Tyler Upham, a watershed specialist with the Tioga County Conservation District, spoke at the Kelsey Academy of Tioga, which promotes lifelong learning through community engagement. His presentation, “Tioga Waters and You: Pollution, Flooding and Landowners,” focused on the impact of non-point source pollution on local waterways. Upham explained that this type of pollution, caused by factors like rain runoff and human activities, is much harder to identify and control compared to point source pollution. It can harm aquatic life by suffocating fish and destroying habitats.
Upham highlighted daily practices contributing to pollution, such as runoff from fertilizers and oils. He suggested best management practices, including planting trees, creating rain gardens, and using rain barrels to mitigate these effects. The Academy encourages interaction during presentations, fostering a culture of lifelong learning. Upham will also present at upcoming events, including “Women in Agriculture” and the Northcentral Grassroots Conservation Fair. For more information on future programs, follow Kelsey Academy on Facebook.
