NNY Audubon Society Sponsors Two Farm Grant Events in October

Northern New York Audubon (NNYA) is hosting two events, on the 7th and 9th of October, to benefit their new Farm Grant Program. The Farm Grant program, which aims to connect bird conservation and farming in a mutually beneficial way, will distribute grants to local farms to fund the development of bird-friendly habitats and agricultural practices. The program launched in July at a Trivia event at Hex and Hop Brewery in Bloomingdale, which raised over $1,100. NNYA is hosting two more events in October to wrap up their 2021 outreach and fundraising campaign.

Food and Feathers, Paul Smith’s VIC, Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m.

The connection between sustainable farming and migratory and resident bird conservation is the subject of the program, “Food and Feathers,” presented by Lisa Kiziuk and Fred de Long of the Willistown Conservation Trust.

Willistown Conservation Trust (WCT) is a non-profit land trust working to protect open land in the 28,000 acres surrounding Willistown, Pa. Their holistic approach to conservation explores the connections among land, birds, habitat, farm and water.  WCT’s Bird Conservation Program enhances and promotes bird conservation through bird banding, wildlife monitoring, and public education.

Birds and Brew, Hex and Hop, Oct. 9, 4-8 p.m.

Enjoy a class of Mead, make new friends, and support bird conservation and sustainable farming in Northern New York.

On Sunday, October 9, from 4-8 pm, Hex and Hop Brewery in Bloomingdale will be brewing up a special Blueberry Lavender Mead.  A portion of the proceeds from the mead’s sale will benefit the NNYA Small Farm Grant program.

“Bird populations have been in decline globally, and among the populations most affected are grassland and shrubland birds,” says Hyla Howe, graduate student at the University of Vermont and NNYA board member. “Farms can play a critical role in preserving local populations of these birds and responsible farming practices can utilize birds in pest control, reducing the need for more harmful practices.”

The Small Farm Grant program supports our Northern New York farmers with the funding, knowledge and support to implement bird conservation efforts in our region. For more information or to become a NNYA member, visit https://www.nnya.org/.

Photo: Northern New York Audubon held a trivia event at Hex and Hop in Bloomingdale this summer to benefit its farm grant program. Courtesy of NNYA