Education

Education is woven into everything we do at OCCA.

Every trail walk, workshop, lecture, and volunteer project is designed to spark curiosity, deepen local knowledge, and strengthen our community’s relationship with the land we call home. Our programs now span all seasons—from hands-on conservation projects and family-friendly activities to in-depth learning experiences for adults, students, and lifelong naturalists.

One of our most exciting and growing initiatives is Community Connections, a year-round series that brings people together to explore the forests, fields, waters, and working landscapes of Otsego County. These programs aren’t just opportunities to get outside—they’re invitations to learn, connect, and feel empowered to care for the places that sustain us.

At OCCA, we believe that environmental education should be accessible, engaging, and grounded in the real landscapes of our region. Through outdoor programs, school partnerships, public lectures, and hands-on volunteer opportunities, we help residents build a meaningful connection to their natural resources. This connection strengthens our collective capacity for stewardship, supports informed decision-making, and inspires action on local issues like clean energy, recycling, invasive species, and land and water conservation.

Together, we’re building a community that grows stronger through learning, exploring, and taking care of our shared environment.

Join one of our annual mushroom walks to learn about our local fungi.

Our Programs

  • Two children wearing backpacks playing near the shore of a lake with mountains in the background and a partly cloudy sky.

    Family Nature Walks

    OCCA leads a wide variety of family friendly nature walks across Otsego County’s trails, forests, wetlands, and open spaces. We believe that time spent outdoors is one of the most powerful ways to understand and appreciate the natural resources that make our region so special. Our walks range from relaxed rambles to themed educational outings, making them accessible and enjoyable for all ages and experience levels.

    A favorite among local families is Get the Kids Out, a series of hikes and hands on activities offered during school breaks and holidays. These programs give kids space to explore, observe, and connect with nature while creating meaningful family memories. Check our calendar for upcoming dates and locations. We would love to see you on the trail.

  • Group of people in a forest, with a woman in a blue shirt and black boots holding a mushroom and looking at it.

    Community Connection Series

    Launched to strengthen the link between people, place, and community, Community Connections has quickly become one of OCCA’s signature offerings. This growing program umbrella brings together residents of all ages to explore the landscapes, ecology, and stories of Otsego County.

    What began with seasonal mushroom walks has expanded into a rich mix of outdoor adventures, workshops, and small group learning experiences. New offerings include The Earth and You, a midday lecture and lunch series that highlights local experts on topics such as climate resilience, wildlife, conservation, and sustainable living. Whether you prefer a hike, a hands on skill, or a thoughtful conversation over warm soup, Community Connections offers something for everyone.

  • A presenter explaining a diagram of a simplified food and energy web in a lake to an audience in a classroom or conference room.

    Be Informed Lectures

    The Be Informed Lecture Series invites the community to learn from local scientists, educators, and natural resource professionals on a wide range of environmental topics including ecology, land management, climate issues, energy, and conservation innovation. Hosted in partnership with Mohican Farm, these talks are designed for adults and older students who want to stay current on regional issues and deepen their understanding of the natural world.

    Lectures are free and open to all and are offered regularly throughout the year. Join us to learn, ask questions, and connect with others who care about our environment.

  • Three people in rain gear collecting insects in a grassy area with trees and bushes, using containers and tools.

    B-WET

    The Chesapeake Bay Headwaters Educational Ecosystem is a long term K through 12 environmental literacy initiative funded by NOAA’s B WET program. Through this project, OCCA works closely with teachers to build confidence, curriculum, and hands on experience with Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences.

    We are partnering with educators in area schools to support multi year student projects that investigate local waterways, climate, conservation, and community issues. Teachers participate in immersive professional development, ongoing planning sessions, and classroom support to bring high quality environmental learning to their students.

    We also offer a free online Environmental Literacy Course for teachers, homeschool families, and anyone interested in integrating watershed based learning into everyday life. Click below to learn more and sign up.

    Enroll Here
  • Group of people hiking on a trail through a forest with some snow on the ground and trees, some with bare branches and some with green foliage.

    Queer Outdoors

    OCCA’s Queer Outdoors group brings LGBTQIA plus community members and allies together for monthly adventures in nature. Our goal is to create welcoming and affirming outdoor spaces where people can connect with each other, learn new skills, and feel at home in the natural world.

    Programs vary by season and interest. Past activities include paddling, beginner friendly hikes, camping basics, and social meetups. Everyone is welcome. Check our calendar or join our Eco Bulletin to stay up to date on upcoming outings.

  • Two children, a boy and a girl, by a small pond surrounded by green grass. The girl is crouching down, reaching into the water with a net, while the boy stands nearby with a notebook or paper and a container in hand. Both children are wearing hats for sun protection.

    Homeschool Nature Walks

    Our monthly Homeschool Nature Walks invite families to explore Otsego County’s ecosystems with guided hikes, natural history lessons, and hands on investigations. Led by OCCA’s Assistant Director, these programs foster curiosity, build outdoor skills, and give homeschool students the chance to form friendships and community through shared experiences.

    Walks take place at different parks, preserves, and natural areas throughout the year, offering a rich variety of environments to explore. All ages are welcome.

View Our Programs Calendar