NEWS
Otsego County Conservation Association to Host Environmental Trailblazer Anne Marie Garti at Annual Dinner
Hartwick, NY – The Otsego County Conservation Association (OCCA) is pleased to announce its Annual Dinner, to be held on Sunday, August 24 at 5:00 p.m. at Creekside Station in Hartwick, NY. This event brings together community members, local leaders, and environmental advocates for an evening of celebration, connection, and commitment to safeguarding the region’s natural heritage.
Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully curated farm-to-table feast by Bee Blossom Catering, featuring fresh ingredients from local farms including Chicory Creek Farm, Sleeping Lion Farm, and Painted Goat Farm. The evening will also include the presentation of OCCA’s Conservationist of the Year award, followed by a keynote address by renowned environmental attorney and activist Anne Marie Garti.
Raised in Delhi, NY, Garti is known for her fearless advocacy and legal expertise in defending both communities and ecosystems across the Northeast. Her accomplishments include preserving the Jerome Park Reservoir in the Bronx and leading the successful, decade-long fight against the Constitution Pipeline. Her work exemplifies the power of grassroots organizing backed by strategic legal action—and her insights promise to resonate deeply with all who care about environmental justice and the future of our shared landscapes.
“We’re honored to welcome Anne Marie Garti as our keynote speaker,” said Shelby MacLeish, OCCA Assistant Director. “Her story is a reminder that real change starts when everyday people come together with purpose. OCCA's Annual Dinner is not just a celebration—it’s a call to action, and a vital fundraiser that fuels our year-round work to protect Otsego County’s forests, farms, and waters.”
Tickets are available now and can be purchased online or by mailing a check to OCCA at PO Box 931, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Tickets are $75/each. For those unable to attend, there are still meaningful ways to participate—silent auction donations and event sponsorships are welcome and help ensure the continued success of OCCA’s programs.
Suggested contributions for the auction include art, wine, handmade goods, local experiences, gift certificates, and themed baskets—any offering that reflects the talent and generosity of our community.
For tickets, donations, or additional information, please contact Shelby MacLeish at coordinator@occainfo.org or call 607-547-4488.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of local food, powerful storytelling, and a shared vision for a more sustainable future.
About OCCA:
Founded in 1968, the Otsego County Conservation Association works to protect, sustain, and enhance the environmental quality of Otsego County through education, advocacy, and practical conservation efforts. OCCA fosters community engagement and promotes the responsible use and stewardship of our region’s natural resources.
Founded in 1968, the Otsego County Conservation Association works to protect, sustain, and enhance the environmental quality of Otsego County through education, advocacy, and practical conservation efforts. OCCA fosters community engagement and promotes the responsible use and stewardship of our region’s natural resources.