December 2024

Happy Holidays from your friends at the

Watershed Agricultural Council!

FUNDING: WATERSHED FORESTRY FIELD TRIP PROGRAM

Applications due Friday, January 10, by 5pm


Apply now for in-person field trip funding to the NYC Watershed for spring 2025. Discover first-hand the world-famous NYC Watershed and forest-filtered water supply system! Check out the four Watershed Forestry Field Trip options that explore the source of NYC’s drinking water and how forests protect water quality. You can plant trees, release trout, and learn at environmental education centers. All trips include a guided tour of a drinking water reservoir. Check out the website to download the application today. 

MEET THE NEW PLANNERS

We would like to welcome two "new" faces to our staff.


Ben Hepler- Conservation Planner

"I started with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County in November of 2017 as a Nutrient Management Planner. I thoroughly enjoyed drafting plans and working with the farmers of the NYC Watershed through educational events. I applied for the Whole Farm Planning position to continue my work and love of agriculture. At home, my family and I run a cow/calf operation and finish about 70 head for the freezer trade market. My wife and I also keep a small flock of Katahdin sheep."


Camberly VanValkenburg- Assistant Conservation Planner

'While working to earn my degree from SUNY Morrisville, I spent three summers with the Delaware County Soil and Water Stream Program as an intern. Staying close to home on my family hay farm, I am excited to join WAC as an Assistant Conservation Planner where I will be helping the Whole Farm Planning, Nutrient Management, and Precision Feed Management teams with various tasks such as sampling and data collection efforts."

We are excited to continue to work with Ben and Cam, and think you will be too! Look for them in the field and be sure to give them a warm Watershed welcome!

ATTENTION EAST OF HUDSON FARMS IN THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT


Westchester County, through its partnership with the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board (AFPB), is in the process of reviewing its Agricultural District No. 1, which will be completed by July 19, 2025. The County and AFPB are requesting the help of participating farms and encouraging new enrollment to promote the continuation of farming and the preservation of agricultural land in the County!


We kindly ask that farms currently enrolled in the District, and those requesting enrollment, complete a brief survey. This will help ensure your contact information is up-to-date, and we have a understanding of your current agricultural practices. The survey is located at https://arcg.is/1G4jmf2 or scan the QR code.


The District currently includes the following municipalities: Cortlandt, Yorktown, Somers, North Salem, Lewisboro, Bedford, Sleepy Hollow and the portion of Mount Pleasant west of the Taconic State Parkway. 130 farms are within the District, which totals approximately 9,254 acres. Farming activities range from small scale operations under 25 acres, to farms greater than 250 acres. As part of its 2025 review, the County and AFPB are recommending the inclusion of Pound Ridge, North Castle, New Castle and Ossining, which were historically included.


If you have questions, concerns or would like additional information on the District, please contact Jesenia Laureano, Associate Environmental Planner at (914) 995–2085 or Jnl1@westchestercountyny.gov.

SCENES FROM THE FIELD

"Construction started last week on an agrichemical handling facility in the East of Hudson Watershed at Salinger’s Orchards. Staff and the contractor are working diligently to get as much of the facility constructed before the ground freezes. Beautiful, bright, sunny day to be in the field, but was definitely chilly!"


Photo and caption by:

Amy Faulkner, Director of Operations (Interim EOH Program Manager)

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

EASEMENT PROGRAM STEWARDSHIP SPECIALIST

West of Hudson, Hamden, NY


The Watershed Agricultural Council is seeking an Easement Program Stewardship Specialist. The Stewardship Specialist will steward assigned conservation easement properties and projects and ensure that landowners are following the terms and conditions of their conservation easements. This position works under the supervision of the Easement Program Stewardship Coordinator.


Qualifications and requirements detailed in the position description below. Salary range: $55,000-$60,000 dependent upon experience. EOE. Review of applications will begin immediately.


JOB DESCRIPTION


To apply send cover letter and resume to:

Patti Bowker

Watershed Agricultural Council

33195 State Highway 10

Walton, NY 13856


or email pbowker@nycwatershed.org

For more information on any of our programs, visit nycwatershed.org

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Heather Magnan
(607) 865-7090, ext. 217