EcoTeam Memberships Support OCCA, Cooperstown PTO

COOPERSTOWN, NY (05/15/2012)(readMedia)-- Cooperstown Central School students ages 18 and under are invited to join the Otsego County Conservation Association's new EcoTeam.

EcoTeam membership proceeds will go toward OCCA's programs to protect and preserve the environment and, at the same time, will help the Cooperstown PTO continue to provide innovative programs and resources designed to enhance the education experience and opportunities within the Cooperstown Central School District.

Darla M. Youngs, OCCA executive director, said, "OCCA's EcoTeam goal is for kids to develop a greater understanding and respect for animals, plants, water, soil, air, and energy systems, and to comprehend the positive and negative environmental effects of our actions. We also want to help them acquire a knowledge of practical, sustainable living strategies which consciously and carefully utilize our natural resources."

EcoTeam members will receive information on area nature programs, centers, and organizations, and will be invited to participate in special OCCA events and service projects, Youngs said.

"OCCA Program Director Travis Sauerwald will lead a hike at Basswood Pond State Forest for EcoTeam students in June," Youngs announced. The date will be released soon, she added.

Through EcoTeam enrollment, for every $20 membership, $5 will be donated to PTO. At the same time, adults and families will also have the opportunity to support both OCCA and PTO. For each adult OCCA membership generated through this fund-raiser, $10 will go to PTO and, for every family membership, PTO will receive $15. All children 18 and under included in each family membership will be automatically enrolled in OCCA's EcoTeam.

To learn more about OCCA's EcoTeam program, visit http://www.occainfo.org/EcoTeam.htm. To support Cooperstown PTO, look for the link toward the top of the page. Those interested in joining OCCA's EcoTeam to benefit other Otsego County schools should call OCCA, (607) 547-4488, for details.

OCCA is a private, non-profit environmental membership organization dedicated to promoting the appreciation and sustainable use of Otsego County's natural resources through education, advocacy, resource management, research, and planning. For more information on OCCA, call (607) 547-4488 or visit www.occainfo.org.