May News from the Watershed Agricultural Council

May 2025

THE 2025-2026 GUIDE TO PURE CATSKILLS PRODUCTS IS HERE!

We’re excited to share that the 2025–2026 Guide to Pure Catskills Products is now available. This Guide is your go-to resource for discovering and supporting the farmers, artisans, and small businesses that define the heart of the Catskills.

Choosing local is powerful. Every purchase from a nearby producer helps strengthen our rural communities, preserves our open spaces, and supports a way of life rooted in sustainability and care for the land. Local food is fresher, more nutritious, and harvested with intention—often just hours or days before it reaches your table.

Explore the guide to connect with these and many more Pure Catskills members. Visit purecatskills.com for full member listings, events, updates, and more. If you have questions, reach out to us at purecatskills@nycwatershed.org or call (607) 865-7090.

CELEBRATE DAIRY MONTH WITH US!

The Watershed Agricultural Counci l and Pure Catskills invite you to join us for the Meredith Dairy Fest on June 7 & 8 at 3575 Honest Brook Road, Meredith, NY.

This one-of-a-kind festival celebrates the rich history and vital role of the dairy industry in upstate NY. Stop by our sponsored tent to connect with local producers, learn more about sustainable agriculture, and enjoy all that our community has to offer.

MANURE INJECTION GRANT

Manure injection in the NYC Watershed and Delaware County is well underway! Over 5 million gallons in 1,000+ acres have already been spread. Spreading is being done by Albano Farms through the Conservation Innovation Grant awarded to Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation Disctrict in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County and the Watershed Agricultural Council.

SCENES FROM THE FIELD

WAC staff have another busy season underway from soil sampling, scissor cuts, site showings, Best Management Practice construction, Annual Status Reviews, Annual Monitoring Visits, logger classes, Outreach and Education Events and more! Check out our social media (Facebook, Threads and Instagram) to stay up to date on the latest happenings in the NYC Watershed region.

In this photo summer interns are learning about soil sampling. Photo by Kari Sheridan.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

CONSERVATION PLANNER

The Watershed Agricultural Council is seeking a Conservation Planner. The Conservation Planner will be responsible for the development of Whole Farm Plans (WFP), maintenance and monitoring of existing WFPs and the implementation of conservation practices within the West of Hudson Catskill/Delaware Watershed region of the New York City drinking water supply. The Conservation Planner works under the direct supervision of the Whole Farm Planning Coordinator and in an inter-agency team setting to develop whole farm plans and nutrient management plans. Qualifications and requirements are detailed in the position description available below. Salary, $57,000-$60,000.

EOE. Review of applications will begin May 9, 2025.

Conservation Planner Job Description

For more information visit: nycwatershed.org/careers

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

email: communications@nycwatershed.org

For general inquiries call: (607) 865-7090

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