Environment Program

Our Mission

Through education, research and partnerships, the Environment Program empowers individuals and municipal groups to expand their knowledge and actions to protect, restore and enhance the environment of Dutchess County for future generations.

The Environment Program will be a leader in research-based education to increase awareness, knowledge and action on local, regional and global environmental issues.

What We Do

Environmental Education Forums and Workshops

CCEDC Environment Program delivers educational forums and workshops to community leaders and citizens in Dutchess County.

Information about Local Environmental Issues

Staff work to provide residents and municipal officials in Dutchess County with accurate, non-biased, and scientifically-based information on critical environmental issues.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

We provide formal training sessions, workshops, and individual mentoring on GIS topics and techniques to municipal leaders, students, and the general public. Map creation and GIS analysis are available to municipal leaders, CACs, planning boards and other residents.

Resources for CACs and the EMC

Staff work with Conservation Advisory Councils (CACs) and the Dutchess County EMC to provide them with educational and technical resources and organizational support.

Protecting Water Resources

The Environment Program helps to build the long-term capacity of watershed organizations by developing and implementing stakeholder initiatives, facilitating meetings, conducting watershed surveys, providing GIS tools and maps, assisting with stream assessments and undertaking education campaigns.

Youth Environmental Education

The Environment Program works to educate youth in Dutchess County about local environmental issues, GPS, watershed protection, getting outdoors, and the importance of protecting the environment in their own backyard.

Environment Program Staff

The CCEDC Environment Program has five staff members: an Environment Program Leader, a GIS Senior Resource Educator, an Environmental Educator (focusing on water issues), a Senior Administrative Assistant, and a part-time Community Educator.

Environment Program Internships

The Environment Program offers regular internships for college students to gain practical, hands on experience working in the GIS Lab, working with watershed protection, and local environmental protection.

Partnering Environmental Organizations

Links to organizations and agencies involved with environmental issues and protection in Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley.