Watershed Wake-up Call

Watershed Wake-up Call on WIOX Radio 91.3FM

Here's a look at what's happening at the Watershed Agricultural Council and around the New York City Watershed.

EVENTS:
JANUARY 26: Farmer's Tax School, Hamden, 1-3 p.m.

JANUARY 27: Eklund Processing Tour, Stamford, 10 a.m. - noonFEBRUARY 2:  Easement Program Committee Meeting February 2, 1p.m. at Walton offices, 44 West Street.


NOW THROUGH APRIL 30: It's time to "Get in the Guide!" Enroll for Pure Catskills Buy Local campaign now through April 30; download the membership application here.

2011 6th Grade Winner: Claire Woolschlager
Beaver River Central School ~ Lewis County

3) FEBRUARY 4: “Anthropogenic stream alteration: Effects on brown trout habitat, behavior and physiology," a presentation from 1:45 to 3 p.m. in the Student Lounge, Vanderlyn Hall, Ulster County Community College, Stone Ridge.

4) FEBRUARY 11: Basics of Maple Syrup Production at Agroforestry Center Acra from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $10. Whether you are a New Producer, a Beginner Producer, or a Small Commercial Producer, this maple syrup workshop will provide you with valuable production information on methods, materials, management, and much more. Sponsored by the Watershed Agricultural Council's Forestry Program, contact CCE Greene County (518) 622-9820 to register.

5) FEBRUARY 22 & 24: Group-housed Dairy Calf Symposium in Richfield Springs and Oneonta.

GRANTS:
1) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for agricultural producers and rural small businesses is making $25.4 million available  for grants and guaranteed loan programs that support renewable energy systems, efficiency measures, feasibility studies and energy audits.


2) Business Flood Recovery Grant Program from Empire State Development provides assistance to eligible small businesses, nonprofits, farms or owners of multiple dwellings that sustained direct physical flood-related damage as a result of Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee. Grants up to $20,000 will be awarded out of a pot of $21 million.FMI: (518) 292-5340 or email floodrecovery@esd.ny.gov; application deadline is March 16.


2011 winner Pre-K: Drew Bush
Gordon Elementary, Tompkin County

 3) The 2012 I Love NY Agriculture Art & Writing Contest for grades Pre-K through 6 is accepting entries through Friday, April 13th, 2012. The I NY Agriculture Contest is an opportunity to explore agriculture and the food system while meeting the New York State Learning Standards. Students can discover more about where food comes from and why it is important for all of us everyday. For more information, entry forms, grade level guidelines, contest rules and awards, please visit: http://nyaged.org/aitc/programs/contest.htm. Winning entries will be exhibited at the "Moo Country" Exhibit in the Dairy Cattle Barn at the Great New York State Fair.


SPOTLIGHT ON PURE CATSKILLS MEMBER: Catskill Rose & Dining: 5355 Route 212, Mount Tremper 845-688-7100 with dining Thursday through Sunday from 5 p.m. Hearty winter dining specials start at just $10. Check out their "Love February" special:  all month long, two-night accommodation, chilled champagne and chocolate truffles in your room, includes tax $259*. Help them celebrate their 25th Anniversary by "liking" their Facebook Page for a chance to win dinner for six.

Tundra Brewery, locally crafted beer with maple syrup

Tune in every week, Thursday at 7:15 a.m., on WIOX Community Radio 91.3FM. Follow us on Facebook for the latest on the Council and Pure Catskills.