2022 Annual Report Available Now

We are very excited to present our 2022 Annual Report!

The Annual Report is an excellent opportunity for our organization to reflect on the impact we made on our communities last year. We hope you enjoy!

Click here to read

SOMOS New York Conference

Earlier this month, I was fortunate to attend the SOMOS New York Conference in Albany!

SOMOS is a nonprofit organization committed to addressing the needs of the Hispanic population of New York. The conference serves as a platform for legislators, scholars, and business and labor leaders to address various concerns pertinent to this community.

It was very informative to discuss how CCE Suffolk programming can help address issues in the Hispanic community, and I was happy to support 100 Hispanic Women of Long Island while there, an organization committed to helping Latinas to be innovative, maximize their potential, and create strategic partnerships.

Legislator Sam Gonzalez's International Women's Day Brunch

Thank you to Suffolk County Legislator Sam Gonzalez of the 9th District for hosting a lunch in honor of International Women's Day! It was an honor to be amongst those invited.

2023 Long Island Leader's Forum

Thank you to the Long Island Horticultural Research & Extension Center for leading the Long Island Leader's Forum! This meeting brought together an important group of presidents, vice presidents, and executive directors from some of LI's most important horticultural institutions.

I was proud to represent CCE Suffolk as we discussed the region's horticultural needs.

New Hour Gala

It was an amazing night celebrating New Hour, an organization dedicated to helping women impacted by the justice system & their families.

By providing parenting skills, work skills, and wellness programs during and after incarceration, New Hour aims to give women the tools needed to become powerful change agents for themselves, their community, and their children. 

Congratulations to the honorees!

Meeting of the Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors met once again to discuss the latest at CCE Suffolk, wrap up our financial reporting for 2022, and set goals for the coming months.

Visit to CAST Headquarters

Staff from the Community Education program & I took a visit to CAST headquarters in Southold!

The team discussed broadening current projects, and explored additional collaborations between our two organizations.

CAST (Center for Advocacy, Support, and Transformation) is dedicated to serving low-income individuals and families on the North Fork of Long Island, helping to meet their basic needs in the areas of nutrition, clothing, energy, employment, and education.

Learn more

Bloom is an annual event held at the Suffolk County Farm & Education Center for families to enjoy the spring weather and explore resources & activities focused on wellness and health. This year, the event will be held in collaboration with 100 Hispanic Women of Long Island, offering more resources for our Spanish-speaking communities!

Join us on May 6th, 10:00 AM -

2:00 PM, for a fun and family friendly celebration of wellness, featuring hay rides, farm animals, health checks, nutrition classes, goat yoga, and so much more!

Government agencies & municipalities that wish to table can do so for free, while nonprofits, business, and food vendors are welcome for a fee.

Pricing here.

100 Hispanic Women of Long Island is a volunteer organization committed to helping Latinas to be innovative, maximize their potential, and create strategic partnerships. Learn more here.

Inauguration of

American Muslims of Suffolk County

CCE Suffolk Board President Sonia Spar & Community Education Project Director Zahrine Bajwa attended the inauguration & first community Iftar for the American Muslims of Suffolk County.

The AMSC is dedicated to fostering communication between Muslims of all backgrounds, and facilitating interfaith understanding with all communities and elected officials.

NYS Beekeper Registry

As of December 23, 2021, all beekeepers in New York State are required to register with the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and to renew their registration annually. 

Beekeepers must also indicate if they intend to sell nucleus (nucs) colonies.

Register Here

For additional information contact:

State Apiculturist Joan Mahoney joan.mahoney@agriculture.ny.gov

National Ag Day

National Ag Day, recognized on March 21st, is a time when producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless others across America gather to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by American agriculture.

Farmers are innovators committed to leaving a healthy world for future generations. Discover how America’s farmers are Growing a Climate for Tomorrow here.

Pop-Up Horticulture Diagnostic Lab

The Horticulture Diagnostic Lab will have a pop-up diagnostic lab at the Riverhead Farmer’s Market on Saturday, April 15th, 9:00am - 2:00pm.

A CCE Suffolk Horticulture Consultant will be there answering gardening questions, accepting plant samples for diagnosis, and accepting soil for pH testing!

For information and questions on how to take samples, cost, etc, contact the

Horticulture Information Line:

(631) 727-4126

Monday-Friday

9:00am - 12:00pm

Avian Influenza Update

The recent resurgence of avian influenza – fueled by the return of migratory waterfowl that carry, but are typically not impacted by the virus – is causing significant damage to both commercial poultry and wild bird populations worldwide, while also impacting backyard flocks.

On an episode of Cornell Cooperative Extension’s ‘Extension Out Loud’ podcast, Amy Barkley, Livestock Specialist with Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops Program, and Nancy Glazier, Small Farms & Livestock Specialist with CCE’s Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops team, discuss the current avian influenza outbreak and its fallout. 

If you are visiting a poultry farm:

• Do not enter any farm premise without permission from the owner.
• Let the farm owner know if in the previous five days you have been on another poultry farm or if you’ve had contact with wild birds. Also let them know if you personally own or care for birds or poultry.
• Observe all of the farm’s instructions regarding biosecurity procedures.
• Do not enter animal housing areas or touch animals without express permission from farm owner.
• Immediately report anything unusual to farm owner, especially sick or dead birds.

Listen to the Extension Out Loud Podcast

Find all HPAI resources from CCE Suffolk here

Launch of the Fruit & Vegetable Prescription Program

Thank you to all who attended the launch of the Fruit & Veggie Prescription Program at Sun River Health in Brentwood!

A partnership among healthcare providers, local produce suppliers, nutritionists, and educators, the Fruit & Veggie Prescription Program will help bridge the gap between low-income diabetes patients in Suffolk County and the wholesome food needed for successful treatment.

Attendees of the launch included:

• Carissa Munoz, RN MHA, Sun River Health Long Island Regional VP of Operations
• Vanessa B. Streeter, Deputy County Executive, Suffolk County
• Gregson Pigott, MD, Commissioner of Suffolk County Health
• Luis Montes Brito, Chief of Staff, Office of Suffolk County Legislator Sam Gonzalez

Learn More

Check out some of the press coverage from the event:

Newsday

Long Island Business News

LI Times

LongIsland.com

Brentwood West Middle School

Health Fair

Check out the Community Education team at the Brentwood West Middle School Health Fair!

Pictured are Nutritionists Anthony Garcia, Italia Granshaw, and Scenquetta Dixon tabling for the 1,000 students who attended the health fair, with hundreds stopping by for a healthy snack, tips for a balanced diet, and info on the Rethink Your Drink initiative.

Rethink Your Drink aims to educate about healthy drink options, help identify drinks with added sugar, and make the link between consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and health risks.

Abundant Life Health &

Wellness Fair at

United Methodist Church

Diabetes Program Manager Linda Altenburger, RD, joined this interactive wellness event in Huntington to answer questions and share valuable resources from our diabetes program, as well as parenting tips from our Family Health & Wellness team

Local Eats: Precious Peas

At the Middle Country Public Library, unique, tasty recipes were demonstrated and sampled. From pea fritters and hummus to green leek pasta salad, and even dessert! 

Latina Mentoring Initiative at

Brentwood High School

Bilingual Nutritionist Italia Granshaw taught nutrition classes at the Brentwood High School for their Latina Mentoring Initiative, educating students and adults regarding the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle during all stages of life.

Ask the Family Educator

by Maxine Cohen, Parent Educator

I know that sleep is important, and I heard that there are stages.

What happens during these stages?

During the night, people cycle through four stages of sleep; three stages of non-REM sleep and one stage of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Each stage lasts between 90-120 minutes.



During the first stage of non-REM sleep, the brain slows down, sleep is light, and breathing is regular. This leads to the second stage of non-REM sleep, also a light sleep, when body temperature and heart rate decrease. Stage three of non-REM sleep provides a much deeper sleep, and brain waves are at their slowest and most forceful of the night. Heart rate and breathing also slow down, and the brain cleans itself of waste products.

When the fourth stage of sleep occurs, REM sleep, breathing becomes irregular, the eyes quickly move from side to side under the eyelids, and brain activity increases. REM is the most active stage of sleep.

All stages of sleep are important, but REM is the most crucial. It is during this stage that memories are consolidated, and dreaming and emotional processing occur. All of these activities prepare us for a new day This fourth stage of sleep helps us to recover from the day, organize for a new day, and look forward to awakening. Without enough REM sleep, the brain struggles to make useful connections and this negatively affects memory and learning ability. It can be difficult to concentrate, focus, and stay awake during the next day.



In order to get sufficient REM sleep, try to exercise outdoors and absorb some sunlight early each day. Keep the same bedtime each night. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and using technology well before bedtime. Sleep in a dark and cool room. Establish a bedtime routine of calmness. All of these measures will help you ease into the four stages of sleep (for adults, it is recommended to sleep 7-9 hours/night), leading you to awaken feeling rested and ready to embrace a new day!

County 4-H Public Presentations

Congratulations to all our youth that participated in our County 4-H Public Presentations! We had over 20 presenters this year sharing topics ranging from a pink sugar cookie food demo, hearing about a family's annual sauce day, learning all about the drop spindle, and more. Suffolk County youth have amazing skills and knowledge to share!

Through 4-H Public Presentations, youth learn essential public speaking skills and how to give impactful presentations. They begin in their clubs, then present here at county before having the opportunity to advance to district, state, and regional 4-H public presentation events.

Out of our 20+ presenters, we had 6 youth recommended to move up to the Southeast New York 4-H District Public Presentation Dutchess Community College!

Congratulations to Katherine Lehman, Annika Dunlop, Megan Dwyer, Ryann Tierney, Katherine Cottral, and Lia Pesiri!

Peconic Dunes Registration

Registration for Peconic Dunes Day Camp, Peconic Dunes Overnight Camp, and Sea Adventures Day Camp are open!

Learn More/Register

Thank You

National Grid!

The Farm has received a $30,000 grant from National Grid's Project C program, to be used for educational interactive play areas! These new areas will be located along our brand-new walkway entrance to the Farm, highlighting all of our program areas for visitors.

Project C is a program designed to inspire collaboration with the people of New York, creating positive neighborhood impact, strengthening communities, and making a difference for years to come.

Learn more

Peconic Bay Scallop Restoration Program in the News

Check out this article from Civil Eats for an in-depth look at the bay scallop populations of the Peconic Bay and the efforts of the CCE Marine Program to restore and protect them.

Read Here

New York Seafood Summit

We were very fortunate to host a portion of the 7th Annual New York Seafood Summit at our offices in Riverhead!

The summit was a great opportunity to learn more about innovations in seafood research, marketing, and harvesting while fostering active communication with seafood professionals with a vested interest in New York’s seafood industry. We look forward to building productive relationships and collaborating throughout the upcoming year!

Thank you to the event sponsors & everyone who joined us!

- Green Rabbits

- GrowNYC

- Long Island FISH

- New York Sea Grant

- North Fork Seafood

- Center For Aquatic Animal Research and Management

Report to the Suffolk County Legislature EPA Committee

CCE Suffolk Marine Director Chris Pickerell delivered a report to the EPA Committee of the Suffolk County Legislature, updating them on the latest from the program.

Welcome

New & Returning Employees!

Michael Russo, Treasurer

Michael Russo is a long-time resident of Suffolk County. He is a graduate of Hofstra University and a CPA.

Mr. Russo has diverse experience as an operating executive for branded products, manufacturing and distribution companies. He held senior management positions, including President/Chief Operating Officer/ VP General Manager for various companies including his own consulting firm, Premier Store Fixture, D’Addario, Terk Technologies and Harman International.

Mr. Russo is proficient in planning complex organizational projects while shifting strategic direction and delivering a sound business plan. As a seasoned executive, he is a credible voice in decision making, finding sources of capital and attracting new talent, as you cannot grow organizations alone.

Mr. Russo sits on the board of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County where he currently serves as Treasurer. He previously held Board positions for Connolly Music Company, Revelle Strings and Southold Voice. Currently Mr. Russo resides in Southold, NY and works part time as a business advisor, fisherman and high handicap golfer.

Mr. Russo serves a critical role for our organization as treasurer, and we thank him for all his work in wrapping up our financials for 2022!

Private Sunset Wagon

Rides @ The Farm

Monday, April 10, 2023, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Thursday, April 13, 2023, 5:30 PM - Monday, April 17 @ 7:30 PM

Thursday, April 20, 2023, 5:30 PM - Monday, April 24 @ 7:30 PM

Thursday, April 27, 2023, 6:00 PM - Sunday, April 30 @ 8:00 PM

Experience the farm all to yourself with a private group sunset tour!

The experience includes personal farm tour guides, wagon ride, animal visit, and campfire! You are more than welcome to bring your own s’mores supplies and non-alcoholic beverages.

$300 per group - Up to 20 participants

Children under 3 are free and do not count towards head count.

Additional wagon can be purchased for $175.

Please register at least two weeks prior to schedule your group. Don’t wait, dates fill fast!

Register Here

Disciplina Positiva

Martes, 11 de abril de 2023, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Dado que las familias experimentan más estrés de lo normal, los padres pueden sentir que sus hijos se están portando mal con más frecuencia. El mes de la prevención del abuso infantil es un buen momento para aprender más sobre la Disciplina Positiva y poner en práctica estrategias para ayudar a su hijo a aprender autodisciplina de una manera respetuosa y amable.

Registrase para esta reunión con anticipación

Inscríbase aquí

Spring Beach Walks (Babylon)

Tuesday, April 11, 2023, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Come and explore the beautiful sandy beaches of Long Island’s South Shore with us! We’ll look for marine creatures that call the salt marsh and barrier beaches home and learn some fun facts about them. Make sure to dress for the weather and wear shoes that can get muddy/wet as we’ll be walking outdoors for 1.5 hours.



Register Here

Volunteer Opportunity:

Scallop SPAT Bag Assembly

Tuesday, April 11, 2023, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

The CCE Bay Scallop Program conducts multiple scientific projects to monitor scallop and predator populations, investigate bay scallop ecology and biology and refine bay scallop aquaculture and planting practices. Part of the restoration process involves deployment of specially designed spat collector bags that help us monitor for natural recruitment of bay scallops in our bays. These devices collect spat, or baby scallops, from the water column after the scallops spawn. Our field team then collects these bags, conducts counts to assess the population status, and releases the juvenile bay scallops back in the water to continue on in their life cycle. We are looking for volunteers to help construct these bags in advance of their deployment.



Register Here

Positive Discipline

Wednesday, April 12, 2023, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

With families experiencing more stress than usual, parents may feel as though their children are misbehaving more frequently. Child abuse prevention month is a great time to learn more about Positive Discipline and put into practice strategies to help your child learn self-discipline in a way that is respectful and kind.

Register in advance for this meeting

Register Here

Mini-Marine Biologist Program

Sunday, April 16, 2023, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Topic: Fishy Facts

Come explore the world of fish in this interactive program and make a fun, fishy craft with your child to take home!

Register Here

Agritourism Workshop Series

Monday, April 17, 2023, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Monday, May 15, 2023, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Monday, June 19, 2023, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Monday, July 17, 2023, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Are you thinking of starting an agritourism business or are you currently operating one?

Join our monthly lunch-hour, workshop virtual series and learn how to grow your agritourism business!

Sessions will focus on specific topics to help aspiring agritourism entrepreneurs grow their knowledge and profit through this exciting on-farm business.

Register Here

Play Time, Learn Time

Monday, April 17, 2023, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Thursday, April 20, 2023, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Monday, April 24, 2023, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Thursday, April 27, 2023, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Monday, May 1, 2023, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Thursday, May 4, 2023, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

+ more

The Community Education Program is proud to offer Play Time, Learn Time at the Farm’s Nature Explore Classroom, located at 350 Yaphank Avenue, Yaphank.

Bring your little ones (ages 1-5, siblings welcome) to discover this outdoor space which allows for plenty of messy play, building and interactive art exploration as well as a music and movement area. While your little ones play nearby, our Parent Educators will be available to answer your parenting questions.

Play Time, Learn Time is free and is being offered every Monday and Thursday from 2:00-3:00 from April 17 through May 25, 2023. You are welcome to come to one or all of the available dates, no registration required!

Learn More

Mobile Diabetic Screening Clinic

Wednesday, April 19, 2023, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Do you need help managing your diabetes? Curious about your numbers? No problem – come down to your local library! Sun River Health will be coming to your local library to provide free diabetic screening and education services for library patrons and Suffolk County residents alike. Just visit our mobile van clinic get your blood sugar and/or A1C tested and learn about healthy eating with Registered Dietitians from CCE Suffolk while you wait!

Learn More

WEDLI Presents: The Future of Agriculture on Long Island

Thursday, April 20, 2023, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Our Executive Director Vanessa Lockel will be moderating an exciting panel discussion at the Women Economic Developers of Long Island April Breakfast!

The panel, titled The Future of Agriculture on Long Island, will be held at The Mansion at Oyster Bay and brings together some of the foremost women leaders of our region's agricultural industries:

• Kate Fullam, East End Food Institute
• Eve Kaplan-Walbrecht, Garden of Eve Organic Farm
• Karen Rivara, Aeros Cultured Oyster Co.
• Laurie McBride, Long Island Farm Bureau and Wickham’s Fruit Farm
• Krystyna Read, Reckner Greenhouses & Farms
• Jennifer (Halsey) Dupree, Milk Pail, LLC

Learn More/Register

Geek Talk by Fish Guy Photos and übergeek Brewing Company presents:

Pest Management Specialist

Tamson Yeh

Thursday, April 20, 2023, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

A collaboration between Fish Guy Photos and übergeek Brewing Company, “Geek Talks” is a lecture series with a night of great drinks, delicious food, and a wealth of knowledge shared by local naturalists, educators, researchers, and more.

This talk by our own Pest Management Specialist Tamson Yeh will delve into all of the weird things that ticks do, the weird things that humans do, and how they interact with the environment to make a perfect storm when it comes to tick habitat and tick bites.

Bring your tick pictures and samples with you for on the spot diagnoses!

Learn More

Building Healthy Families

Thursday, April 20, 2023, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Wednesday, April 26, 2023, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Despite difficult circumstances and adversity, children can grow up to be strong, however they need a safe and healthy environment to do so. This program is designed to help parents/caregivers understand what it takes to develop a supportive community that makes for a healthier environment for children. Participants will learn about risk and protective factors and strategies to build stronger, more resilient families, hoping to reduce problems before they start.

Register for April 20th Session

Register for April 26th Session

Wine Geeks: Exploring

Uncommon Grapes

Friday, April 21, 2023, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Join Viticulture Researcher Allison Wise & Chronicle Wines for a conversation about uncommon grapes, as well as a white wine tasting + menu pairing.

Register Here

Spring Gardening School 2023

Saturday, April 29, 2023, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Join us Saturday, April 29th at the Suffolk County Farm & Education Center for Spring Gardening School!



Featuring a full day of workshops presented by Master Gardeners covering a wide array of topics. There’s something for every gardener!

Some sessions are limited in size: registration is first come, first serve.

Planty sale open to the public!



Full Sessions List/Register

Baby Animal Day

Saturday, May 13, 2023, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Bring your family and friends to enjoy a day on the farm with baby animals, wagon rides, food trucks, games, and more!

$15 per person ages 3+ (if you don't buy tickets in advance, $20 per person at the gate)



We are thrilled to hold one of our favorite events once again! Please make note of the following event details:

-All guests ages 3+ are required to have a ticket. Everyone under the age of 3 do NOT require a ticket to attend.

-No dogs are allowed.

-The event will be held on Saturday May 13, 2023 from 10:00AM to 4:00PM * Last entry 3:00PM

-Parking is FREE

-OPEN TOED SHOES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN ANIMAL AREAS SO PLEASE DRESS ACCORDINGLY.

Learn More/Register

Goat Yoga

Saturday, May 13, 2023, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Saturday, May 27, 2023, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Saturday, June 3, 2023, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

+more

Enjoy yoga on the farm with our friendly goats. Goat yoga is a fun twist to the more traditional flow. End your day in downward dog while having some laughs. All levels are welcome to goat yoga, but best for ages 8 and up. Taught by certified instructors.

Please bring your own:

• Yoga Mat
• Water bottle

Learn More/Register