Executive Director Highlight

Southampton/Water Mill | June 25th

Yaphank/Medford | June 29th

Huntington | August 22nd

Suffolk Agricultural Tour with CCE and Harvest NY

We were proud to host Dr. Daniela Vergara, Hemp Specialist with Harvest NY, and Cornell Cooperative Extension Vegetable Specialist and Harvest NY team leader Judson Reid for a visit to several local agricultural sites!

Judson and Daniela work closely with hemp (Cannabis sativa) throughout New York State. Daniela works directly with farmers on production issues by conducting industry-wide research and development projects.

The medical benefits of C. sativa are well-established, aiding in the treatment of conditions such as pain, nausea and vomiting for cancer patients undergoing treatment, as well as providing relief for multiple sclerosis patients, among others. Senior citizens, the largest growing demographic of cannabis users, are increasingly turning to it as a therapeutic alternative.

The Harvest NY team has pioneered education on the various market classes of the C. sativa plant and led the development of the "New York State Cannabis sativa Production Manual," published in 2023 and freely available to the public, with a Spanish version coming this summer. Additionally, a new Cannabis sativa guidebook will soon be released to assist cultivators and other industry stakeholders in tracking their cultivation and managerial activities, as well as to collect data on this promising and emerging market.

For more information or inquiries please contact Daniela at dv255@cornell.edu.

Green Thumbs Summer Camp

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!

Wednesdays, July 10th - August 21st

10:00am - 12:00pm

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

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.

Community Education

Clean Streets Project

The Community Education SNAP-Ed team had a blast at the Central Islip Clean Streets Project along with other supporting vendors and organizations!

The Clean Streets Project unites residents to clean and beautify their community, followed by a celebration with music, food, giveaways, and more.

The event also featured a mural painting in Brentwood, emphasizing the importance of planting and growing vegetables to promote better health across the community!

National Nurses Week 2024

This National Nurses Week, the Community Education Program recognized Laura Keiley, RN!

Laura makes a difference in the lives of Long Islanders every day by teaching them how to better manage their diabetes

Fruit & Veggie Prescription Program at Thera Farms

The Community Education Program is excited to present the next session of the the Fruit & Veggie Prescription Program at Thera Farms!

This series of free workshops will be hosted by a CCE Suffolk Nutrition Educator and explores tips and strategies for embracing a healthier diet. For each workshop attended, participants receive a $15 voucher for produce!

SERIES ONE: Thursdays, June 6th - August 15th

(No class July 4th)

SERIES TWO: Thursdays, August 22nd - October 24th

Classes are 10:00-11:00am weather permitting. Check the Thera Farms Facebook page for weather related closures.

2024 National Urban Extension Conference

Donna Ingram, SNAP-Ed Nutritionist, and Chris Nadolne, Fruit & Veg Rx Program Manager, along with the Community Education Program Director Dr. Zahrine Bajwa attended and presented at the National Urban Extension Conference in Nashville on the very successful Laundromat behavior change initiative!

With over 60 participants, the program was very well received. Congratulations to Chris and Donna!

SNAP-Ed Summer Newsletter

Check out the SNAP-Ed Summer Newsletter!

Featuring upcoming events and classes, as well as a delicious Watermelon and Fruit Salad recipe!

Read here

Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Task Force Listening Session

Zahrine Bajwa, PhD, Director of the Community Education Program, was proud to represent our organization during a recent listening session held by the Suffolk County Legislature Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Task Force.

The session welcomed input from all concerned or impacted individuals in order to build trust in maternal healthcare and improve maternal outcomes, especially for women of color.

"Unpacking Gender" Workshops Recognized

by Cornell University

Adelaide Graham, current Cornell student and previously intern with our Community Education program, was selected to receive the Community-engaged Reflection Award from the Cornell College of Human Ecology!

Adelaide helped the team develop our "Unpacking Gender" program series, which helps participants reframe traditional understandings of gender, build a deeper understanding of gender-diverse individuals and the LGBTQIA+ community, and offer everyday skills to navigate a gender-expansive world. Additionally, there was a component focused on parents and caregivers, reviewing the protective role of family support and concrete strategies for supporting gender-diverse loved ones.

The Parent Cafe:

Free Parenting Classes

In today's parenting landscape, establishing a supportive community is paramount for families, providing an avenue to express concerns and acquire invaluable insights. Find your community at the Parent Cafe!

Through this program, families can access free, research-based educational sessions conducted by expert Parent Educators, Nutrition Educators, Lactation Consultants, and more. As an added treat, gifts and light refreshments accompany these informative gatherings!

Surveyed participants at the last Parent Cafe held at the Connetquot Library reported the following:

80% reported using positive discipline strategies to teach their children appropriate behavior
90% reported feeling more confident in their parenting abilities
100% reported having more patience with their child when they have a temper tantrum as a result of attending the Parent Cafe

Childcare is available!

Click the link below to learn more/register!

Suffolk County Farm and Education Center

350 Yaphank Avenue | Yaphank, NY 11980

Virtual Classes Via Zoom

Peconic Dunes Sea Adventures

Check out some press coverage of this amazing initiative!

Long Island Media Group

Patch

LongIsland.com

Ask the Family Educator

by Maxine Cohen, Parent Educator

What are the benefits of getting my children off their electronic devices now that the school year is ending soon?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, schoolchildren became highly dependent on electronic devices. Even our young kindergarteners were handed personal computers for use in school and for homework. Unfortunately, children now are utterly attached and spend hours starring at screens. That is the reality of our times.

Summer vacation provides a much needed healthy break from this dependence. Non-electronic play is advantageous for children’s development, both physically and emotionally. Try to encourage physical activity and a more active lifestyle. Outdoor activities and sports promote health and improve motor skills as well as strength and coordination. Electronic devices, on the other hand, promote sedentary and passive behavior.

Children’s mental health is improved with physical activity. Running around, hitting balls, racing, and doing other active play help children to release high amounts of energy, which lowers stress levels and enhances their mood. When playing games or sports with other children, they develop necessary social skills, often neglected due to the isolation required during Covid. They can learn, or re-learn, how to get along with each other, take turns, negotiate, cooperate, and find solutions to conflicts. All of these efforts aid them in building communication skills which are critical for their emotional intelligence.

When those electronic devices take a vacation, children are able to become more creative in their use of time. As a parent, limiting screen time and offering other play options can promote a more balanced childhood where your child can be more imaginative and expressive. Sharing special times in summer with your children strengthens the parent-child bond, building trust and connection. Technology has its benefits, but excessive screen time has been linked to increased anxiety and stress, and decreased sleep quality.

Be a positive role model and decrease your time on screens while with your children. Interact with them and enjoy time together. Your children will thrive!

Suffolk County Farm & 4-H

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

Suffolk County Farm Camp

CCE Suffolk

Suffolk County 4-H

Sock Fundraiser

Get yourself some awesome socks, and support Suffolk's 4-H Youth!

Socks will be shipped directly to your home upon ordering. Socks are 100% American-made, and one size fits most, cross knitted for premier stretch.

Order here

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.

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.

Energy

Take Our Energy Survey for the Chance to Win a $50 Gift Card!

CCE Nassau, CCE Suffolk, and Hofstra University are conducting a study of home energy use and cost on Long Island as part of the Long Island Clean Energy Hub’s goal to support an equitable transition to a clean energy economy. All Suffolk County and Nassau County residents are encouraged to complete this short survey!

We’d like to offer you an opportunity to enter a raffle for a $50 gift card to take this 10-15 minute survey about your household's energy use and the associated expenses—respondents have a 1 in 10 chance of winning a gift card. Your responses will be anonymous.

Take the survey here

Thank you for assisting the Clean Energy Hub in our efforts to help communities lower their home energy costs and deliver a cleaner living environment to residents!

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.

Riverhead Town Square Job Fair & Bloom 2024

Clean Energy Coordinator August Ruckdeschel and Community Energy Educator Julie Mei Hanzl were at the Riverhead Town Square Job Fair promoting the growing clean energy sector and the many career opportunities available!

The team was also at the Suffolk County Farm for Bloom, helping to connect English and Spanish speaking community members with clean energy resources and career opportunities.

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

Marine

Back to the Bays Day 2024

Kick off the summer season at the annual Back

to the Bays Day Fundraising and Awareness Event on June 15th!

Enjoy live music by Souliztik, savor local oysters, participate in the extensive Back to the Bay Stewardship Drive Raffle, and engage in fun kids' activities. Don't miss the Basket Auction with values up to $500 and much more!

Pre-registration is appreciated but not required. By registering, you'll be automatically entered into a special door prize raffle drawing!

Much of what we do through CCE Marine Program's Back to the Bays Initiative is centered around stewardship - the act of caring for our natural environments. 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.

This year, our priority for Back to the Bays Day is to involve as many community members as possible in our Stewardship Program. 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!

First Commercial Kelp

Harvest in NYS

CCE Suffolk was proud to stand alongside community stakeholders, environmental leaders, and elected officials to mark the first commercial kelp harvest in NYS by Violet Cove Oysters!

Kelp aquaculture is an emerging “green industry” that offers numerous environmental and economic benefits to the region. Kelp and kelp derived products can be used in a variety of different industries, such as culinary, cosmetic, and agricultural.

Congratulations to Violet Cove Oysters!

Horseshoe Crab Tagging with Rooted Hospitality Group and the Mastic Beach Conservancy

During recent horseshoe crab tagging sessions, CCE Suffolk staff collaborated with volunteers from Rooted Hospitality Group and the Mastic Beach Conservancy. Together, they tagged hundreds of crabs! Huge thank you to these volunteers for all of their help.

The data collected from this community science program is essential to the conservation of horseshoe crabs and migratory shorebirds, and is published in scientific journals.

For more information, please reach out to nyhorseshoecrab@gmail.com.

Fisheries Quarterly Newsletter

Check out the latest edition of our fisheries newsletter, Fisheries Quarterly!

Featuring recaps of recent events, industry news, and more.

Read here

"Save the Bay" Fundraising Party

We had a blast at the annual Save the Bay Fundraising Party hosted by the Moriches Bay Project!

The Moriches Bay Project is a small not-for-profit project with the mission of improving water quality in Moriches Bay and restoring its ecosystem to a state of natural health. A significant aspect of the project involves oyster planting initiatives throughout the bay, facilitated through collaborative efforts with the Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program Program, the Southampton Town Trustees, and Brookhaven Town.

Donate Here

Your support enables us to continue to be a vital and necessary part of our county’s future. Your gift today helps ensure our programs of tomorrow.

CCE Suffolk Board of Directors Highlight

Dennis Limonius

Dennis Limonius brings a wealth of agricultural expertise to the board, stemming from his roots as a second-generation grower raised in the greenhouse. As a dedicated horticultural advocate on Long Island, his focus spans perennials, nursery stock, indigenous plants, ferns, and ornamental grasses. Having studied under the mentorship of esteemed experts like Dr. Allan Armitage and Dr. Michael A. Dirr at the University of Georgia, Dennis now spearheads nursery operations at Buckley's Tree Farm in Riverhead.

May Meeting of the Board of Directors at the Suffolk County Farm

Last month's meeting of the CCE Suffolk Board of Directors was held at the beautiful Suffolk County Farm & Education Center!

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.

Upcoming Events

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.

Horseshoe Crab Monitoring at Tiana Bayside

Saturday, June 8, 2024, 11:05 PM - 1:00 AM

Wednesday, June 19, 2024, 7:45 PM - 9:45 PM

Friday, June 21, 2024, 9:10 PM - 11:10 PM

Sunday, June 23, 2024, 10:40 PM - 12:40 AM

Horseshoe Crabs have been around for over 450 million years! And we have come to rely on them.

Any vaccine or medical implant must be tested with a compound found in horseshoe crab blood to detect the presence of bacteria. Join us in a state-wide effort to monitor their population and inform policy that will help sustain their population for generations to come.

Parent Support Programs

Monday, June 10, 2024, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Wednesday, June 12, 2024, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

+ more

Join us for FREE educational programs for parents to learn valuable information to promote and understand youth mental health.

Cultivating Resilient Teens

Monday, June 10, 12-1pm

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.

Teens and Screens

Monday, June 17, 12-1pm

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 Groups

June 12 • 5pm-6pm

June 17 • 3:30-4:30pm

June 26 • 5pm-6pm

Bay Buddies

Tuesday, June 11, 2024, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Tuesday, June 18, 2024, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Tuesday, June 25, 2024, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Get ready for a fun-filled hour exploring the fascinating world of marine life, in the beautiful sea-side setting of Tiana Bayside Facility in Hampton Bays, NY.

Our Bay Buddies programs are designed for caretakers and little ones to learn and experience together*. Hands-on, interactive activities include story reading, touch-and-feel learning, age-appropriate art projects, and meeting live marine animals in a safe and fun way. Some activities may take place at the edge of the bay, so dress for the weather and bring an extra change of clothes and towel.

Topics/Dates

Habitat 6/11
Seahorses 6/18
Shorebirds 6/25

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

Thursday, June 13, 2024, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

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

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

Goat Yoga

Saturday, June 15, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Saturday, June 29, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

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

Suffolk County Fertilizer Turf Management Course

Thursday, June 20, 2024, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

On Long Island, we depend on our groundwater for drinking water. But the nitrogen fertilizer we apply to our lawns - especially when the grass is dormant - can move down through the soil and pollute our aquifer. To protect Long Island's waters, Suffolk County Local Law No. 41-2007 was passed to reduce nitrogen pollution to our groundwater and surface waters through the overall reduction and better management of fertilizer applications. Elements of the law include a ban on applying fertilizer in Suffolk County from November 1 to April 1, an educational course requirement for lawn care professionals, and educational signs and brochures posted in fertilizer retail establishments.

Fertilizer education opportunities for retailers, landscapers, and lawn care professionals.

The last day to register online for this event is June 18th.

Keeping your Brain Healthy as You Age

Thursday, June 20, 2024, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Often when we think about health and wellness we think about physical health and focus on healthy eating and exercise.

However, we need to consider our brain health or cognitive health as well, especially as we age. Our cognitive health encompasses our ability to think, remember, learn new things and reason. It can decline as we age - becoming less accurate. The good news is that there is plenty to do to keep your brain healthy.

Ask the Dietician!

Friday, June 21, 2024, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

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.

Managing Life in Retirement

Wednesday, June 26, 2024, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

We all know that retirement has implications for our bank account. However, retirement is a big change that impacts our relationships, our sense of purpose and identity as well as our physical and emotional health.

During this workshop we will review the stages of retirement and look at the four steps identified by researchers at Kansas State University that can improve one’s overall retirement experience by avoiding the most common challenges new retirees often face.

ArtSEA Create + Sip: Seahorse Mosaic at Westhampton Beach Brewing Co.

Thursday, June 27, 2024, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Join us for an exciting evening of creativity and relaxation at ArtSea Create & Sip - Seahorse Mosaic!

Immerse yourself in the fun, relaxed and friendly atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a creative experience with friends and fellow marine and art enthusiasts.

During the event, you'll learn about the important work that Back to the Bays, an initiative of the CCE Suffolk Marine Program

Making Relishes

Saturday, June 29, 2024, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

This is great class for beginners who want to learn and understand canning/preservation expertise. Everyone will leave with a jar of strawberry jam.

Please, wear a closed-toe shoe/sneaker (no sandals or high heels), bring an apron and a hair tie-back.

Class size is limited, be sure to register and pay early.

Mud Day

Saturday, June 29, 2024, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Start the summer off with a day of messy fun!

Ticket Includes unlimited wagon rides, a visit to the butterfly house and all the mud you can wear!

Activities include:

messy play
puddle jumping
muddy car wash
sprinkler play
kids crafts
mud paintings
mud kitchen and more!

All guests ages 1 and up are required to have a ticket.

Only the name your registered under will be required at check in the day of the event. Anyone under the age of 1 does NOT require a ticket to attend

The event will be held on Saturday June 29, 2024 from 10am-3pm Last entry 2pm

Parking is FREE

**OPEN TOED SHOES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN ANIMAL/MUD AREAS SO PLEASE DRESS ACCORDINGLY.**

Farm to Table

Thursday, July 4, 2024, 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

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

Thursday, September 5, 2024, 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

Thursday, October 3, 2024, 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

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!