Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation District

06/12/2026

The time is here…Invasive species awareness week!!
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are non-native plants, animals, and organisms that can spread rapidly through our lakes, rivers, and streams. Once established, they can outcompete native species, damage habitats, clog waterways, reduce recreational opportunities, and cost millions of dollars to manage.
The good news? You can help prevent their spread!
Whether you're boating, fishing, kayaking, or enjoying time on the water, remember to practice Clean, Drain, Dry every time you leave a waterbody:
- CLEAN mud, plants, animals, and debris from boats, trailers, fishing gear, and equipment.
- DRAIN all water from boats, live wells, bait buckets, bilges, and equipment before leaving the launch site.
- DRY everything thoroughly before entering another waterbody. Many invasive species can survive for days in standing water or on damp equipment.
A few extra minutes of prevention can protect our waters for future generations. Together, we can help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species and preserve healthy ecosystems, fisheries, and recreational opportunities across our region.
Look for our boat steward at Dwyer Park on Little York Lake this weekend. Stop by to get your boat checked or grab some items to help you remember to "STOP the Invasion" such as sunglasses, towels, keychains etc.

06/12/2026

This week is New York State Invasive Species Awareness Week! What are invasive species? Simply put, they are non-native plants and animals that can be aggressive and impact our local native ecosystems. Read more below to find out how you can "Stop the Spread".

It is New York State Invasive Species Awareness Week! Invasive species are non-native species that can cause harm to the environment, the economy or human health.

Here are a few ways you can help protect NY from invasive species this week and all year long:

👉 When getting outside, remember to check your clothing, gear, and pets for any seeds or plant pieces that you could be moving. Scrape your boots and brush off seeds before and after your adventure.

👉 Follow the NYS firewood regulation by using heat-treated firewood, or by buying firewood where you plan to burn it.

👉 Report invasive species you find by using the NY iMapInvasives app. Created via the New York Natural Heritage Program, the app has recently grown to include collaboration with Cornell Integrated Pest Management.

👉 Find your local PRISM, follow them on social media, and subscribe to their listserv to stay up to date with local invasive species news and events.

👉 Sign up for our monthly DEC invasive species newsletter for statewide stories as well as learning and volunteer opportunities.

Check out the comments to learn more 👇

06/11/2026

Last month, Cortland SWCD celebrated its 80th Anniversary! During our Tree Planting Dedication, Cortland County's own Poet Laureate, Philip Asaph shared with us an inspiring poem catching the essence of our human connection to the environment - we share that with you today, with his permission of course. Thank you Phil!

Down in my Body

Here in the woods, my face forgets
the expressions it makes in public places.
I scratch where I please and lurch like an ape,
thudding, crunching on these two free feet.
At night by a fire, I sniff my knees
then wonder what my bones remember
as the embers pop and the sparks ascend
toward the ancient fires of the stars.
Waking at dawn and yawning happily,
I paint my chest with purple berries,
drum a stump with a pair of mismatched rocks,
then swing from the bending limb of a tree
into the shocking cold of a river I own,
a river I am, when the current takes hold.

--Philip Asaph, Cortland Poet Laureate 2026

06/08/2026

Always an amazing event for our youth! Thank you so much for hosting and for inviting the SWCD to present.

05/19/2026

It is spring and you are invited to the Grassland Manure Injection Field Days! Two locations in/near Cortland County. Register today to attend... https://cals.cornell.edu/events/manure-roadshow-0

Join Cornell PRO-DAIRY and partners for upcoming Manure Roadshow Grassland Manure Injection field days focused on practical manure application strategies and emerging technologies that support farm profitability, nutrient conservation, and neighbor relations.

Topics will include:
🌱 Grassland manure injection across varying field conditions, including comparisons to surface applications
💨 Manure nitrogen conservation and improving nutrient use efficiency
🤝 Building positive neighbor relations around manure application practices
💵 Funding opportunities that support manure injection adoption
♻️ Manure treatment systems ahead of injection, including separation, cover and flare systems, and digesters
🚜 In-season manure application technologies, including injection systems and Rain360 applications in corn

These events are designed for farmers, custom applicators, consultants, and ag service professionals looking to see technologies in action and discuss practical implementation on New York farms.

Learn from Cornell PRO-DAIRY specialists, industry experts, and fellow producers while exploring real-world solutions for modern manure management.

05/05/2026

New York State Envirothon to be held at SUNY Cortland! Are you available to help? Volunteers are needed; see below.

The New York State Envirothon is a volunteer run organization. We are always looking for volunteers to join our merry band. If you can volunteer any time to the NYS Envirothon please click on the l…

05/04/2026

Got any Grapes? 🍇🦆We do! While supplies last get 10 Grape bareroot seedlings (Niagara or Concord) for only $35! ($10 off) Available for immediate pickup from the SWCD office. Call to order/hold 607-756-5991.

Concord grape is a vine producing popular blue-black grapes that are great for eating, juice, jelly or jam. It has a fast growth rate and grows to 5-6 feet in height and 8-10 feet in length. This grape variety does well in a range of well-drained soil types and full sun. The fruit ripens in late summer to early fall.

Niagara grape is a vine producing popular green grapes that are great for eating, juice, jelly or wine. It has a medium growth rate and grows to 5-7 feet in height and 8-10 feet in length. This grape variety does well in a range of well-drained soil types and full sun. The fruit ripens in late summer to early fall.

05/03/2026

Thank you all for helping us celebrate 80 years!

CORTLAND — Staff and board members of the Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation District packed soil around the roots of a fresh tree outside Cortland Municipal Water Works, all