VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR THE FOLLOWING EVENTS AND INITIATIVES:

Garage Sale and Fundraiser

Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, April

Both one week before and on the days of the sale, assistance is needed with set-up, pricing, putting up posters, assisting shoppers, working check-out, and other miscellaneous tasks. The sale encourages  re-use, second in the hierarchy of the good solid waste management motto, “Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.”

Earth Festival

Milford Central School, late April or early May

A broad spectrum of environmentally-focused education opportunities for general public audiences, held annually on or near the traditional Earth Day (April 22) at Milford Central School. Presented by the Environmental Education Network of Otsego County, Earth Festival is sponsored by OCCA and WildLearn.com.

Nature Walks

May through August

Since 2001, OCCA has organized nature walks on local trails featured in the OCCA publication “Otsego Walks & Paddles” and on an earlier county trails map it partnered in producing. 

Basswood Pond State Forest Trail Maintenance

Spring and Fall

OCCA is the official trail steward of Basswood Pond State Forest, located in the towns of Burlington and Exeter. In this capacity, OCCA organizes regular clean-up efforts.

Water Chestnut Eradication

June through September

For the past three years, OCCA and Goodyear Lake Association have been vigorously battling an invasive plant, the water chestnut, as it spreads throughout the northern part of Goodyear Lake.

Otsego Lakes Festival

Lake Front Park, July

This event offers a full slate of exhibitors and vendors to provide education focusing on the water quality in our region. The festival offers all the features of an enjoyable occasion – music, art, children’s activities, good food and camaraderie – while providing valuable education about lake protection and regional water quality programs from those who work to protect these resources. The Otsego Lake Festival is organized under the umbrella of the Otsego County Water Quality Coordinating Committee.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day

September

OCCA was instrumental in the establishment of the county’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day and continues to recruit volunteer help essential to the operations of that event.

Low Carbon Diet Educators

Ongoing

The Low Carbon Diet program focuses on energy conservation and how associated changes will save money. Leaders are needed for Low Carbon Diet Eco-Teams, designed to provide a venue for citizens to get together with their neighbors to discuss ways in which they can reduce energy use, save money and therefore reduce their “carbon footprint.”

Event Planners

Ongoing

In addition to regularly scheduled events, OCCA is also seeking to organize a lake swim fundraiser, as well as an alternative energy tour of area homes.

Mailings & Miscellaneous Office Administration

Ongoing, OCCA office or at home