Happenings February 2025
February 2025
The Winter Magic in your Garden Starts with a Mess
by Megan Castellano, Master Gardener Volunteer
While we are in the grips of an icy winter, we thought you’d like to know what is going on right now in the flower stems you left standing in your garden.
Several years ago, I attended a CCE Putnam Master Gardener workshop about how and why to NOT clean up your garden at the end of the season. I was one of those gardeners who, come October, had everything cut neatly to the ground, no trace of a leaf anywhere—OK, yes, I have a little OCD. I think I attended the workshop because I’m older, and a little lazier now, and I was hoping to justify delaying the garden clean up that we all know is a big job!
The workshop was facilitated by my fellow Master Gardener Volunteer and mentor, Janis Butler. Janis is my “queen bee” and the inspiration for this article. Being a member of the “natives” team at the Master Gardener Plant sale for the past nine years, I have learned a tremendous amount about pollinators and why they are so important to our gardens and our larger ecosystems. One of the native bee species (“little cuties” as Janis would call them) I want to tell you about are stem nesting bees and how they spend their winters.
Stem-nesting bees live in the stems of plants, often during the winter. Female bees create nests, laying eggs in the stems of dead or open plants by packing pollen and nectar into the stem. They divide the stem into chambers using mud or chewed plant material. This creates a safe place for them to overwinter. Don’t think they are merely sleeping in there—a lot of work is going on! Prior to their “hibernation,” the larvae eat the pollen and nectar that was packed into their nest before they pause their development for the winter. Chemical changes in their bodies also prevent them from freezing.
Come springtime, when conditions are favorable, they emerge and work their magic as pollinators!
Interesting fact, in many stem nesting bee species, male eggs are placed closest to the opening of the stem for two reasons; males may be first to be predated and they are first to emerge. That means those that survive are ready for the female who emerge later, having spent the winter protected more deeply in the stems.
In order to do all of this hard work, our stem-nesting bees need stems! This is where we come in! Resist the urge to fully cut your garden back in the fall.
- Leave stems from the previous year intact through the winter to provide food and shelter for bees
- When pruning shrubs and flowers, leave 8–10 inches of stems to harden and provide nesting sites for bees the following year
If looking at a pollinator-friendly, perhaps less tidy than you would like, garden is too much of an ask, you can also:
- Collect stems and leave them in a place that is less visible to you but still accessible to stem nesting pollinators
- Purchase or make a "nest." Here is a link to a PDF on how to create your own: https://www.xerces.org/publications/fact-sheets/tunnel-nests-for-native-bees
Let’s make some magic in our winter gardens to keep the pollinator magic happening throughout the year!
Sources:
https://xerces.org/sites/default/files/publications/22-005_01_web-press.pdf
https://www.backyardecology.net/honey-bees-and-native-bees-in-the-winter/
https://growingsmallfarms.ces.ncsu.edu/2023/04/provide-nesting-habitat-for-native-bees-through-plant-stems-in-your-garden/
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/pollinators/leave-behind-some-stems-bee-habitat
Photo credit: CALS
National Invasive Species Awareness Week Highlights Prevention and Management
from North American Invasive Species Management Association
MILWAUKEE, WI – National Invasive Species Awareness Week is being held Feb. 24 through 28. It seeks to raise awareness about invasive species, the threat that they pose, and what can be done to prevent their spread. Representatives from local, state, federal, and regional organizations discuss legislation, policies, and improvements that can be made to prevent and manage invasive species.
At the national level, the North American Invasive Species Management Association educates elected officials, decision-makers and the public on how they can help stop the spread of invasive species and protect the country’s lands and waters. Priorities for the 119th Congress include:
- Prioritized funding for invasive species prevention and management.
- Informing the inclusion of invasive species in climate change policy, legislation, research and management.
- Supporting appropriations for invasive species management.
- Nurturing partnerships with the Congressional Invasive Species Caucus to consult on proposed invasive-oriented legislation.
NISAW invites outdoor enthusiasts and volunteers, land and water managers, and elected officials to showcase their invasive species efforts and inspire others to address invasive species through management and prevention.
Learn more at naisma.org and nisaw.org.
Being Safe and Having the Right Equipment is Key to a Great Ice Fishing Experience
from the DEC website, adapted by Rachael Paradise, Operations Coordinator
Reservoirs and lakes across Putnam County are covered in a layer of ice and many have probably noticed the scores of winter-clad fishermen (and women), enduring cold temperatures, ice fishing.
Fishing, of any kind, requires skill, knowledge and, often, patience, but with a little research, anyone can ice fish. It’s important, however, to take precautions if you want to enjoy a day on the ice. Wearing proper clothing, having the right equipment and being safe are crucial. A great way to get started is to accompany a friend on an ice fishing outing.
Here are some tips from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation:
What to Wear
It is important to dress in layers. Start with a layer of material that can wick moisture from your skin. Avoid cotton clothing, which loses its insulating ability when wet. Many wind and water-resistant clothing options are available. Gore-Tex® and wool are two good material choices. Bring extra gloves, as they tend to get wet. Wear warm, waterproof boots. Add cleats to your boots to help prevent falls.
Where to Ice Fish
Most ponds and lakes offer ice fishing potential. Regardless of the fish species that you are seeking, concentrations of anglers or the presence of many old holes will provide an indication of areas where good catches have recently occurred.
Check out these places to ice fish in Putnam County.
Ice Safety
Safe ice should be your number one consideration when ice fishing. A minimum of 3 to 4 inches of solid ice is the general rule for safety. Ice thickness, however, is not uniform on any body of water. These guidelines are based on new, clear ice on non-running waters. Since ice thickness can vary on a lake, check the ice periodically to stay safe. Stay off of ice that is 2 inches or less in thickness!
Carry ice safety picks (two handles with spike points) to help you get out of the water should you break through the ice.
It should be noted that slush ice is about 50 percent weaker. Clear ice over running water is about 20 percent weaker. Double the recommendations for white ice. Many ice anglers do not like to fish on less than 5 inches of ice.
Be cautious in areas where "bubblers" are used to protect docks. They can produce thin, unsafe ice some distance away. Be especially alert in areas near shore, over moving bodies of water, and where streams enter and exit lakes and ponds.
Remember, use the buddy system while ice fishing–it saves lives.
Cutting the Ice
After you have your gear, you'll need to make a hole in the ice. There are a variety of tools available that make this task simple.
Old-fashioned spud bars are often the cheapest way to cut a hole in the ice and work reasonably well on ice up to about a foot thick. Spud bars are also very useful in testing the thickness and safety of the ice.
Hand-powered augers, which are slightly more expensive than spud bars, are easy to operate and offer the best all-around compromise for moderate ice conditions. Purchase an auger appropriate to the species of fish that you are seeking. Remember, cutting an 8-inch hole requires the removal of almost twice as much ice as a 6-inch hole, so don't buy an ice auger much bigger than you will need. Some hand augers can be outfitted with an adapter that connects the auger blade to a cordless drill for hole drilling.
Ice Fishing Methods
Ice fishing methods include "jigging" with short, light fishing rods and using tip-ups. There are many kinds of jigging poles and tip-ups.
Jigging involves the use of a jigging rod or hand line and a small jigging spoon or lure which is often "sweetened" with a piece of bait. The jig is designed to dart around in different directions when it is jerked up and down by the angler.
The tip-up is basically a spool on a stick holding a baited line suspended through a hole in the ice. When the bait, usually a minnow, is taken by a fish, the pull on the line releases a signal, usually a red flag.
Lures and Baits
There are many artificial lures made especially for ice fishing, from small ice flies used for panfish to large jigging spoons for lake trout. Most lures are tipped with some form of bait, commonly minnows and fly larvae. Minnows are most often used with tip-ups.
Sleds and Shelters
Getting gear to your fishing spot is easier with the use of a sled. A child's plastic sled works well, but there are sleds made specifically for ice fishing, often with compartments for storing gear and sometimes with an attached shelter.
Shelters block the wind, making ice fishing more comfortable. Many types of ice fishing shelters, from simple wind breaks to portable fish houses are available.
Resources:
For more information on ice fishing please view Chapter 9 in I FISH NY Beginners' Guide to Freshwater Fishing: Introduction to Ice Fishing (PDF)
Check out the series of ice fishing videos on the DEC's YouTube Channel.
4-H News: Sewing Club and Meet the Breeds Event
from Brandy Keenan, 4-H Educator
New Club is Learning SEW Much
Sewing Club Leader Stephanie Morehead and her club members sewed beautiful Christmas trees in December and pillowcases with pockets in January.
The pillowcases use the hotdog method. The club learned French seams and how to hem a pocket. For anyone interested in sewing their own pillowcase - these instructions are actually created for Ryan's Case for Smiles, a non-profit group that makes pillowcases for cancer patients.
K9 Kids Member and Her Dog Go to Meet the Breeds Event
Karissa, who participates in the Westchester 4-H K9 Kids as well as Putnam 4-H clubs, and her dog, Dickens, traveled to the Javits Center to represent 4-H at the American Kennel Club's Meet the Breeds Event. The Westchester 4-H K9 Kids join us annually at the Putnam County Fair and 4-H Showcase.
Blood Centers Declare Emergency as Donations Plummet
from New York Blood Center
New York Blood Center (NYBC) has declared a blood emergency due to a significant drop in blood donations following a holiday season of alarmingly low donor turnout. NYBC has seen a nearly 30% drop in donations in recent weeks which has resulted in 6,500 fewer donations and crippled the region’s blood supply. Donations of all blood types are urgently needed–especially Types O- and B-, which are down to a dangerously low 1- to 3-day supply.
Blood donations typically decrease during the holiday season, but January poses additional challenges: inclement weather causing blood drive cancellations; flu, COVID and RSV reducing donor eligibility; and schools and workplaces hosting fewer drives during holiday breaks. These factors have strained an already fragile blood supply, which is critical for surgeries, trauma care, cancer treatments, and managing chronic illnesses. Hospitals and patients depend on a steady stream of volunteer donors, yet the past few years have seen persistent, nationwide blood shortages.
“New York State is facing a critical blood shortage, and the need for donors has never been more urgent. A blood donation helps patients undergoing surgeries, trauma care and treatments for chronic illnesses,” said New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “Please roll up your sleeve and help your community during this blood emergency—your donation can save lives.”
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit nybc.org or call 1-800-688-0900.
H5N1 Positive Goose Found: Risk to Public Remains Low
from the Putnam County Department of Health
In January, the Putnam County Department of Health was notified of a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as H5N1 or “bird flu” in a wild goose found in Putnam County. The Farm and Wildlife Center at Green Chimneys in Brewster first identified the deceased goose at the end of December, and took action to ensure the animal was appropriately tested. Avian influenza has been spreading globally in wild birds, commercial poultry and backyard flocks since 2022. It has also impacted some domestic animals. Humans who do not come into direct contact with sick animals are considered at low risk for exposure to avian influenza.
Green Chimneys has since identified several deceased waterfowl, both wild and domestic, and together with the Putnam County Department of Health is working closely with New York State Department of Health and New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to mitigate risk to other animals as well as humans.
Putnam County Department of Health Epidemiologist, Alison Kaufman, DVM, MPH said, “Currently, one wild goose has been confirmed positive and tests are still pending for several birds from Green Chimneys. We are working closely with Green Chimneys to monitor any staff with potential exposures to sick animals and recommend strategies to mitigate risks for further exposures.”
Interim Commissioner of Health, Michael J. Nesheiwat, MD, confirmed the risk to the public is minimal. “Most residents and visitors to Putnam County will not be directly impacted by this news, however people with work or recreational exposures to sick or potentially infected animals should be reminded that they are at higher risk. This includes backyard flock owners and hunters alike.” Find CDC recommendations HERE.
The general public is reminded not to touch sick or dead birds, wild or domestic. Incidences of severe illness or die offs in backyard poultry should be reported to The U.S. Department of Agriculture at 1-866-536-7593 or a local veterinarian, while any dead wild birds should be reported to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
The Putnam County Department of Health communicable disease staff is in direct contact with individuals potentially exposed to this confirmed case of avian influenza. If you or someone you know is concerned about a potential exposure, please call 845-808-1390.
Serve Up a Healthy Snack at Your Super Bowl Party
from USDA My Plate
Tortilla Chips and Bean Dip
Prepare this layered dip with beans, salsa, sour cream, and cheese for your next party. Make your own tortilla chips to serve on the side. Fill up on fiber while having fun.
Ingredients
- 4 corn tortillas
- 1 can kidney beans (16 ounce)
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup sour cream, non-fat
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup lettuce (shredded)
Directions
1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
3. Place tortillas in a stack on cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut stack into eight pieces, forming triangles or wedges.
4. Lay tortillas pieces out in single layer on baking sheet. Set aside while making dip.
5. Open canned beans. Pour beans in colander; rinse and drain. Place beans in a small mixing bowl and mash with a potato masher. Spread beans over bottom of baking dish.
6. Measure salsa and spread over beans.
7. Measure sour cream and spread over beans.
8. Grate and measure cheese; sprinkle over bean mixture.
9. Place lettuce wedge on cutting board. Slice into thin strips; set aside.
10. Place both the baking sheet with tortilla pieces and the dip in preheated oven. Bake about 8 minutes or until tortilla pieces are crisp and dip is bubbly. Sprinkle lettuce over dip and serve with tortilla chips.
Last updated February 3, 2025
Jill Eisenstein, Master Gardener Volunteer
Putnam County Master Gardener Volunteer Jill Eisenstein was the recipient of the prestigious Outdoor Educator Award at the recent annual conference of NYSOEA (New York State Outdoor Education Association). This honor recognizes the outstanding classroom teacher, environmental educator, or interpreter in the association who has used the outdoors to enrich curriculum and/or interpret the natural world in a way that has expanded the environmental appreciation of children or adults.
Director of the Fresh Air Fund’s Sharpe Reservation in Fishkill, Tim Stanley, who nominated Jill for the award, said, “If I had to use one word to describe Jill, it would be passionate. She is a well-versed educator, teaching every class imaginable, and her curiosity and wonder for nature and the outdoors is boundless. She is a lifelong learner and an amazing educator.”
Jill, who has been an MGV since 2006, has worked as an environmental educator for over 20 years. She has also been a Cornell Master Naturalist since 2014 and has coordinated two 4-H clubs with CCE Putnam.
In her acceptance speech, Jill said, “The outdoors itself is the real educator. And thankfully, nature will never run out of inspiration and will never retire!
February is ...
Black History Month
In 1915, historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson and several colleagues established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, with the goal to educate the public about the achievements and progress made by Black Americans. In 1926, Dr. Woodson founded the first Negro History Week, celebrated in February to coincide with President Abraham Lincoln’s and Fredrick Douglass’s birthdays. In the following decades, cities across the country began issuing yearly proclamations recognizing Negro History Week. With the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, Negro History Week grew into Black History Month on many college campuses. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially extended the observation to a full month, telling the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans across U.S. history and society—from activists and civil rights pioneers to leaders in industry, politics, science, culture and more.
Resource: History.com
Groundhog Day
The first official Groundhog Day celebration took place Feb. 2, 1887, in Punxsutawney, PA, but it has its roots in pre-Christian traditions and was brought to the U.S. by German immigrants. Falling midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, Feb. 2 is a significant day in several ancient and modern traditions. The Celts celebrated Imbolc to mark the beginning of spring. As Christianity spread through Europe, Candlemas, which commemorated the presentation of Jesus at the holy temple in Jerusalem, began to be celebrated around the same time as Imbolc. Some believed that a sunny Candlemas would lead to 40 more days of winter weather. In Germany, a new tradition was born–Feb. 2 was only considered sunny if hedgehogs, badgers and other small animals saw their shadows. When German immigrants began to settle in the U.S., they brought this custom with them, choosing the groundhog as the annual predictor.
Resource: Groundhog.org
Valentine’s Day
While Valentine’s Day is rooted in ancient Pagan rituals and the martyrdom of a man named Valentine (there are at least two who are arguably the namesake of the holiday), the first written record of St. Valentine’s Day is in the 1375 poem “Parliament of Fowls” by English poet Geoffrey Chaucer. In it, Chaucer wrote “For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day / Whan every foul cometh ther to choose his mate.” As far back as the Middle Ages, Valentine greetings were popular but as for written Valentine decrees of love? The oldest known Valentine was written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. It is also believed that, a few years later, King Henry V hired a writer to compose a Valentine to Catherine of Valois.
Resource: Library of Congress
National Cherry Month
There are two reasons February is the perfect time to celebrate cherries. The first, that tale about a young and very honest lad named George Washington, who could not tell a lie when asked if he had cut down his father’s beloved cherry tree. The second reason (based on a factual event) is a gesture of goodwill. In 1912, Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki sent 12 varieties of cherry trees to the United States. These trees were planted in our nation’s capital, and every year the National Cherry Blossom Festival is held in Washington, D.C. And, even though National Cherry Month isn’t quite about the little red stone fruit and all the recipes that feature it, if the mood strikes, consider making tart cherry bruschetta or London broil with cherry salsa.
Resource: Cherry Central
Support American Heart Month by Wearing Red Feb. 7
from the American Heart Association
February is American Heart Month, a time to pay special attention to understanding, preventing and treating heart disease – the leading cause of death in the nation.
Over 874,000 Americans died of cardiovascular disease in 2019, according to the American Heart Association. For American Heart Month, the American Heart Association and other organizations reinforce the importance of heart health, the need for more research and efforts to ensure that millions of people live longer and healthier.
Here are a few healthful tips from the American Heart Association:
- Do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week (or, just get started and work your way there!)
- Eat healthy (the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check mark can guide you in the grocery store)
- Quit smoking or vaping
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Control blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure
- Get regular checkups
- Learn Hands-Only CPR
- Find ways to relax and ease your mind, such as meditation
Also, taking care of your heart is good for your brain. That's because many of the risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, are also related to brain diseases such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, experts note.
To help remind others that it’s American Heart Month and support the mission of the American Heart Association, don’t forget to wear red on National Wear Red Day Feb. 7. Share a photo of yourself on social media, wearing red, and use the hashtag: #WearRedDay. Include an educational fact, a helpful resource or, most impactful, share why this is personal for you.
For nearly a century, the American Heart Association has worked to encourage people to live healthier and longer, free of heart disease and stroke. But the first American Heart Month didn't come until 1964. President Lyndon B. Johnson, among the millions of people in the country who'd had heart attacks, issued the first proclamation for American Heart Month to spotlight heart disease. Since then, U.S. presidents have annually declared the federally designated event for February.
Visit the American Heart Association at www.heart.org/
WINTER SCHEDULE: Keep updated on the Farm Truck's times and stops! The most up-to-date schedule is posted on our website! Check it out HERE!
CLICK HERE and become a part of our Crowdfunding efforts to help reach our goal of $750K!
Tidbits
Join CCE Putnam for Rotary Community Basketball Challenge
Would you like to shoot some hoops? Maybe you’re more the spectator and would like to make a pledge? Either way, you can support CCE Putnam at the 18th annual Community Basketball Challenge sponsored by the Carmel Rotary Club, the Carmel High School Interact Club and the Carmel High School Mentor Club March 1 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Carmel High School Gym.
You don’t have to be a basketball player to participate. You receive pledges or flat donations from friends and family and shoot as many baskets as you can in 2 minutes.
The Community Basketball Challenge helps local organizations raise money during this fun community-building event. CCE Putnam will receive 90 percent of funds collected in our name. The other 10 percent goes toward Rotary scholarships and other programs. Since 2008, the challenge has raised over $675,000 with close to 100 local organizations benefiting from the proceeds.
This year’s Challenge is being dedicated to Eileen Barrett, a Rotarian for more than 32 years along with being past-president and Rotarian of the Year. Ms. Barrett passed away in November at the age of 74.
Visit our Mighty Cause site at https://www.mightycause.com/team/Cornell-Crushers to join our team or make a pledge.
For more information about the event, please e-mail the Carmel Rotary at rotary.carmel.ny@gmail.com or visit www.carmelrotary.org and click onto the Basketball Challenge link at the top of the webpage.
At a glance ...
New Farmer Workshop
Join CCE Ulster for the New and Beginning Farmer Workshop in the CCE Ulster Kingston office Saturday, Feb. 15, from 9:30 a.m.to 3 p.m.
Presenters from the CCE network and partner agencies will cover a variety of topics in short workshops that help new and aspiring farmers get started. The event also brings opportunities to connect with specialists and technical support providers. Sessions include local farming and gardening resources, agroforestry, marketing, integrated pest management, climate impacts and resiliency strategies, and more.
Program highlights
- Resources for Beginner Farmers and Gardeners
- Introduction to Ag Districts
- HV Climate Impacts and Resiliency Strategies
- Pollinators for Farmers with Partner for Climate Action Hudson Valley
- What is IPM
- Hudson Valley Agribusiness Development Corporation Resources and Support
- Marketing 101
- Agroforestry Practices and Resources in our region
Complimentary coffee and water will be available for a refreshing boost throughout the event. You are free to bring your own bagged lunch or check out nearby plaza dining places during the hour break.
Fee: $10
Learn more and register HERE
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First Friday Webinars
Each month at New York State Integrated Pest Management's "What's Bugging You? First Friday" events, experts share practical information and answer questions on using integrated pest management to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play.
Session 2: Proper storage of pesticides & household chemicals | Misuse of moth balls
Friday, Feb. 7 at noon
In honor of National Pesticide Safety Education Month, we're talking about proper storage of pesticides and household chemicals and misuse of moth balls.
Session 3: Considerations for hiring a pest pro | Choosing a tick repellent
Friday, March 7 at noon
Some pest problems require professional help. Tune in to learn what you need to know before hiring a pro. Stick around for insights about selecting a tick repellent that works for you.
Learn more HERE.
Register HERE.
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CCE Westchester: Home Gardening Webinar Series and Tour
The 2025 Home Gardening Lecture Series comprises webinars on Tropical Houseplants, Adaptable Plants Under Changing Conditions, Flowering Native Shrubs, Gardening in Small Spaces, and Shade Gardening. Also offered is a private garden tour of Hart's Brook Park and Preserve in Hartsdale, NY. Registration is available for individual or all webinars. Please note that garden tour spots fill quickly!
Session 2: Adaptable Plants Under Changing Conditions
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 10-11 a.m.
Jacqui Bergonzi will suggest plant choices we can make to help our landscapes thrive in changing conditions. Gardeners are first-hand observers of the shifts in weather patterns. Bigger storms, warmer winters and floods to extreme droughts impact our landscapes. How do we garden sustainably during these uncertain patterns? There are more questions than answers right now. With what we have learned so far, let’s explore choices for adaptable plants.
Session 3: Flowering Native Shrubs
Wednesday, March 5, 10-11 a.m.
Cathy Ludden demonstrates how suburban landscapes can display the beauty and diversity of native American flowering shrubs, evergreens, foundation plants, plants with berries and great fall colors. Learn about plants for shade, sun, wet and dry or difficult sites, including those resistant to deer. Native plants support birds, wildlife and pollinators in ways that non-native plants cannot.
Session 4: Gardening in Small Spaces
Wednesday, April 9, 10-11 a.m.
Judy Rozanski will explore how to maximize usable space, whether suburban or urban. She will explain how to plant in a limited space to garden outdoors whether on a balcony, in a yard, or another small area. Judy offers valuable tips and techniques on choosing appropriate plants, including flowering annuals, perennials, and vegetables.
Session 5: Shade Gardening
Wednesday, May 14, 10-11 a.m.
Donna Lassiter will showcase many of her favorite native species, their benefits for the environment and cultural needs for growing them with success. Learn the principles of shade gardening and selection of shade tolerant plants. Light intensity, soil conditions, water, and other applicable plant needs are examined, including some design aspects. Donna hopes you will be inspired!
Garden Tour: Hart's Brook Park
Rain or Shine
Wednesday, June 18
Hart’s Brook Park and Preserve, Hartsdale
The Garden Tour displays a variety of plants and crops that are well-adapted to local growing conditions. As the season progresses, mature crops are harvested and new crops are planted. Fallow plots contain cover crops and plants that support pollinators, suppress weeds, and improve the soil.
Fee: $5 per session - Tour $20
Learn more HERE
Register HERE
A Radon Reminder from the Health Department
from the Putnam County Department of Health
Radon, an invisible, odorless gas, is a common environmental hazard in Putnam County. In wintertime, the risk of exposure increases because people spend more time inside and seal up their homes to keep the cold out. The good news is that home test kits are easy to use and readily available. They are available for $12.25 from the New York State Department of Health here: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radon/. They are also available for purchase at most home repair and improvement stores for $10 to $20.
Undetectable without testing, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for nonsmokers. For people who smoke, it is a dangerous combination, raising the risk of lung cancer 10 times, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Unfortunately, radon is nearly everywhere to varying degrees because it occurs in the environment naturally. It is present in rocks, soil, and water, from the radioactive decay of uranium or thorium in the soil.
Putnam County has been designated a “Red Zone 1” area because it is considered at highest risk for elevated indoor radon by the Environmental Protection Agency, known as the EPA. A Red-Zone-1 label indicates that the predicted average indoor radon screening levels are greater than 4pCi/L, or 4 picocuries per liter of air. This is the level above which the EPA recommends taking some corrective action to lower the level. Things can be done to fix the issue and costs vary depending on how involved the necessary work is.
Homes today can be constructed to be more radon resistant, but all homes, new and old, should have an initial test and then be tested again every two to five years. Each home is different: one may have higher radon levels, while just next door the levels are within safe limits. Only a home test, typically set up in a basement area and left for a few days, can determine if radon has made its way inside. Routes of entry are not always obvious. They may include cracks in the foundation or concrete slab, exposed soil, loose-fitting pipes, or water. If radon has been identified as an issue in the home and a radon reduction system is in place, the NYS Department of Health recommends testing every two years to make sure it is working properly.
For more information about radon and its risks, visit:
NYS Department of Health website:https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radon/(Multiple languages available.)
Centers for Disease Control website:https://www.cdc.gov/radon/index.html (English)https://www.cdc.gov/spanish/nceh/especiales/radon/index.html (Spanish)