Amy Barra
Community Educator
Environmental Issues

Email: alb356@cornell.edu

Contact Us

WHAT WE DO:

The Environmental Program Area of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County strives to inform and educate the public on ways they can make a positive impact on the environment. The staff offers expertise on a variety of issues that influence the quality of natural resources in our County and the quality of our home environments. Our outreach efforts typically focus primarily on natural resources, water quality and solid waste management issues.

In addition to our educational programs, CCE of Cayuga County has numerous articles, brochures, and resources on a variety of educational topics. Please contact our office for more information or to request Cornell Publications Catalogs.

OUR SERVICES

The programs and services provided by the Environmental Education Department in our community are wide-ranging and varied.

Watershed Watch:
The Watershed Watch program focuses on educating youth about water quality issues. This program allows students to take an active role in local conservation by monitoring streams. Students learn scientific data collection methods, including methods to monitor biological, chemical, and physical parameters. Equipment is provided by CCE and participants can access an interactive website which allows students to compare and evaluate data, post group pictures and bios and search for more information.

Home Environment Education:
CCE of Cayuga County periodically offers workshops on drinking water quality, septic systems, and runoff and erosion control for homeowners. Our department also has numerous print and electronic resources available on these topics.

Watershed Education:
CCE is an active partner in the development of watershed action plans and programs that raise awareness of local water quality issues. We provide educational resources for landowners on erosion, plant maintenance, integrated pest management, and more. For news and information about local watersheds take a look at these web sites:

Owasco Lake Watershed

Owasco Lake Watershed Association (OWLA)

Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization

Cayuga Lake Watershed Network

Skaneateles Lake Watershed

Hazardous Waste Collections:
CCE of Cayuga County has a long history of coordinating successful hazardous waste collections for a variety of audiences. Since the first event took place in 1996 over 1300 households, farmers, small businesses and schools have participated and more than 134,000 pounds of hazardous materials have been collected and disposed of properly. Several more hazardous materials collections are currently being planned.

For more information on hazardous materials in your home, visit Cayuga County's hazardous waste website or contact our office.

Composting Education:
Veggie composting, composting with worms, manure composting, meat scraps composting, even cow mortality composting. You name it--we've participated in the composting of it! Our audience for composting programs includes youth, households, gardeners, farmers, and even butchers. For educational resources or more information on any of these programs, contact us!