December 2016
Your trusted source for protecting farms, forests, land and water.
 

As 2016 comes to a close, we reflect on the past year, the success of our programs and collaborative partnerships. With over 270 Pure Catskills members, 356 Active Farms (in the East of Husdon and West of Hudson regions combined), 25,736 acres in Conservation Easements and 5,000 users on the MyWoodlot website; it has been another productive year! We want to thank our participants for all their hard work as we work together to safeguard our land and protect water quality.

The giving season is upon us and we are asking our friends and partners to continue to help us save farms and protect water quality by donating to our Stewardship Endowment Fund. Invest in the future of our region by helping us safeguard the rural landscape and family farms with your donation.

To learn more about the success stories of 2016 read our Annual Report here.  
Agriculture
BOOTS IN THE BARNYARD: WEST WIND FARM 

 
Agricultural Program participant Heleen Heyning of West Wind Farm shares her story of farming in the NYC Watershed. Her story is the first in our new video series titled Boots in the Barnyard. Each video will feature a different participant's story of farming, protecting water quality, and life in the Catskills.

For more information on our Agricultural Program check out our website:  nycwatershed.org
Economic Viability
WE ARE PURE CATSKILLS: THE HERON RESTAURANT


Owners Paul Nanni and Marla Puccetti discovered Narrowsburg on a trip to a friend's home, soon afterwards they took the leap of faith moving upstate and opening The Heron.

Sourcing 70% of their menu from local farmers and producers, they are bringing a sense of community to their popular restaurant. "You have a responsibility to buy local to stimulate the community around you.," says Paul. Their philosophy on food and local support can be found in each dish.

Visit purecatskills.com for member news and local events this holiday season!
2016 Annual Report
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE 
Check out the Watershed Agricultural Council's 2016 Annual Report. Success stories from across the NYC Watershed region are highlighted, featuring farm and forest producers that are partnering to protect our farms, forests and clean water. Read the report here.   
 
Catskill Regional Agriculture Conference:
Mark your calendar for January 12. The 2017 Catskill Regional Agriculture Conference will once again be held at SUNY Delhi by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County, and is sponsored by WAC. More information coming on the CCE website soon.

Shop Local:
Shop local this holiday season and bring the Catskills home for the holidays! Shopping just
got easier with our Pure Catskills Holiday Gift Guide.
Check out our 2016 Pure Catskills Holiday Gift Guide for a local member near you!
View the Guide

Education Grants:
The Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) is now accepting Watershed Education Grant proposals from schools and non-profit organizations serving students and teachers in the Watershed and within the five boroughs of NYC. Applications are due Feb. 1. For more information contact Diane Galusha at (845) 586-1400
Stay Connected
Heather Magnan | (607) 865-7090, ext. 217