Events Archives - Sustainable Saratoga https://sustainablesaratoga.org/category/events/ Sustainable practices, to benefit current and future generations in Saratoga Springs, NY Tue, 25 Nov 2025 20:36:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Repair Café 2025 Roundup https://sustainablesaratoga.org/repair-cafe-2025-roundup/ Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:54:36 +0000 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/?p=15177 By Caroline Rothaug, Programs Manager Anyone who has ever met me has heard me wax poetic about Repair Café. The organized chaos and energetic buzz feed my soul. What could be better than a room full of people who love to fix things working with the owners of broken items to repair them. The

The post Repair Café 2025 Roundup appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]>

By Caroline Rothaug, Programs Manager

Saratoga Repair Cafe repaired lampAnyone who has ever met me has heard me wax poetic about Repair Café. The organized chaos and energetic buzz feed my soul. What could be better than a room full of people who love to fix things working with the owners of broken items to repair them. The repairers (we call them Coaches) get their fixing fix, and the guests bring home newly working belongings.

Sustainable Saratoga and the Saratoga Springs Public Library have partnered to hold fifteen Repair Cafés in the last eight years. Our coaches have a great track record of fixing over 75% of the items guests bring in. Even if we’re not able to repair something on the spot, we can often give advice on what to try next. This year we added a new location and partner: the Malta Repair Café at the Innovation Center at Saratoga.

Why are Repair Cafés important?

So far this year, 129 people brought over 150 items to our Repair Cafés to be fixed. We were able to return 111 of those to working condition again! 

  • Repairing items keeps them out of landfills, saves money, and reduces demand for new stuff.
  • Coaches and guests alike have a real sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
  • The events bring people together and build community.

Want to check one out?

We have one more Repair Café in 2025, on Sunday, December 7. Come down to the Saratoga Springs Public Library between 1 and 4 pm (pro tip– it’s less busy after 2 pm). Bring something to be repaired, or just stop by to see what it’s all about.

Want to be a Repair Coach? 

Send us an email at info@sustainablesaratoga.org and let us know what you like to fix.

Can’t get enough of Repair Cafés?

There are many others in our area. See the Hudson Valley Repair Café calendar for more opportunities to get your broken stuff fixed. And, keep an eye on our Events Calendar for next year’s dates.

Repair Café is a worldwide movement. Learn more HERE.

The post Repair Café 2025 Roundup appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> 2025 City Council and County Supervisor Candidate Survey https://sustainablesaratoga.org/2025-city-council-candidate-survey-find-out-where-the-local-candidates-stand-on-sustainability-issues/ Fri, 17 Oct 2025 04:56:01 +0000 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/?p=15091 Sustainable Saratoga is a not-for-profit organization that promotes sustainable practices and the protection of natural resources through education, advocacy and action, for the benefit of current and future generations in the Saratoga Springs area. The November 4, 2025 election offers an opportunity to raise and discuss pressing issues relating to sustainability in this region.

The post 2025 City Council and County Supervisor Candidate Survey appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]>

Sustainable Saratoga is a not-for-profit organization that promotes sustainable practices and the protection of natural resources through education, advocacy and action, for the benefit of current and future generations in the Saratoga Springs area. The November 4, 2025 election offers an opportunity to raise and discuss pressing issues relating to sustainability in this region.

Our supporters are interested in knowing the candidates’ plans for addressing key sustainability issues confronting our community, and this questionnaire provides each candidate an opportunity to discuss these issues. We sent each candidate the same questions. Below you will find their responses, verbatim and without any comments. Click on the name to see the responses for that candidate. There is a link to a pdf version of each candidate’s responses at the bottom of this page.

It is important to stress that as a 501(c)(3), Sustainable Saratoga does not, and will not, endorse any particular candidate for an elected office.

CANDIDATES FOR MAYOR OF SARATOGA SPRINGS

John Safford did not submit a response to this questionnaire.

Note: Michele Madigan’s responses were accidentally temporarily omitted at the original time of posting.

1. In the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Saratoga Springs is defined as the “City in the Country,” meaning an intensively developed urban core and vibrant downtown surrounded by “the Greenbelt,” an outlying area of rural character and natural resources, with low-density residential development. Do you support this vision of Saratoga Springs or do you think it should change? What are your ideas for economic development that promote smart, sustainable growth for our community?

Yes, I support the “City in the Country” vision — it’s what makes Saratoga Springs truly special. As Finance Commissioner, I balanced economic growth with environmental stewardship, helping our city grow responsibly while protecting our natural assets. My approach has always been about smart, sustainable development — not growth for growth’s sake.

As Mayor, I’ll continue to ensure that we maintain a vibrant downtown and preserve our cherished Greenbelt. I believe we can expand our economy by investing in green innovation, smart infrastructure, and energy efficiency, positioning Saratoga Springs as a regional leader in sustainability and technology. My vision is for Saratoga to become a Smart, Sustainable City — one that embraces electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, and smart infrastructure to support our residents, visitors, and local businesses alike.

2. The Saratoga Springs Hazard Mitigation Plan ranks severe storms, flooding, and extreme temperatures as the top hazards for the city. The city’s natural “green infrastructure,” including forests and wetlands, helps protect against flooding, reduces urban heat, and absorbs carbon from the atmosphere. What is your plan for keeping the city’s “green infrastructure” intact and for protecting city residents and our local economy from intensifying climate hazards?

I am deeply committed to protecting our city’s green infrastructure — our trees, wetlands, and open spaces — which play a vital role in managing stormwater, mitigating flooding, and reducing heat. I spearheaded the Spa Solar Park, which now offsets roughly 40% of the City’s electricity use, and led the citywide LED streetlight conversion, cutting both costs and emissions.

As Mayor, I will prioritize climate resilience planning — strengthening tree canopy coverage, improving stormwater management systems, and exploring incentives for property owners to install green roofs, permeable pavement, and other sustainable designs. The New York League of Conservation Voters recently recognized my record and leadership, noting that I bring a “bias toward action” and a “proven track record of environmental leadership.” That bias for action will guide my approach to protecting Saratoga from climate risks.

3. Approximately 40% of the food produced in the U.S. for human consumption is wasted, with much of it ending up in landfills and resulting in further environmental problems. Should municipal food scraps collection be added to the City’s existing composting operations?

Yes. Adding municipal food scraps collection is a natural next step for Saratoga Springs. We’ve already demonstrated success with our composting initiatives, and expanding to include food scraps would further reduce landfill waste, cut methane emissions, and support a local circular economy.

I would work closely with Sustainable Saratoga, DPW, and community partners to develop a pilot food-scrap program, coupled with strong public education to encourage participation and maximize impact.

4. The cost of housing in Saratoga Springs continues to rise. In other resort communities such as ours, simply building more housing has not reduced housing costs. Please discuss your ideas for making Saratoga Springs more affordable.

Housing affordability is a sustainability issue — it affects our workforce, our economy, and our carbon footprint. When people can live close to where they work, we reduce commuting emissions and strengthen our community fabric.

We need a mix of housing options, including workforce housing, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and public-private partnerships that ensure affordability without compromising character. I also support smart growth principles — directing development where infrastructure already exists, protecting open space, and encouraging energy-efficient construction.

5. Sustainable Saratoga and the city of Saratoga Springs have worked hard for years to increase the presence of trees in the city—the “urban forest”—which provides environmental, social, and economic benefits for Saratoga Springs. This ongoing program requires investment in trained professional staff, tree planting, and maintenance. How important is funding for the urban forest among other city priorities?

Our urban forest is part of Saratoga’s identity and one of our most valuable natural assets. It improves air quality, provides shade, reduces flooding, and enhances our overall quality of life.

As Finance Commissioner, I established a dedicated funding stream for the city’s urban forestry program — ensuring that tree planting, maintenance, and professional staffing were treated as essential investments, not optional extras. I’m proud that this commitment has allowed Saratoga to expand its tree canopy and preserve our “City in the Country” character.

As Mayor, I would continue to prioritize and strengthen that funding, explore new grants, and build public-private partnerships to expand tree planting and maintenance citywide. Investing in our trees is investing in public health, climate resilience, and the long-term sustainability of our community.

6. Please feel free to address your top sustainability priorities for Saratoga Springs or any other sustainability topics.

My top sustainability priorities include:
– Accelerating Saratoga’s transition to renewable energy, building on the success of the Spa Solar Park.
– Making Saratoga a leader in EV infrastructure by expanding charging stations and electrifying municipal fleets.
– Developing a Smart City infrastructure plan, integrating technology to make city services more efficient, sustainable, and transparent.
– Protecting our water resources and expanding green stormwater management initiatives.
– Partnering regionally to position Saratoga Springs as a model for sustainable innovation in upstate New York.

I’m proud to have been recognized by the New York League of Conservation Voters for my environmental leadership. Their confidence in my record reinforces my belief that Saratoga can lead — not just follow — in building a smarter, greener, more resilient future.

CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSIONER OF ACCOUNTS IN SARATOGA SPRINGS

1. In the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Saratoga Springs is defined as the “City in the Country,” meaning an intensively developed urban core and vibrant downtown surrounded by “the Greenbelt,” an outlying area of rural character and natural resources, with low-density residential development. Do you support this vision of Saratoga Springs or do you think it should change? What are your ideas for economic development that promote smart, sustainable growth for our community?

Our comprehensive plan has been in place for 10 years and I believe it is due for a review. At present my concerns relate simply to housing and affordability. I do believe we need to review policies that could help enhance affordability in the city and have ideas on how to do so. The liberty housing project being one example of use of space in the inner tax district that created 220 workforce housing units and also conserved 20 acres of land forever wild. I believe a well constituted working group of all stakeholders will continue our legacy in terms of a balance between growth and nature. In addition I have already begun work to greatly expand the use of ADUs in the city. Presently permitted under UR3 and 4, I am analyzing the areas to assess how many can be built on available land. I am planning to have their construction driven by a tax/assessment reduction. I am happy to discuss this at greater length.

2. The Saratoga Springs Hazard Mitigation Plan ranks severe storms, flooding, and extreme temperatures as the top hazards for the city. The city’s natural “green infrastructure,” including forests and wetlands, helps protect against flooding, reduces urban heat, and absorbs carbon from the atmosphere. What is your plan for keeping the city’s “green infrastructure” intact and for protecting city residents and our local economy from intensifying climate hazards?

Unfortunately, I believe we are past the point where our current infrastructure and systems can manage effectively the weather patterns we are now experiencing. We need to make significant investments in hardening our infrastructure: be that roads, stormwater systems, curbing, or watershed protections for our source water, we cannot simply hope that the impacts of global warming will not come to our door. That is not a reasonable approach as we have already seen it.

3. Approximately 40% of the food produced in the U.S. for human consumption is wasted, with much of it ending up in landfills and resulting in further environmental problems. Should municipal food scraps collection be added to the City’s existing composting operations?

At this time, I do not have an understanding as to what a food scrap recycling program would cost vs the value it would provide our community. I would need to know much more about this.

4. The cost of housing in Saratoga Springs continues to rise. In other resort communities such as ours, simply building more housing has not reduced housing costs. Please discuss your ideas for making Saratoga Springs more affordable.

 

5. Sustainable Saratoga and the city of Saratoga Springs have worked hard for years to increase the presence of trees in the city—the “urban forest”—which provides environmental, social, and economic benefits for Saratoga Springs. This ongoing program requires investment in trained professional staff, tree planting, and maintenance. How important is funding for the urban forest among other city priorities?

I’m a long time participant in Tree Toga and in a previous runs for the DPW department, I committed to planting 1000 trees in my first term. I am aware that we’ve lost over 7000 trees in the last decade +. I believe we need to continue to try and build back the forest as much as possible, though we are having issues with invasive species that are being addressed. We have to have adequate staffing within our urban forestry group as we have a sizable inventory of trees. I will always look to make sure that department is properly staffed and funded.

6. Please feel free to address your top sustainability priorities for Saratoga Springs or any other sustainability topics.

Sustainability has many definitions, when I look at the City of Saratoga Springs, three areas that leap out to me are our infrastructure, our economy, and our community. We need to make sure that our infrastructure is sustainable for the long-term and that would start with securing our water source as it is currently in peril. Additional steps would Include strengthening access to affordable housing such that everyone who participates in our economy, has the ability to live here. If we do not have the ability for our workers to live here, we will no longer have them. With that, we will not have a sustainable economic model to move forward. Lastly, sustainable housing is essential to the long-term survival and sustainability of our of our community. Right now, people are being priced out of their homes, young families do not have access due to housing shortages created by a glut of short term rentals (approx 900). I am working diligently to reduce that number and to create additional units. I have a laser focus on accessibility and affordability of housing.

1. In the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Saratoga Springs is defined as the “City in the Country,” meaning an intensively developed urban core and vibrant downtown surrounded by “the Greenbelt,” an outlying area of rural character and natural resources, with low-density residential development. Do you support this vision of Saratoga Springs or do you think it should change? What are your ideas for economic development that promote smart, sustainable growth for our community?

I strongly support the “City in the Country” vision of Saratoga Springs. Economic development should happen incrementally on existing infrastructure in the inner district. The city should support small, local, employers through grants and permitting reform that would permit ground floor commercial uses in specific areas paired with small public investments that promote walkability and streetscapes. The greenbelt could also provide tourism through a promoted trail network that would turn the greenbelt from growth constraint to economic asset.

2. The Saratoga Springs Hazard Mitigation Plan ranks severe storms, flooding, and extreme temperatures as the top hazards for the city. The city’s natural “green infrastructure,” including forests and wetlands, helps protect against flooding, reduces urban heat, and absorbs carbon from the atmosphere. What is your plan for keeping the city’s “green infrastructure” intact and for protecting city residents and our local economy from intensifying climate hazards?

It can be very expensive to replicate the benefits of green infrastructure with grey infrastructure, so it is both financially and environmentally important that the green infrastructure is kept intact. Street projects should include tree planting and projects that involve tree removal should also include tree replacement. The canopy cover of streets and parking lots should be examined, and efforts should be aimed at strategic plantings to increase canopy coverage in low coverage areas. The city should create an overlay to identify the areas that are of high importance in regard to climate resiliency. The overlay could then be considered during any development permitting.

3. Approximately 40% of the food produced in the U.S. for human consumption is wasted, with much of it ending up in landfills and resulting in further environmental problems. Should municipal food scraps collection be added to the City’s existing composting operations?

I am in support of municipal food scrap collection if it can be operated efficiently and effectively. Any city investment would need to be matched with community buy in to succeed and would need a strong partner, like Sustainable Saratoga, to assist with education and outreach. If elected Commissioner of Accounts, I will work collaboratively with all the City Departments and Community Partners to support a pilot program that has collection sites. Later, a model that has the city doing curbside pick-up could be considered once viability, cost, and participation can be assessed.

4. The cost of housing in Saratoga Springs continues to rise. In other resort communities such as ours, simply building more housing has not reduced housing costs. Please discuss your ideas for making Saratoga Springs more affordable.

Housing affordability won’t be solved overnight, but that does not mean Saratoga Springs shouldn’t be a regional leader on the issue. There is a lot of pent-up demand for housing in our city, so I appreciate the question’s acknowledgement that additional housing alone will not reduce local housing costs. It will take everyone at the Commissioner’s Table working together. If elected, I will work with the other commissioners to incentivize infill in the urban core, enable zoning that allows denser housing (duplexes, townhouses, etc..) and incentivize their construction. I will work to create incentives encouraging all large-scale housing developments to contain a certain percentage of affordable units. Permits from the Accounts Department will play a large role in this. If elected Commissioner of Accounts I would pursue permit reforms to reduce barriers and prioritize affordability.

5. Sustainable Saratoga and the city of Saratoga Springs have worked hard for years to increase the presence of trees in the city—the “urban forest”—which provides environmental, social, and economic benefits for Saratoga Springs. This ongoing program requires investment in trained professional staff, tree planting, and maintenance. How important is funding for the urban forest among other city priorities?

I support the funding of this program and find it important. Trees are a multi-benefit asset that reduce the cost of climate adaptation, support tourism, increase the quality of life, and increase property values. Investing in this program is a cost-effective investment that should compete strongly with other capital priorities.

6. Please feel free to address your top sustainability priorities for Saratoga Springs or any other sustainability topics.

My top sustainability priorities are protecting the Greenbelt, enabling affordable infill housing, embedding resilience in every project, and supporting people-first projects. Permitting is how we make these priorities real: by rewarding projects that align with Saratoga’s long-term vision and holding back those that put our future at risk.

CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSIONER OF  FINANCE IN SARATOGA SPRINGS

1. In the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Saratoga Springs is defined as the “City in the Country,” meaning an intensively developed urban core and vibrant downtown surrounded by “the Greenbelt,” an outlying area of rural character and natural resources, with low-density residential development. Do you support this vision of Saratoga Springs or do you think it should change? What are your ideas for economic development that promote smart, sustainable growth for our community?

Yes, I fully support the vision of Saratoga Springs as the “City in the Country.” This guiding principle in the Comprehensive Plan captures what makes our city so special: a vibrant, walkable downtown surrounded by the natural beauty, open spaces, and rural character of the Greenbelt. Preserving that balance is key to maintaining both our quality of life and our economic vitality.

I believe smart, sustainable growth means honoring this vision while planning for the future in a way that benefits everyone. That includes encouraging economic development that aligns with our values, supporting locally owned businesses, investing in infrastructure that enhances livability (like bike paths, sidewalks, and green space), and focusing on infill and mixed-use development within the urban core to prevent sprawl.

It also means being intentional about protecting the Greenbelt, not just for its environmental value, but because it supports tourism, recreation, agriculture, and the overall character that draws people to Saratoga Springs in the first place.

By prioritizing transparency, fiscal responsibility, and community input, we can promote growth that reflects who we are as a city,forward-thinking, inclusive, and deeply rooted in our connection to both people and place.

2. The Saratoga Springs Hazard Mitigation Plan ranks severe storms, flooding, and extreme temperatures as the top hazards for the city. The city’s natural “green infrastructure,” including forests and wetlands, helps protect against flooding, reduces urban heat, and absorbs carbon from the atmosphere. What is your plan for keeping the city’s “green infrastructure” intact and for protecting city residents and our local economy from intensifying climate hazards?

Protecting our city’s natural “green infrastructure”, including forests, wetlands, and open space, is not just about conservation, it’s about resilience, public safety, and long-term economic stability.

I support policies that preserve and strengthen our green infrastructure. These natural systems play a vital role in absorbing stormwater, reducing flood risk, moderating temperatures, and improving air quality. They are also critical assets in fighting climate change by capturing carbon and supporting biodiversity.

Climate resilience isn’t just an environmental issue, it’s a financial one. Every dollar spent on proactive mitigation saves much more in avoided disaster recovery costs. By protecting our green infrastructure, we’re also protecting the health, safety, and economic well-being of everyone who lives and works in Saratoga Springs.

3. Approximately 40% of the food produced in the U.S. for human consumption is wasted, with much of it ending up in landfills and resulting in further environmental problems. Should municipal food scraps collection be added to the City’s existing composting operations?

Yes, the Director of Parks, Open Space, and Historic Preservation recently visited a town with a successful food scraps composting program. It’s definitely something we should explore here. Getting a pilot program off the ground would take some volunteers, but I’d fully support the effort and do what’s needed to help make it happen.

4. The cost of housing in Saratoga Springs continues to rise. In other resort communities such as ours, simply building more housing has not reduced housing costs. Please discuss your ideas for making Saratoga Springs more affordable.

Making Saratoga Springs more affordable is essential so people of all ages, backgrounds, and income levels can live here, not just visit. Affordability affects housing, jobs, and community connection.

We have over 1,800 affordable units built, in progress, or planned. The Mayor’s office has been working closely with the Planning Department on ways to support attainable homeownership, like exploring Community Land Trusts/Banks and helping property owners understand how accessory dwelling units (ADUs) can play a role.

We’re also talking with CDTA about better transit options and support small businesses to create year-round jobs. As a certified pro-housing community, we’re exploring grants to help review zoning for gentle density options and housing needs assessment.

Affordability doesn’t mean lowering standards, it means making sure the people who keep Saratoga vibrant can afford to stay and thrive.

5. Sustainable Saratoga and the city of Saratoga Springs have worked hard for years to increase the presence of trees in the city—the “urban forest”—which provides environmental, social, and economic benefits for Saratoga Springs. This ongoing program requires investment in trained professional staff, tree planting, and maintenance. How important is funding for the urban forest among other city priorities?

Our urban forest is a huge asset to Saratoga Springs, it improves air quality, keeps the city cooler, manages stormwater, and adds to our quality of life. Thanks to Sustainable Saratoga and the City, we’ve already made great progress.

Of course, budgets are tight, and we have to balance urban forestry with other priorities like public safety and infrastructure. But we can still support our trees in smart, cost-effective ways, by maintaining what we’ve planted, seeking grants and partnerships, and including tree work in existing projects like road or park upgrades.

Trees aren’t just “nice to have”, they’re part of our infrastructure, and they pay off in the long run. With the right approach, we can keep growing our urban forest without overburdening the city budget.

6. Please feel free to address your top sustainability priorities for Saratoga Springs or any other sustainability topics.

Sustainability should be woven into everything we do, from housing and transportation to economic development. By making thoughtful, forward-looking choices now, we can keep Saratoga Springs a healthy, livable, and welcoming city for generations to come.

1. In the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Saratoga Springs is defined as the “City in the Country,” meaning an intensively developed urban core and vibrant downtown surrounded by “the Greenbelt,” an outlying area of rural character and natural resources, with low-density residential development. Do you support this vision of Saratoga Springs or do you think it should change? What are your ideas for economic development that promote smart, sustainable growth for our community?

I want to maintain the Greenbelt however without coordination with surrounding municipalities it becomes meaningless in the face of up-to-the-edge development outside of our jurisdiction. From inside our borders, spot zoning/PUDs must be avoided in the name of “fast housing” fixes.

Economic development that promotes sustainable growth includes: 1) Policies and infrastructure to encourage a more diversified economy so that the people who live in Saratoga Springs can afford to work in Saratoga Springs rather than having to commute hours every week. This is an update to the Comprehensive Plan as well as ensuring adequate water and services. 2) Partner with builders to encourage energy-efficient construction methods. This includes incentives at the local level and sourcing grants from state or higher levels.

2. The Saratoga Springs Hazard Mitigation Plan ranks severe storms, flooding, and extreme temperatures as the top hazards for the city. The city’s natural “green infrastructure,” including forests and wetlands, helps protect against flooding, reduces urban heat, and absorbs carbon from the atmosphere. What is your plan for keeping the city’s “green infrastructure” intact and for protecting city residents and our local economy from intensifying climate hazards?

We must continue to follow state laws and our own development ordinance with regards to protection of wetlands and continue our partnership with private organizations to promote urban tree planting. Permeability requirements must be adhered to and enforced for projects approved by the city, which requires adequately staffing both the building department and code inspection.

3. Approximately 40% of the food produced in the U.S. for human consumption is wasted, with much of it ending up in landfills and resulting in further environmental problems. Should municipal food scraps collection be added to the City’s existing composting operations?

Yes although it was my understanding that there was already a project to stand up composting of food waste in partnership with Pitney Meadows farm. I would like to see that project continue and if successful implement a complete program.

4. The cost of housing in Saratoga Springs continues to rise. In other resort communities such as ours, simply building more housing has not reduced housing costs. Please discuss your ideas for making Saratoga Springs more affordable.

First, affordability is not just about housing. Systems and policies that require, or cause to require, excess time or cost (such as needing to commute long distances to work or to buy goods or services) also contribute to affordability issues, along with the cost and inconsistent availability of services, utilities, and food.

However, regarding housing in particular, outside of price control, the only way to reduce housing cost is by increasing the stock of available housing. There are three ways to do this, the easiest is to build in undeveloped properties, then there is repurposing existing development (either internal conversion or demolition and rebuild), then there are implementing policies to increase stock (such as disincentivizing speculation on houses and apartments that sit idle and discouraging excessive ‘upgrades’ that price houses well above market value for their neighborhood). I do not believe that we have yet maximized our options for increasing stock without resorting to new construction. In-fill applications continue to come in and must be weighed against future affordability. The city has adopted a policy that will likely discourage external speculation on property to be used as short term rentals.

To make Saratoga Springs more affordable, besides the housing costs, we need to address the other affordability issues as well. Encouraging walkability/bikeability and continuing to partner with the CDTA to reduce reliance on automobiles will make our city more affordable, as will public-private partnerships to provide food aid, repair, and other community supports.

5. Sustainable Saratoga and the city of Saratoga Springs have worked hard for years to increase the presence of trees in the city—the “urban forest”—which provides environmental, social, and economic benefits for Saratoga Springs. This ongoing program requires investment in trained professional staff, tree planting, and maintenance. How important is funding for the urban forest among other city priorities?

I believe it is critical and it is a commitment per the approved 2013 Urban and Community Forest Master Plan, as adopted by the city, and I also believe should continue to operate to the more recent recommendations of the Urban Forestry Management Plan. Tree management impacts infrastructure and energy usage and is an important investment in both sustainability and affordability.

I do also advocate for updating the Comprehensive Plan and as part of that reviewing and incorporating changes where warranted to the supporting land use and development plans adopted by the City – which would include incorporating the recommendations of the Urban Forestry Management Plan. This would necessarily commit funding as well as compel us to seek outside partnerships and assistance to maintaining our urban forest.

6. Please feel free to address your top sustainability priorities for Saratoga Springs or any other sustainability topics.

My sustainability priorities are also key affordability priorities – either by reducing costs on the public to maintain our infrastructure or by providing residents and workers more economic freedom.

Transportation – things that can help move residents and workers away from cars reduces their costs, reduces energy usage, and frees up space especially in more crowded commercial areas

Land Use (Permeability and water management) – development that manages runoff and can sustain through heavy rains and dry spells will reduce private repair costs, mitigate risk, and help smooth the peaks of usage on both our water and sewer infrastructure

CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC SAFETY IN SARATOGA SPRINGS

1. In the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Saratoga Springs is defined as the “City in the Country,” meaning an intensively developed urban core and vibrant downtown surrounded by “the Greenbelt,” an outlying area of rural character and natural resources, with low-density residential development. Do you support this vision of Saratoga Springs or do you think it should change? What are your ideas for economic development that promote smart, sustainable growth for our community?

Yes, I support this vision for Saratoga Springs. I welcome economic development that incorporates green building initiatives; however, each project must be carefully balanced against its actual costs, particularly when it involves public funding. The City of Saratoga Springs is facing significant financial constraints in the near future. For that reason, this type of development will need to rely heavily on grants and other outside funding sources.

2. The Saratoga Springs Hazard Mitigation Plan ranks severe storms, flooding, and extreme temperatures as the top hazards for the city. The city’s natural “green infrastructure,” including forests and wetlands, helps protect against flooding, reduces urban heat, and absorbs carbon from the atmosphere. What is your plan for keeping the city’s “green infrastructure” intact and for protecting city residents and our local economy from intensifying climate hazards?

I support all planning and development that incorporates protecting our green infrastructure. I believe the Planning Board does an excellent job of integrating this concept into new projects.

3. Approximately 40% of the food produced in the U.S. for human consumption is wasted, with much of it ending up in landfills and resulting in further environmental problems. Should municipal food scraps collection be added to the City’s existing composting operations?

Potentially. Again, I agree with this concept; however, cost will ultimately be the deciding factor.

4. The cost of housing in Saratoga Springs continues to rise. In other resort communities such as ours, simply building more housing has not reduced housing costs. Please discuss your ideas for making Saratoga Springs more affordable.

Housing costs are incredibly high throughout the country. They are especially higher in more desirable places to live, particularly areas with low crime rates and strong schools. I believe efforts to expand affordable housing should focus on the middle class. Saratoga has increasingly become a place only for the wealthy or the poor, while the middle class has been pushed to purchase or rent in Ballston Spa or Malta. I believe that the short-term rental (STR) market has driven up the cost of our middle-class housing stock. For example, Geyser Crest, once an affordable neighborhood, has been overrun with STRs, effectively turning homes into de-facto hotels catering to weekend bachelor and bachelorette parties. The failure to address this issue in the past has directly contributed to today’s affordability crisis in Saratoga Springs, as the market value of homes is now based on their short-term rental rates. As such, the implementation of STR regulation is welcomed but has been delayed in implementation.

5. Sustainable Saratoga and the city of Saratoga Springs have worked hard for years to increase the presence of trees in the city—the “urban forest”—which provides environmental, social, and economic benefits for Saratoga Springs. This ongoing program requires investment in trained professional staff, tree planting, and maintenance. How important is funding for the urban forest among other city priorities?

I support this initiative and have volunteered in the past.

6. Please feel free to address your top sustainability priorities for Saratoga Springs or any other sustainability topics.

CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS IN SARATOGA SPRINGS

1. In the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Saratoga Springs is defined as the “City in the Country,” meaning an intensively developed urban core and vibrant downtown surrounded by “the Greenbelt,” an outlying area of rural character and natural resources, with low-density residential development. Do you support this vision of Saratoga Springs or do you think it should change? What are your ideas for economic development that promote smart, sustainable growth for our community?

I recently met with Sustainable staff (Kelsey) and board member (Amy) regarding a proposed project in the Greenbelt. This project would have required both comprehensive plan and zoning amendments to proceed and I told the applicant I would not be supportive of the required changes for the project to proceed and informed Sustainable the same.

After this instance, another applicant approached me with a lawful project involving an area overlayed by the Greenbelt. As I has previously promised Kelsey and Amy, if I became aware of any Greenbelt impacts I would inform them. I subsequently facilitated a meeting between Sustainable and the development team to ensure that as they further design, the concerns Sustainable expressed be incorporated.

I believe in doing what I’ve said/promised and Sustainable representatives can attest I’ve held my word in all instances.

2. The Saratoga Springs Hazard Mitigation Plan ranks severe storms, flooding, and extreme temperatures as the top hazards for the city. The city’s natural “green infrastructure,” including forests and wetlands, helps protect against flooding, reduces urban heat, and absorbs carbon from the atmosphere. What is your plan for keeping the city’s “green infrastructure” intact and for protecting city residents and our local economy from intensifying climate hazards?

Upon entering office one of the first titles I created was the position of Urban Forester. This position was created in compliance with the 2013 Urban Forestry plan. Urban Forestry plays an element in protecting the identified natural resources in the question.

Upon coming into office, there were four Senior Engineering Technician positions open. Additional titles include: Stormwater/GIS Specialist and Utilities Engineer. The Stormwater/GIS Specialist will specifically be tasked with addressing the increasing demands of severe weather and adherence to the NYS DEC MS4 requirements.

These positions were created to address specific needs within the Engineering Department to address climate action, the City’s ability to address instantaneous response and implementation of long-range planning.

Finally, DPW is currently with Sustainable on a signage program where DPW will design and obtains permits through NSYDOT designating entry to the Greenbelt in varying locations throughout the City.

3. Approximately 40% of the food produced in the U.S. for human consumption is wasted, with much of it ending up in landfills and resulting in further environmental problems. Should municipal food scraps collection be added to the City’s existing composting operations?

The largest concern with inclusion of food scraps in the City’s composting program is the pickup mechanism. Currently, leaf/lawn debris is retrieved through on street pickup of yard debris and inclusion of food scraps could not be done in the same manner. A trial program would have to include voluntary drop-off of material at the Weibel Ave facility before attempting a pickup program.

4. The cost of housing in Saratoga Springs continues to rise. In other resort communities such as ours, simply building more housing has not reduced housing costs. Please discuss your ideas for making Saratoga Springs more affordable.

As a Planning Board member, I supported a number of subdivisions with non-conforming lots; particularly in the inner district. Allowing non-conforming lots creates an in-fill mechanism preventing sprawl or attempts at it.

The second thing I’d be supportive of is an inclusionary zoning program and adoption of the NYS 485-a program. Inclusionary zoning is the process by which height bonuses would be granted to developers seeking multi-story developments. This would require modification of Section 4.4(B) of the UDO.

Currently, the City only participates in the NYS 485-B program which applies to commercial, industrial and retail projects. The adoption of the 485-A program would enable mixed-use projects inclusive of residential development to be included in the tax abatement program. This would also, primarily affect inner district developments.

5. Sustainable Saratoga and the city of Saratoga Springs have worked hard for years to increase the presence of trees in the city—the “urban forest”—which provides environmental, social, and economic benefits for Saratoga Springs. This ongoing program requires investment in trained professional staff, tree planting, and maintenance. How important is funding for the urban forest among other city priorities?

Pursuant to number 2, the creation of the Urban Forester was an initial undertaking when I got into office. The position received approval of the Civil Service Commission and awaits budgetary approval for final adaptation. When the Urban Forester position is filled, we will backfill the Arborist position and bring DPW in line with the 2013 Urban Forestry plan.

6. Please feel free to address your top sustainability priorities for Saratoga Springs or any other sustainability topics.

As stated above, I’ve made sustainability a priority by incorporating it into the regular activities of DPW. The creation of positions including Urban Forester, GIS/Stormwater Specialist and Utilities Engineer will protect the City’s infrastructure while making us more climate resilient.

Connectivity will be the emphasis of work in the imminent future. In May, I introduced a resolution that enabled DPW to access payment in lieu of funds from the Planning Board to be utilized for Missing Link and ADA compliant projects. After a meeting with Inclusive Saratoga, we are currently
working with Saratoga County to design and permit the first project utilizing this process.

Subsequently, I was able to identify unspent state funds which will further the construction of  identified Greenbelt Trail projects allowing bicyclists to traverse from Geyser Road to Nelson Avenue via Crescent Ave Connector (RFP issued) and through a dangerous segment of Excelsior Spring Ave (RFP intended October). This does not include Church and Van Dam streets where a separate study identified pedestrian improvements to mitigate impacts of existing truck traffic that will likely serve as a deterrent for future truck traffic. Decreasing the reliance of vehicles or incentivizing multi-modal transport is a significant opportunity for the City and its residents.

1. In the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Saratoga Springs is defined as the “City in the Country,” meaning an intensively developed urban core and vibrant downtown surrounded by “the Greenbelt,” an outlying area of rural character and natural resources, with low-density residential development. Do you support this vision of Saratoga Springs or do you think it should change? What are your ideas for economic development that promote smart, sustainable growth for our community?

A) Yes, I support the “City in the Country” vision.
B) In my opinion, the most critical issue facing Saratoga Springs is the maintenance of our water and sewer infrastructure (pipes, pumps, valves, hydrants, etc.) in addition to the health of Loughberry Lake. Saratoga Springs cannot keep growing without taxing this infrastructure beyond its capacity. Increasing this capacity would be expensive, but is probably necessary since Loughberry’s long-term health is seriously threatened. Saratoga Springs does not need to promote economic development; what it needs is to be a better steward of its water and related infrastructure resources.

2. The Saratoga Springs Hazard Mitigation Plan ranks severe storms, flooding, and extreme temperatures as the top hazards for the city. The city’s natural “green infrastructure,” including forests and wetlands, helps protect against flooding, reduces urban heat, and absorbs carbon from the atmosphere. What is your plan for keeping the city’s “green infrastructure” intact and for protecting city residents and our local economy from intensifying climate hazards?

My plan is to protect the “City in the Country” plan and limit developments to within the core area of the city where walking and biking can be encouraged and facilitated. We need to make it easier for folks to build Auxiliary Dwelling Units where possible to support affordable housing needs for grandparents, in-law, or young families. There are still significant opportunities for single-family and multiple-family units in the city core. We should, by all means, protect “the Greenbelt”. Not only is this an environmentally sound approach, it also enhances the enjoyment of the city for all residents and businesses.

3. Approximately 40% of the food produced in the U.S. for human consumption is wasted, with much of it ending up in landfills and resulting in further environmental problems. Should municipal food scraps collection be added to the City’s existing composting operations?

Yes! I support composting at the city level, starting with a voluntary plan similar to the Pitney Meadows composting campaign. The city should learn from the PM experience and from other cities around NY State who have such programs. This would be a wonderful expansion of the current composting facility.

4. The cost of housing in Saratoga Springs continues to rise. In other resort communities such as ours, simply building more housing has not reduced housing costs. Please discuss your ideas for making Saratoga Springs more affordable.

As mentioned earlier, I support easing restrictions on ADU’s. Furthermore, my understanding is that there are over 1000 homes in Saratoga Springs that are being used as short-term rentals (Air B&B’s). More regulations are needed to either convert some of these units to permanent housing, or to establish a fee structure to develop funding for affordable housing units within the city core.

I would also support learning from other cities that have been more successful in encouraging the development of affordable housing.

5. Sustainable Saratoga and the city of Saratoga Springs have worked hard for years to increase the presence of trees in the city—the “urban forest”—which provides environmental, social, and economic benefits for Saratoga Springs. This ongoing program requires investment in trained professional staff, tree planting, and maintenance. How important is funding for the urban forest among other city priorities?

Trees are a vital part of Saratoga Springs. Recently, DPW has paid more attention to having the needed manpower, leadership, and training to plant and
nurture. I would continue to promote working with volunteer organizations but we need to make sure that the city is providing enough leadership in this interaction.

6. Please feel free to address your top sustainability priorities for Saratoga Springs or any other sustainability topics.

The very top issue for Saratoga Springs is the health of our water supply (currently the threatened Loughberry Lake), our aging and degrading water
infrastructure, and the inadequate storm sewer system in parts of the city. The city needs to clearly identify other sources of water since reversing the downward quality and quantity trend of Loughberry Lake is an unrealistic environmental and regulatory challenge.

CANDIDATES FOR SARATOGA COUNTY SUPERVISOR IN SARATOGA SPRINGS

1. In the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Saratoga Springs is defined as the “City in the Country,” meaning an intensively developed urban core and vibrant downtown surrounded by “the Greenbelt,” an outlying area of rural character and natural resources, with low-density residential development. Do you support this vision of Saratoga Springs or do you think it should change? What are your ideas for economic development that promote smart, sustainable growth for our community?

Yes. I believe infill development in the city’s core is preferable to pushing outward, which could negatively impact our greenbelt and our vision of the city in the country.

2. The Saratoga Springs Hazard Mitigation Plan ranks severe storms, flooding, and extreme temperatures as the top hazards for the city. The city’s natural “green infrastructure,” including forests and wetlands, helps protect against flooding, reduces urban heat, and absorbs carbon from the atmosphere. What is your plan for keeping the city’s “green infrastructure” intact and for protecting city residents and our local economy from intensifying climate hazards?

As the county supervisor, I will work with the city to help preserve and develop green infrastructure through committees on trails and open spaces, grants, etc.

3. Approximately 40% of the food produced in the U.S. for human consumption is wasted, with much of it ending up in landfills and resulting in further environmental problems. Should municipal food scraps collection be added to the City’s existing composting operations?

My office initiated Participatory Budgeting and I am proud to say we funded the first ever food scrap composting program at Pitney Meadows with Sustainable Saratoga. We saw over 100 families and about 4 tonnes of waste from going into landfills. Warren county has started a pilot program for food scrap composting with a grant. I am hoping to work on this at the county.

4. The cost of housing in Saratoga Springs continues to rise. In other resort communities such as ours, simply building more housing has not reduced housing costs. Please discuss your ideas for making Saratoga Springs more affordable.

We need more affordable housing, workforce housing, supportive housing and veteran’s housing in Saratoga. We’ve green lit quite a few affordable housing programs these past 4 years. We’re hoping to see a significant number come online in the next few years. We can also look at accessory dwelling units as another way to make our city more affordable.

5. Sustainable Saratoga and the city of Saratoga Springs have worked hard for years to increase the presence of trees in the city—the “urban forest”—which provides environmental, social, and economic benefits for Saratoga Springs. This ongoing program requires investment in trained professional staff, tree planting, and maintenance. How important is funding for the urban forest among other city priorities?

DPW funds urban forest programs but Participatory budgeting has also provided funding for urban forestry and pollinator gardens, etc. This is an important aspect of our city and something I’m hoping to do on a larger scale at the county.

6. Please feel free to address your top sustainability priorities for Saratoga Springs or any other sustainability topics.

Urban forestry, preservation of farms, open spaces, more trails, more bike paths and sidewalks, more pollinator gardens, and city wide/ county wide composting of food scraps.

1. In the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Saratoga Springs is defined as the “City in the Country,” meaning an intensively developed urban core and vibrant downtown surrounded by “the Greenbelt,” an outlying area of rural character and natural resources, with low-density residential development. Do you support this vision of Saratoga Springs or do you think it should change? What are your ideas for economic development that promote smart, sustainable growth for our community?

Even though I’m running for County Supervisor and do not have a vote at the Council table, I and have always been in full support of the Comprehensive Plan’s central concept defining Saratoga Springs as a “City in the Country.” My family lives in the furthest reach of the Greenbelt and has for over one-hundred and twenty-five years. Preservation of what’s left of our greenbelt as open space needs to be a priority to maintaining our “City in the Country.” I would like to see our City expand our use of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a means to help with affordable housing and senior and family care, especially for the outer districts with larger lot sizes.

2. The Saratoga Springs Hazard Mitigation Plan ranks severe storms, flooding, and extreme temperatures as the top hazards for the city. The city’s natural “green infrastructure,” including forests and wetlands, helps protect against flooding, reduces urban heat, and absorbs carbon from the atmosphere. What is your plan for keeping the city’s “green infrastructure” intact and for protecting city residents and our local economy from intensifying climate hazards?

Preservation can be done using land trusts or through zoning laws. We can require green space minimums on development projects and compact mixed use to reduce sprawl and protect undeveloped land (ie open space). When elected Supervisor, I will advocate for these types of initiatives where possible and for the continuation of vital existing funding for open space that the County already does.

3. Approximately 40% of the food produced in the U.S. for human consumption is wasted, with much of it ending up in landfills and resulting in further environmental problems. Should municipal food scraps collection be added to the City’s existing composting operations?

Even though as Supervisor this is not something I can vote for, I believe that yes, we should absolutely upgrade our existing composting operations to add municipal food scraps where feasible. Certain challenges such as infrastructure needs would have to be overcome but we can look to cities that already compost food waste as examples for implementation strategy and benefits such as Toronto and Seattle.

4. The cost of housing in Saratoga Springs continues to rise. In other resort communities such as ours, simply building more housing has not reduced housing costs. Please discuss your ideas for making Saratoga Springs more affordable.

While the County Supervisors do not have direct vote regarding the City planning, more affordable housing is needed across the County. Many of our workers are commuting long distances to their jobs in our downtown restaurants for example. Ways to make housing more affordable could include inclusionary zoning, we can encourage public-private partnerships that provide tax incentives or other grant funding, and as I mentioned above I fully support the expansion of use of Accessory dwelling units.

5. Sustainable Saratoga and the city of Saratoga Springs have worked hard for years to increase the presence of trees in the city—the “urban forest”—which provides environmental, social, and economic benefits for Saratoga Springs. This ongoing program requires investment in trained professional staff, tree planting, and maintenance. How important is funding for the urban forest among other city priorities?

Again, as a Supervisor I will not have a say in the City planning. However, as an advocate for our community at the County level I will work to promote funding opportunities for these interests as they are critical to not only our present but planning for our future.

6. Please feel free to address your top sustainability priorities for Saratoga Springs or any other sustainability topics.

I am aware that we have outgrown our County buildings in Ballston Spa and that the County may be looking at moving from Ballston Spa, or expanding its facilities elsewhere. This is likely a long-term project but an opportunity to examine the most energy efficient and climate smart manner to build for our future. I hope to be a part of this critical county planning.

1. In the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Saratoga Springs is defined as the “City in the Country,” meaning an intensively developed urban core and vibrant downtown surrounded by “the Greenbelt,” an outlying area of rural character and natural resources, with low-density residential development. Do you support this vision of Saratoga Springs or do you think it should change? What are your ideas for economic development that promote smart, sustainable growth for our community?

Interesting that I was talking about the history and importance of the Greenbelt just this morning.

I am in favor of maintaining the greenbelt to protect our city in the country.

I believe that strong downtowns surrounded by places for recreation and connecting to nature ensure long term viability of a community and are therefore critical to economic development and to drawing businesses and a workforce to Saratoga Springs.

Saratoga Springs has done the right thing over the years by creating a Zoning plan that concentrates development within the urban core and has less dense development in the Greenbelt.  It has made our City a desirable place to live.  I do not believe that the City should change overall zoning to increase or decrease allowable density in the Greenbelt

2. The Saratoga Springs Hazard Mitigation Plan ranks severe storms, flooding, and extreme temperatures as the top hazards for the city. The city’s natural “green infrastructure,” including forests and wetlands, helps protect against flooding, reduces urban heat, and absorbs carbon from the atmosphere. What is your plan for keeping the city’s “green infrastructure” intact and for protecting city residents and our local economy from intensifying climate hazards?

I am a strong believer in green infrastructure and open space,  as my past service on the Saratoga Plan Board and current service on the SoBro Conservancy board will attest.   I will be fierce advocate for open space as an important way to mitigate intensifying climate hazards.

Over the past 10 years the County has committed over $250,000 and up to $500,000 in its anuual budget for Open Space in large part because of my predecessor and Matt Vietch.    Matt and I have discussed this very issue at length and he has promised to help me navigate this issue with the County.

If elected supervisor I would want to continue to advocate this level of support or even increase the amounts.

3. Approximately 40% of the food produced in the U.S. for human consumption is wasted, with much of it ending up in landfills and resulting in further environmental problems. Should municipal food scraps collection be added to the City’s existing composting operations?

I am in strong agreement that reducing food waste and keeping it out of landfills is an excellent goal.

The City of Saratoga Springs was very forward-thinking when they implemented the composting program for yard waste.  In my opinion it has been an unqualified success and one of the programs that is truly taken advantage of by our residents.  They feel as though they are contributing to something positive when they put their yard waste out on the curb each year.  I would absolutely support adding food waste to this program, and would work with the City DPW in providing any County funding or support to this initiative.  While the Supervisor does not directly have involvement with these types of City initiatives, the County has a great resource with its partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension and Saratoga County Soil and Water to help with recommendations or support of the program.

4. The cost of housing in Saratoga Springs continues to rise. In other resort communities such as ours, simply building more housing has not reduced housing costs. Please discuss your ideas for making Saratoga Springs more affordable.

I was pleased to see Governor Hochuls “move-in NY” initiative announced and I will be watching closely the impact it has on the initial targeted cities.    Affordable housing is the foundation for much economic development, and much housing is needed to support the workers, medical professionals, first responders and others.

Our ‘City in the Country’ concept for Saratoga Springs, keeping the inner district more densely developed than the outer areas of the City is a big factor in what makes Saratoga Springs so attractive to so many home buyers.   Unfortunately, while sustainable for the long term, this concept has perhaps unintentionally caused real estate values to rise to a level that has made it difficult for those of modest means to either rent or own in Saratoga Springs.

I support the Comprehensive Plan’s goals and ideals.  While the County Supervisor does not have any direct input into the City’s planning, I would be supportive of any affordable housing initiatives, such as the recent developments near West Avenue, which give those of moderate incomes the ability to reside within the City limits.

One concept that has been used to some success in Essex County has been their land bank program which leverages government involvement to rehabilitate aging homes and substandard properties, and then sell them back to qualified owners in order to achieve sustainable and long-term affordability for residents.   Approaches that revitalize existing homes and create affordable housing are true win-wins

5. Sustainable Saratoga and the city of Saratoga Springs have worked hard for years to increase the presence of trees in the city—the “urban forest”—which provides environmental, social, and economic benefits for Saratoga Springs. This ongoing program requires investment in trained professional staff, tree planting, and maintenance. How important is funding for the urban forest among other city priorities?

Tree Toga is a low cost, high impact program that should continue to be funded.  I had the opportunity to participate in Tree Toga with my daughter and we still drive by the trees we helped plant and reflect on what was a great day meeting neighbors and adding to the vibrancy of this city.   Tree Toga not only supplies and replaces trees that deliver valuable environmental benefits to the city it provides a connection to the community that will last for generations.

6. Please feel free to address your top sustainability priorities for Saratoga Springs or any other sustainability topics.

Politics aside, sustainability and mitigating the causes and impacts of climate change are among my most personal passions.   As a boy scout I was taught not just the value of our natural world but that only humans can protect it.    As an adult I regularly study how to mitigate the effects of human activities on our environment.  One of my favorite recent reads was “ The Year of No Garbage” By Eve Schwartz.    A fascinating tale that really uncovers so many myths about the effect of plastic on our planet.   Reduce, Reuse, Recycle are a great mantra but they need to be focused in that order—first REDUCE, then REUSE, last RECYCLE.    Too much attention over the years has been focused on the least impactful of those 3—recycle.     As a community we need to do our best to educate people that the #1  way to drive sustainability is to REDUCE consumption.

As green as Saratoga is relative to other communities, I believe a lot more can be done.  I will fight for the appropriate funding and resources to secure that countywide we are doing as much as possible to make Saratoga Springs and County as sustainable as possible.

Click on the links below to view the candidates questionnaires as a pdf.

MAYOR

COMMISSIONER OF ACCOUNTS

COMMISSIONER OF FINANCE

COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC SAFETY

COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS

SARATOGA COUNTY SUPERVISOR

The post 2025 City Council and County Supervisor Candidate Survey appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Press Release: Saratoga Recycles Day 2025 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/press-release-saratoga-recycles-day-2025/ Mon, 06 Oct 2025 19:30:22 +0000 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/?p=15228 PRESS RELEASE – For immediate release 10/6/25 Sustainable Saratoga is Hosting its 9th annual Saratoga Recycles Day Event Sponsored by Adirondack Trust Company Media Contact: Beth Plummer; beth@sustainablesaratoga.org Saratoga Springs, NY – Sustainable Saratoga is hosting its 9th annual Saratoga Recycles Day sponsored by Adirondack Trust Company. This year’s event is being held on

The post Press Release: Saratoga Recycles Day 2025 appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]>

PRESS RELEASE – For immediate release 10/6/25

Sustainable Saratoga is Hosting its 9th annual Saratoga Recycles Day Event Sponsored by Adirondack Trust Company

Media Contact: Beth Plummer; beth@sustainablesaratoga.org

Saratoga Springs, NY – Sustainable Saratoga is hosting its 9th annual Saratoga Recycles Day sponsored by Adirondack Trust Company. This year’s event is being held on Saturday, October 18, from 9 am – 12 pm in the SPAC overflow parking lot on the west side of Route 50.

What: Saratoga Recycles Day
When: Saturday, October 18, from 9 AM- 12 PM
Where: SPAC overflow parking lot, west side of Route 50
Who: Anyone! There are no residency requirements for this event
Cost: Entrance fee of $5 per vehicle, cash or check (exact change preferred), plus a $20 recycling fee per TV

Saratoga Recycles Day, a key event of Sustainable Saratoga’s Zero Waste Committee, is an opportunity for the community to actively participate in minimizing household waste. Kelsey Trudell, Sustainable Saratoga’s Executive Director, says, “This event, along with our very successful Paint Collection Day held earlier this month, provides us the forum to partner with other local organizations to collect household waste for reuse or recycling. We view this as a great service to the community and our environment.”

Sustainable Saratoga and its partners will accept many household items, including children’s & adult books, textbooks, DVDs & CDs, video games, clothing & textiles, scrap metal, eyeglasses, hearing aids, musical instruments, cell phones and chargers, adult bicycles, refrigerants, small appliances, and electronics. There will be an additional $20 recycling fee per TV.

For specific details about what is being collected and a map of the collection stations, visit https://sustainablesaratoga.org/projects/zero-waste/saratoga-recycles-day/

Still have questions? Email zerowaste@sustainablesaratoga.org.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Sustainable Saratoga is a not-for-profit organization that promotes sustainable practices and the protection of natural resources, through education, advocacy and action, for the benefit of current and future generations in the Saratoga Springs area. Since 2008,
Sustainable Saratoga has been a leader in promoting awareness of environmental issues and what we as a local community can do to minimize our ecological impact while maintaining a high quality of life.

The post Press Release: Saratoga Recycles Day 2025 appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Press Release: Paint Collection Day 2025 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/press-release-paint-collection-day-2025/ Thu, 18 Sep 2025 19:21:23 +0000 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/?p=15223 PRESS RELEASE – For immediate release 9/18/25 Sustainable Saratoga to Host Fourth Annual Paint Collection Day on Saturday, October 4th, 2025 Media Contact: Beth Plummer; beth@sustainablesaratoga.org Saratoga Springs, NY – Sustainable Saratoga in partnership with GreenSheen will hold our 4th annual Paint Collection Day on Saturday, October 4th, from 9am – 1pm. This very

The post Press Release: Paint Collection Day 2025 appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]>

PRESS RELEASE – For immediate release 9/18/25

Sustainable Saratoga to Host Fourth Annual Paint Collection Day on Saturday, October 4th, 2025

Media Contact: Beth Plummer; beth@sustainablesaratoga.org

Saratoga Springs, NY – Sustainable Saratoga in partnership with GreenSheen will hold our 4th annual Paint Collection Day on Saturday, October 4th, from 9am – 1pm. This very popular community event will be held once again at the Saratoga Springs High School.

What: Paint Collection Day
When: Saturday, October 4th, from 9am – 1pm
Where: Saratoga Springs High School Parking Lot, 1 Blue Streak Blvd, Saratoga Springs, NY (entry from West Ave only)
Who: Anyone! There are no residency requirements for this event
Cost: Free, with donations to Sustainable Saratoga greatly appreciated
How to register: click this following link to pre-register and reserve your spot: https://circular.eco/event/SS10425

GreenSheen will collect and recycle the following items at this event:

  • Interior and exterior architectural paints: Latex, acrylic, water-based, alkyd, oil-
    based, enamel
  • Deck coatings, floor paints (including elastomeric)
  • Primers sealers, undercoaters
  • Stains
  • Shellacs, sealers, varnishes, urethanes (single component)
  • Waterproofing concrete/masonry/wood sealers and repellants (not tar orbitumen-based)
  • Metal coatings, rust preventatives
  • Field and lawn paints

Items not accepted include aerosols, paint thinners, cleaning agents, driveway sealer, caulking compounds, glues & adhesives, roof patch, craft paint, auto & marine paint or hazardous waste. Containers cannot be empty or leaking and must contain the original manufacturer’s label.

“We continue to be excited about our partnership with GreenSheen and the safe, effective removal of paint from the waste stream. This event provides s valuable service to our community, and we expect a great turnout like previous years” explains Kelsey Trudell, Sustainable Saratoga’s Executive Director.

For specific details about the event and what will be collected, please visit: https://sustainablesaratoga.org/projects/zero-waste/paint-collection-day/

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Sustainable Saratoga is a not-for-profit organization that promotes sustainable practices and the protection of natural resources, through education, advocacy and action, for the benefit of current and future generations in the Saratoga Springs area. Since 2008, Sustainable Saratoga has been a leader in promoting awareness of environmental issues and what we as a local community can do to minimize our ecological impact while maintaining a high quality of life.

The post Press Release: Paint Collection Day 2025 appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Press Release: EV Car Show 2025 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/press-release-ev-car-show-2025/ Thu, 28 Aug 2025 18:50:45 +0000 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/?p=15216 PRESS RELEASE – For immediate release 8/28/25 Sustainable Saratoga and Hudson Valley Community College North Host Going Electric: The EV Car Show, on Saturday, September 13th, 2025 Media Contact: Beth Plummer; beth@sustainablesaratoga.org Saratoga Springs, NY – Interested in going electric? Explore the future of transportation at Going Electric: The EV Car Show, hosted by

The post Press Release: EV Car Show 2025 appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]>
EV show at HVCC September 2025

PRESS RELEASE – For immediate release 8/28/25

Sustainable Saratoga and Hudson Valley Community College North Host Going Electric: The EV Car Show, on Saturday, September 13th, 2025

Media Contact: Beth Plummer; beth@sustainablesaratoga.org

Saratoga Springs, NY – Interested in going electric? Explore the future of transportation at Going Electric: The EV Car Show, hosted by Sustainable Saratoga and Hudson Valley Community College North.

EV Car Show details

  • Date/time: Saturday September 13th from 10am-2pm
  • Location: TEC-SMART at HVCC North, 345 Hermes Road in Malta

Whether you’re an EV owner, enthusiast or just curious about sustainable technology, this FREE event has something for all.

  • A wide variety of EV cars on display
  • Informational tables staffed by EV industry vendors
  • Guided tours of the LEED-certified HVCC North building
  • Resources on sustainability, clean energy, and more

David Washburn, Chair of the Climate & Energy Committee at Sustainable Saratoga, says, “We’re excited to partner with HVCC North on this first-ever EV Car Show event. In the past, the EV Car Show was part of our Sustainability Fair in April, but advancements in technology and community interest have warranted this becoming its own event. And our partnership with HVCC North at their Training and Education Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing and Alternative and Renewable Technologies (TEC-SMART) is a natural fit.”

“By showcasing electric vehicles and clean technologies at the EV Car Show, we’re empowering our students and community to envision a greener future,” said Hudson Valley Community College President Dr. Michael Brophy. “As the EV industry grows and the need for technicians continues to rise, Hudson Valley is proud to offer Electric and Autonomous Vehicles degree and certificate programs that prepare our students with the skills needed to diagnose and repair electric and hybrid vehicles. We highly value our partnership with Sustainable Saratoga and are thrilled to host this event together at HVCC North – Hudson Valley’s branch campus.”

This local event coincides with National Drive Electric Month, a nationwide celebration to raise awareness of the many benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles and more. For more information, visit: https://driveelectricmonth.org

Local EV owners are invited to sign up to show their own cars at the show. To register and sign up, visit: https://forms.gle/66BNz9fE9d3DEDALA

For more information on the EV Car Show, and to register for the event, visit: https://www.hvcc.edu/events/2025/09/ev-car-show-at-hvcc-north.html

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONS

About Hudson Valley Community College:

Founded in 1953, Hudson Valley Community College is the largest community college in upstate New York and offers more than 85 degree and certificate programs in three schools: Business and Liberal Arts; Health Sciences; and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM); and also administers the Educational Opportunity Center for academic and career training at no cost to those who qualify. One of 30 community colleges in the SUNY system, Hudson Valley enrolls more than 20,000 students in credit and non-credit courses and is a recognized leader in distance learning and workforce development. The college has more than 90,000 alumni. To learn more, please visit www.hvcc.edu.

About Sustainable Saratoga:

Sustainable Saratoga is a not-for-profit organization that promotes sustainable practices and the protection of natural resources, through education, advocacy and action, for the benefit of current and future generations in the Saratoga Springs area. Since 2008, Sustainable Saratoga has been a leader in promoting awareness of environmental issues and what we as a local community can do to minimize our ecological impact while maintaining a high quality of life.

The post Press Release: EV Car Show 2025 appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Tree Toga 2025 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/tree-toga-2025/ Thu, 12 Jun 2025 17:38:09 +0000 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/?p=14747 Tree Toga 2025 Volunteers Plant 40 Trees By Caroline Rothaug, Sustainable Saratoga Programs Manager and Chair of the Urban Forestry Project What’s your favorite way to celebrate Arbor Day? Mine is spending a morning at Tree Toga. Where else can you meet great people, learn a useful

The post Tree Toga 2025 appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]>
Tree Toga tree planting volunteers 2025

Tree Toga 2025 Volunteers Plant 40 Trees

By Caroline Rothaug, Sustainable Saratoga Programs Manager and Chair of the Urban Forestry Project

What’s your favorite way to celebrate Arbor Day?

Mine is spending a morning at Tree Toga. Where else can you meet great people, learn a useful skill, sing a song that will stick with you for way too long, and go home covered with mud? Oh, and do something great for the environment, wildlife, and your fellow humans by planting trees.

On April 26th, over 180 volunteers did just that. Individuals, families, friend groups and work colleagues gathered at Pitney Meadows Community Farm and learned how to plant a tree. Then, we went out and planted 40 trees along streets and in front yards all over Saratoga Springs.

Our incredible Tree Hosts gave the trees homes, and agreed to water them during the critical first seasons of growth. How do you get to be a Tree Toga Tree Host? Property owners in the city of Saratoga Springs can request a tree on our website, or just say YES when we knock on your door.

Some very special people put their hearts and souls into making this joyful community event happen every year: the Sustainable Saratoga Urban Forestry Project committee. Libby Brennesholtz, Margarita DeFedericis, Tom Denny, Rick Fenton, Bethany Khan, Kate Maynard, Tom McNamara, Alexandra Morgan, and Lin Whittle work tirelessly throughout the year to recruit Tree Hosts, figure out exactly where to plant the trees, and plan what’s going to happen on the day. Except the weather. Trees love the rain, but tree planters might prefer it a bit dryer next year.

Tree Toga wouldn’t be the same without our partners

The City of Saratoga Springs, particularly the Department of Public Works, provides support and half of the funding for the trees. The other half of the funding comes from generous community donations to Sustainable Saratoga. We really appreciated Mayor John Safford, Commissioner Chuck Marshall and Deputy Tad Roemer rolling up their sleeves and helping out during the event.

Pitney Meadows Community Farm has been the ideal setting for our pre-planting gathering for the past four years.  Executive Director Brooke McConnell and her team are the perfect hosts.

Local businesses that helped make the day: Bread Basket Bakery provides refreshments for our volunteers, and Allerdice Hardware provides the stakes that stabilize our trees.

Finally, we are beyond grateful to this year’s Tree Toga financial sponsors: Rockefeller Capital Management, who also sends a team of volunteers to plant with us every year, and Stewart’s Shops.

Mark your calendar for next year’s Tree Toga: Saturday, April 26, 2026

HELP US PLANT MORE TREES! Make a tax-deductible donation HERE.

The post Tree Toga 2025 appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Press Release: Pollinator Palooza 2025 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/press-release-pollinator-palooza-2025/ Thu, 15 May 2025 18:35:39 +0000 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/?p=15211 PRESS RELEASE – For immediate release 5/15/25 Sustainable Saratoga Hosts Pollinator Palooza Native Plant Sale Event on Saturday, May 31st, 2025 Media Contact: Beth Plummer; beth@sustainablesaratoga.org Saratoga Springs, NY – Pollinator Palooza is Back! Join Sustainable Saratoga on Saturday, May 31st from 10am-3pm to buy native plants and meet people dedicated to protecting our

The post Press Release: Pollinator Palooza 2025 appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]>

PRESS RELEASE – For immediate release 5/15/25

Sustainable Saratoga Hosts Pollinator Palooza Native Plant Sale Event on Saturday, May 31st, 2025

Media Contact: Beth Plummer; beth@sustainablesaratoga.org

Saratoga Springs, NY – Pollinator Palooza is Back! Join Sustainable Saratoga on Saturday, May 31st from 10am-3pm to buy native plants and meet people dedicated to protecting our precious pollinators, their habitat, and other natural resources.

Pollinator Palooza offers a wonderful array of native flowering perennials that attract pollinators as sources of nutrition, and homeowners will love the colors, fragrances, and beauty these natives bring to yards and gardens. Sustainable Saratoga volunteers have been growing 1,600 plants for the last 2 months and they are ready for their new homes.

Dianna Goodwin, Pollinator Committee chair for Sustainable Saratoga says, “Every garden, no matter how small, has an important role to play in protecting pollinators. Planting native plants is an essential part of creating food and habitat for our native pollinators. However, finding native plants can often be a challenge. The Pollinator Palooza native plant sale offers a variety of plants to gardeners in the local area.”

EVENT DETAILS:

  • When: Saturday, May 31st, 10am-3pm
  • Where: Oligny’s Country Gardens, 390 Wilton-Gansevoort Rd, Gansevoort
  • Parking: Across the street at 393 Wilton-Gansevoort Rd.
  • Pet policy: While we love our four-legged friends, we kindly ask that you leave your pups at home. No pets at the event, please.
  • Payment by cash or check preferred

This family-friendly event includes

  • Over 30 varieties of native plants for sale
  • Information about native plants and pollinators
  • Free soil pH testing by Cornell Cooperative Extension (bring about 1/4 cup of dry soil)
  • Help with your gardening questions
  • Local organizations focused on native plants and ecosystems
  • Kids’ activities
  • Raffles to win books, gift certificates, plants, and more
  • Food Trucks

New this year, give the gift of native plants to someone you love by buying a Pollinator Palooza e-gift card prior to the event. Electronic gift cards are now available on the Sustainable Saratoga website for purchase. Good for purchase of plants in the Sustainable Saratoga greenhouse or for raffle tickets. BUY YOURS HERE.

For more information on the Pollinator Palooza native plan sale, visit:

https://sustainablesaratoga.org/projects/pollinators-and-native-plants/pollinator-palooza-native-plant-sale/

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Sustainable Saratoga is a not-for-profit organization that promotes sustainable practices and the
protection of natural resources, through education, advocacy and action, for the benefit of current
and future generations in the Saratoga Springs area. Since 2008, Sustainable Saratoga has been a
leader in promoting awareness of environmental issues and what we as a local community can do
to minimize our ecological impact while maintaining a high quality of life.

The post Press Release: Pollinator Palooza 2025 appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Press Release: Sustainable Saratoga Celebrates Earth Month in April https://sustainablesaratoga.org/earth-month/ Wed, 02 Apr 2025 19:15:02 +0000 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/?p=14545 PRESS RELEASE – For immediate release 4/1/25 Sustainable Saratoga Celebrates Earth Month in April Media Contact: Beth Plummer; beth@sustainablesaratoga.org Saratoga Springs, NY – Sustainable Saratoga is celebrating Earth Month this April with several events designed to engage the local community and advance sustainable practices throughout the Capital Region.   On Saturday, April 5th, Sustainable Saratoga

The post Press Release: Sustainable Saratoga Celebrates Earth Month in April appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]>

PRESS RELEASE – For immediate release 4/1/25

Sustainable Saratoga Celebrates Earth Month in April

Media Contact: Beth Plummer; beth@sustainablesaratoga.org

Saratoga Springs, NY – Sustainable Saratoga is celebrating Earth Month this April with several events designed to engage the local community and advance sustainable practices throughout the Capital Region.  

On Saturday, April 5th, Sustainable Saratoga and Skidmore College’s Sustainability Office are partnering to host the Saratoga Sustainability Fair from 10am-2pm at a new location – The Billie Tisch Center for Integrated Sciences at Skidmore College. This FREE family-friendly event will allow attendees to explore the latest in eco-friendly topics and innovations and gives kids the opportunity to dive into fun and learning all day. This year’s theme is, “Connecting Ideas, Building Futures: Collaboration for a Sustainable Community!”

Sunday, April 13th from 1-4pm, Sustainable Saratoga is hosting a Cornhole Tournament fundraising event at the Saratoga Winery. Grab a cornhole partner and join us for an afternoon of fun with the whole family. Sign-up at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sustainable-saratoga-cornhole-tournament-fundraiser-tickets-1208637791169?aff=oddtdtcreator

On Saturday, April 26th, Sustainable Saratoga’s Urban Forestry team will hold its 14th  TREE TOGA planting event, adding 40 large-growing shade trees to Saratoga’s urban forest. Volunteer Tree Planters will check in at Pitney Meadows Community Farm  between 9 – 9:30 AM to get a lesson in tree planting before heading off in small teams to their assigned locations across the city. Once the trees are in the ground, Tree Host homeowners and other volunteers provide the care that is critical to tree growth and survival. This is a fun, family-friendly volunteer event, open to everyone in the capital region. Sign up at: https://sustainablesaratoga.org/projects/urban-forestry-project/tree-toga/

On Wednesday, April 30th, Sustainable Saratoga and the Environmental Studies and Sciences Department at Skidmore College are partnering to host a Science on Tap event at Common Roots Brewing Company in South Glens Falls. Science On Tap is a monthly series of informal talks led by scientists that explore current research topics and the importance of science in our daily life. April’s topic title is: Tiny Bug, Big Problem – Ticks and the Diseases They Carry, led by Holly Ahern, award-winning Biology Professor at SUNY Adirondack. Admission is free and the talk begins promptly at 7pm.

While Sustainable Saratoga is active year-round, events held in April during Earth Month help garner additional community involvement while sustainable practices are top-of-mind for residents. “Our staff and volunteers are incredibly talented and committed,” said Amy Durland, Board Chair for Sustainable Saratoga. “The citizens in the Saratoga area have been so responsive to our wide-ranging efforts, which is very gratifying!”  

For more information and to get involved in these community events, visit https://sustainablesaratoga.org/

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Sustainable Saratoga is a not-for-profit organization that promotes sustainable practices and the protection of natural resources, through education, advocacy and action, for the benefit of current and future generations in the Saratoga Springs area.  Since 2008, Sustainable Saratoga has been a leader in promoting awareness of environmental issues and what we as a local community can do to minimize our ecological impact while maintaining a high quality of life.

The post Press Release: Sustainable Saratoga Celebrates Earth Month in April appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Press Release: Saratoga Sustainability Fair 2025 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/press-release-saratoga-sustainability-fair-2025/ Tue, 25 Mar 2025 19:09:32 +0000 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/?p=14543 PRESS RELEASE – For immediate release 3/25/25 Sustainable Saratoga and Skidmore College team up for the Saratoga Sustainability Fair on Saturday, April 5, 2025  Media Contact: Beth Plummer; beth@sustainablesaratoga.org Sustainable Saratoga and Skidmore College’s Sustainability Office are partnering once again to host the Saratoga Sustainability Fair on Saturday April 5th, 2025, from 10am-2pm at

The post Press Release: Saratoga Sustainability Fair 2025 appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]>
Saratoga Sustainability Fair Exhibit Hall

PRESS RELEASE – For immediate release 3/25/25

Sustainable Saratoga and Skidmore College team up for the Saratoga Sustainability Fair on Saturday, April 5, 2025 

Media Contact: Beth Plummer; beth@sustainablesaratoga.org

Sustainable Saratoga and Skidmore College’s Sustainability Office are partnering once again to host the Saratoga Sustainability Fair on Saturday April 5th, 2025, from 10am-2pm at in a new location – The Billie Tisch Center for Integrated Sciences at Skidmore College. This FREE family-friendly event will allow attendees to explore the latest in eco-friendly topics and innovations and gives kids the opportunity to dive into fun and learning all day. This year’s theme is, “Connecting Ideas, Building Futures: Collaboration for a Sustainable Community!”

Highlights of the 2025 Saratoga Sustainability Fair:

  • Visit the Exhibit Hall featuring dozens of businesses and nonprofits in energy, climate, equity, environmental education and more
  • Explore and tour an electric school bus
  • Collaborate on a community art project 
  • Learn something new at the student poster session
  • Join the student networking session at 12pm
  • Enjoy activities for kids of all ages
  • Grab lunch, snack or a drink with Skidmore dining services

Kelsey Trudell, Executive Director of Sustainable Saratoga says about the ongoing partnership, “This year marks our 4th annual Saratoga Sustainability Fair in partnership with Skidmore College’s Sustainability Office. The exhibit hall will be packed with businesses and organizations highlighting their contribution to local sustainable solutions and we’re adding student research posters and student networking to encourage younger generations to use their voice to drive positive change in our communities. Attendees will be able to tour an electric school bus as well, making this another exciting new addition to the event!”

Attendees are encouraged to walk, bike or take public transportation to the event, if possible. The 452 CDTA bus runs from Wilton Mall, through Saratoga Springs, and stops right on campus. Car parking will also be available.

For more about the event and activity schedule, visit: https://sustainablesaratoga.org/saratoga-sustainability-fair/

About Skidmore College

Founded in 1903, Skidmore College is a highly selective private, coeducational liberal arts college of about 2,600 students. Skidmore is consistently named one of the “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” by U.S. News and World Report and has recently been recognized as one of “America’s Most Entrepreneurial Colleges” by Forbes, a “Top College Value” by Kiplinger and one of “The Best 388 Colleges” by The Princeton Review. Travel and Leisure has also called Saratoga Springs, home to Skidmore’s campus, one of “America’s Best College Towns.”

 About Sustainable Saratoga

Sustainable Saratoga is a not-for-profit organization that promotes sustainable practices and the protection of natural resources through education, advocacy and action, for the benefit of current and future generations in the Saratoga Springs area. Since 2008, Sustainable Saratoga has been a leader in promoting awareness of environmental issues and what we as a local community can do to minimize our ecological impact while maintaining a high quality of life. To learn more about Sustainable Saratoga, visit: https://sustainablesaratoga.org/

The post Press Release: Saratoga Sustainability Fair 2025 appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]> Press Release: Tree Toga 2025 Call for Volunteers https://sustainablesaratoga.org/tree-toga-2025-call-for-volunteers/ Tue, 18 Mar 2025 19:06:07 +0000 https://sustainablesaratoga.org/?p=14539 PRESS RELEASE – For immediate release 3/18/25 Sustainable Saratoga CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS for 141th year of TREE TOGA event on Saturday, April 26, 2025 Media Contact: Beth Plummer; beth@sustainablesaratoga.org Saratoga Springs, NY – On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Sustainable Saratoga’s Urban Forestry Project will hold its 141th year of the TREE TOGA planting event, adding

The post Press Release: Tree Toga 2025 Call for Volunteers appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]>

PRESS RELEASE – For immediate release 3/18/25

Sustainable Saratoga CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS for 141th year of TREE TOGA event on Saturday, April 26, 2025

Media Contact: Beth Plummer; beth@sustainablesaratoga.org

Saratoga Springs, NY – On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Sustainable Saratoga’s Urban Forestry Project will hold its 141th year of the TREE TOGA planting event, adding an expected 40 large-growing shade trees to Saratoga’s urban forest.  

Volunteer Tree Planters are needed to help plant trees in the community. Volunteers will check in at Pitney Meadows Community Farm at between 9 – 9:30 AM on April 26 to get a lesson in tree planting before heading off in small teams to their assigned locations across the city. Once the trees are in the ground, Tree Host homeowners and other volunteers provide the care that is critical to tree growth and survival. This is a fun, family-friendly volunteer event, open to everyone in the capital region.

“Tree Toga is a crucial event for Sustainable Saratoga, helping us live our mission to preserve and expand Saratoga’s urban forest,” said Sustainable Saratoga Urban Forestry Project Chair Caroline Rothaug.  “We appreciate each and every volunteer who helps put small trees in the ground now so that future generations can enjoy tall, strong trees later. We are especially grateful to have the Saratoga Springs Department of Public Works and Pitney Meadows Community Farm as our partners. This year’s Tree Toga will bring the total number of trees planted in the past 11 years to over 440.”

To get involved in this family-friendly community event, sign up at 

https://sustainablesaratoga.org/projects/urban-forestry-project/tree-toga

Why plant trees? In addition to providing long lasting beauty, research shows that urban trees enhance retail and restaurant profitability, increase property values, save energy, improve air quality, reduce water pollution, enhance our mental and physical health, and provide wildlife habitat.

Spring is a great time to plant your own tree.  If you can’t join TREE TOGA in person, join in spirit by planting a tree in your own yard and sharing a picture on social media with the tag #NextGenTree. Sustainable Saratoga recommends planting a variety of trees native to our local area, as well as a few from the wider region that are adapted to our soils and climate and provide food and shelter for a variety of insects and wildlife. You can find a wealth of practical information on choosing, buying, planting and caring for trees at:  https://sustainablesaratoga.org/projects/urban-forestry-project/practical-info-for-tree-planting-care/. 

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Sustainable Saratoga is a not-for-profit organization that promotes sustainable practices and the protection of natural resources, through education, advocacy and action, for the benefit of current and future generations in the Saratoga Springs area.  Since 2008, Sustainable Saratoga has been a leader in promoting awareness of environmental issues and what we as a local community can do to minimize our ecological impact while maintaining a high quality of life.

###

The post Press Release: Tree Toga 2025 Call for Volunteers appeared first on Sustainable Saratoga.

]]>