Summer Mushroom Walk with Shane Gardner
Saturday, June 27 at 1:00 PM

Join OCCA and local mushroom enthusiast Shane Gardner for our first mushroom walk of the season. This guided exploration will take participants through a mixed hardwood forest on Vibbard Road in Cooperstown, offering a chance to discover the fascinating world of wild fungi in their natural habitat.

Whether you're a curious beginner or an experienced mushroom hunter, Shane aims to broaden your understanding of mushrooms by sharing knowledge of local species, their ecological roles, and the characteristics used to identify them. Along the way, participants will learn about edible and medicinal mushrooms, common lookalikes, and the habitats where different fungi thrive.

This is a true woodland walk through uneven terrain and off-trail forest, providing an authentic opportunity to observe mushrooms where they naturally occur. Nature lovers, foragers, photographers, and anyone interested in learning more about the hidden world beneath the forest canopy are encouraged to attend.

Meeting Location:
Vibbard Road, Cooperstown (at the highest point on the road)

What to Bring:

• Long pants and sturdy footwear

• Clothing appropriate for the weather

• Shoes you don't mind getting muddy

Participants should be prepared for a walk through the woods without established trails. Terrain may be uneven, and conditions may be wet depending on recent weather. Use the form below to sign up.

Join us for the 9th Annual Susquehanna River Cleanup! Each year, volunteers remove hundreds of pounds of debris from the river, improving water quality and habitat. This year, we will be working in the area around Compton Bridge (County Road 11C) and need volunteers in, on and around the water. Tasks include wading in or kayaking on the river to remove trash and to support other volunteers; working on shore to unload debris from rafts and kayaks; setting up refreshments for volunteers and photographing the event. Can’t make it on the day of the event itself? No problem! We’ll also need volunteers to help spread the word, scout the river in advance, and help with equipment repair and movement. For more information or to sign up, visit this document.

The Cooperstown River Cleanup is a partnership of OCCA, the Lions Club of Cooperstown, Cooperstown Rotary, SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station Dive Team, and Dave Brandt Chapter of Trout Unlimited

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED…. for good reason! The knotweed patch has diminished significantly.

Since 2018, OCCA and our partners at Mohican Farm have been cutting, pulling & digging away at a patch of Japanese knotweed. Persistence is paying off! Join us for our first hack at it of the season as we cut down stalks of this invasive plant and dig up its tough rhizomes. When we’re done we’ll enjoy light refreshments in Mohican Farm’s lovely garden. Limited supply of protective gloves and hand tools are provided; feel free to bring your own pruners, loppers, etc.

Our friends at Canoe & Kayak Rentals and Sales are hosting a community paddle! Join OCCA, CKRS staff, and Bill Swift (Swift Canoe and Kayak) and world class canoeist, Terry Kent for a fun, relaxed paddle along the scenic stretch of the Susquehanna River from Milford to Portlandville. Bring lunch, water and clothing to be out on the water for approximately 3 hours. We will meet at the CKRS shop on NY 28 in Portlandville and shuttle to our launch site in Milford. You may rent equipment at CKRS. If you wish to try out a Swift canoe or kayak, email Bill Swift with your request. RSVP to Brent Baysinger at Canoe & Kayak Rentals and Sales, or call 607-286-7349. Proceeds will benefit OCCA.

Join OCCA and our partners, the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) and Capital Region Partnership for Invasive Species Management (CR-PRISM) and protect the very headwaters of the Susquehanna River from invasive species by pulling water chestnut and European frog-bit in Weaver Lake. Bring a canoe or kayak, or, if you really like to get into your work, a pair of waders! Meet at OCCA’s office and we will carpool to the site. Please register (it’s free) using the form below. Use the ‘Additional message’ box if you need space in a canoe

Can naturally occurring chemicals produced by native plants help control invasive species—without the use of herbicides?

Join OCCA at our next Be-Informed lecture, where Dr. Miranda Kearney (SUNY Oneonta) will share findings from a recent two-part research project conducted with graduate student Lori Murphy. The study explores whether two common native species—black walnut and giant goldenrod—can suppress the growth of two invasive plants: Japanese stiltgrass and garlic mustard.

Through both laboratory and field research, the project examined how these native plants influence seed germination, growth, and development of invasive species. Results offer insight into how native plant chemistry could support more environmentally friendly approaches to invasive species management.

This event will take place at the Clark Sports Center. Please use the form below to sign up.

Join OCCA for a unique, hands-on introduction to forest management at Thayer Farm. Led by professional consulting forester Kellen Murphy, this program offers a behind-the-scenes look at how foresters read the landscape and make decisions that shape the health and future of our forests.

We’ll begin with a brief indoor overview (optional, weather dependent), where Kellen will introduce the fundamentals of forest management planning—what landowners consider, how goals are defined, and the tools foresters use to assess forest conditions. Then we’ll head outside for a guided walk through the woods, where participants will see these concepts in action.

Along the way, we’ll explore how to evaluate tree health and species composition, identify signs of past management or natural disturbance, and discuss strategies for balancing ecological health, wildlife habitat, and long-term sustainability. Whether you’re a landowner, outdoor enthusiast, or simply curious about the woods around you, this program will offer practical insights into how forests are cared for over time.

Kellen Murphy brings over a decade of experience managing private timberlands across New York and has developed forest management plans for more than 10,000 acres .

Please wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven terrain.

Use the form below to sign up.

Celebrate the Earth with a full day of community, learning, and hands-on activities at OCCA’s annual Earth Festival! This free, family-friendly event brings together local organizations, educators, artists, and environmental leaders to celebrate conservation, sustainability, and the natural world.

Earth Festival features a variety of activities throughout the day, including interactive exhibits, workshops, lectures, demonstrations, and opportunities to connect with organizations working to protect our region’s land, water, and wildlife. Whether you're interested in sustainable living, outdoor recreation, environmental education, or simply enjoying a fun day with the community, Earth Festival has something for everyone.

The festival also includes opportunities to learn about local volunteer programs, discover ways to get involved in conservation efforts, and celebrate the many groups working together to care for our environment.

For updates on scheduled workshops, speakers, and activities, sign up for OCCA’s newsletter below and check back on our website: occainfo.org/earth-festival

As part of Earth Festival, OCCA hosts a Drive-Through Drop-Off recycling event, where community members can responsibly dispose of hard-to-recycle household items. This convenient drop-off helps keep waste out of landfills by collecting materials that typically cannot be recycled through a curbside drop-off program.

This year we will be accepting:

• Paper to be Shredded

• Textiles

• Styrofoam

• Cork

• Coffee Pods

• VHS, CD's Cassette Tapes

• Christmas lights

• Ink and Toner Cartridges

• Oral Care-oral care waste: toothbrushes, floss containers & toothpaste tubes
  

Drive-Through Drop-Off will take place in the parking lot adjacent to the alumni field house… just follow the signs. After you drop off recyclables, make sure to head inside and enjoy our annual event, Earth Festival.

With a mix of fields, woods, gardens, and lakeshore, Mohican Farm is an excellent place for birding. Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society Co-President, Becky Gretton leads this early morning walk at Mohican Farm in search of the early birds. This walk is suitable for beginners and experts alike. Bring binoculars, a bird guide, and be prepared for any weather (and plan for walking in wet grass). The program is free, but pre-registration is required using the form below. Attendance is limited to 20.

Join us at Wilber Lake on April 24th at 6pm for a guided Herp Walk to learn more about the world of amphibians. We will be meeting at the entrance on Wilber Lake Road, located on the west side of the lake. This walk will be led by OCCA Field Technician Victoria Prouty and Dr. Elizabeth Bastiaans of SUNY Oneonta.

As we welcome spring’s warm, rainy weather, amphibians such as wood frogs and spotted salamanders begin their migration to vernal pools, temporary pools fed by snowmelt and rain. They use these vernal pools to breed before heading back into the forest for the remainder of the year. We will explore the trail and visit nearby vernal pools, where you will have the chance to observe and learn how to identify these fascinating species, their egg masses, and tadpoles. You may also see some forest-dwelling and lake-dwelling species, such as red-backed salamanders and green frogs.

This experience highlights the vital role that these temporary pools play in wooded ecosystems and offers a unique opportunity to learn about amphibian life cycles and preferred habitats. Perfect for nature lovers of all ages, this walk combines exploration, education, and a deeper appreciation for the wildlife that thrives right in our backyard.

Use the form below to sign up.

Confused by your NYSEG or National Grid bill? You’re not alone. With energy costs on the rise, many residents are feeling the strain—and the bills themselves can be difficult to understand.

Join us for a free, informative workshop designed to help you make sense of your electric bill and explore practical ways to manage your energy costs.

Thursday, April 23 at 6:00 PM
Clark Sports Center – Community Room

During this session, local experts will walk participants through the key components of their electric bills, explain common charges and acronyms, and provide clear, actionable strategies to help reduce overall costs.

Topics will include:

• How to read and understand your electric bill

• Energy Supply Companies (ESCOs): how they work and what to watch for

• Community solar: benefits and considerations

• Tips for improving home energy efficiency

• How smart meters can help you monitor energy use

This workshop is part of a collaborative effort by Climate Smart Communities task forces in the Town of Middlefield, Town of Hartwick, Town of Otsego, and the Village of Cooperstown. The program is offered in partnership with the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District and the Otsego County Conservation Association.

Free and open to the public. Use the form below to sign up.

Join the Otsego County Conservation Association (OCCA), the SUNY Oneonta Counseling Center, OPA, and the SUNY Oneonta Gender and Sexuality Resource Center for a peaceful and welcoming “Out in Nature” spring walk at Emmons Pond Bog.

This guided hike will explore the unique trails of this remarkable wetland ecosystem as we look for the first blooms of the season, listen for blackbirds and frogs, and observe other signs of spring awakening. Along the way, participants will learn basic flower and tree identification while enjoying the calming benefits of time spent outdoors in community.

Emmons Pond Bog offers a striking landscape shaped over 11,000 years ago as glaciers retreated, leaving behind a water-filled depression that evolved into the bog we see today. From the trail, visitors can take in its quiet beauty—standing dead trees shaped by beaver activity, emerging plant life, and expansive wetland views.

Please note that trails are typically muddy in early spring. Waterproof footwear is strongly recommended.

All are welcome. This program is designed to create an inclusive, supportive space to connect with nature and one another. Use the form below to sign up.

Journey from the sun to Pluto and back in a little over an hour! Dr. Erik Stengler of the Cooperstown Graduate Program guides us on a thousand-yard walk  which models our solar system at a scale that is both relatable and awe-inspiring. Common objects such as bowling balls, peppercorns, and walnuts represent the sun and planets—our feet are the rockets that will get us there.

Meet at the Otsego Land Trust’s Compton Bridge Conservation Area, 184 County Highway 11C, Cooperstown. Our walk will be along the railroad tracks. Dress to be outside. Register using the form below. Free!

Join OCCA for a spring nature walk at Emmons Pond Bog, one of Otsego County’s most unique natural areas. Shake off the cabin fever and get the kids outside during school break for a fresh-air adventure! Together, we’ll explore the bog trail as the landscape wakes from winter, searching for early signs of spring—including migrating birds, emerging amphibians, and the delicate blooms of spring ephemerals on the forest floor.

Along the trail, we’ll pause often to observe and ask questions about how plants and animals respond to the return of warmth and light. Participants will learn simple techniques for spotting and identifying early wildflowers, noticing patterns in plant growth, and exploring how bog ecosystems differ from surrounding forests.

The trail tends to be muddy this time of year so please wear appropriate footwear. Use the form below to sign up.

Join us on Friday evening, March 20, at Beaver Valley Campground for a tour of the early spring skies. If the skies are clear, we will see many of the spectacular winter stars, along with a harbinger of spring: the constellation Leo and its beautiful first-magnitude star, Regulus. Regulus is actually a multiple star system and is relatively close to our sun. Mighty Jupiter will also be high in the sky that night and easily visible. No need for binoculars; after all, it’s “naked-eye astronomy.” Dress comfortably and bring lawn chairs to sit on.

Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) is a common invasive riparian plant seen in the Catskills. It can shade out other streamside plants and establish monocultures, lower water quality, and even damage infrastructure. Management of this plant can be tricky, but it is doable! Join CRISP Terrestrial Invasive Species Manager Dan Snider-Nerp to learn about current best management practices for Japanese knotweed and its closest relatives, as well as experimental management methods, and the future of sustainable management for this species in the Catskills

Survey, celebrate and protect our region’s hemlock forests at HemlockPalooza! Winter is the best time for searching for hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), an insect pest that attacks this important—and beautiful—tree. We’ll conduct a short survey of the hemlock stand around Gilbert Lake, followed by a cozy fireside celebration with warm drinks and light snacks.

HemlockPalooza is part of OCCA’s Winter Invasive Species Challenge. You do not have to be in the challenge to attend, and no prior experience is needed to join. We’ll provide you with everything you need to know!

or email volunteer@occainfo.org for more information or to register

Join OCCA’s Program Director Jeff O’Handley for a guided snowshoe walk through the peaceful winter landscape at Basswood Pond. This beginner-friendly outing will explore the trails from the Jacobs Road parking area toward Basswood Road and back, offering a chance to experience the quiet beauty of the forest in winter and look for signs of wildlife in the snow.

No previous snowshoe experience is required. This walk will be enjoyable for families, beginners, and anyone curious about exploring nature in winter.

Snow Contingency:
If trail conditions do not allow for snowshoeing, the program will become a winter hike instead. Please dress for winter weather and bring sturdy footwear.

Join us for a short, facilitated listening session to share your thoughts on local trails. We want to hear what you love about the trails you use, and what you’d like to see improved or added in the future.

Community input will help guide conversations around trail access, maintenance, accessibility, environmental concerns (like invasive species or habitat health), and opportunities to strengthen our local trail systems.

Whether you’re an avid hiker, a casual walker, a volunteer, or someone with ideas or concerns to share, your voice matters. Join us online via Zoom on February 17th between 6:30 - 7:15pm.

Sign Up Here:

Join OCCA for a guided winter nature walk at Gilbert Lake State Park designed especially for homeschool students and their families. We’ll explore the shoreline trail around Gilbert Lake, taking time to slow down and observe the natural world in winter—looking for animal tracks, examining winter plants and trees, and noticing how life adapts to the cold season.

Along the way, we’ll practice simple techniques for seasonal observation, including using our senses to notice patterns in bark, buds, ice, and snow; identifying signs of wildlife activity; and asking curiosity-driven questions about what we see.

This program is family-friendly and geared toward school-age children. Younger siblings are welcome.

The Habitats and Ecosystems for Landscape Professionals (HELP) is a comprehensive training and educational program to assist landscape and horticulture professionals in creating ecological landscapes, using sustainable practices, and creating natural climate solutions. In this informational session, you’ll get an overview of the training program and learn how taking the full, 15-hour course (to be offered in March) can benefit you and your business. This program will take place on Zoom. To register for the information session (it’s free), please visit H.E.L.P. Program Informational Session.

Learn about some of the common and high priority invasive species in the Otsego County area, the impact they have on our native plants and animals, and how you can help by using the iMapInvasives website and app to report them when you find them.

iMapInvasives is an online, collaborative, GIS-based database and mapping tool that serves as the official invasive species database of New York State.

This program is a collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schoharie and Otsego Counties Master Gardener and Volunteer program, and will take place on Zoom. Please register using the form below. You will receive a Zoom link and instructions on how to set up a free iMapInvasives account later on.

Join us for a special workshop on green estate planning — an opportunity to learn how traditional estate planning (wills, trusts, etc.) can be aligned with environmentally conscious values and sustainable legacies. Attorney Lauren Glynn will guide participants through key concepts such as eco-friendly estate choices, conservation easements, charitable giving to environmental causes, and sustainable end-of-life or legacy arrangements.

Whether you’re new to estate planning or looking to revise an existing plan with a green focus, this session will offer practical guidance and thoughtful strategies.

Includes Soup Lunch at Freight Wheel Café — we invite all participants to stay after for a casual lunch, offering a chance to ask questions in an informal setting and talk further about green legacy options.

Over the last six months, OCCA staff and a dedicated team of volunteers braved steep slopes, slippery rocks, sticky mud and leaky waders to investigate the impact of culverts on aquatic habitats. Using a set of protocols developed by the North Atlantic Aquatic Connectivity Collaborative (NAACC), we measured and documented nearly 400 culverts in the area. Join us as we discuss what we did, what we learned, and the surprising things we saw.

This program will take place at the Clark Sports Center on Wednesday, January 14 at 7 pm.

Bundle up and join us for a cozy winter walk along Oaks Creek at Parslow Road Conservation Area on January 9 at 1 pm. Together we will explore how the creek and surrounding forest change in the colder months, looking for animal tracks in the snow or mud, winter buds on trees and shrubs, and signs of birds and other wildlife that stay active all year long. We will pause often to observe, listen, and ask questions, encouraging children to use all their senses to notice the quiet details of the winter landscape.

This homeschool-friendly program is geared toward school-age children and their families, with activities and discussion adjusted to suit a range of ages. The trail may be snowy, icy, or muddy, so please dress warmly in layers and wear sturdy, waterproof footwear. Feel free to bring a notebook or nature journal if your child likes to sketch or write about what they discover.

We know that there is a lot going on in the world today, and we know it is sometimes hard to keep a positive outlook in times of unknowns, so we invite you to join us every Friday morning via zoom to start your day off with positive connections and comradery.  Bring your coffee, and something positive to share, it can be something as simple as seeing a beautiful sunset or having something fun coming up you are looking forward to. If there is time after folks share their positive thoughts, the group will discuss action items that we can all take to create positive change in our communities.  

Everyone is welcome, its free and you only have to share if you feel comfortable doing so, its mostly about spending time filling your cup with some joy, positivity and hopefully some ideas for effecting positive change. 

Join in with this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88138694249

We know that there is a lot going on in the world today, and we know it is sometimes hard to keep a positive outlook in times of unknowns, so we invite you to join us every Friday morning via zoom to start your day off with positive connections and comradery.  Bring your coffee, and something positive to share, it can be something as simple as seeing a beautiful sunset or having something fun coming up you are looking forward to. If there is time after folks share their positive thoughts, the group will discuss action items that we can all take to create positive change in our communities.  

Everyone is welcome, its free and you only have to share if you feel comfortable doing so, its mostly about spending time filling your cup with some joy, positivity and hopefully some ideas for effecting positive change. 

Register using the zoom link below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/s0Sqb_0SRiio_7cUDw2n3A

We know that there is a lot going on in the world today, and we know it is sometimes hard to keep a positive outlook in times of unknowns, so we invite you to join us every Friday morning via zoom to start your day off with positive connections and comradery.  Bring your coffee, and something positive to share, it can be something as simple as seeing a beautiful sunset or having something fun coming up you are looking forward to. If there is time after folks share their positive thoughts, the group will discuss action items that we can all take to create positive change in our communities.  

Everyone is welcome, its free and you only have to share if you feel comfortable doing so, its mostly about spending time filling your cup with some joy, positivity and hopefully some ideas for effecting positive change. 

Register using the zoom link below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/s0Sqb_0SRiio_7cUDw2n3A