News Briefs: August 21, 2025

Bloom Symptoms Reported

COOPERSTOWN—No harmful algae bloom conditions have been reported on Otsego Lake, although cyanobacteria abundance has increased and toxins have been detected at low but variable concentrations, SUNY Oneonta’s Biological Field Station announced. Samples collected on Monday and Tuesday, August 4 and 5 had total microcystin concentrations of <0.3 to 4.7 parts per billion. HAB symptoms were reported in a person and pet on August 13 and 14, off Brookwood Point and near Lakeland Shores, respectively. Lake users are urged to exercise caution and avoid cloudy, discolored, green or foamy water. Exposure symptoms should be reported to odo@health.ny.gov. Weather conditions remain highly favorable to blooms. Surface waters treated with individual home systems should not be used during blooms. For more information, visit the NYS DEC Harmful Algal Bloom Reporting System website.

Watershed Meeting Announced

SPRINGFIELD—The first public meeting on the Otsego Lake Watershed Protection Plan will be held in the Lakeview Pavilion of Glimmerglass State Park from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27. Community members and stakeholders are urged to attend and learn how to get involved in the watershed protection process. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with light refreshments provided. Visit cooperstownny.org/the-otsego-watershed-supervisory-committee/ for more information.

Master Gardeners Train Vols

COOPERSTOWN—Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schoharie and Otsego Counties will run a training program for new Master Gardener volunteers this fall, building a new class of community leaders in sustainable gardening practices, food security, and environmental stewardship. Participants will join a statewide network of dedicated volunteers and teachers. Training begins on Wednesday, October 1 and runs through March, with an extended break during the holiday season. It includes self-guided course work, live Zoom sessions from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesdays and up to six in-person classes or field trips. There is a fee of $250.00, payable upon acceptance. Applications may be found at cceschoharie-otsego.org and are due by Monday, September 15. There will be an information session on the program and application process at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 3. Contact mkf48@cornell.edu to sign up for the Zoom webinar.

Faerie Fest Is This Saturday

ONEONTA—DOSHA and Community Arts Network of Oneonta will host their annual “A Midsummer Night’s Faerie Fest” at 11 Ford Avenue from 3-8 p.m. on Saturday, August 23. The festival is free and open to the public and will feature a wide variety of vendors, music, food, and art. An 18+ post-festival Faerie Fest Fantasy Ball will run from 8-10 p.m. with a suggested donation of $5.00. Family-friendly activities will include face painting, blacksmith demonstrations, snake charming, arts and crafts, and artisan vendors. DOSHA will award costume prizes throughout the evening. For more information, visit canoneonta.org or contact admin@canoneonta.org.