Founded in 1968, OCCA is a community-based conservation nonprofit dedicated to protecting the landscapes, waterways, and natural resources that define Otsego County. Without a single geographic focus, we don’t just protect one place—we work with our community to protect all places. OCCA partners with landowners, public land managers, and a wide range of governmental and community organizations to advance conservation efforts across the entire region.
Through hands-on stewardship, public programs, scientific monitoring, and collaborative projects, we promote the appreciation and sustainable use of our county’s natural resources. Our work is essential to improving and safeguarding Otsego County’s air, land, and water for generations to come.
Our Impact is Only as Strong as Our Community… Join Us
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Free Public Programs
Each year, OCCA offers a rich variety of free, public programs designed to help our community connect with the natural world. From hands-on experiences to expert-led learning, there’s always something new to explore. Be sure to join our mailing list and check our calendar regularly—our opportunities fill quickly!
Depending on the season, you might find guided hikes and nature walks, Be Informed lectures on wide-ranging environmental topics, mushroom and plant foraging outings, apple-grafting workshops, group paddles, and many other ways to discover Otsego County’s incredible landscapes.
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Earth Festival
For more than 20 years, Earth Festival has been one of OCCA’s signature community events—a vibrant celebration of sustainability, local stewardship, and environmental action. Each spring, dozens of eco-focused organizations, artisans, and vendors gather under one roof to showcase the important work happening across Otsego County.
In 2025, the festival—hosted at Milford School—welcomed more than 350 attendees for a full day of hands-on learning, family-friendly activities, and inspiring conversations about caring for our planet.
Plans for the 2026 Earth Festival are already underway, and it’s shaping up to be our most exciting year yet. Stay tuned for announcements, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter below so you never miss an update.
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Land Stewardship
OCCA partners with landowners, local governments, and community organizations to strengthen conservation efforts across the region. Together, we work to protect natural habitats, improve public access, and care for the landscapes that make Otsego County special.
Our dedicated volunteers play a vital role in this work. They help maintain trails in nearby state forests, remove invasive species on both public and private lands, and participate in annual clean-ups along our highways and waterways. Their commitment keeps our natural spaces healthy, welcoming, and resilient for all.
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Community Science
OCCA’s Community Science programs empower local residents to take an active role in understanding and protecting the ecosystems around them. By participating in real data collection, volunteers gain hands-on experience, contribute valuable information to regional conservation efforts, and help build a stronger culture of environmental stewardship.
Our Community Science volunteers monitor stream water quality, assess stream connectivity, document harmful algal blooms, and survey local landscapes for invasive species. Together, their work provides critical insights that guide restoration, inform management decisions, and support the long-term health of Otsego County’s natural resources.
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Recycling
Since 1968, OCCA has been a regional leader in recycling, composting, and solid waste education. Over the decades, we’ve offered hands-on composting workshops, school presentations, Repair Cafés, and large-scale collection events—all designed to give residents practical, achievable ways to reduce waste and make more sustainable choices every day.
Our Recycling Committee meets monthly to guide county-wide initiatives, explore emerging trends, and identify opportunities to improve local waste systems. We also work closely with the Otsego County Solid Waste and Planning Department to align messaging, support county programs, and ensure residents have clear, accessible information about recycling, reuse, and proper disposal.
Together, these efforts help build a cleaner, more sustainable future for Otsego County.
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Education
Education is at the heart of everything OCCA does. In addition to weaving learning into all of our programs, we’ve developed a robust suite of frameworks, courses, and educational materials for teachers, outdoor educators, students, and the general public. These resources help deepen environmental literacy and support meaningful, place-based learning throughout Otsego County.
Explore our growing library of educational tools, including Community Science data, Mini Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) courses and lesson plans, Environmental Learning Plans for New York State, regional invasive species identification guides, and Otsego County’s official Harmful Algal Bloom information website.
Together, these materials empower learners of all ages to better understand, appreciate, and protect the natural systems that sustain our community.
Explore the “Learn” tab in our navigation
Engaging our Communities in Responsible Stewardship
“I had never stopped to think about the fact that my beloved creek is part of this huge watershed, and even though I’ve always been aware of how connected everything in nature is, seeing how our little creek fits into the big picture was really brought home to me”
— Julie Jensen, Member and Volunteer