The Cayuga County Office of Tourism (Tour Cayuga) proudly recognized six local businesses and organizations with its Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship Award during its Annual Meeting, held this year at the Samuel Center for Erie Canal History in Port Byron.
This award celebrates Cayuga County businesses that demonstrate a commitment to environmentally responsible practices, sustainability in operations, and stewardship of the region’s natural resources. In keeping with the theme of sustainability, each recipient was presented with a self-watering EarthPlanter container (made right in Auburn NY) featuring a commemorative plaque, a symbol of growth and care for the future.
The 2025 Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship Award recipients are:
- The Sterling Nature Center (Sterling)
The center is dedicated to managing natural resources and promoting environmental education, providing visitors with opportunities to engage in activities like hiking, birdwatching, and cross- country skiing while fostering an appreciation for the natural world.
- Heart & Hands Wine Company (Union Springs)
Committed to sustainable viticulture. The estate vineyard is farmed without the use of insecticides or herbicides, and grapes are harvested and sorted by hand to ensure quality. Their practices reflect a dedication to environmental stewardship and the production of high-quality wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region.
- Little Yard Farm (Moravia, Groton)
A female-led homestead dedicated to sustainable living and community engagement. Expanding their commitment to sustainability and local sourcing, owner Laura Hahn launched The Good Neighbor Grocery in Groton. This community-focused store offers fresh, locally-sourced grocery items, quick, healthy meal options, and coffee. “The Good Neighbor is a love letter written to all the
local farmers, makers and creators in Groton and our surrounding communities.” The Good Neighbor strengthens the local food economy and provides a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike.
- The Aurora Inn (Aurora)
This historic inn emphasizes sustainability through its renovation choices, locally sourced menus, and waste reduction efforts. The Inns of Aurora (including the Aurora Inn) promote wellness tourism and partner with local farms, vineyards, and artisans. Known for preserving cultural heritage while integrating modern green hospitality standards — from energy-efficient systems to eco-friendly guest amenities.
• Otter Lake Farm & Fiber (Cato)
In Cato is taking a different approach to helping the environment. Owner Kate Pelkey raises sheep and makes products from them, including wool, soap, skincare, and meat. But her newest product is wool pellets, which are made of waste wool taken from sheep’s belly or hindquarters. These pellets can be used as fertilizer, since they contain nitrogen and carbon, and to keep plants hydrated in the summer, since they can absorb 10 or more times their weight in water. Pelkey is looking to buy other sheep farms’ waste wool to help grow the wool pellet market in the state.
- Izzo’s White Barn Winery (Cayuga)
Is partnering with Gabrielle Gulbe of Windy Ridge Homestead to offer monthly workshops on gardening and other life skills. The first topic will be sustainable seed starting. The workshop, to be held at the winery, will be followed by a complimentary wine tasting. Future planned themes are set to cover composting, preserving the food you grow, and wine making.
These recipients represent a diverse range of industries—agriculture, hospitality, winemaking, and environmental conservation—yet all share a dedication to reducing environmental impact and enhancing the natural beauty and health of Cayuga County.
“These awardees are proof that meaningful change starts at the local level,” said Karen Kühl, Director of the Cayuga County Office of Tourism. “Each of them is rooted in our community and committed to practices that not only care for the environment, but also strengthen the connections between people, place, and purpose. We’re proud to recognize their leadership and celebrate their role in building a more resilient and thoughtful Cayuga County.”
