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
For Questions about our new membership program call Assistant Director, Shelby MacLeish at 607-547-4488 or email at coordinator@occainfo.org
We look forward to you joining the OCCA Community!
Join OCCA: Building a Stronger Conservation Community
OCCA is on a mission to inspire environmental action, and we need your support to make it happen. Nature lovers, unite! It's time for Mohawk Valley Gives, and we need YOUR help to make a difference! 🌎 At OCCA, we're on a mission to reconnect our community with the great outdoors. In a world of screens, we're bringing back the magic of nature! 🌳🦋
Imagine:
Kids discovering new species on nature walks 🔍
Families creating lasting memories in the wild 👨👩👧👦
Citizen scientists contributing to real environmental research 🧪
This year, we've already reached over 1,000 people of all ages. But with your support, we can DOUBLE that impact! 💪
Why choose OCCA?
Invest in a healthier community 🏞️
Help create future environmental stewards 🌱
Foster appreciation for our local ecosystems 🦅
Every donation counts! Together, we can build a future where technology and nature thrive side by side. 🌿💻
Ready to make a difference? Donate to OCCA through Mohawk Valley Gives today! Let's reconnect with nature, one step at a time.
Plus, a generous, anonymous donor has put a dollar-for dollar match in place so double your impact today!
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
OCCA is thrilled to announce the launch of our free online Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEE) course. This course is part of the Chesapeake Bay Headwaters Education Ecosystem, a partnership between the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education & Training (B-WET) Program and OCCA. It is designed to foster environmental literacy in the headwaters region of Chesapeake Bay. While the course is focused on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, it is a valuable resource for any New York Teacher, home educator, or individual interested in enhancing their understanding of environmental issues and incorporating this knowledge into their work or life.
Click on the button below to learn more and enroll today!
Now Available
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.