SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – As the Capital Region bursts into bloom, Sustainable Saratoga invites the community to give back to the bees, butterflies, and birds that keep our ecosystem humming. The annual Pollinator Palooza Native Plant Sale returns on Saturday, May 30, 2026, offering gardeners of all skill levels the chance to bring home locally-grown treasures that do more than just look beautiful.

From 10 am to 3 pm at Oligny’s Country Gardens in Gansevoort, the greenhouse will be overflowing with over 30 varieties of native perennials—from the vibrant Cardinal Flower to the whimsically named Obedient Plant. Each plant has been lovingly raised by Sustainable Saratoga volunteers specifically for their hardiness in local conditions and their ability to provide vital habitat for native pollinators. 

“Your yard has an important role to play in protecting the natural world,” says Dianna Goodwin, Chair of the Pollinator and Native Plant committee. “Pollinator Palooza is about more than just buying flowers; it’s about meeting neighbors, learning from experts, and taking a small but powerful step toward a more sustainable future.”

A Family-Friendly Celebration of Nature: Pollinator Palooza is a full day of community and conservation, featuring:

• The Main Event: Over 30 varieties of native plants for sale at just $10 per 2-quart pot (cash or check preferred).
• Expert Advice: Meet with Master Gardeners from Cornell Cooperative Extension and representatives from local conservation groups like the Southern Adirondack Audubon Society and Wild Ones.
• Free Soil Testing: Bring about 1/4 cup of dry soil for free pH testing by Cornell Cooperative Extension to ensure your new plants thrive.
• Kids’ Activities: Engaging ways for the next generation of environmental stewards to learn about the magic of pollinators.
• Food for sale by The Galway Local
• Give the gift of a green thumb! Pollinator Palooza E-Gift Cards are now available online, perfect for as a gift or a treat for yourself.

Event Details:

• When: Saturday, May 30, 2026, 10 am – 3 pm (Rain Date: May 31)
• Where: Oligny’s Country Gardens, 390 Wilton Gansevoort Road, Gansevoort, NY
• Parking: Across the street at 393 Wilton-Gansevoort Road.
• Pro-Tip: Bring your own wagon for easy shopping! Please note that while we love animals, this is a “no pets” event.

Whether you have a sprawling meadow or a single sunny porch pot, come find the perfect native plant to help our local pollinators flourish. For a full downloadable plant list and more information, visit https://sustainablesaratoga.org/projects/pollinators-and-native-plants/pollinator-palooza-native-plant-sale/

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.

 

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/

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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.

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

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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.

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/

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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.

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.

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/

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.

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PRESS RELEASE – For immediate release 10/9/24

Sustainable Saratoga is Hosting its 8th annual Saratoga Recycles Day Event Sponsored by Adirondack Trust Company

Media Contact: Caroline Rothaug; caroline@sustainablesaratoga.org

Saratoga Springs, NY – Sustainable Saratoga is hosting their 8th annual Saratoga Recycles Day sponsored by Adirondack Trust Company on Saturday, October 19, 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 19, from 9 AM- 12 PM
Where: SPAC 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, plus $20 per TV.

Saratoga Recycles Day is a key event of Sustainable Saratoga’s Zero Waste Committee, whose goal is to reduce the amount of waste that gets sent to landfills. Saratoga Recycles Day is an opportunity for the community to actively participate in minimizing household waste, providing citizen education in the process. Kelsey Trudell, Sustainable Saratoga’s Executive Director, says, “This event, along with our very successful Paint Collection Day last month, provides us the opportunity 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 new this year, we’re excited to have Adirondack Trust Company as a sponsor.”

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 fee per TV.

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

Still have questions? Email zerowaste@sustainablesaratoga.org.

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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.

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