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Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County recently joined Extension leaders from across New York State for Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University Lobby Day in Albany. This annual event brings together representatives from all 56 CCE Associations to meet directly with state legislators and share how local Extension programming strengthens communities, supports families, protects natural resources, and advances the agricultural and marine industries that are so vital to Long Island.
Throughout the day, CCE Suffolk leadership met with elected officials from across the state to discuss the impact of our work and the importance of continued investment in Extension education. A highlight of the visit was hosting a Suffolk County Legislative Breakfast, welcoming all 17 of our region’s state legislators for an in-depth conversation about local priorities and future opportunities.
We were especially grateful for the partnership and support of Senator Anthony Palumbo and Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio, who helped bring this gathering together. During the breakfast, Executive Director Vanessa Pino Lockel provided an overview of CCE Suffolk’s mission, current initiatives, and strategic direction for 2026, highlighting how our programs respond directly to the needs of Suffolk County residents.
CCE Suffolk was proudly represented by two outstanding program teams, CCE Marine and CCE Community Education, who showcased the diversity and reach of Extension work on Long Island. Both groups tabled in the legislative lobby, creating an engaging and interactive space for legislators and staff to connect with our programs firsthand.
Visitors to the table had the opportunity to enjoy fresh Long Island oysters and seafood while learning about the importance of healthy marine ecosystems, sustainable aquaculture, and the critical role seafood plays in nutrition and local economies. At the same time, our Community Education team shared resources on health, wellness, and nutrition education, reinforcing how Extension supports individuals and families in making informed, healthy choices.
The day was a powerful reminder of the unique role Cornell Cooperative Extension plays in linking university research with real-world community needs. By bringing Suffolk County’s voice to Albany, we continue to build strong partnerships and advocate for the programs that improve quality of life for residents across our region.
We thank our legislators for their time, collaboration, and ongoing commitment to supporting the work of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County.
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Meeting with Legislator Chad Lennon
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County welcomed Legislator Chad Lennon and Chief of Staff Stephanie Patnode Stafford for a discussion on 6th District priorities and coastal water quality. Joined by program leadership, we value the opportunity to collaborate in support of Suffolk County residents and shared environmental goals.
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Meeting with Legislator Greg Doroski
CCE Suffolk continued its Government Roadshow with Legislator Greg Doroski and his staff, discussing district impacts and opportunities for collaboration. We appreciated the chance to highlight our support for 1st District communities and look ahead to continued partnership. Thank you to Legislator Doroski and his team for their time and commitment to Suffolk County.
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Meeting with Legislator Dominick Thorne
CCE Suffolk met with Legislator Dominick Thorne as part of our Government Roadshow to share how we support District 7 residents through agriculture, marine science, community education, youth development, nutrition, and energy programs. We also discussed local priorities and ways to strengthen our partnership. Thank you to Legislator Thorne and his staff for the thoughtful conversation and collaboration.
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Meeting with East End Food Institute
This month, CCE Suffolk met with Kayla Barthelme, Interim Director of the East End Food Institute, to discuss shared priorities and collaboration opportunities supporting local farmers and expanding access to fresh, local food. We look forward to working together to strengthen the regional food system.
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Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Task Force
The Suffolk County Legislature’s Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Task Force, launched by Legislator Jason A. Richberg, met yesterday to address disparities in maternal health. Made up of healthcare professionals, educators, and community members, the Task Force is committed to reducing maternal morbidity and mortality in Suffolk County, and CCE Suffolk is proud to support this important initiative.
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Winter break days inspire youth to learn and play outdoors while exploring agriculture, animal science, nutrition, healthy living, and life skills on a 100-year-old working farm. Guided by the 4-H Positive Youth Development framework, youth build self-esteem, teamwork, and respect through hands-on activities, farm animal interactions, crafts, wagon rides, and more.
To Register Click Here
| | Farm Friends - February Break: Open Play and Art | |
Come and play and be creative! This event includes open play with other children and then an art project that the children will use their creativity to make. Children will then get to spend some time with the animals on the Suffolk County Farm. Sign up for some winter art fun!
Click Here to Register
| | 2026 Veterinary Medicine Career Exploration | |
The 2026 Veterinary Medicine Career Exploration program is open to all high school students in grades 10-12.
Click Here to Register or For More Information
| | Owl Pellet Dissection and Bird Walk | |
Join us for a hands-on Parent & Child Bird Program for curious kids and their grown-ups. This 2-hour weekend program (limited to 12 parent-child pairs) includes a farm bird walk and owl pellet dissection—a fun, educational way to connect with nature as a family. Grades 3–8, $25 per child with an accompanying adult.
Click Here to Register
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Click the picture to register
Summer Camp at the Farm inspires K-10 youth to engage in activities related to agriculture, animal science, nutrition, healthy living, and life skills on a 150-year-old working farm. Rooted in the 4-H Positive Youth Development framework, our programs are designed to foster self-esteem, cooperation and respect.
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Join us Saturday, March 28 for a day of gardening programs, including 8 new sessions, with our talented Master Gardeners at 423 Griffing Avenue, Riverhead.
Each session is full of lessons that will greatly benefit anyone looking to bolster their gardening prowess. Sessions will include breakfast and lunch.
Click Here or email so348@cornell.edu
| | CCE Suffolk hosted the 45th Annual Long Island Agricultural Forum, a two-day educational program for those involved in—or interested in—agriculture. Executive Director Vanessa Pino Lockel joined discussions on key agricultural topics and county programming. Thank you to Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine for his welcoming address and continued support of CCE Suffolk and our agricultural community. | | The LI Greenhouse and Floriculture Conference is a one-day educational conference and trade show for greenhouse growers and industry professionals, jointly hosted by CCE and Cornell University. Organized with support from LIHREC Director Nora Catlin, the event featured updates from the Long Island Farm Bureau and discussions on current floriculture issues. Thank you to all who attended and participated! | | Master Gardener Training Begins in March | | |
We are now accepting applications for the Master Gardener Class of 2026. The program serves to help participants Learn more about gardening. Adults & youth are educated about gardening as community volunteers. Covered topics include: Soil & Compost, Botany 101, Plant ID and much more.
Interested applicants can Click Here or email rz378@cornell.edu for more information.
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Local Eats: Potatoes | Winter 2026
Community Education and Nutrition will explore the many ways to prepare potatoes—from baking and boiling to baking with them—while highlighting their nutritional benefits. Participants will learn how easy it is to grow, store, and freeze potatoes, and enjoy recipe demonstrations with take-home recipes.
To see more: Click Here
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Let's Eat: Farm to Table Exhibit Opening Celebration
CCE Suffolk will be with the Middle County Public Library to celebrate the opening of their new Museum Corner exhibit! There will be many additional hands-on activities focused on where our food comes from and healthy eating. No registration required.
To see more: Click Here
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Wellness Event with Legislator Kassay
CCE Suffolk and Legislator Kassay, in collaboration with Sun River Health Center, will host a wellness event on February 12 at 5:30 pm at the Coram Fire Department. Our diabetes team will share resources on identifying, preventing, and managing diabetes and prediabetes, and participants will create Valentine’s cards to thank healthcare workers.
To register click the picture:
| | Go Red For Women National Wear Red Day | |
The American Heart Association carries out a campaign every year since 2004 for everyone nationwide to wear red. The event was started as a way to draw attention to Women's cardiovascular disease, which is the number one killer of women. Wear your read outfit today.
To learn more Click Here
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National Nutrition Month®
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March is National Nutrition Month, a campaign since 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This year’s theme, Discover the Power of Nutrition, encourages making informed food and drink choices and adopting healthy eating and activity habits to fuel your day.
To learn more Click Here
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2nd Annual L.I. Climate Youth Summit
Hosted by Students for Climate Action (S4CA) & Renewable Long Island (ReLI)
at Stony Brook University's Student Activities Center
Tuesday, March 10th, 8:30AM - 1:00PM
| Click the picture to register: | |
eCornell Climate Jobs
Certificate: Free Tuition
to NYS Residents
250 New Yorkers will receive free tuition for the online eCornell professional certificate: “Climate Jobs: Building an Equitable, Resilient Clean Energy Economy.”
This eight-week, virtual, asynchronous course provides an overview of the climate jobs approach to climate action with a framework emphasizing the creation of high-quality union jobs in the clean energy economy. Start dates are Jan. 7, March 4 and June 3, and Registration is now open for all dates!
Courses:
- Climate Change, Inequality and Just Transition
- The Politics and Economics of Climate Change
- Foundations of the Climate Change
- Planning for a Successful Climate Jobs Campaign
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Drafty home? Rising bills? The Hub can connect you with home energy upgrades to keep your home warm and efficient.
Please contact the Hub at www.lismartenergychoices.org or licleanenergy@cornell.edu.
| | | Live Spawning Event 2/12/26 | The Suffolk County Marine Environmental Learning Center (SCMELC) kicks off on February 12, celebrating a new season of growing, feeding, and planting shellfish that support our local ecology. Guests can see the hatchery in action, where a small tank of adult oysters can produce millions of larvae in just hours. | ArtSea at Cowfish 2/12/26 and 3/5/26 | Cowfish will be will be hosting CCE Suffolk's ongoing Art Sea series for two dates. Particpants will Learn from CCE experts & educators while painting beautful pieces. Guests will be offered food and drinks as they make their artwork. Choose from two dates or choose both! | | |
ArtSea Create & Sip ~ Seahorse Community Collage 2/12/26: Learn about seahorses and help create a community seahorse collage along with your own mini seahorse collage!
Click Here to Register
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ArtSea Create & Sip ~ Beachgrass Watercolor 3/5/26: Learn about coastal plants & local habitat restoration efforts and then let your creativity flow!
Click Here to Register
| | Marsh Madness- Tiana Bayside Marsh Clean Up | | |
CCE Suffolk’s Back to the Bays initiative will host a marsh cleanup on March 14, 2026, along Dune Road near Tiana Bayside and surrounding areas. Volunteers will help restore the marshlands, learn about the importance of marsh grasses, and join a social meetup afterward at Whales Tale HB.
To register for this event: Click Here
| | Camp Registrations are Open | | |
Sea Explorers Marine Camp
Sea Explorers Marine Camp is for children looking to learn more about marine life. Our marine instructors will guide your child through interactive, hands-on learning experiences designed to be educational and fun. Each Week has different themes that will keep the children busy all summer
Click Here to Register
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Sea Stars Marine Camp
Each day features hands-on activities, outdoor games, arts and crafts, and engaging environmental lessons. Perfect for children interested in marine biology or curious about Long Island’s marine wildlife, week-long sessions immerse campers in marine science through interactive learning.
Click Here to Register
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Sea Explorers Marine Camp
Located on Long Island’s North Fork between the Long Island Sound and Great Pond, Peconic Dunes offers one-week overnight and day camps with activities ranging from kayaking and snorkeling to arts, environmental science, and team sports.
Click Here to Register
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Sea Stars Marine Camp
At Sea Adventures Marine Camp, campers explore Long Island’s coastal habitats from sea floor to saltmarsh. Based at CCE Marine Program’s waterfront facility in Southold, campers engage with habitat restoration, aquaculture, water quality, and citizen science projects, while also enjoying beach-based water activities.
Registration Opens March 1st
To Learn More Click Here
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