Volunteer Programs

  • Community scientist volunteers taking measurements of culverts

    Culvert Team

    Starting in 2025, community scientists are assessing the aquatic organism passibility of stream-road crossings in the Otsego Lake, Canadarago Lake, and Butternut Creek watersheds.

    Currently recruiting assistants!

    Learn More
  • Close up image of harmful algal bacteria

    Shoreline Monitors

    Community Scientists who live on or frequent Otsego Lake and Canadarago Lake. Shoreline Monitors regularly assess lake conditions, including the presence of Harmful Algal Blooms and Invasive Species, then report their findings on an easy-to-use survey. Can be done on a phone, and takes as little as 20 minutes, but it makes a big difference in the health of Otsego Lake.

    This program is new for 2025. Register below, and we’ll reach out when we roll out the program.

    Sign Up
  • Volunteer community scientists taking water samples at their stream site

    Stream Team

    Community Scientists adopt a stream site in Otsego County to monitor water quality each month. Samples are collected at the site, and the labs are done indoors. This program is year-round.

    Learn More

  • Friends of the Forest: Trail Maintenance Team

    Volunteers adopt a stretch of trail at either Arnold Lake State Forest or Basswood Pond State Forest to help maintain it throughout the year.

    Learn More
  • volunteers cleaning up debris out of the susquehanna river

    Susquehana River Clean-Up

    Join us July 10-12th for a clean up of the Susquehanna River. There will be clean-up initatives in Cooperstown, Milford, Portlandville, Colliersville, and Oneonta.

    Learn More

  • Events

    OCCA is always seeking help with various events throughout the year, including our annual recycling event Drive-Through Drop-Off and Earth Festival

    Click Here

  • Invasive Species Team

    Help protect water bodies in Otsego County from Water Chestnut, Yellow Floating Heart, and European Frog Bit this summer.

    Currently seeking individuals, groups, clubs, or other organizations to adopt a body of water in Otsego County.

    Learn More

Community Science is the collaborative practice of engaging residents in meaningful scientific efforts to explore, understand, and protect our local environment. Community science is about more than data collection and participating in science; it’s about building stronger, more connected communities where people feel empowered to shape and restore the future of their natural surroundings. By bringing together different groups of varying ages and backgrounds, community science fosters environmental stewardship, collective learning, and a shared sense of responsibility for the places we all inhabit.