, and Hemlock Wooly Adelgid. All of these are non-native species that cause or are likely to cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health.
Last season alone, our invasive species work not funded by grants cost over $25,000. Expenses include staff salaries, equipment, and supplies. Every dollar you donate will directly contribute to the management of invasive species in our ecosystem. Every dollar donated to this campaign is a direct investment in our environment. Every dollar you give removes more invasive plants and animals from our ecosystem, helping support biodiversity and allowing native species to thrive.
Contribute Today:
Scan or Click on the QR code for online payment or mail checks to:
PO Box 931, Cooperstown, NY 13326
No Mow May!
The No-Mow Movement is a conservation initiative intended to create a healthy and sustainable ecosystem. The goal of No Mow May is to pause mowing during the month of May, allowing flowers to bloom in your lawn to help early season pollinators.
If you would like a yard sign telling your neighbors about this fun project, email coordinator@occainfo.org to place an order or click on the button below. Each 18 X24 sign costs $25 and the proceeds benefit OCCA.
We are just weeks away from launching our free online Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEE) course for teachers! Even though this course focuses on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, it can be informative to any New York Teacher who wants to incorporate this great framework into their curriculum on watershed education!
Check back soon to sign up for the class!
Coming Soon:
Online B-WET Course
Volunteer with OCCA!
Volunteers play a huge role in our work at OCCA. Click on the button below to learn more about our volunteer program, and subscribe to the Eco-bulletin to stay updated with volunteer projects.
Otsego County HABS Website
The site has information about what Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are, what to look out for when assessing if you should go in a body of water, and resource links to all of the local science happening here to understand HABs and help toward a long-term management solution.