Moo

LIBERTY — The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange, Ulster and Sullivan Counties will sponsor an agricultural tour to Wisconsin, from August 21 through 25. The purpose of the tour is to provide farmers of all commodities with an opportunity to view agriculture from a different point of view.

Highlights will include a tour of Knigge’s Dairy, which has the first robotic milking system in the U.S., and a visit to a large vegetable farm that sells produce to Campbell’s Soup Company. Participants will view a variety of field crops grown and managed using the latest technology. There will also be tours of a local cheese factory, the USDA Forest Products Laboratory, Heritage Hill State Park and the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory.

The approximate cost of the trip is $890 per person, which includes bus transportation from Liberty and Middletown to Newark, airfare, accommodations for five days and four nights, meals and bus transportation around Wisconsin. The trip requires a minimum of 32 people, and a deposit of $450 is due by April 15. For more information call Joe Walsh in Sullivan County at 845/292-6180 OR Larry Hulle in Orange County at 845/344-1234.

Livestock marketing
and production series

LIBERTY — Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Sullivan County will present a seminar series on the various opportunities in livestock marketing and production. Considerable interest in small livestock, grass-raised meats and specialty markets make livestock production a good choice for producers.

The series is designed for those currently involved in livestock production, as well as those interested in starting to raise livestock.

All sessions will be held at the Cornell Cooperative Extension office in Liberty, and will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

The schedule for this year’s seminar series is as follows:

• Tuesday, March 27—Beef Marketing and Quality Control with instructor Joe Walsh, CCE. This is a review of the recent marketing survey, discussion of regional marketing efforts and quality control practices.
• Thursday, March 29—Sheep and Goat Marketing and Production with instructor Dr. Tatiana Stanton, Cornell University. The course will include discussion of Cornell’s website on sheep and goat marketing.
• Monday, April 2—Meadow Raised Meat Project, with instructor Amy Kenyon, C.A.D.E. Topics covered will include marketing and production techniques for pasture raised meat including veal, sheep, goat and poultry.
• Thursday, April 5—Swine Production as a Secondary Enterprise with instructor Dr. Tro Bui, Cornell University. The course will focus on how swine can become a profitable addition to your farm operation.

A fee of $5 for enrolled members and $7 for general public will be charged for each workshop to offset the cost of materials and refreshments.

To register for any of the workshops call 845/292-6180.

Nature by moonlight

LAKE ARIEL — To kick off Lacawac Sanctuary’s Summer Community Program, which features an extensive series of environmental, cultural and historical events, wildlife technician John Levitsky will conduct a program on owls, frogs and other creatures of the night on Saturday, April 7, at 7:30 p.m. The program begins with a brief introduction to owl species found locally. A $2 donation is requested.

Using mounted specimens and a calling demonstration, Levitsky will explain the calls and habits of several local species. After the discussion, participants will head outside for an easy night walk, as Levitsky attempts to locate and call in any owls in the area. Special attention will be paid to other creatures making their presence known, as participants visit Heron Pond while tuning in to the sounds of nature at night.

Lacawac Sanctuary, a not-for-profit, membership-supported sanctuary and ecological research center, protects 500 forested acres, a 40-acre glacial lake and several historical buildings. The sanctuary is located on the southern tip of Lake Wallenpaupack in Wayne County, near Ledgedale. A self-guided nature trail is open to the public. The sanctuary runs natural and cultural history programs from April through October. To reserve a spot for Levitsky’s program or to request a schedule of events, including nature walks, musicals, art classes and an evening lecture series call 570/689-9494.

Soil and water awards

LIBERTY — The Sullivan County Soil & Water Conservation District will hold its annual awards dinner on Friday, March 30, at Silvio’s Restaurant at the Jeffersonville Inn. There will be a social hour with a cash bar, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m.

The district will honor Mr. and Mrs. William Diehl of Callicoon and the Sullivan County Sportsman’s Federation for their outstanding conservation achievements. John Wildeman, of the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee will be the guest speaker.

The cost of the dinner is $20 per person. Dinner will be buffet style featuring roast pork loin, filet of sole and chicken marsala. For reservations call 845/292-6552, ext. 101 before Friday, March 23.

Explore the March sky

WHITE MILLS — An evening exploration of “The March Sky” will be offered at the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary in White Mills on Friday, March 30, at 7:30 p.m. A slide show and talk about objects in the spring sky will be presented by Dr. Thomas Cupillari. If the sky is clear, telescopes can be used to observe the moon and stars.

Cupillari is Professor of Physical Sciences and Mathematics at Keystone College, PA, and Director of the Astronomy Observatory, located near Fleetville.

The Sanctuary is on Long Ridge Road in White Mills, halfway between Hawley and Honesdale. At the blinking yellow light in White Mills, turn and go up Elizabeth Street for 6/10 of a mile to the stop sign. Continue for 1/10 of a mile to the Sanctuary entrance on your right.

Outdoor clothing is recommended and reservations are suggested. Light refreshments will be served. The presentation is free and children are encouraged to attend For more information, and weather and sky conditions, call 570/253-1185.