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RCC Marketing Students Win Second Place in Global Solutions Sustainability Challenge

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4 years ago

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SUFFERN, NY – Rockland Community College honors class won second place in the Global Solutions Sustainability Challenge where twenty-seven international teams from institutions in the U.S., Iraq and Jordan competed in a competition focused on technology and sustainability.

The Global Solutions Sustainability Challenge is funded by the Stevens Initiative, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and is administered by the Aspen Institute. It is also supported by the Bezos Family Foundation and the governments of Morocco and the United Arab Emirates. The program is implemented by IREX, a global development and education nonprofit organization dedicated to building a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world.

The RCC team was awarded second place in the competition, along with an award of $1,500 to be used to further develop their project on creating a smart technology-based agricultural solution to help farmers around the globe optimize their utilization of water for irrigation.

“Jordan relies on one primary water source for all of their needs, and proper water management is essential for their future. Through our prototype, named MIST, we saw a reduction in water use by 50%. An advancement in this system could potentially save a standard commercial farm over a million dollars a year on their water cost,” says Samuel Erard, A.S. Business Administration Honors Track.

The RCC team was selected as one of six finalists to progress to the Virtual Business Expo. At this event, a student representative from Rockland Community College and from Middle East University presented a 3-minute Shark Tank style pitch to an audience of over 100 people and panel of 6 judges.

“Today’s students are global citizens and will have to work together to devise solutions to shared global issues,” says Catherine Roche, RCC Professor of Business and RCC’s team facilitator. “This project-based experiential learning experience enabled students to develop cross-cultural awareness as well as workplace skills such as teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking, decision making, and empathy. I was impressed with students’ commitment to the project and am very proud of the professional work they collectively produced.”

The prize money will go towards launching the technology that was pitched during the competition to help farmers – not only in Jordan but throughout the world – to save water and improve harvests.

“Working with an entirely different culture was a great learning experience,” says Michelle Meilhon, A.S. Business Administration Honors Track. “I was proud to be part of the team – we worked really hard and it truly paid off.”

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Native Plants Gaining Ground in Rockland County Gardens: Free Workshop in Pomona on June 28

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2 days ago

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June 16, 2025

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POMONA, NY — Gardeners throughout Rockland and Bergen Counties are embracing a sustainable landscaping trend that’s taking root across the Hudson Valley: the use of native plants. These regionally adapted species offer low-maintenance, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional garden plants, while providing crucial support for pollinators, local wildlife, and overall ecosystem health.

With benefits that range from water conservation to improved soil quality, native plants are becoming a go-to choice for environmentally conscious homeowners and garden enthusiasts alike.
🌱 Why Native Plants Are a Smart Choice

Native plants have evolved to thrive in the local climate, which makes them an ideal solution for both beginner and experienced gardeners. The benefits of using native species in your landscape include:

Reduced water and fertilizer needs once established

Natural attraction for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators

Options for deer-resistant varieties

Improved soil structure and erosion control

Better stormwater absorption and water filtration

Increased resilience to the region’s climate conditions

Minimal need for chemical pesticides or herbicides

However, experts emphasize that success with native plants depends on choosing the right varieties for your garden’s conditions and understanding their basic care requirements.

Free Native Plant Workshop in Pomona – June 28 at 1 PM

To educate the public and empower homeowners to “go native,” Down to Earth Living in Pomona, NY, will host a free community workshop on Saturday, June 28 at 1 p.m. The event will feature guest expert Josh, who will share practical advice on how to successfully incorporate native plants into your garden.

Attendees will learn about:

Selecting native plants suited to sunlight and shade conditions

Soil types, preparation techniques, and best planting practices

Watering and fertilization tips for long-term success

Basic plant anatomy and hybridization insights

This is an excellent opportunity for local residents to gain expert knowledge and hands-on tips for building a low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly landscape that supports the environment and adds natural beauty to any property.

Workshop Details:

What: Native Plant Gardening Workshop
Where: Down to Earth Living, 1040 Route 45, Pomona, NY
When: Saturday, June 28, 2025 – 1:00 PM
Cost: FREE (open to the public)

For more information, visit www.downtoearthliving.com or call (845) 354-8500.

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Stunning Wildlife Moment: Osprey Captured Catching Large Mouth Bass in Rockland County

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3 days ago

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June 16, 2025

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ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The striking photograph, taken in the early morning light, shows the osprey in full flight with its freshly caught prey — a large mouth bass — as it prepares for breakfast. The image quickly gained attention on social media, with nature enthusiasts and local residents praising both the power of the raptor and Owey Cramsie’s remarkable eye for wildlife photography.

Ospreys, also known as fish hawks, are birds of prey that rely almost exclusively on fish for sustenance. Sightings of ospreys hunting in Rockland County have become increasingly common in recent years as conservation efforts and clean water initiatives have improved local ecosystems. This particular encounter highlights not only the resilience of the osprey but also the thriving aquatic life in the region’s rivers and lakes.

Owey Cramsie Jr., a Rockland County native is known for capturing local wildlife and landscapes.

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