Columbia County Climate Smart

05/08/2026

04/16/2026

Earth Day Film Fest!

On April 19th - The County Climate Smart Task Force & Columbia Land Conservancy will be hosting a Film Festival at the Crandell Theater in Chatham.
We will be showing two films on local biodiversity and farming with nature, followed by a panel discussion of local experts.

Free Admission!
Starting at Noon
Columbia Land conservancy will be showcasing the recently completed Plan to Conserve Columbia County, and celebrating the anniversary of the launching of the GoCoCo website.

From 1:00 to 3:00 pm
We will be showing two films:

Farmscape Ecology by Jon Bowermaster - A 26-minute film attempting to answer the question: “How can we produce food while ensuring farmers’ livelihoods, and respecting the needs of other organisms with whom we share the land?”

The Nature of Nature - Biodiversity in the Hudson Valley directed by Laura deNey and produced by Flicker Filmworks in partnership with the DEC Hudson River Estuary Program, and Cornell University - This 33-minute film celebrates the remarkable plants, animals, and habitats in the Hudson River estuary watershed, guided by the biologists and conservationists who know it best.
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The films will be followed by a Q&A session moderated by Columbia County Climate Smart Task Force Chair David Newman.
Panelists will be:

Laura Heady - Conservation and Land Use Program Coordinator at the Hudson River Estuary Program
Troy Weldy - President Columbia Land Conservancy
Will Yandik - A fourth generation Columbia County farmer and independent researcher with a background in environmental sciences
Conrad Vispo - Wildlife Ecologist and Co-coordinator of the Hawthorne Valley Farmscape Ecology Program

Location:

Columbia Land Conservancy, 49 Main Street, Chatham, NY 12037, and

Crandell Theatre, 48 Main Street, Chatham, NY 12037

Informational tables will be on site, staffed by the Capital Region Clean Energy Hub, and Hawthorne Valley Farmscape Ecology Program with copies of their latest book From the Hudson to the Taconics available for purchase.

11/05/2025

CDRPC has generated a draft Community GHG Inventory for Columbia County using the regional GHG inventory data included in their Regional CAP.

If you'd like to take a look, It's posted on our the website:

PE02.02 - Community GHG Inventory A community GHG inventory is an accounting, analysis, and report of the GHG emissions resulting from transportation fuels, waste, energy usage in buildings, and other sources within a given geographic boundary. In this case, all of Columbia County.

11/05/2025

The Plan to Conserve Columbia County
In case you missed the October 22 Town Hall, via CLC:
This virtual talk explored how hundreds of voices and scientific data informed maps of high-priority areas for conservation. Highlights included learning how this data will shape the Plan to Conserve Columbia County and next steps.

On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, the final Countywide Conservation Plan Town Hall took place via Zoom!This virtual program included a presentation of results ...

10/14/2025

Renters, homeowners, and landlords of the Capital Region are invited to join a free workshop presented by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to learn practical tips and techniques for preparing your residence for colder weather! Not only will you learn how to better insulate your home, but we'll also provide free supplies to help you get started immediately.

Event Details:
What: Home Weatherization Workshop & Training
When: Thursday, November 6th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Where: University at Albany, Uptown Campus, Massry Business Building, Room 137
Cost: FREE! (Includes a complimentary meal and weatherization supplies!)
Important: Register Now!
Space is limited, so please register as soon as possible.
Register Here: https://forms.gle/kAeuraHJSKH1RjBN9
Registration Deadline: Friday, October 31st (one week before the event). We must close registration to arrange for adequate supplies and food.
Capacity: Registration is capped at 30 participants. Additional registrants will be placed on a waiting list.
Parking and Contact Info
Parking: Available in the visitor lot on Collins Circle. Registered participants will receive more specific details closer to the event date.
Questions? Please contact us prior to the event at 518-442-2592 or [email protected].
This program is brought to you by the New York Power Authority (NYPA), the University at Albany Green Scene, the Capital Region Clean Energy Hub, and the Capital District Association of Rental Property Owners (CDARPO).

Registration to attend the workshop from 6 to 8 pm on November 6th at the University at Albany Massry Business Building Room 137. Note that registration is capped at 30. If we meet this threshold, additional registrants will be notified and placed on a waiting list in event of cancellations by other...

09/24/2025

Congratulations to Gallatin on becoming a Bronze Certified Climate Smart Community, and to Austerlitz on becoming the county's second Silver Certified Climate Smart Community!

08/21/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/173LB5DRxz/

Wind and solar combined were at 1% in 2005. They will hit 20% by 2026

The renewables revolution is unfolding live, fast and furiously: It's exponential, global, and this decade. Just look at the data and do the math

https://buff.ly/y5UvoJP

08/14/2025

Climate-protecting carbon sinks of EU forests are declining

Forests cover about 40% of the EU's land area. Between 1990 and 2022, they absorbed around 10% of the continent's man-made carbon emissions. However, the carbon dioxide absorption capacity of forests, also known as carbon sinks, is becoming increasingly weaker.

07/30/2025

Nice little video about the Taghkanic Community Forest!

01/29/2025

Valatie, NY.
Come to the ENERGY FAIR this Saturday, February 1 from 10am - noon.
FREE GIFTS to help you save money on energy costs!
FREE ADMISSION to all. Gifts include door sweeps, window sealant, outlet gaskets, LED light bulbs, and a smart power strip. Info on heat pumps and energy efficient ways to save money.
Kids activity corner and snacks provided.
Please register for this event at:
www.cleanenergycapitalregion.org/events/energy-fair