New Camp Stores!

Check out brand-new online stores, featuring exclusive merchandise from Peconic Dunes, Peconic Dunes Sea Adventures, The Suffolk County Farm Camp, and CCE Suffolk! 

Whether you're looking to show support, outfit your campers for the summer, or maybe just want a piece of camp nostalgia for yourself, there's something for everyone! 

Peconic Dunes

Peconic Dunes Sea Adventures

Suffolk County Farm Camp

CCE Suffolk

Meeting with Southampton Town Supervisor Maria Moore

It was a pleasure to meet with Supervisor Maria Moore to discuss the extensive programs and services that CCE offers across Southampton. Clean Energy Coordinator, August Ruckdeschel, was also present for the meeting. 

Thank you for your time, Supervisor Moore!

Visit to Shelter Island

I recently visited Shelter Island, where Kate Rossi-Snook, the Back to the Bays Aquaculture Coordinator, manages various projects to restore local waters. 

Funded by a CPF Water Quality Improvement grant from Shelter Island Town, the CCE Suffolk Marine Program is conducting extensive shellfish and eelgrass restoration in Town waters. These efforts are carried out by staff and volunteers at several stewardship sites.

Annual Meeting of the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning & Policy Commission

Thank you to the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning & Policy Commission for inviting us to their Annual Cooperators Meeting!

The event paid special tribute to the Central Pine Barrens Law Enforcement Council, established in 1994 to ensure effective law enforcement practices for the protection of this beautiful natural resource.

CCE Suffolk extends our appreciation both to staff and the Commission’s many cooperators that support the preservation of the Central Pine Barrens, protecting its vital groundwater and surface water as well as its vast natural, agricultural, and recreational resources. We are honored to be counted among the partners supporting their work!

NYS Parks Summer Run Series

CCE Suffolk is incredibly proud to sponsor the 2024 NYS Parks Summer Run Series!

This eight-race series will run from June 10 to August 5, 2024, with races held on Monday nights at 7:00 PM in various state parks.

Be sure to look out for CCE Suffolk educators tabling at the races!

Parenting Workshop with

the Unkechaug Nation

On June 11, Cara Sultan conducted a parenting workshop titled "Tools to Support and Understand Mental Health" for the Unkechaug Nation. This marked the beginning of a series of workshops aimed at supporting this community.

The Unkechaug (“People from beyond the hill”) Nation maintains a sovereign relationship with the State of New York, other Indian Nations in the United States and Canada and other foreign powers, located on the Poospatuck Reservation in Mastic, NY.

Suffolk County PD Wellness Event at Suffolk County Farm

The Farm welcomed law enforcement and their families for a wellness event, presented by Rakesh Kumar Goel Care and Wellness, Inc. This event featured goat yoga, laughter yoga, and resources for families.

Pride at the Farm

We were thrilled to once again collaborate with Stony Brook Medicine to offer educational resources for all ages at Pride at the Farm! Friends and families enjoyed farm animals, wagon rides, music, dancing, trivia, rainbow treats, and so much more!

Seed to Supper Program

For the third consecutive year, CCE Suffolk Community Horticulture presented the Seed to Supper program in both Spanish and English for families on the North Fork.

Held over two evenings, this program educates families on the best practices for growing vegetables, including container gardening for those without easy access to land. Additionally, the Greenport School has provided 10 garden beds for families to maintain during the summer growing season.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sang Lee Farms and Marion Gardens for generously donating hundreds of vegetable plants to our families.

BIPOC Mental Health Month

We are excited to celebrate Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Mental Health Awareness Month! This is a crucial time to acknowledge and support the unique mental health challenges faced by BIPOC communities. 

To help you navigate and improve your mental well-being, we invite you to explore a variety of valuable resources and support systems available through Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Visit our Mental Well-Being Resources and Links page to access a wealth of information and tools designed to promote mental health and wellness for everyone.

Explore the CCE Suffolk Spanish

Facebook and Instagram Pages!

Discover information about upcoming events and workshops conducted in Spanish, receive valuable health tips and tricks, and more!

Facebook

Instagram

Master Gardener

Class of 2024

Congratulations to the CCE Suffolk Master Gardener Class of 2024!

These graduates are now one of nearly 85,000 certified Extension Master Gardeners who volunteer across the nation. The program has been supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the past 50 years, with members volunteering at public community gardens as well as schools to increase food security and demonstrate environmentally sound gardening practices. 

To become a Master Gardener, one must successfully complete the training course, volunteer 125 hours within a 2-year period, and remain active by volunteering at least 30 hours each year after graduation.

Learn more about the Master Gardener Program here: https://conta.cc/46cyaaa

Garden Tours with the Suffolk Alliance for Pollinators

June is #NationalPollinatorMonth!

Celebrate by joining the Suffolk Alliance for Pollinators on their Pollinator Garden Tours. Explore a variety of pollinator gardens at private residences and public spaces. Gardeners will showcase how native plants are used to create beautiful and functional pollinator and rain gardens.

North Fork | Saturday, July 13th

Rain date: July 14th

Contact: North Fork SAP at northforksap@gmail.com

Learn More

Bayshore/Brightwaters | Tuesday, July 30th

Rain date: August 1st

Contact: Master Gardener Nancy Hoffman at nancyjhoffman@gmail.com

Learn More

Huntington | Thursday, August 22nd

Rain date: August 23rd

Contact: Master Gardener Hope Kranidis at hkranidis@gmail.com

Learn More

Ribbon Cutting at Bayard Cutting Arboretum

CCE Suffolk Ag team members were proud to be in attendance to celebrate the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting at the arboretum for their brand new 1,600 square-foot Visitor Center, educational exhibits, gift shop, and expanded and upgraded parking area!

CCE Suffolk and the CCE Suffolk Horticulture Diagnostic Labs, which has a facility on the arboretum grounds, were proud to support this amazing renovation.

The Bayard Cutting Arboretum, donated in memory of William Bayard Cutting, serves as a serene public space to appreciate informal planting. The arboretum preserves original large oaks and features a diverse collection of conifers, dwarf evergreens, rhododendrons, azaleas, hollies, and oaks. The grounds also host wildflowers, ponds, streams, and various wildlife.

Shop Local!

Many local farm stands are now open and offering amazing produce!

Whether you're looking for fruit, vegetables, dairy, or baked goods, there's sure to be a location that has what you need.

Check out our Farm Stand List for all of your farm-fresh produce! 

View here

This list has been compiled by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County as a service to Suffolk County residents and farmers. If you would like your farm stand to be included, or if you have any changes or corrections, please contact the Agriculture Program at ccesuffolkag@cornell.edu.

Healthy Eating Mural

The SNAP-Ed department of the Community Education Program participated in the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the completion of a mural created by local artist Segundo Orellana and students for the Central Islip Clean Streets Project.

The mural promotes the message of planting, growing, and consuming fruits and vegetables.

During the event, a Proclamation was presented to Zahrine Bajwa by the office of of Suffolk County Legislator Sam Gonzalez, as well as from the office of Senator Monica Martinez. Hon. Jorge Guadron, Town of Islip Councilman, District 1 was also in attendance. The ribbon-cutting honor was bestowed upon Linda Altenburger, CCE Suffolk Senior Nutritionist.

Mobile Diabetes Screening Clinic Visits Wyandanch

Thank you to Suffolk County Legislator Jason Richberg for graciously hosting the Sun River Health Mobile Diabetes Screening Clinic in collaboration with nutrition experts from the Community Education Program!

The event was a great success, with over 80 community members visiting our table for information, resources, recipe sampling, and more. Legislator Richberg showed his support for our team of dietitians, Katherine and Linda, and our SNAP-Ed Nutritionists, Italia and Scenquetta. On this hot day, the delicious black bean quinoa salad and fruit-infused water were crowd favorites.

The Mobile Diabetes Screening Clinic aims to educate individuals about their blood sugar levels while providing essential resources and support for effective diabetes management. Participants learned about topics such as glucometer usage, medication management, insulin administration, and more.

Fruit & Veggie Prescription Program at Thera Farms

The Community Education Program presented a session of the Fruit & Veggie Prescription Program at Thera Farms, exploring tips and strategies for embracing a healthier diet.

For each workshop attended, participants receive a $15 voucher for produce!

Special thanks to Legislator Sam Gonzalez for showing your support!

Local Eats at Middle Country Public Library

Nutritionists with the Community Education Program presented their Local Eats, Zippy Zucchini workshop at the Middle Country Public Library!

Participants were highly enthusiastic as they delved into the process of growing zucchini and explored its nutritional benefits. They also savored a variety of delicious zucchini recipes, including soup, salad, and dessert.

Diabetes Presentation to Suffolk County Legislature

CCE Suffolk Community Education educators, Linda Altenburger and Katherine O'Donnell, recently had the honor of presenting to the Suffolk County Legislature Health Committee about the impactful CCE Suffolk Diabetes Program.

In response to the widespread prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes, our dedicated team of registered professionals offers a comprehensive range of educational programs. These programs, available both in-person and virtually, are conducted in multiple languages to effectively reduce the incidence and complications of this chronic disease.

We extend our gratitude to the Committee for their unwavering support and advocacy in expanding our free community programming.

Employee Safety & Wellness Event at the Brookhaven National Laboratory

Our SNAP-Ed team was a proud participant in the Annual Employee Safety & Wellness Event held at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Staff engaged with nearly 80 employees who learned about food safety, food allergies, the signs & symptoms of diabetes, and much more. A delicious, heart healthy quinoa veggie salad was enjoyed by all. 

Ask the Family Educator

by Maxine Cohen, Parent Educator

My children love music. Should I encourage them to take lessons this summer?

Yes! Interest in the arts can enhance all kinds of learning and development in children. Think about when you first learned steps to a dance or listened to a song. Before long, you were able to master those steps and sing that song. With practice and concentration, the neurons in your brain form connections, a neural circuit. Engaging in the arts influences the developing brain and its synaptic circuitry. Researchers have found that musical expertise has an effect on the plasticity of the hippocampus in the brain. This area facilitates the storage and retrieval of information. The ability to learn and play music is complex, thereby stimulating the hippocampus, and forming more active neural connections. Children who take music lessons have changes in the the size of the brain regions that are engaged in processing sound. They become larger, with a strong connection in the corpus callosum, a brain region that allows communication between the two hemispheres of the brain.

There are social and emotional benefits for children as well. Participating in singing, playing musical instruments, dancing, and drama improves children’s social and behavioral growth, starting in young childhood and following them through their lifespan. Mood-boosting neurochemicals are produced during these experiences which allow for free expression of feelings and emotions. Group dance classes promote more prosocial behavior and cooperation among children. When children are engaged in the arts, they are better able to collaborate and communicate with their peers, teachers, and parents.

Learning how to draw or paint, play an instrument, or dance is a skill which can then “transfer” to other areas of learning. Children learn to carefully observe, use their imagination, express their individuality, think critically, and persist through frustration. Think about how valuable these skills are for all aspects of life. So, yes, encourage your children to study music and art during the summer and then watch them blossom!

Little Farmers Preschool Graduation

Little Farmers Preschool just wrapped up our 6th year! Our educators work so hard to provide magical experiences for students to create lasting memories. We celebrated the culmination of a wonderful year by inviting families to our end of year Art Show!

At Little Farmers, children blossom into independent learners through free play, guided exploration, and hands-on experiences across the farm. Most days are spent entirely outdoors, with learning themes that include agriculture, animal sciences, history, STEM, healthy living, and life skills.

Learn more

CCE Nassau's Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp Celebrates 100 Years

We are incredibly excited for our friends at CCE Nassau as they celebrate the 100th year of camp at Dorothy P. Flint with a Centennial Anniversary Celebration! Open to all members, new and returning families, and friends for a few days of positive fun and celebration. 

With a century-long legacy, DPF 4-H Camp stands as the oldest established 4-H camp in the state and operates with commitment to the safety, well-being, and the enjoyment of every camper.

Check out the Centennial Anniversary Celebration website filled with a collection of photos, videos, artifacts, and historical documents showcasing 100 years of growth, community, learning

Enrollment is also open for both sleepaway and day camp sessions this summer, register here.

Town of Brookhaven Updates Backyard Chicken Flock Regulations

The Town Board of Brookhaven has recently enacted expanded regulations concerning backyard chicken ownership, allowing homeowners on properties of 20,000 square feet or more to keep up to twelve chickens, doubling the previous limit of six.

Maintaining a backyard flock offers numerous advantages, including providing fresh eggs, producing excellent fertilizer for gardening, and serving as natural pest control. Additionally, it contributes to the broader goal of promoting local, sustainable food systems.

CCE Suffolk congratulates the Town Board on this decision, which aligns with our commitment to supporting local food initiatives and empowering residents, particularly the younger generation, with the knowledge and skills necessary for responsible chicken care. We remain committed to supporting the community's backyard chicken enthusiasts through our 4-H Animal Science Program, Chick Incubation for the Classroom Program, and other initiatives.

For more information and resources on chicken ownership, visit the CCE Suffolk Chicken Ownership Resources page.

Presenting at the Long Island Regional Technical Assistance Center Summer Institute

Allison Grief, Early Childhood Education Program Manager and Maia Lewis, Early Childhood Coordinator, presented "Using the Four Seasons and the Environment to Guide Preschool Curriculum."

The Long Island Regional Technical Assistance Center (RTAC) for Pre-K & Early Childhood Education is a collaborative whose mission is to improve quality, access, and equity in Pre-K and early education programs throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Try the Farm's 1 Mile Walk!

Planning to visit the farm soon? Enjoy a refreshing workout amongst the fields and animals!

Check out the one-mile walk route here

You can also join our Executive Director on her Thursday and Friday morning runs on the property? Please email vl332@cornell.edu to sign up.

Presenting to the

Suffolk County Legislature

August Ruckdeschel, CCE Suffolk Clean Energy Coordinator, had the pleasure of presenting to the Suffolk County Legislature Committee on Public Works, Transportation and Energy!  

August and the CCE Suffolk Clean Energy Program offer valuable resources and guidance to homeowners and businesses interested in embracing clean energy practices, especially those in underserved and disadvantaged communities. If you are ready to take advantage of the many resources available from federal and state sources, CCE Suffolk Clean Energy Choices staff are available to help make the transition to clean energy sources as seamless as possible. 

Thank you to the Committee for the opportunity to share this amazing program!

NYSERDA

EmPower+ Application

Do you have a close friend or family member who owns their own home and is enrolled in federal SNAP (food) or HEAP (energy assistance) benefit programs? If so, those homeowners are now eligible for a SIGNIFICANT, FREE, NO COST, investment in their home heating and cooling environment. 

Home Electrification Appliance Rebate (HEAR) funding through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) recently expanded the incentives that income-eligible New Yorkers can receive through EmPower+ program to make their homes more comfortable and energy efficient. This funding is in addition to the $10,000 incentive for low income HHs (60% of Area Median Income) and $5,000 for moderate income HHs (80% of Area Median Income). 

The total HEAR incentive amount a household is eligible to receive is based on the combination of energy efficiency improvements. The maximum incentive limits per improvement are as follows:

Air sealing, insulation, and ventilation: $1,600 

Electrical service upgrade (panel box): $4,000 

Electrical wiring upgrade: $2,500

Heat pump water heaters: $1,750 

Heat pumps: $8,000

Local EmPower+ contractors can help determine the necessary improvements and what households are eligible for during the home energy assessment and prior to starting the project.

Learn more

Start Training for a Career in Renewable Energy and Net Zero Building!

Apply today for Power Up Wind, Solar & Renewables, a FREE United Way of Long Island training program and certification that will help you secure a career in the fast-growing fields of renewable energy, smart grid, and green construction.

This Program will operate out of United Way’s state-of-the-art E3 SmartBuild Training Center in Deer Park and includes:

• Introduction to Solar, Wind Turbines, and Renewables
• Hands-on training for high-performance and net zero building
• Building Science Principles Certification
• Assistance with Job Placement upon course completion
• OSHA 30

This program is currently FREE of charge and enrollment is limited! Available in both English and Spanish.

Learn more and apply here

Y en español aquí

Vision Long Island

Smart Growth Awards 2024

Congratulations to the CCE Suffolk Marine Program on being recognized by the 2024 Long Island Smart Growth Awards, presented by Vision Long Island!

We are incredibly proud that the Marine Program has been recognized in the Environmental category for their efforts to celebrate and enhance Long Island’s historic ties to its bays, the Sound, and the Atlantic Ocean. From our state-of-the-art shellfish hatchery at the Suffolk County Marine Environmental Learning Center to our many learning sites across the island, our Marine staff is dedicated to building a healthy and productive marine environment that not only improves the quality of life on Long Island but also supports the local economy.

For over 20 years, Vision Long Island has honored individuals, organizations, and projects that advance the growth of Long Island's infrastructure. This year’s awards saw over 50 nominations across all categories.

Check out this great highlight video courtesy of Vision Long Island:

SCLEMC Tour with Legislator Welker

and Supervisor Moore

Legislator Ann Welker and Southampton Town Supervisor Maria Moore recently visited Southold to tour the Suffolk County Marine Environmental Learning Center (SCMELC)!

The CCE Marine Program’s efforts at SCMELC are crucial for repopulating local bays with essential filter-feeders. These organisms help control algae populations and play a key role in the local food web. We value the opportunity to share our work with local officials and showcase the positive environmental impact of SCMELC.

Thank you for your time, Legislator Welker and Supervisor Moore!

Back to the Bays Day 2024

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for our Annual Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program Back to the Bays Day!

The event was a great success, and your support make a world of difference in our marine conservation efforts. Our annual efforts at the Back to the Bays Stewardship Sites significantly impact water quality improvement, marine and coastal habitat restoration, clam and bay scallop population enhancement, and the expansion of oyster reefs in our bays.

We invite you to join as a Back to the Bays Steward and be part of this growing, community-based initiative. Your contributions will ensure the continuation and expansion of this crucial work as we approach our 10th anniversary!

Special thanks to our incredible volunteers and dedicated staff for making this event a success. Together, we’re making strides towards a healthier, more sustainable future for our bays. 

Learn more

New York Horseshoe Crab Monitoring Network Presented at International Meeting

Last month, at the 5th International Horseshoe Crab Workshop in Singapore, Dr. David Smith of the USGS, a colleague from the CCE Suffolk Marine Program and co-author, presented on the New York Horseshoe Crab Monitoring Network.

The annual International Horseshoe Crab Workshop brings together participants to discuss scientific advancements, exchange ideas, and develop conservation strategies for better protecting and preserving horseshoe crabs. The New York Horseshoe Crab Monitoring Network exemplifies a successful community-based approach to monitoring horseshoe crabs, serving as a valuable model for similar initiatives worldwide.

Learn more

North Hempstead Embarks On Third Season Of Oyster Reintroduction In Manhasset Bay

In early June, North Hempstead officials, including Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and Councilmember Mariann Dalimonte, welcomed one million baby oysters to Manhasset Bay to improve water quality.

Dalimonte initiated the program in 2022 with the Marine Program to restore the bay through oyster beds, which filter water and reduce nitrogen pollution.

Following successful initial results, the project has continued into its third season, with ongoing monitoring and positive outcomes reported.

Read the full article here

Career Exploration 2024

Two of our board members, Chris Kempner and Board President Sonia Spar, recently had their children participate in the 4-H Career Exploration Program at Cornell University. This program offered the students a unique opportunity to explore various fields and career paths, fostering a deeper understanding of their interests and potential future professions.

Next Board of Directors Meeting

Wednesday, July 17, 2024, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

July's meeting of the CCE Suffolk Board of Directors will be held at the Suffolk County Marine Environmental Learning Center.

Learn more

Private Sunset Wagon Rides at the Suffolk County Farm

Multiple dates available

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

Please note:

• Close toed shoes are required to enter goat pens so please dress accordingly.
• You are more than welcome to bring your own s’mores supplies and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Available dates on a first come first served basis!



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

Spring and Summer Experience:

Enjoy the farm all to yourself with a private group sunset tour! The experience includes personal farm tour guides, wagon ride, animal visit, time inside the goat pen, and campfire!

FEE:

$350 per group. Up to 20 participants. Children under 3 are free and do not count towards head count. An additional wagon is available for $150 for a maximum of 40 people total.

Learn more

Parent Support Programs

Monday, July 8, 2024, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Tuesday, July 16, 2024, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Tuesday, July 23, 2024, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Tuesday, July 30, 2024, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

+ more

Check out these upcoming Parenting Workshops presented by the Community Education Program!

These free educational programs will help you learn valuable information to promote and understand youth mental health:

• Caring for Yourself in Stressful Times

Thursday, July 25th | 10:00am - 11:00am

Caring for oneself allows us to be more resilient and better manage stress, allowing us to do a better job of meeting our responsibilities. During this program we will review reactions to stress, introduce strategies for stress management, and offer suggestions for self-care.

• Recognizing and Managing Anxiety in Youth

Monday, July 8th | 10:00am - 11:00am

Anxiety has been on the rise over the past decade. This workshop helps parents explore how to distinguish anxiety from normal worries. Parents will learn practical parenting tips to support their children and build emotional resilience.

• Cultivating Resilient Teens

Tuesday, July 16th | 10:00am - 11:00am

In this workshop, participants will learn strategies to help parents untangle and support their teenagers’ emotional lives. Parents will learn how to help support their teens among the many stressors they face today.

• Caring for Yourself: Managing Grief and Loss

Tuesday, July 23rd | 10:00am - 11:00am

This workshop explores ways to learn about and manage our grief and sense of loss, whether it be the loss of a loved one or other pandemic related losses (job, financial security, social connections). This program will also discuss how our children grieve and ways we can better support them.

• Teens and Screens

Tuesday, July 30th | 10:00am - 11:00am

The ever-increasing presence of technology in teens’ lives presents new opportunities, as well as potential questions and risks. This workshop explores the latest research on the impact of screens and parenting strategies around how to best manage in this technology-infused world.

• Parent Support Group

Special Workshop on School Avoidance - July 11 • 10:00am / August 5 • 5:00pm

Other dates:

July 9 • 1:00pm

July 12 • 10:00am

+ more

Please contact the CCE Suffolk office if you have any special needs.

Learn More/Register

Tiana Tuesday Stewardship Session

Tuesday July 9, 2024, 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Tuesday July 16, 2024, 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Tuesday July 23, 2024, 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Tuesday July 30, 2024, 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Tiana Tuesdays Stewardship Sessions are an excellent opportunity to give back to the bays, while learning about local marine life and the essential habitats they rely on.

Projects may include oyster, clam, or bay scallop aquaculture, eelgrass or coastal habitat restoration, seahorse conservation, and more!

All ages are welcome, but children under 10 may need parental assistance.

This FREE Stewardship Session is made possible by contributions to our Stewardship Program. We encourage all participants to become an official 2024 Back to the Bays Steward. To learn more about the program and register, visit backtothebays.org/stewardship.

Learn more/Register

Fruit & Veggie Prescription Lunch & Learn

Monday, July 8, 2024, 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Monday, July 15, 2024, 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Monday, July 22, 2024, 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

+ more

FREE Nutrition Workshops with a CCE Suffolk Nutrition Educator. Join us and you can receive up to a total of $200 for free vegetables and fruits. You will receive $20 for each workshop you participate in. Workshops will be available in English and Spanish.

Workshop 4: Make Half Your Grains Whole

Gain knowledge of how to properly identify a whole grain food and the benefits of consuming more whole grains.

Workshop 5: Carb Counting Made Easy

Label reading and carb counting to help blood sugar levels.

Workshop 6: Eating Healthy on a Budget

Gain skills for healthy eating on a budget through proper meal planning and smart purchasing.

Workshop 7: Dining with Diabetes

Each meal plays into your blood sugar and how to make healthier choices.

Workshop 8: ReThink Your Drink

Learn skills to measure the amount of sugar in popular drink choices and distinguish names for sugar.

Workshop 9: Food Safety

How and where foods should be prepared and stored.

Workshop 10: Lean Protein and Supermarket Tour

Learn health benefits of incorporating the right type of protein in their diets. Meet at local market and learn best strategies for healthy shopping.



Learn more

Raising Backyard Chickens

Wednesday, July 10, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Due to popular demand and in light of the new regulations, we are hosting a session of the Raising Backyard Chickens webinar!

Led by our 4-H Animal Science Program Coordinator, this webinar is an excellent starting point if you are planning to start a backyard flock.

Learn More

Green Thumbs Summer Camp

Wednesday, July 10, 2024, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Wednesday, July 17, 2024, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Wednesday, July 24, 2024, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Wednesday, July 31, 2024, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Wednesday, August 14, 2024, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Wednesday, August 21, 2024, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Check out Green Thumbs Summer Camp, cultivating a connection to nature and plants through 7 weeks of discovery!

Designed for children ages 5-12, Green Thumbs provides the opportunity to play in the soil, hunt for butterflies in the pollinator garden, identify tasty herbs in the herb garden, make compost, create art projects, and so much more!

Registration is limited to the first twenty children to register. Early registration is suggested. Exploration and instruction are provided by Suffolk Master Gardeners.

Learn More/Register

Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center Open House

Saturday, July 13, 2024, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Join us at the Cornell University Long Island Horticultural Research & Extension Center Open House Garden Fest!

Featuring beautiful display gardens, guided garden tours on the hour, special seminars offered throughout the day, as well as a plant sale focusing on herbs, dahlias, unusual plants, and hanging baskets.

Special on-going activities include Victory Garden demonstrations where guests can learn about growing vegetables, as well as wagon ride tours of the 68-acre research farm (10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; not recommended for children).

Everyone is welcome and admission is free!

Learn more

Goat Yoga

Saturday, July 13, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Saturday, July 27, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

+ more

Enjoy yoga on the farm with our friendly goats! A fun twist to traditional flow.

End your day in downward dog and some laughs. All levels are welcome to goat yoga. Various dates and time May through November

Please bring your own:

• Yoga Mat
• Water bottle

Learn more/Register

Shop Smart Diabetes

Thursday, July 18, 2024, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Are you sometimes confused by the information you read on a food label? Do you wonder how to make the healthiest, budget conscious purchases? Could what you are drinking be negatively affecting your health goals? During this workshop at Sayville Library you will learn how to navigate the aisles in your supermarket while developing strategies for better managing your diabetes.

To register, visit the library reference desk, call 631-589-4440 or register online here.

This is Seaweed: an art and awareness show

Friday, July 19, 2024, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Saturday, July 20, 2024, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sunday, July 21, 2024, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Join the CCE Suffolk Marine Program for This is Seaweed, celebrating seaweed through art! 

Held at Ashawagh Hall in Springs, NY, with an opening reception on Friday, 7/19 at 6pm, followed by gallery hours on 7/20 and 7/21 from 10am - 4pm. The event will feature talented artists, refreshments from Kidd Squid Brewing Co and Borghese Vineyard and Winery, and incredible seaweed-inspired creations. 

50% of all art sales are a direct donation to CCE Marine’s Back to the Bays Initiative, regional leaders in all aspects of coastal and marine research and restoration on Long Island. The opening reception is free and open to the public. We encourage you to register beforehand, and welcome direct donations if you are in a position to support our work.

Artists featured in This is Seaweed:

Adriana Barone | Bran Dougherty-Johnson | Bri Sander | Carolyn Manuco | Dan Welden | Ella Gatfield | Eliza Gatfield | Grayson Berger | Idoline Duke | John Marshall’s 5th grade science students (class of 2024) | Kate Kavanaugh | Kate Salke | Kim Barbour | Kim Manzo | Kryn Olson | Leo Turpan | Liz Hochstedler | Mimi Saltzman | Perry Burns | Peter Zusman | Remi Berger | Roisin Bateman | Scott Bluedorn | Sutton Lynch

Learn more/Register

Ask the Dietician!

Friday, July 19, 2024, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

+ more

Join us for a free diabetes Q&A session with a nutrition expert!

Hosted at the Middle Country Public Library:

575 Middle Country Rd, Selden, NY 11784

No registration needed.

Learn more

Crafting with Laurie at the Suffolk County Farm: An Adult Crafting Class

Thursday, July 25, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Join us for a curated program with local artist Laurie Janowitz!

Come down to the farm and create a honey bee themed home decor piece.

The beehive measures approximately 7 inches across by 11 inches tall and the be kind sign is a decoupage and vinyl wooden sign that measures approximately 8 inches long by 3 3/4 high.

This program is appropriate for people ages 16+

Learn more/Register

Farm to Table

Thursday, August 1, 2024, 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

+ more

Learn how to prepare, store, and make the most of fresh produce with Farm to Table classes!

Held via Zoom, occurring on the first Thursday of each month at 12:30 pm.

Don’t miss this chance to chat with our nutritionists about the benefits of eating more fruits & veggies!

Learn more

Worker Protection Standard Mock Inspection

Thursday, August 8, 2024, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

This workshop will review Worker Protection Standard (WPS) topics such as PPE, recordkeeping, central posting, worker and handler trainings, respirator requirements and more. Existing rules and updates will be addressed. Attendees will rotate between stations in a ‘mock inspection’ format. Bring your questions!

Speakers: Joyce Rodler, Joe Cutrone, Adib Rahman, Amine Hamdouchi, Olivia Saccamano Region 1 DEC

Sterling Lane is on the north side of route 25 in Cutchogue. Turn at the NAPA Auto Parts sign. There will be “CCE Event” signs to guide you. Park where directed after you pass the hoop houses.

Persons requiring assistance, please contact Courtney at least one week prior to the meeting to make arrangements. 631-727-7850 x210.

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