Education and Outreach

Education is part of everything we do at OCCA. In 2023, we expanded our education and outreach programs, filling the calendar throughout the year with conservation projects, hikes, children's activities, and more. But the real excitement came midway through the year, when we launched our Community Connections series. This new set of programs is not just about getting everyone connected to the land and our community; it's about inspiring and empowering each and every one of you to make a difference.

At OCCA, we believe that through our environmental education programs, outdoor education experiences, lecture series, and volunteer opportunities, we can help Otsego County residents stay connected with their natural resources. This connection not only enhances our understanding and appreciation of the environment but also fosters a sense of responsibility and stewardship. Our outreach efforts on issues such as clean energy, recycling, and land management also give our residents information and activities on essential programs around the county, helping them stay involved.

Current Projects

  • Family Nature Walks

    OCCA regularly organizes a diverse range of nature walks on local trails. We believe that getting out and enjoying Otsego County's open spaces is important to understanding and appreciating our area's bountiful natural resources. Our nature hikes include both leisurely strolls and educational walks, catering to all audiences.

    Our highly inclusive and popular 'Get the Kids Out' program, where walks and activities are thoughtfully scheduled during school breaks and holidays, will continue to be a highlight throughout 2024. We invite you to check our calendar for dates and times, and join us in creating valuable and memorable experiences for your family.

  • Community Connection Series

    In the fall of 2023, we launched this new set of programs to connect people to the land and their community.

    Our Community Connection Series will develop our outdoor programming and expand the offerings for all ages. Our first series under this umbrella was a series of mushroom walks that ran during the fall and winter of 2023. For Seniors and the general public, we are starting a "The Earth and You" lunchtime lecture series aimed at bringing speakers to talk about relevant environmental topics while serving soup lunch.

  • Be Informed Lectures

    Celebrate and learn about many topics in ecology, natural resources, land management, and much more. The Be Informed! Lecture series has a topic for everyone. Planned in conjunction with Mohican Farm, this series is intended for older students and adults to stay current on various issues and learn in the process. Lectures are free and open to everyone and will be presented bi-monthly in 2024.

  • B-WET

    The Chesapeake Bay Headwaters Educational Ecosystem is a statewide K-12 Environmental Literacy Initiative. Funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) program, CBHEE is designed to engage and educate teachers on how to develop, integrate, and lead Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) in their classrooms.

    OCCA is working on a long-term project with teachers at Milford Central School and Morris Central School. Six teachers from both schools attended our in-depth summer workshops, participated in an all-day follow-up and planning session in early September, and are actively implementing “deep dive” MWEE projects with their students. Through this project, we will work specifically with these teachers over the next two years to engage their middle and high school students with this innovative education model.

    We are excited to now offer a FREE ONLINE Course designed to help you integrate environmental literacy into your classroom, homeschool or everyday life. Click on the button below to learn more and sign up.

  • Queer Outdoors

    In 2023 OCCA started a Queer Outdoors group, meeting once a month with the hope of connecting the LGBTQIA+ community to the outdoors and each other. We desire to help people learn and grow in the outdoors while making the outdoors a more diverse and inclusive space. Past activities include camping 101, paddling, hiking, and meetups. Check our calendar for the next program or sign up for our eco-bulletin to keep up to date on all programs.

  • Homeschool Nature Walks

    In 2022, OCCA launched our monthly homeschool nature walk series. Assistant Director Shelby MacLeish leads a hike and educational program on the second Friday of the month. Many participants come monthly, allowing them to form connections with each other, and some have made lasting friendships through this program. The program meets at different sites around the county throughout the year. All ages are welcome.

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