Education

organization organization_description first name address city state zip contact_phone available resources available services available programs

Adirondack Mountain Club - Finger Lakes Chapter The Adirondack Mountain Club is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to broadening public understanding and support for the NYS Forest Preserve through education programs and publications. The Club also provides opportunities for environmentally responsible outdoor recreation and opportunities to work on conservation issues. They are also actively working to preserve New York’s open space. Steve Schwartz 2 Woodland Rd. Ithaca NY 14850 607-539-7683
The Finger Lakes Chapter produces a quarterly newsletter listing regional weekend outings, such as hikes, nordic skiing, canoeing, and camping.

American Farmland Trust, New York Field Office American Farmland Trust’s mission is to stop the loss of productive farmland and to promote farming practices that lead to a healthy environment. Jerry Cosgrove 77 Van Dam St. #8 Saratoga Spgs NY 12861 518-581-0078
AFT publishes a handbook, “Agricultural and Farmland Protection in NY,” and provides farmland protection and estate planning presentations, information on conservation easements, and a public education program.

Arnot Teaching and Research Forest The Arnot Forest is utilized primarily by Cornell University faculty and students as an actively managed teaching and research laboratory. It is also open to the public for day use activities, such as hiking, birdwatching, and cross-country skiing. Don Schaufler 611 County Route 13 Van Etten NY 14889 607-589-6095
The Arnot Forest contains many forest demonstration areas of different growth stages and methods of forest management. A general map of the forest is available upon request.

Cayuga Bird Club The Cayuga Bird Club promotes bird-watching and bird-related activities in the Cayuga Lake Basin. The club meets on the second Thursday of every month (except July & August) at 7:30pm at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, often featuring a presentation by an invited speaker. President 159 Sapsucker Woods Road Ithaca NY 14850 607-273-2614 Publishes an informational newsletter and sponsors field trips. The Cayuga Bird Club sponsors field trips and often uses the Laboratory of Ornithology facility in Sapsucker Woods, which is ideal for bird watching.

Cayuga Lake Conservation Association The Cayuga Lake Conservation Association is concerned with Cayuga Lake, its watershed, and all the factors and forces that affect the quality of life in and around the lake. The Association’s goal is to prevent or eradicate any pollution endangering the foremost natural resource of the region, Cayuga Lake. Doris Brown/ Dooley Kiefer P.O. Box 237 Ithaca NY 14850 607-273-6173
The CLCA informs and educates the public, publishes newsletters and reports, monitors and conducts research, participates with agency hearings, and cooperates with other organizations.

Cayuga Nature Center The Cayuga Nature Center provides environmental and outdoor education programs for school groups, other organizations, and the general public. The Center includes a nature preserve, nature exhibits, trail system, and lodge. Janet Hawkes 1420 Taughannock Blvd. Ithaca NY 14850 607-273-6260
Facilities include large main lodge with overnight accommodations for up to 150 people, 140 acres with trails, and a rope course. The facilities are also available for rental by outside groups.

Cayuga Overlook, Inc. Cayuga Overlook serves manufacturing businesses located in western New York. It works with small and medium sized companies to assist with environmental and OSHA regulation compliance. Gary Sheldon P.O. Box 336 Aurora NY 13026 315-364-7931
Cayuga Overlook provides management consultation, resource documentation, and training services.

Center for Environmental Information The Center for Environmental Information provides information, communication services, and educational programs to: advance public understanding of environmental issues; act as a communication link among scientists, educators, decision makers and the public; and advocate informed action based on the free exchange of information and ideas. William R. Wagner 50 Main St. West Rochester NY 14614-1218 716-262-2870 Reference Library open to public Tues-Fri 9:00am-4:30pm The CEI operates an on-call reference and referral service and library. It also runs conferences, teaches courses, and hosts an Energy Fair. CEI publishes a “Directory of Environmental Agencies and Organizations,” a newsletter, and the “Global Climate Change Digest.”

Center for the Environment, Cornell University The Center for the Environment is a University-wide, interdisciplinary organization established to conduct and encourage activities in research, teaching, and outreach that focus on human interactions with the physical and biological environment. CfE coordinates outreach programs that assist federal, state, and local governments; private organizations; businesses; and individuals in assessing and solving environmental problems. Carin Rundle 200 Rice Hall Cornell University
Ithaca NY 14853-5601 607-255-5940
CfE serves as a clearinghouse for environmental information and interdisciplinary environmental research. CfE publishes a newsletter, annual report, program fact sheets, and brochures.

Circle Greenway, City of Ithaca Circle Greenway is a City of Ithaca program that provides information on major City attractions for Ithacans and visitors. The organization sponsors tours, events, and exhibits that focus on the relationships between people and their environment, both natural and human-built. Circle Greenway produced the “Walk Ithaca” map-guide to the Ithaca area. Circle Greenway oversees the Mulholland Wildflower Preserve, located in the City of Ithaca. John Ullberg 108 E. Green St. Ithaca NY 14850 607-255-8115
“Walk Ithaca”, a brochure and map-guide, are available upon request.

Citizens Environmental Coalition Formed in 1983, the Citizens Environmental Coalition is a coalition of 90 member groups and 6000 individuals working to prevent pollution in New York Sate. CEC’s mission is to eliminate contamination from homes, schools, workplaces, and the environment through greater citizen involvement. Diane Hemingway 11149 Dunlop Rd. Medina NY 14103 716-798-0111 talks on right to know law, reproductive hazards, community org.,clearinghouse of information The CEC guides citizens to appropriate people within state agencies to help with toxic waste cleanup, proposed facility siting, alternatives to pesticides, etc. The CEC is an information clearing house and gives informational presentations.

City of Ithaca Conservation Advisory Council The City Conservation Advisory Council advises Common Council and the City Planning Board on environmental matters. It reviews all environmental assessments and impact statements and makes recommendations to the lead agency (usually the Planning Board). Occasionally the CAC takes part in community-wide education projects on subjects such as lead paint removal, pesticides, and non-point source pollution. Martin Violette 108 E. Green St. Ithaca NY 14850 607-274-6570

Comprehensive Analytical Group, Inc. Comprehensive Analytical Group is a lead and asbestos laboratory, training school, and sample collection firm that handles both public and private environmental consulting. Patrick Anson 7260 Caswell St. N. Syracuse NY 13212 800-625-1512 Public seminar available on lead based paint problems and solutions. CAG, Inc. offers testing for lead and copper in water, lead in paint, and asbestos in buildings. The business also conducts building surveys for asbestos and lead.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Local Government Program The Cornell Local Government Program promotes water resources protection and management, public issues education, watershed collaboration among local jurisdictions, linkages to state and federal agencies, and conflict management. Lyle Raymond 425 Hollister Hall, Cornell University Ithaca NY 14853-3501 607-255-5943

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County Cornell Cooperative Extension’s mission is to disseminate and encourage the application of research generated knowledge and leadership techniques to individuals, families, businesses, and communities. CCE offers programs for youth and adults in many areas, including natural resources appreciation and stewardship, preservation of indoor and outdoor environments, water quality education, non-point source pollution prevention, land use policy, composting, waste reduction, and pesticide education. Sharon Anderson 615 Willow Ave. Ithaca NY 14850 607-272-2292 Publications on composting, water quality, water and sewer systems, indoor air quality, forestry for a variety of purposes, home gardening, pest management, soils, environmental education and stewardship and curricula for youth and adults who work with youth. Services from the CCE include: public forums on environmental issues, satellite conferences, plant diagnositic services, soil nutrient testing, pest management recommendations, telephone helplines, training for adults who work with youth, and volunteer leaders for 4-H clubs.

Cornell Greens, Student Environmental Action Coalition A Cornell campus social and environmental justice group composed of both graduate and undergraduate students. The organization focuses on campus environmental awareness, community service, and action (letters, rallies, speakers). Todd Dawson Box 82, Willard Straight Hall, Cornell Ithaca NY 14853 607-254-4234
The Greens manages the “Eco-Buddies” programs at Northside Community Center, provides dormitory programs on “Eco-Justice,” volunteers for environmental events, and serves as the Earth Day coordinating group.

Cornell Lab. for Enviro. Applications of Remote Sensing The Cornell Laboratory for Environmental Applications of Remote Sensing promotes, facilitates, and conducts research and extension programs in remote sensing, geographic information systems, and resource inventories. CLEARS interacts with the Cornell community and local, state, national, and international agencies through cooperative research, consultations, support services, technology transfer, and instruction. Eugenia Barnaba 453 Hollister Hall, Cornell University Ithaca NY 14853 607-255-0800
CLEARS offers extensive air and spacecraft images of New York State, topographic and wetlands maps, Land Use and Natural Resource Inventory (LUNR) maps, and technical publications.

Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology The Laboratory of Ornithology is an international center for the study, conservation, and appreciation of birds. It is located on a 220-acre sanctuary, complete with nature trails, a bird-feeding area and a large waterfowl pond. There is also an art gallery, observatory and gift shop. Rick Bonney 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd. Ithaca NY 14850 607-254-2424

Cornell Outdoor Education Program The Outdoor Education Programs’ Mission is to: develop leadership, teach safe outdoor skills as a means to personal challenge and lifelong fitness, develop initiative, empower beyond self-imposed limitations, and promote environmental awareness and responsibility. It serves Cornell students, staff, and the general public. Joan Irving Field House, Cornell University Ithaca NY 14853 607-255-6415 Instructors, extensive facilities, various programs,and equipment. The Cornell Outdoor Ed. Program provides 150 courses teaching outdoor skills, outdoor equipment rental, Lindseth climbing wall, and composite Finger Lakes region maps with trail overlays.

Cornell Plantations The Cornell Plantations include botanical gardens, an arboretum, and many natural areas managed by Cornell University. The Plantations attract and inspire visitors while providing opportunities to learn about plants, natural sciences, and the preservation of natural resources. Nancy Ostman One Plantations Rd, Cornell University Ithaca NY 14850 607-255-9638
Educational programs include: classes, tours, lectures, and other special events related to horticulture and natural history. The Plantations offers maps and inventories of Cornell’s natural areas, slide collections of plants and habitats, and a gift shop offering books and field guides.

Cornell University Department of Natural Resources Cornell’s Department of Natural Resources is an academic department focusing on teaching, extension, and research in renewable natural resources. Program areas include ecosystem management, fish and wildlife management, conservation biology, human values, and policy studies. Daniel Decker 110 Fernow Hall, Cornell University Ithaca NY 14853 607-255-2298
DNR offers Cornell Cooperative Extension publications and responds to inquiries.

Cortland College Center for Environmental & Outdoor Ed The Cortland College Interdisciplinary Center for Environmental and Outdoor Education was established to create campus-wide commitment to environmental and outdoor education and to serve the environmental and outdoor education needs of regional educators and the general public. Charles Yaple Dept. of Rec. and Leisure Studies, SUNY
Cortland NY 13045 607-758-4468
The College offers conferences, workshops, an environmental and outdoor education journal, and degree programs in environmental and outdoor education. The College also manages a nature preserve.

DeWitt Historical Society of Tompkins County The DeWitt Historical Society of Tompkins County is dedicated to preserving historical accounts of Tompkins County. Lorraine Johnson 401 E. State St. Ithaca NY 14850 607-273-8284
DeWitt Historical Society provides museum exhibits, collections, a research library, archives, and educational programs that focus on historical aspects of Tompkins County. Changing exhibits, gift shop, and tours. Genealogist fee.

Dire Wolf Natural History Tours Dire Wolf facilitates interpretive nature tours that explore the area’s geological wonders, paleontological history, plant and wildlife, and American/Indian and pioneer history. Guides offer year-round outfitted excursions to gardens, sanctuaries, museums, and natural areas. Ronald Schassburger, Ph.D. 124 Poole Rd. Ithaca NY 14850 607-272-7409

Dryden Historical Society The Dryden Historical Society has a growing collection of historical maps, photographs, and related materials of people, places, and events that have occurred within the Town of Dryden. The collection documents the agricultural and economic development of the Town of’ Dryden. Gina Prentiss 36 W. Main St., P.O. Box 97 Dryden NY 13053 607-844-9209
Dryden History House is open to the public. The Society conducts six programs per year relating to the history of the town and gives slide presentations. Six programs a year relating to the history of the town. History House open to the public Saturdays 10am-2pm.

Eco-Justice Task Force The Eco-Justice Task Force is an educational and action group dedicated to the well-being of all humankind on a thriving earth. Through a program of conferences, forums, publications, and educational outreach to churches, campuses, and community groups, Eco-Justice works to deepen the awareness of Americans about eco-justice issues and to engender their participation. Dana Horrel G-17 Anabel Taylor Hall, Cornell Ithaca NY 14853 607-255-4225
Educational programs and publications are available to the general public.

Ecology House Ecology House is a residential organization that provides a unique complement to academics at Cornell. It is open to all students and the Cornell community. Ecology House focuses on the development of environmental awareness and educational outreach to the community. Cindy Bradley 1 Country Club Rd. Ithaca NY 14853 607-255-1094
Ecology House provides a wide variety of programs, lectures, workshops, field trips, and action projects.

EcoVillage of Ithaca The goal of EcoVillage is to redesign the human habitat by creating a model community that will exemplify sustainable systems of living. The completed project will demonstrate the feasibility of a design that meets basic human needs, such as shelter, food production, energy, social interaction, work, and recreation while preserving natural ecosystems. Liz Walker 318 Anabel Taylor Hall, Cornell Ithaca NY 14853 607-255-8276 Slides shows EcoVillage operates a nature preserve and provides slide presentations, education for youth, a youth garden program with Greater Ithaca Activities Center, summer camp, and university level research projects. Creating a model of ecological systems, design, and living for 500 people.

Finger Lakes Land Trust The Finger Lakes Land Trust works to preserve the integrity of the Finger Lakes Region by holding conservation easements and owning nature preserves, educating for responsible stewardship, and by collaborating with other groups. Gay Nicholson 121 E. Buffalo St. Ithaca NY 14850 607-275-9487
FLLT publishes a quarterly newsletter, offers nature walks at several preserves, and provides information for land owners on ways they can protect their land.

Finger Lakes National Forest, USDA Forest Service This agency administers the Finger Lakes National Forest and the former Hector Land Use Area. These 14,500 acres of National Forest System land offer many recreational opportunities including camping, hiking, backpacking, and snowmobiling. Bill Cotee Fire #4588, State Rt. 224 Montour Falls NY 14865-9788 607-594-2750
Interpretive programs, maps, trail system, grazing pasture, and campgrounds are available, as are environmental educational programs, school visits, and Smokey the Bear programs.

Finger Lakes State Park Region The Finger Lakes Region of the NYS Office of Parks includes 23 facilities in 10 counties. Four parks are located in Tompkins County: Allan H. Treman, Buttermilk Falls, Robert H. Treman, and Taughannock Falls. These parks provide access and facilities for camping, picnicking, hiking, nature study, boating, and fishing. John Clancy P.O. Box 1055 Trumansburg NY 14886 607-387-7041 Park brochures and maps, tourism brochures, nature trail leaflets. Swimming, hiking, picnicking, camping, nature study, boating, fishing, hunting (limited), ballfields, park brochures and maps, tourism brochures, and nature trail leaflets are all services of this region. Guided naturalist programs, recreation programs, special events, concerts.

Institute on Science & the Environ. for Teachers, Cornell The Institute on Science and the Environment for Teachers promotes middle school and high school teaching and learning about aquatic environmental systems. William Carlsen 428 Kennedy Hall, Cornell University
Ithaca NY 14853 607-255-9257
Participating teams of science teachers from across New York State receive summer coursework, equipment, supplies, and access to a toll-free computer bulletin board system.

Lime Hollow Nature Center Lime Hollow Nature Center provides year-round environmental education and nature-based recreation on 115 acres of land with unusual ecological diversity. Steve Davis 3091 Gracie Rd. Cortland NY 13045 607-758-5462 visitors center, interpretive exhibits, 3 miles of trails, activities buildings. Lime Hollow’s facilities include a visitor’s center with interpretive exhibits, an activities building, and 3 miles of trails. Weekly educational programs are offered to the public and schools that utilize the nature center for curriculum-based field trips. Weekly educational programs offered to general public and schools.

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge The Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge serves as a major resting area for waterfowl and other water birds on their journeys to and from nesting areas in northeastern and east-central Canada. Wooded areas, grasslands, and wetland habitat are managed to provide healthy populations of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Refuge staff provide wildlife-oriented educational and recreational opportunities for visitors as well as conducting a bald eagle release program. Marva Smith 3395 Routes 5 & 20 East Seneca Falls NY 13148 315-568-5987
Montezuma provides a nature preserve, visitor’s center, trails, fishing, boating access to NYS Barge Canal, public hunting, and a self-guided auto tour route.

Natural History Network The Natural History Network is an informal group of representatives of environmental organizations and agencies, as well as individuals, who meet quarterly to share information about environmental programs, resources, and ideas. Tony Ingraham P.O. Box 1055 Trumansburg NY 14886 607-387-7041
The Networks provide opportunities for partnerships and effective networking among organizations. Coordinate regional events or workshops.

Natural History Society of the Finger Lakes, Inc. The goal of the Natural History Society is to establish a center that will be a “living history museum,” interpreting the geological features of the region and the vital relationships among its native plants and animals. The center will also explore humans’ role in the environment. Ron Schassburger 94 Genung Rd. Ithaca NY 14850 607-273-6316

Natural Resources Committee, League of Women Voters The League of Women Voters is dedicated to facilitating the informed participation of citizens in government. The League supports the protection and conservation of natural resources and works to preserve the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of ecosystems. Locally, the Committee monitors land use, solid waste pollution, energy issues, and agency and development activities. Janis Putnam 2065 Ellis Hollow Rd. Ithaca NY 14850 607-539-7547 Publications on land use, pollution, and energy. Information on local issues. The League operates a referral service for residents with environmental questions and provides information on land use, pollution, resource management, energy, and local issues.

New York Public Interest Research Group The New York Public Interest Research Group is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to education on and advocacy for environmental and consumer issues. Jen Dickson Corey Union Lobby, SUNY Cortland Cortland NY 13045 607-753-4815
NYPIRG conducts community forums and has information on various environmental issues that is available upon request.

Nuisance Wildlife Control Agent Daren Miller acts as a liaison between human and wildlife populations. He mitigates problems between these factions in a safe and responsible manner. This service may involve trapping, removal, construction of barriers, repellents, or education concerning wildlife behavior patterns. Daren W. Miller 74 Dodge Rd. Ithaca NY 14850 607-272-7266 Traps, nets, etc. Trapping, education, construction of barriers, and destruction of sick or injured animals are among the services provided.

NYS Association of Environmental Management Councils The NYS Association of Environmental Management Councils has an elected board of directors to represent all of the EMCs in New York State. It assists EMCs in collaborating with the DEC, organizes and sponsors an annual conference, publishes a newsletter, networks with other environmental agencies, supports sound environmental management, and interacts with federal, state, and local governments regarding environmental legislation. Members speak to groups on state-wide issues, as requested. Susanne Quarterman 350 E. Henrietta Rd., Iola Complex, Bldg. #5, Suite 201 Rochester NY 14620 716-274-8320
NYSAEMC sponsors an annual conference, publishes a newsletter, and gives presentations on various environmental issues.

NYS Dept. of Environ. Conservation, Cortland Office The Cortland office of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation is the point of contact for Tompkins County residents with questions for the DEC . The office is responsible for the adminstration of DEC policy in the greater Cortland area. For fuller description of the DEC, please see this directory’s listing for the NYS DEC State Headquarters. Tom Chiotti P.O. Box 1169, Fisher Ave. Cortland NY 13045 607-753-3095
The DEC provides permitting, policy interpretation, mediation, and enforcement services.

NYS Dept. of Environ. Conservation, Region 7 Office The Region 7 office is the regional branch of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. As with the state headquarters, this branch is concerned with the management of natural resources and the protection of environmental quality. The Region 7 office issues permits for the disposal of various wastes and serves as a liason between the residents of Region 7 and the DEC State Headquarters. Sue Miller 615 Erie Blvd., West Syracuse NY 13204 315-426-7400
Responsible for the enforcement of environmental laws within Region 7. Environmental violations should be reported to the Regional Dispatch Center at 315-426-7433. Other services are permit and policy interpretation, mediation, and consultation on environmental issues.

NYS Dept. of Environ. Conservation, State Headquarters Established in 1970, the Department of Environmental Conservation oversees environmental quality and natural resource management in New York State. The DEC manages fish and wildlife resources and state lands. It also issues permits to control: pollution of air and water; use of pesticides; transportion and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes, and mining and mined land reclaimation. The DEC provides many hotlines for various issues, please see the hotline section of this directory. Additionally, division and telephone numbers are included in Appendix B. Michael Cavanaugh 50 Wolf Rd. Albany NY 12233 518-457-0849
The DEC provides environmental remediation programs and assists local governements in funding waste water treatment plants. The DEC also carries out and/or oversees remediaton of inactive hazardous waste disposal sites.

NYS Water Resources Institute, Cornell University NYS Water Resources Institute provides technical assistance to communities and other entities concerned with understanding and managing the state’s water resources. It also sponsors and pursues water-related activities. Keith Porter 472 Hollister Hall, Cornell University Ithaca NY 14853 607-255-5941 Catalog of materials available upon request NYSWRI provides information and technology for agriculture pest control and crop management, assistance with protection of water resources, creation of mathematical models and databases for evaluating the mobility and persistence of contaminants, and technical assistance to dairy farmers.

Paleontological Research Institute The Paleontological Research Institute offers a hands-on quality educational program for children, adults, students, educators, and enthusiasts to increase their understanding of earth science and the history of life on earth. Program topics include fossils and fossilization, geological history of the Finger Lakes, and dinosaurs. Dr. Peter Hoover 1259 Trumansburg Rd. Ithaca NY 14850-1398 607-273-6623
PRI houses one of the ten largest collections of fossil invertebrates in North America. PRI offers informative field trips, educational workshops, and tours, in addition to issuing both scholarly and popular publications and a quarterly newsletter.

Rune Hill Earth Awareness School Rune Hill was established to provide programs and events that reconnect people with the earth and to teach physical and spiritual skills. The organization is situated on 156 acres of varied habitat. Diane Gibbons P.O. Box 416 Spencer NY 14883 607-589-6392 Land, buildings includes classroom, pavilion, 2 cabins, and camping areas (primitive). Rune Hill’s land and buildings include a classroom, pavilion, two cabins, and camping areas (primitive). Rune Hill gives presentations specializing on ways to access the spiritual dimensions of nature and basic awareness skills. Classes include Tracking, Awareness, Wilderness Survival, Crafts, Wild Edibles, Hide work, and Entering Worlds of Earth and Spirit.

Science & Environmental Education Dr. Rockcastle is an emeritus professor at Cornell University who teaches regular classes and conducts workshops around the country. He is currently teaching a course entitled “Our Physical Environment”, that concerns the everyday physical interactions of water, air, force and motion, light, sound, and electricity. Dr. Verne N. Rockcastle 117 Kennedy Hall, Cornell University Ithaca NY 14853 607-255-8790 Knowledge of the physical factors that come to play in environmental interactions. Groups may schedule classes and workshops upon request.

Sciencenter The Sciencenter is a hands-on museum and science park located in downtown Ithaca. The museum houses over 75 exhibits and a museum store. Hours are Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–5pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. Charles Trautman 601 First St. Ithaca NY 14850 607-272-0600
The Sciencenter hosts "Showtime" every Saturday for children and families and is available at other times for private functions.

Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Company The Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Company supervises, operates and maintains the Bolton Point Water System which supplies high quality water to the Towns of Dryden, Ithaca and Lansing, and the Villages of Cayuga Heights and Lansing. The SCLIWC participates in research and studies related to the management and protection of its water source, Cayuga Lake. Kevin Kaufman 1402 East Shore Dr. Ithaca NY 14850 607-277-0660
SCLIWC offers a water quality database, water use database, and internal studies relating to water treatment. SCLIWC provides tours and presentations for public education purposes and related laboratory testing services.

The Nature Conservancy, Central and Western NY Chapter The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to preserve plants, animals, and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. TNC does this by purchasing and managing land that encompasses fragile ecosystems and endangered species. David Klein 315 Alexander St., Suite 301 Rochester NY 14604 716-546-8030
TNC’s Central New York Chapter has 20 ecologically diverse preserves within 19 upstate NY counties. In addition to a local newsletter, it provides hiking, nature study and slide presentations. Volunteer program for workdays, field trips

Tompkins Cortland Community College Tompkins Cortland Community College is a comprehensive 2-year community college offering a range of courses in liberal arts and technical areas, and providing the basic science curriculum leading to transfer to a 4-year institution. TC3 has agreements with the SUNY College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry, Cornell University, and other colleges offering programs in environmental fields. Carol Morris 170 North St., P.O. Box 139 Dryden NY 13053 607-844-8211
Tompkins Cortland Community College owns and manages a nature preserve.

Tompkins County Division of Environmental Health The Division of Environmental Health is a regulatory and educational agency that investigates and controls public health concerns, which include drinking water, sewage treatment, recreation facilities, open burning, rabies, and food services. John Andersson 401 Harris B. Dates Dr. Ithaca NY 14850 607-274-6688
The Division provides inspections and permits, public health nuisance and emergency response, facility operator education, and public outreach. Other services include inventories of waste sites, regulated facilities, and water systems.

Tompkins County Environmental Management Council The Environmental Management Council is the official advisory body on environmental matters to the Tompkins County Board of Representatives. The EMC is made up of 28 appointed voting members and volunteer associate members from across the county. The EMC researches environmental topics; prepares and distributes educational materials for the public; reviews development proposals; updates information on unique natural areas; and encourages long range environmental planning in the county. Katherine Borgella 121 E. Court St. Ithaca NY 14850 607-274-5560
The EMC provides information on the county’s unique natural areas and maintains a library on environmental issues. Educational materials are also available. Unique Natural Areas Survey, publications, reports, other documents.

Tompkins County Soil & Water Conservation District The Soil and Water Conservation District provides technical assistance and education to county land users and governments to promote the wise use and conservation of soil, water, and related resources. Program areas include water quality protection, wetland investigations, permit applications, erosion and sediment control, agricultural waste management, stormwater management, critical area protection, stream-bank stabilization, house site evaluation, conservation education, annual seedling sales, and the Pond Stocking Program. District Manager 903 Hanshaw Rd. Ithaca NY 14850 607-257-3820
The SWCD provides information on soils, topography, DEC wetlands, DEC protected streams, flood zones, and national wetlands inventory maps. Aerial photographs, soil conservation videos, and various educational materials are also available.

Tompkins County Water Quality Steering Committee The Water Quality Steering Committee is composed of water quality professionals whose duty is to implement the Water Quality Strategy Plan, which was adopted by the Tompkins County Board of Representatives. The WQSC coordinates and conducts programs in public education, scientific research, erosion studies, and water quality coalition building. James Skaley 121 E. Court St. Ithaca NY 14850 607-274-5560
Public education, research materials, and general information are all available upon request.

Town of Ithaca Conservation Board The Town of Ithaca Conservation Board is appointed to advise the Ithaca Town and Planning Boards on matters of environmental significance. The Conservation Board is currently working on a Park, Open Space & Greenway Plan, an environmental atlas, and environmental protection ordinances. It is also involved in programs designed to educate the public about environmental impacts and issues. Phil Zarriello 126 E. Seneca St. Ithaca NY 14850 607-273-1721
Conservation Board resources include greenway development, environmental impact assessment, maps, resource library, planning staff, and public reports.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service field office serves as a contact for wetland issues, Ecosystem Based Assistance, and Whole Farm Planning. The Service acts in partnership with the Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The organization was formerly known as the USDA Soil Conservation Service. Linda Szeliga 903 Hanshaw Rd. Ithaca NY 14850 607-257-3820 Soil Survey, aerial photographs, topographic maps, NYS Freshwater Wetlands, FWS Wetlands Inventory, posters, videos. Site visits, meetings, presentations by specialists.