COE 2022 Schedule Overview 

Gather Town Platform class: How to navigate the platform plus special tricks and shortcuts.

Learn all about this innovative platform: how to get around and network with others. You can own a Gather space for your own meetings - it's free!

Note: Lounges and Exhibition Hall will be open for networking and learning. Come hang out in the space and chat with peers, even if you don't need help.

Grants Gateway Workshop: How to Navigate NYS' Grant Application Platform, Session 1

Since the Bond Act is about funding, it's important to learn about how to get that money! Learn: the basic steps you need to apply for a NYS grant; what grant reviewers look for; and hear a case study of a community that has received/submitted grants.

Identify & Understand Your Local Climate & Environmental Hazards

AreaHub is a searchable platform that offers the most extensive climate and environmental snapshot of any area in the U.S. Understanding your area's environmental health is more important than ever in a world with intensifying climate hazards and increasing environmental risks. An extensive climate and environmental platform can help you discover local natural hazards, industrial hazards, pollution, and infrastructure. Armed with this information, conservation and sustainability leaders can be better equipped to tackle community-based responsibilities and objectives.

Growing Green: Sustainable Development in NY's Emerging Cannabis Market

Cannabis Association of New York advocates for laws and regulations that support the vision of a New York cannabis industry that is restorative, sustainable, and inclusive. Its education efforts inform and empower legislators, regulators, and the public to understand issues surrounding the cannabis industry. CANY provides a united voice, technical education, industry coordination, and services to position New York as a global leader in cannabis.

Geothermal Systems for a Fossil-free New York

Dandelion Geothermal heats and cools your home with the power of the earth. Dandelion's geothermal system replaces your home’s existing air conditioning and heating equipment with a powerful heat pump, using safe, underground pipes to move heat between the earth and your home to achieve the inside temperature you want. It's 55º below the ground year-round in New York State; geothermal heating and cooling is one way that will help New York go fossil-fuel free. Dandelion is the #1 installer in the Northeast.

Especially for Students: Student Participation in Local Advisory Groups, session 1

Come hear how your CAC can work more closely with schools and youth in your district. Westchester Green County USA is a student-led group implementing the four-part K12 Climate Action plan. Part 3 - Adapt - encourages CACs schools and youth to collaborate in the fight of a lifetime. Come hear how these Westchester students hope to transform Westchester and NYS with your help.

Water/Agriculture

The Clean Water Workshop will provide background on NYS' clean water programs and how bond act funding can help local government clean water projects. The workshop will also include a presentation on climate-smart agriculture best-practices and their benefit on water quality. 

Environmental Justice: Underserved Communities Will Have Support from the Bond Act

Learn from others working in this space about how to secure resources to improve the environment in underserved communities.

Flooding: Prepare Your Community for Floods to Come
A look at areas of NYS under threat: Coastal Long Island, Hudson River towns and Inland Rivers and Streams 

Learn from others working in this space about resources to address flooding all over the state.

Open Space: Preservation and Care

The Bond Act will help preserve open space; find out how you can help preserve important parcels in your area.

Grants Gateway Workshop: How to Navigate NYS' Grant Application Platform, session 2

Since the Bond Act is about funding, it's important to learn about how to get that money! Learn the basic steps you need to apply for a NYS grant; what grant reviewers look for; and hear a case study: a community that has received/submitted grants.

Especially for Students: Student Participation in Local Advisory Groups, session 2

Come hear how your CAC can work more closely with schools and youth in your district. Westchester Green County USA is a student-led group implementing the four-part K12 Climate Action plan. Part 3 - Adapt - encourages CACs schools and youth to collaborate in the fight of a lifetime. Come hear how these Westchester students hope to transform Westchester and NYS with your help.

NYSACC General Meeting, Award Presentation, and Election of Board of Directors

Join our discussion on how NYSACC can best serve its members; hear from this year's Margery Sachs Award winner, Anne Jaffe Holmes; and vote on NYSACC Board members (see below).

Board Election

The following individuals are nominated for the NYSACC Board:

Brett Johnson, Region 8,  DIRECTOR (2 years):  Brett is the chair of the Town of Gorham and has been a board member of NYSACC since 2019.

Julie Noble, Region 3, DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE (3 years): Julie is vice-president of NYSACC since 2019, and a board member for almost ½ of her life, founding chair of the City of Kingston Conservation Council (now CAC Staff Support), and is currently Ex-Officio member of Climate Smart Kingston. Julie also is the Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Kingston Parks and Recreation Department.

John Rhodes, Region 3, DIRECTOR (2 years): John has been a Board member of NYSACC since 2016.  He is the chair of the Mt Kisco CAC, Board of Directors of the Marsh Sanctuary, and member of the steering committee of the Hudson to Housatonic Regional Conservation Partnership, a bi-state regional environmental organization.

Simon Skolnik, Region 3, DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE (3 years): Simon is president of NYSACC since 2019 and a board member since 1989.  He served as chair of the Bedford Conservation Board from 1995 to 2021, and is now a member of that board.

Joy Squires, Region 1, DIRECTOR (2 years): Joy is past president of NYSACC from 1994 to 2019, and is the chair of the Huntington Conservation Board.

Kate Schmidt, Region 3, DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE (3 years): Kate has been with the Orange County Department of Planning since 2003, and her title is Land Use/Sustainability/Trail Partner. She has worked extensively with CACs in her County.

Shree Ram Shrivastava, Region 8, DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE (3 years): President and CEO of Larsen Engineers, located in Rochester, NY. Ram is passionate about the Climate Smart Solutions that can transform our communities with energy smart actions and implement  water and land conservation programs. Ram is currently serving as Ex. Chairperson of The Board of Directors of the Center for Environmental Information (CEI), and is a  board member for Greentopia, an organization working towards a more sustainable Greater Rochester.

Ellen Silver, Region 3, DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE (3 years): Ellen is chair of the Village of Mamaroneck Committee for the Environment since 2017.