Record Participation in WAC Forestry Education

HAMDEN - Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) hit record numbers for participation in East of Hudson Forestry education programs in 2024. The council heard a presentation from Tyler VanFleet, forestry program coordinator, at the regular meeting on Feb. 25. 

The Urban and Rural Education Initiative field trip program supported 30 in-person field trips throughout 2024 which reached roughly 2,100 individuals including students, chaperones, and teachers. WAC supports field trips through funding opportunities which range from full grants to transportation aid. VanFleet and her team develop forestry-related programming and organize tours. 

Surveys from 2024 indicate 100% satisfaction with scheduling support and 99% satisfaction with programming, reports VanFleet. Transportation remains a problem as bus companies can often be unreliable with pick-up times or navigation to the destination. Educators have suggested WAC incorporate use of microphones and have drinking water available for students. 

Green Connections, is a grant program aimed at connecting watershed students with those from New York City through communication and grouped field trips. The program has seven total participating partnerships with three full-time and four light participants. Staff have been debating the ability to run a fourth full-time partnership, explained VanFleet, however, with staff availability "we are reaching our capacity." She assured the board that staff can maintain current outputs. One issue is that many programs take place in spring, she explained. Program staff are working on ways to encourage field trips in fall and winter months, which VanFleet believes will help expand capacity limits. 

Board members suggested expanding programming into the agricultural field, noting that it could encourage new career opportunities in youth and the watershed is a healthy mix of both forestry and agriculture. 

In another discussion, the board voted to shift the conflict of interest authority to the governance committee from the audit committee. 

Keystone Associates was awarded a planning contract for exploring the development of a new WAC headquarters. Executive Director Ryan Naatz said the contract has been signed and once the weather is appropriate the organization will take surveys and review wetland regulations. The contract extends to the end of the summer season.

New York State Department of Health representative Patrick Palmer expects updates on the community vitality study shortly. 

The board entered an executive session to hear Naatz's reports. 

The next regularly scheduled WAC board meeting is on Tuesday, March 25 at 10 a.m.