The Farmers’ Museum in Cooperstown, NY has opened “Growing Tomorrow’s Farmers,” a new exhibition celebrating the role children played on family farms from the 19th century to the present. [Read more…] about New Exhibit Celebrates Role of Children on Family Farms
Food
Essex Farm Institute Awards $32k in Microgrants for Sustainable Farming
Adirondack Council’s Essex Farm Institute has awarded 15 micro-grants totaling $32,000 to local farmers and value-added food producers, in an effort to build a climate-friendly local economy in the Adirondack Park. [Read more…] about Essex Farm Institute Awards $32k in Microgrants for Sustainable Farming
Saratoga County Was Once A Leading Pork Producer
Not that they’re boasting, but lots of Saratoga County people like the ring of the “health, history and horses” theme used by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. But 150 years ago, the thoroughbreds didn’t yet run at Saratoga Race Course on Union Avenue, and the county motto could have been “homesteads, harvests and hogs.” [Read more…] about Saratoga County Was Once A Leading Pork Producer
Backyard Maple Syrup Makers Tasting Contest
The Hadley Business Association and the Town of Hadley will host the 4th annual Backyard Maple Syrup Makers Tasting Contest on Saturday, April 30th. [Read more…] about Backyard Maple Syrup Makers Tasting Contest
Avian Influenza Detected in New York’s Wild Birds; Take Down Feeders
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has confirmed that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus has been found in multiple wild bird species in several areas of New York State.
No known HPAI human infections are documented in the U.S., and according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these recent cases of HPAI do not present an immediate public health concern for most people. However, people in contact with known infected or possibly infected birds should take precautions to protect against infection and avian researchers are concerned that bird baths and bird feeders can help spread the virus and are asking that they be taken down for a few months. [Read more…] about Avian Influenza Detected in New York’s Wild Birds; Take Down Feeders
Fiddleheads: Signs of Spring
Have you spotted curly corkscrews emerging from the forest floor this spring?
Look closely as the woods begins to “wake up” this season, and you’re likely to see some fiddleheads. Fiddleheads are the frizzy furls of a young fern that will unroll into a fresh frond.
Most species of ferns go through this brief stage, which gets its name for its resemblance to the coiled end of a string instrument. [Read more…] about Fiddleheads: Signs of Spring
Crimes Against Butter: The Oleomargarine Controversy
The butter trade was once so important to dairy farmers in Orange County, NY that the bank in Goshen, the county seat, printed its currency on yellow paper. Popularly known as “butter money,” this currency symbolized how significant the trade in butter was to dairy farmers in dairy regions across the state prior to the introduction of refrigerated railroad cars to ship raw milk, first using blocks of ice and then mechanical cooling.
The original shipment of milk from Orange County to New York City is believed to have taken place in the spring of 1842 via the New York & Erie Railroad. Prior to this raw milk could be transported only short distances by farm wagon.
Butter, however, could be transported to markets many miles from the farm or factory where it was produced. As symbolized by “butter money,” blocks of butter were once as good as gold. [Read more…] about Crimes Against Butter: The Oleomargarine Controversy
New Name, Host for Lake Placid, Saranac Lake Farmers’ Markets
The weekly farmers’ markets in Lake Placid and Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks will continue to offer locally produced farm products and handmade goods — but under a new name and host organization.
The Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) announced that it will provide organizational support for the two markets under the newly dubbed “High Peaks Farmers’ Market.” ANCA will also hire a part-time manager to oversee the markets. [Read more…] about New Name, Host for Lake Placid, Saranac Lake Farmers’ Markets
Virtual ‘Dacks Drinks Series Being Hosted By Adirondack Experience
The Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake, (ADKX) has announced their new virtual program series, “‘Dacks Drinks.” This series, co-sponsored by the Albany Public Library, will highlight local flavor – from the adventurous rum-runners of the early 20th century to today’s craft brewers infusing their brews with tastes from Adirondack forests. [Read more…] about Virtual ‘Dacks Drinks Series Being Hosted By Adirondack Experience
Paul Smith’s Launches Sustainable Tourism Management Masters Program
Paul Smith’s College has announced a new Master of Professional Studies in Sustainable Tourism Management program, offering New York State’s first master’s program in sustainable tourism. [Read more…] about Paul Smith’s Launches Sustainable Tourism Management Masters Program