At 7:30am on Saturday, May 18, a group of birders assembled at the Siegel-Kline Kill Conservation Area to spot spring migrants and resident birds. Elisabeth Grace of the Alan Devoe Bird Club led the walk and provided guidance. CONTINUE READING
What do you call it when seventy-five kids hold a chicken? Science class. Students from Hudson Junior High School recently visited Katchkie Farm on a CLC Sponsored field trip. It was a hands-on, sensory filled lesson on farming, biology, and the culinary arts.
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Join 1,000 supporters of local conservation at a beautiful Columbia County farm for a barbecue featuring live entertainment, kids activities, and demonstrations drawing from rural traditions. The 2013 Country Barbecue will be held on Sunday, May 26 from 4:30 to 8:00 pm in Livingston, NY, and includes delicious food sourced from local farms and an array of beer and wine. No matter where you are at the event, you’ll be close to a culinary experience. There are passed entrees, cheese platters, and two bars serving wine and local beer from award-winning Chatham Brewing. Visit the buffet to indulge a variety of passions. CONTINUE READING
The Bobolinks have returned to Columbia County! Starting in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s a 6,000 mile flight. It’s a spectacular bird with a bubbling song and unique plumage. The male bobolink is the only North American bird that is black underneath and white on the back. After breeding, his plumage changes into a muted and camouflaged appearance.
Over the last thirty years, bobolinks – as well as other grassland birds such as savannah sparrows, grasshopper sparrows, and Eastern meadowlarks – have significantly decreased due to loss of farmland and intensification of certain agricultural practices. Yet, we still have sizable populations and during the warmer months many grassland birds call Columbia County home and take advantage of the numerous meadows and agricultural lands. CONTINUE READING
Joining 1,000 supporters of local conservation at a beautiful Columbia County farm for a barbecue featuring local food, an array of wines, and locally brewed beer is the perfect way to inaugurate the summer. Yet the Country Barbecue is so much more. The CLC fundraising event is held on Sunday, May 26 from 4:30 to 8:00 pm in Livingston, NY, and is packed with a diverse range of entertainment drawing from rural traditions.
From the parking area you can ride on Dreaming Tree Farm’s horse drawn trolley for spectacular views of David Rockefeller’s Clum and Patchen Farm, which boasts 400 acres of permanently protected farm fields and stunning views of the Catskill Mountains.
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Tyler Henderson, from Claverack Boy Scout Troop 121, led a group of 22 volunteers in cleaning up one of the old house sites along the Green Trail at the Greenport Conservation Area. Scouts, parents, and conservation area visitors nearly filled a 30 yard dumpster with remnants of the house, leftover farm equipment, and garbage. The Greenport Conservation Area is one of 10 natural areas that CLC manages for public use. The Public Conservation Areas are open free of charge from dawn to dusk.
Before the cleanup, and after the cleanup
Support local conservation by bidding on a silent auction item and buying raffle tickets. Great opportunities to enjoy the best of Columbia County abound.
Auction items include wonderful ways to enjoy the best of the region. There are performances, concerts, and entertainment at venues such as Stageworks/Hudson and the Mac-Hayden Theatre. There are items featuring fresh local food. Vico, Blue Plate, and several other restaurants have donated gift certificates. CONTINUE READING
