Almost a third of the food we eat every day relies on pollinators, mostly bees, but also birds, butterflies, bats, beetles, moths, and flies. Bees and other pollinators are vital to stable and plentiful food supplies, a healthy environment, and a strong economy.

But populations of New York State honeybees and other pollinators are crashing at an alarming rate. The causes include the use of harmful pesticides and fungicides, the spread of viral pathogens and parasitic mites in beehives, loss of habitat, and the effects of climate change. If we don’t act right now to address this collapse, it will soon be too late. 

Read on to learn more about the problem and how Mountainkeeper is helping.

February 5, 2019

In “Prepare for winter weather challenges,” Jan. 29, Michael Randall discussed frozen pipes and suggested adding insulation and leaving a tap open. I’d like to highlight the importance of improving building envelopes, which will not only keep pipes from freezing, but increase your home’s energy efficiency and decrease your energy bills.

Dear Friend --

Earlier this week, NJ Governor Murphy made an amazing announcement--he will vote for a complete ban on fracking in the Delaware River Basin. Now Governor Cuomo needs to hear from you. Sign our petition calling on Governor Cuomo to vote for a complete ban on fracking and all its related activities in the Delaware River Basin.

Sign the Petition Today!

The Catskills are our home, a true New York treasure. But each and every day they’re threatened by various projects that could change the face of our Park and Region forever. That’s why it’s so important for you to join us in Albany on February 5th to advocate for the place we love so much.

Catskill Mountainkeeper Supports Governor Cuomo’s Call for a Ban on Single Use Plastic Bags, Calls for Fees on Other Single Use Bags

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY – Sunday afternoon, Governor Cuomo announced his commitment to a ban on single use plastic bags in the executive budget as well as a pledge to expand the state’s bottle deposit laws.

Mountainkeeper has been extremely busy and productive this year, scoring big wins and making important progress in protecting the Catskills while building a clean and sustainable future. I’m really proud of our team, and grateful for friends like you who help us stay strong.

It’s clear that 2019 is going to be a huge year for the Catskills. Lonely Planet named the Catskills as one of its 2019 Top Ten Regions to Visit in the world, and our beautiful area is experiencing a renaissance, with a lot of new interest, creative energy, and economic development coming our way.

By Daniel Axelrod

December 14, 2018

TUSTEN – There was only one place for Brian Mendoza and his wife, Susan, to move from Park Slope, Brooklyn, and Sullivan County was the charm.

The Mendozas first bought their 2,200-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bathroom Cape Cod-style home in the Town of Tusten as a second home five years ago.

Smitten with the bucolic setting, the couple and their three teenage boys now live full time on their 12-acre spread full of goats, sheep, chickens, cats and dogs. But while they can keep most of the animals out of their 30-year-old home, they can’t keep out a chilly draft.