Pond Management Workshop

Saturday, June 1

9:00 a.m. - 12: 00 noon

Location:  Agroforestry Resource Center, Acra 
Presenter:  Jim Ochterski, Progressive Pond Consulting
Cost:  $15.00 per person
Registration deadline: Tuesday, May 28
To register call: 518-622-9820 x0

This workshop is a comprehensive look at pond management – from routine maintenance to problem solving.  Jim Ochterski, owner of Progressive Pond Consulting and lead author of "The Pond Guidebook", will discuss the top ten things you need to know about your pond.  He will help you understand your choices to manage certain weeds, keep the water safe for swimming, and attract wildlife, all while being a good ecological steward of the pond.  He will also provide an overview of specific laws and rules in New York regarding pond fish stocking, chemical use, and construction. Dress for the weather, as a component of this workshop we will be visiting and assessing ponds at the Siuslaw Model Forest, across the street from the Agroforestry Resource Center. Feel free to bring a pond weed for identification!  This program is being funded in part by the Robert H. Wentorf Foundation.

Master Naturalist Training

Are you interested in learning more about the habitats, plants, and animals of New York State?  Are you a citizen, landowner, park naturalist, farmer, land trust employee, teacher, conservation or planning board member looking to increase your knowledge of the natural environment? 

If so, join us for the next Master Naturalist Training, to be held June 14-15, 2013 at Cornell Cooperative Extension's Agroforestry Resource Center in Acra, NY. Through this program, participants will learn about the ecosystems of New York State, the animals and plants that live in our ecosystems, and current conservation issues affecting our wildlife and natural habitats. The program includes a mix of indoor classroom presentations and outdoor hands-on field sessions where participants will learn to identify a variety of plants and animals and understand key ecological processes. Participants will learn about everything from trees and reptiles to birds and wild edible plants with live animal presentations and take-home materials for future reference.

Participants completing the two-day program will become "Naturalists Trainees". Participants may choose to take additional training and complete volunteer projects to become a "Master Naturalist".

Registration fee of $100 includes the two days of classes, educational materials, and meals sourced from local, sustainable farms. Contact Anna Plattner at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions or call the Agroforestry Resource Center 518-622-9820 x0. 

Additional Workshop Information:   http://dnr.cornell.edu/cals/dnr/cerp/naturalist/master-naturalist-volunteer-activities.cfm

Registration Form:           https://cornell.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_eQB8oMZgZBU5prL