April 22nd is Earth Day. In recognition, the Oswego County Environmental Management Council invites individuals, schools, and groups to participate in Oswego County's Earth Week, April 21st through the 29th, with helping protect and preserve our county's natural resources.
Promoting a healthy environment protects our native terrestrial and aquatic plants and ecosystem. The introduction of invasive plants and insects can choke out or kill our native species, causing environmental and or economic harm as well as cause harm to human health. Examples of invasive plants found locally are the Water Chestnut, Swallow Wort, Giant Hogweed and Japanese Knotweed. The Emerald Ash Borer and Asian Long Horned Beetle are found in other NYS counties. Native plants, shrubs and flowers deter soil erosion and aid pollinators. To help protect our environment, become aware of and learn to identify these invasives.
This past January 2012, the new DEC law restricting the use of Phosphorus in lawn fertilizers and dish detergents went into effect.
For more information, identification of Invasive Species and the new DEC law on non-use of Phosphorus go to:
www.oswegocounty.com/earthweek.html
Litter is an eyesore and pollutes our ground and water. Help take part in a cleanup or project protecting our county's environment.
From the EMC Earth Week website, you can obtain Participation Forms and hyperlinks to updated materials about the projects and topics mentioned above as well as Earth Day School Projects and ideas, plus other environmental information, or use the e-mail or phone # listed below. You can even check your Carbon Footprint.
Check out the Renew Oswego County website to find rebates, subsidies, incentives and grants available to residents of Oswego County to lower energy costs and buy renewable energy.
Information on the new NYS Open Burn Law can be found at: www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/58519.html.
The County Dept. of Solid Waste website has information about what can be brought to the solid waste facilities. Electronics are included with no fee. Helpful tips on recycling and composting are listed. Check the site for dates bringing in hazardous materials. Batteries can always be dropped off. but no wet cell batteries are accepted. The Lions Club also accepts cell phones, which are then reconditioned and donated to non-profit groups.
The NYS Canal Corporation and Parks & Trails NY have designated April 20, 21 & 22 for Canal Clean Sweep. Any interested groups or towns wanting to help maintain the beauty and keep our Oswego Canal Corridor clean should contact Wally Elton at: or (518) 434-1583.
To help with a grant program for schools and youth groups, Novelis asks that you donate any recyclable aluminum cans collected, to the Cans for the Community Program. Local redemption centers will credit these cans towards the Community donation.
Oswego County would like to acknowledge your participation and efforts. If your group is in need of any of the listed items, or would like photos of your project published, information and a participation form can be obtained from the Earth Week website.
Trash bags will be available upon request through the cooperation of Oswego County Building and Grounds.
Collection of the litter should be arranged with your city/town/village. Roadside litter collections turned over to city/town/village for Earth Week can be disposed of with no tipping fee, courtesy of Oswego County Solid Waste.
A limited number of safety vests are available for those groups or individuals working roadside cleanups. Work gloves if needed, will again be available through a contribution from Novelis.
For information on obtaining any of the above needed items, environmental information and
participating, go to: www.oswegocounty.com/earthweek.html.
To view upcoming photos of 2012 Earth Week or view photos of last year's events, go to:
web.mac.com/oswegocountygreen.
Thank you for your help and participation with this special countywide event.
Sincerely,
, Earth Week Coordinator
Oswego County Environmental Management Council
PO Box 4061
Oswego, NY 13126
Phone: 315/343-4565
Questions about the Oswego County Environmental Management Council?
Contact Tim Carroll, Chair, by
