The Catskill Center will be hosting a series of property tours this spring to celebrate “Success Stories in Land Management”. Join us for a free tour of agricultural properties that have gone the extra mile to protect water quality. Explore conservation strategies to balance land use with water quality on your own property.
Join us on Saturday, May 11, 2013 from 11:00am-1:00pm for a Dairy Farm Tour led by Jim and Russ Darling. The Darlings are 5th generation dairy farmers (and probably the nicest folks you’ve ever met), managing 180 dairy cows. They have worked with watershed organizations and completed projects to manage manure storage, install a covered barnyard, as well as establish calf housing. The stops along the tour are easily accessible by walking short distances. Visitors may enjoy petting young calves and can purchase maple syrup made on site. Following the tour, we will have a question and answer period with the farmers and will provide free local refreshments.
– Darling Farm 2816 Fall Clove Road, Delancey, NY 13752.
Join us on Saturday, June 15, 2013 from 11:00am-1:00pm for a Grass-Fed Beef Tour led by Gordy Fletcher. Gordy grew up on what is now Bear Farm, where he manages 150 beef cattle. He has worked with watershed organizations to create a successful waste management system, exclude cattle from sensitive streamside habitats, and manage nutrient loads placed on his fields. His skill at rotational grazing has produced extremely healthy grass crops that sustain his natural grass-fed beef that are sold at nearby markets, or can be ordered directly. The stops along the tour are easily accessible by walking short distances. Following each tour, we will have a question and answer period with the farmer and will provide free local refreshments.
– Bear Farm (Fletcher Farm) 286 Fletcher Road, Walton, NY 13856.
These tours are provided in partnership with The Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) and the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS) with funding provided by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP).
In order to attend (or for more information) you must RSVP to Nicole McShane at the Catskill Center by phone (845) 586-2611, or email: nmcshane@catskillcente.org.
