SWCD Blog
Watershed Tea
One of the most iconic sights associated with Central New York is the bright leaves that appear every autumn. Each year both locals and travelers alike look forward to seeing the beautiful colors blanketed across the landscape, but when the leaves have fallen and...
Local Company Supporting Local Conservation!
Check out this local company Grout Brook Fly Co. that is supporting our efforts to protect important water resources like Grout Brook!
Winter Is Coming
The leaves have fallen, our clocks have been turned back, the first snow has dropped, and we are reminded that winter is just around the corner. As the cold and snow creep in, there are things every home owner can do to prepare their home and yard for the winter....
Check out Crown City Composters
Crown City Composters is a project by Seven Valleys Health Coalition that aims to reduce the amount of food waste in Cortland County. Check out their Facebook page @CrownCityComposters and see SWCD's very own Jared Popoli and his video "Composting 101". You can also...
Kettle Lakes Watershed News
Thanks to the Cortland-Onondaga Federation of Kettle Lake Associations (C-OFOKLA) and our partners for putting together this great newsletter with information about some SWCD projects and other interesting and educational information. Download the newsletter here. ...
Blue Green Algae and HABs
Have you seen strange looking algae or “pond scum” floating on your pond or lake? It’s not uncommon for these blooms to appear, especially during the hottest parts of summer. While most algae are harmless to humans, some can be problematic for the surrounding ecosystems, while others can produce toxins. Blooms that can be harmful to people and animals are commonly referred to as harmful algal blooms (HABs).
Planting Trees to Protect Water Quality
SWCD staff recently finished planting about 200 tree seedlings on about 1 acre of land in Homer to provide a buffer along the W. Branch Tiougnioga River. The buffer creates a natural vegetated area adjacent to the river. It was planted to native tree species like...
Yellow Floating Heart on the Horizon
By Hanna Whalen Yellow Floating Heart is today's invasive species of concern. This aquatic plant is a perennial invasive species native to Eurasia, and is now established on Long Island and in the Hudson valley. Floating Yellow Heart is named for its floating heart...
Is Eradication Possible? The Asian Longhorned Beetle in New York State
By Hanna Whalen Unfortunately for most invasive species once a population is established it is nearly impossible to get rid of it entirely. Managing the population annually to reduce their numbers is essential for maintaining functioning ecosystems, but the species...
Garlic Mustard is still at it
By Hanna Whalen You have probably already heard about and seen today's Invasive species: garlic mustard. This plant, native to Europe, has been in the United States for over 150 years. This plant requires partial shade so it is an invader of forests and wooded edge...
