Alternative Farming

BEE, FOREST AND POND MANAGEMENT

Originally most of Onondaga County and New York State was covered in forests. As pioneers moved into the area, land was cleared for farming and industrial uses along important waterways. Through time, people moved towards the west, farming practices changed which resulted in some farmland returning to its original forested use. Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) through the Natural Resources Department conducts research and provides information about the management of forestlands, ponds, gas leasing, and wildlife damage control.

AVACULTURE/BEEKEEPING

Onondaga County is included as a primary area for honey production throughout NYS. This is because of the large number of acres of fruits, vegetables, hay fields and abandoned farmland on which plants grow suitable for pollen collection which is then turned into honey. For more general information about beekeeping click here.

Dyce Laboratory For Honey Bee Studies

For information on research conducted at Dyce Laboratory and to learn about the CALS Master Beekeeper Program click here.

SILVACULTURE/FOREST MANAGEMENT

Maple Sugar Production

Maple syrup is a product unique to North America. To learn more about the Cornell Sugar Maple Research and Extension Program click here.

Tree Identification

Whether in a home owner’s backyard or woodlot, forest owners woodlot, or publicly owned land or park, it is important to know about the trees that surround us. For a resource of the 50 most common trees found in NYS click here.

Forest

Timber Prices: A Guide for Woodlot Owners in New York State (2005) This publication covers components of stumpage prices, forest management goals and plans and industry trends, sample prospectus, bids and contracts.

To access this publication click here.

Forest Pests

Tree life and timber quality can be compromised because of insect and disease pressure. To learn more about insect damage to trees visit click here.

Forest Management

Farmland in Onondaga County abandoned In the 1930s has reverted to woodland. Wood is a high value crop for farm operators and land owners. To learn more about forest management and regeneration access the Northeastern Forest Regeneration Handbook, A Guide for Forest Owners, Harvesting Practitioners, and Public Officials click here.

Agroforestry

Agroforestry is defined as the combination of agriculture and forestry practices that result in more integrated, diverse, productive, profitable, healthy and sustainable land-use systems. Landowners may find financial reward in cultivating and harvesting specialty crops such as wild fruits, chips and shavings, medicinal herbs, greenery, honey, mushrooms, ginseng, nuts, and specialty wood products. The Agroforestry Resource Center located in Greene County contains a 142-acredemonstration forest and field laboratory. To learn more about the Agroforestry Recourse Center click here.

GAS LEASING

Gas and Mineral Rights
Onondaga County sits at the northern edge of the Marcellus shale which has been identified as a source of natural gas. For over 30 years, property owners within Onondaga County have leased the gas rights to their property. For guidance on leasing mineral rights click here.

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation – Gas Exploration
The NYSDEC has regulatory oversight regarding gas exploration. For more information click here.

POND MANAGEMENT

Pond Management
Ponds provide a source of water, recreation, and aesthetic enjoyment. To learn more how to manage beneficial pond plants and weeds click here.

The Pond Guidebook
To learn more about pond management, check out The Pond Guidebook.