Our Organization

OCCA is a regional conservation organization addressing a broad spectrum of basic environmental concerns who promotes the appreciation and sustainable use of our region’s resources. OCCA implements crucial programs and projects to improve or protect Otsego County’s air, land, and water. Broad support from county residents enhances our ability to accomplish our mission.


Engaging our Communities in Responsible Stewardship

Become an OCCA Member in 2024!

Join Us in Shaping Otsego County's Future.

This fall, we're launching our revitalized membership program, and we need passionate individuals like you to lead the charge. Whether your interests lie in education, conservation, or advocacy, your contribution is vital to our mission.

Membership Benefits

  • Exclusive access to events and workshops throughout the year

  • Networking opportunities with conservation minded individuals

  • Regular updates on our projects and achievements

    • Quarterly Member Only Newsletter

For Questions about our new membership program call Assistant Director, Shelby MacLeish at 607-547-4488 or email at coordinator@occainfo.org

We look forward to you joining the OCCA Community!

Support our work in 2024!

In 2024, our main goal is to connect with more of you. During the summer of 2024 we are raising money to fund our invasives species management program. From mid-May until September, our extensive work identifying, monitoring, and managing invasive species infestations throughout the county consumes most of our time and energy.

Some of the most pervasive in our region that OCCA currently works on are Water Chestnuts, European Frog Bit, Yellow Floating Heart, Japanese Knotweed, Asian Longhorn Beatle, Emerald Ash Borer, and Hemlock Wooly Adelgid.  All of these are non-native species that cause or are likely to cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. 

Last season alone, our invasive species work not funded by grants cost over $25,000. Expenses include staff salaries, equipment, and supplies. Every dollar you donate will directly contribute to the management of invasive species in our ecosystem.    Every dollar donated to this campaign is a direct investment in our environment. Every dollar you give removes more invasive plants and animals from our ecosystem, helping support biodiversity and allowing native species to thrive.   

Contribute Today:

Scan or Click on the QR code for online payment or mail checks to:

PO Box 931, Cooperstown, NY 13326


OCCA is thrilled to announce the launch of our free online Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEE) course. This course is part of the Chesapeake Bay Headwaters Education Ecosystem, a partnership between the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education & Training (B-WET) Program and OCCA. It is designed to foster environmental literacy in the headwaters region of Chesapeake Bay. While the course is focused on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, it is a valuable resource for any New York Teacher, home educator, or individual interested in enhancing their understanding of environmental issues and incorporating this knowledge into their work or life.

Click on the button below to learn more and enroll today!

Now Available

Online B-WET Course

Volunteer with OCCA!

Volunteers play a huge role in our work at OCCA. Click on the button below to learn more about our volunteer program, and subscribe to the Eco-bulletin to stay updated with volunteer projects.

Otsego County HABS Website

The site has information about what Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are, what to look out for when assessing if you should go in a body of water, and resource links to all of the local science happening here to understand HABs and help toward a long-term management solution.