Earth Festival is OCCA’s annual celebration of sustainability, community, and environmental stewardship. Each year, the festival brings together families, students, local organizations, makers, and environmental partners for a full day of learning, inspiration, and hands on activities. Visitors can explore eco friendly products, enjoy local food, participate in workshops and demonstrations, discover local conservation work, and connect with groups across the region who are working to protect our natural resources.

This inclusive community event highlights practical steps we can all take to care for the planet and celebrates the people who make Otsego County a cleaner, greener place to live. Whether guests are new to environmental action or deeply involved in local conservation, Earth Festival offers something meaningful for everyone.

Save the Date for Earth Festival 2026
Earth Festival 2026 will be held on Saturday, May 9 at SUNY Oneonta, presented in partnership with the SUNY Oneonta Sustainability Office. Hosting the festival on campus provides room for more activities, more exhibitors, and greater engagement with the Oneonta community and enthusiastic student volunteers.

The day will once again include our Drive Through Drop Off Recycling Event, giving residents a convenient way to bring hard to recycle items while enjoying the festival.

More details will be announced soon. We look forward to celebrating with you.

OCCA is proud to be an active and enthusiastic presence at community events throughout the year. From festivals and farmers markets to school functions and local fairs, our team loves meeting people where they are to share our mission, talk about our work, and connect directly with residents across the county.

These outreach events allow us to engage people of all ages in meaningful conversations about local conservation issues including invasive species awareness, waste reduction, climate education, watershed protection, and trail stewardship. They also give community members a chance to learn how they can get involved through volunteering, citizen science, and educational programs.

If you are organizing an event and would like OCCA to participate, we would be delighted to hear from you. To invite us to table or present, please contact Shelby MacLeish at 607 547 4488 or email shelbym@occainfo.org. Share the date, location, and a brief description of your event and we will be happy to connect.

Each year, OCCA hosts a growing slate of community gatherings that bring people together to celebrate the natural beauty of Otsego County and the collective work that protects it. These events create space to connect with our members, volunteers, donors, and friends while highlighting the progress we are making throughout the region.

Our signature events include seasonal Garden Parties at Mohican Farm and our Annual Dinner at Creekside Station in Hartwick, an evening that celebrates community, conservation, and good food. Later in the year, we come together at Gilbert Lake State Park for our Member and Donor Appreciation Picnic, a relaxed day dedicated to thanking the people who make our work possible.

We also accept nominations year round for the OCCA Conservationist of the Year Award. This honor, presented each year by the OCCA Board of Directors at the Annual Dinner, recognizes an individual, group, or organization that has made a significant contribution to environmental stewardship, conservation, or education in Otsego County. If you know someone who is making a meaningful difference, we would love to hear from you.

Visit our events calendar for the most up to date information on upcoming gatherings, celebrations, workshops, and hikes. There is always something happening at OCCA and we hope you will join us.