CAC Promotes 2 April Events

The Conservation Advisory Council is helping Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County promote two local events in April:

Vern Pools Spring Into Life
For most of the year large salamanders live underground in the forest, while frogs go quietly about their business in the woods. Each are impossible to find. But...for a few weeks each spring, when the warm rains come, these creatures migrate in large numbers toward vernal pools for their yearly breeding season.

Please join us for a presentation on the wildlife and conservation of vernal pools followed by a short hike to an on-site vernal pool where we will hunt for amphibians, egg masses, fairy shrimp and tadpoles.

BE PREPARED FOR A SOMEWHAT MUDDY AND RUGGED WALK!

Saturday, April 5
9:30-11am
Dutchess Land Conservancy

RSVP: Julie Hart at Dutchess Land Conservancy (845) 677-3002 or julieh@dutchessland.org.

DIRECTIONS: 4289 Rte. 82 (formerly Route 44), Millbrook. Approximately 2 miles east of the intersection of Rte 44 and Rte 82 north (about 1 mile east of the Farm and Home Center) and one mile west of the intersection of Routes 44, 343 and 82 south.

Dutchess County Watershed Workshop
The Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County Environment Program is hosting a Dutchess County Watershed Workshop on April 11, from 8:30-4:00pm at Norrie Point. At the workshop, participants will learn more about the issues effecting watersheds and what they can do to protect them. Members of watershed groups, town boards, planning boards and anyone with a general interest in protecting their local water resources are encouraged to come. Registration is $10 and is due by April 4th. For more information or to register, contact Vicky Buono at 845-677-8223, ext 153 or vcb4@cornell.edu.

Friday, April 11, 2008, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

With Guest Speakers:

Scott Cuppett, NYSDEC, Hudson River Estuary Program
Martha Cheo, Hudson Basin River Watch
Gretchen Stevens and Andrew Meyer, Hudsonia
Barbara Kendall, NYSDEC, Hudson River Estuary Program
Kevin Grieser, NYSDEC, “Trees for Tribs” Initiative
Jen Cavanaugh, Dutchess County Soil and Water Conservation District
Katy Dunlap, Hudson River Watershed Alliance

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Communities across the nation are turning to watershed protection to guard their streams, drinking water supplies, and environmental resources that they stand to lose as development increases. This workshop will provide valuable information and introduce participants to the resources available to them to work towards protecting their watersheds. This workshop will be useful for local Planning Boards, Town Boards, Watershed Groups, Volunteers, or anyone with an interest in protecting their local environment and water resources.
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The Workshop will be held at the:
Norrie Point Environmental Center
256 Norrie Point Way, Staatsburg, NY

Registration is required.
$10 Registration fee covers lunch and materials.
The registration deadline is April 4th, 2008.

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For more information, contact the Environment Program staff of Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County at 845-677-8223, x 153.