News from the Noteworthy from Otsego County Conservation Association

Get Involved, Stay Informed with Our New Team

Ever feel like it’s time to roll up your sleeves and tackle today’s policy challenges? Well…

The Otsego County Conservation Association is very excited to announce our brand-new Community Conservation Advocacy Team! Along with a variety of programs, community science teams, volunteer opportunities, and stewardship engagement activities, one of the lesser-known pillars of OCCA is advocacy for the environment and efforts to influence environmental policy in New York State and at the federal level. As a 501c3 nonprofit, there are ways we can engage with community members and promote civic action around environmental policy without engaging in direct lobbying.

Our Community Conservation Advocacy Team is one of those ways.

This new group provides any community member who wants to positively influence potential environmental policy changes—such as new legislation around recycling, clean energy, resource management, and environmental stewardship—with a group that helps keep them informed while suggesting direct calls to action.

As important topics arise, OCCA will send messages about opportunities to specifically engage right from home. Activities may include:

• Connecting with local, state, or federal legislators via telephone, e-mail, or written letters
• Relaying important information to news and community group outlets
• Sharing information on social media or other platforms
• On some occasions, even joining OCCA as part of environmental coalitions to visit legislators in person in both Albany and Washington, D.C.

Folks can engage at any level they feel comfortable, even if they just want to observe the advocacy activities, programs and policies OCCA is working on.

We would love to have you join this team! You can do so by visiting our website, www.occainfo.org, or by e-mailing Executive Director Amy Wyant at director@occainfo.org.

We also have many other opportunities for joining in our collective fight to protect the area we love and the environment we cherish. Consider volunteering for one of our community science teams, or join us for a hike, walk, or informational lecture, such as our talk with best-selling author Ethan Tapper, who will be at Fenimore Art Museum on March 13 at 7 p.m.

Additionally, we are hosting a “State of Conservation Countywide Coffee Talk Tour.” This is a series of open forum conversations with our executive director at different local coffee shops throughout Otsego County. Everyone is welcome to join us to ask questions, hear about current and future OCCA initiatives, and learn how to become a member and get more engaged in the great work that OCCA is doing around Otsego County and the region.

And last but not least, our very popular Earth Festival and Drive-Thru Drop-Off events will be held on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. So save the date!

Check out our website for more details and to sign up for an event or volunteer opportunity today.

We know our community has a passion and appreciation for our home, and we are excited to offer more ways for everyone to participate. If you have any questions, always feel free to reach out to us at (607) 547-4488.

Amy Wyant is the executive director of the Otsego County Conservation Association.