WE SOILED OUR UNDIES!

Our undies are all chewed up and that’s just the way we like it. The more the underwear is deteriorated, the healthier the soil!

Microbial Action

Undies won't break down in just any soil. Healthy soils are full of life, diversity, and billions of microbes that consume organic matter, like cotton underwear!

In addition to chowing down on organic matter, soil microbes play an important role in crop and soil health. Soil microbes have 3 main roles:

1. Decomposition of organic matter
2. Nutrient cycling and stimulating plant growth
3. Promoting and stabilizing soil aggregates and structure

Learn more about the challenge here.

RURAL ENTERPRISES ON EASED PROPERTIES

As you drive throughout the NYC Watershed, you’re guaranteed to see several farm stands, sugar shacks, and even small-scale sawmills. Did you know that new “Rural Enterprises” are allowed on properties with a WAC Conservation Easement (CE)? 

WAC’s Agricultural CEs limit non-agricultural development on protected properties both to protect water quality and to promote economic vitality. CEs limit the form, location, and density of development so that land remains available for farming. That does not mean that all forms of development is prohibited. A small-scale Rural Enterprise is a great example of sensible, commercial development. These enterprises must be located within the Acceptable Development Area – a use area (on the protected property) reserved for residential and limited commercial development, intended to support the agricultural operation. Working lands conservation intends to balance the human-use of working landscapes, such as watershed farms and forests, with other conservation objectives. Easement Program Staff are available to answer any questions landowners may have regarding Rural Enterprises and/or other reserved rights by calling 607-865-7790 ext. 101.

CLEAN SWEEP 2024- Register online today, all Watershed Farms accepted.

GRANTS AVAILABLE!

Deadline approaching

Apply for one of our micro-grant opportunities in the following categories by 8/30/2024:

1) Marketing

2) Staffing

3) Event and/or Mileage

4) Training

For eligibility, more information, and to apply online click here.

UPCOMING FALL EVENTS

Join WAC, Pure Catskills and MyWoodlot at the following Fall Events:

• Margaretville Cauliflower Festival, September 21st
• Delhi Harvest Festival, September 21st
• Maple Shade Hootenanny Fall Festival, October 12th & 13th

Teachers from NYC and the NYC Watershed learn about the connections between land, water, forests, and people at WAC’s 2024 Watershed Forestry Institute for Teachers the last week in July.

Photo and caption by: Tyler Van Fleet, East of Hudson Forestry Program Coordinator