May is National Military Appreciation Month, and with Suffolk County home to the largest veteran population in New York State, it's a moment that hits close to home. Across CCE

Suffolk, our divisions are doing meaningful work to support veterans and military families,

and this month, we're proud to shine a light on it.

At The Suffolk County Farm, Women Veterans Walks take place every Sunday in May, and on May 7th we're hosting a First Responder and Military Trauma & Suicide Prevention Seminar led by Liz Pol of Resilient Heroes. Military families also receive a 10% discount on camp programming. On the water, our SPAT Program in Southold has become a place where veterans find purpose and community through hands-on shellfish restoration. In Agriculture, the Master Gardener Volunteer Program draws veterans looking for structure, learning, and a new way to serve. Our Community Education team provides family wellness, nutrition, and parenting resources that support the spouses and children who stand behind every veteran. And through our Energy division, we’re rolling out a Community Energy Advisor role offers veterans a meaningful workforce development pathway - paid, community-facing work helping Long Island families transition to clean energy.

CCE Suffolk is also a proud sponsor of Team EVA: Seven Marathons in Seven Days, 184+ miles across Long Island raising awareness for veterans. Military service impacts the whole family, and so does our work. Whether it's wellness, workforce development, nutrition, youth programming, or environmental stewardship, CCE Suffolk is here for veterans and the people who stand beside them. This is just one example of how our divisions come together to serve our community from every angle.

AGRICULTURE

Let’s Talk Plants Is Back – With New Topics You Haven’t Seen Before

Community Horticulture’s speaker series has added new programs this season, including Curb Appeal, Rain Gardens, Lawn Alternatives, and Garden Rooms 101, alongside returning favorites like Pollinator Gardens and Native Plants. In person or Zoom presentations run 50 minutes with Q&A available, with fees supporting ongoing community outreach. Learn More.

MARINE

The Long Island Seafood Trail Is Heading to the North Shore

Choose Local F.I.S.H is expanding, bringing the Seafood Trail to North Shore communities for the first time. The expansion will make it easier for residents to find and support local seafood producers right in their own neighborhoods. Read more.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Family Dinner Is Growing!



The Family Dinner program, which combines nutrition education with hands-on cooking to bring families together around the table, is exploring expansion to new communities. The goal is to bring one of our most meaningful programs to even more families across the county. Read more.

ENERGY

Building the Green Workforce, One Energy Advisor at a Time

This month, we spotlighted our Energy Advisory position on LinkedIn, drawing attention to the workforce development pipeline CCE is building in the clean energy sector. These advisors help homeowners and businesses navigate efficiency upgrades and incentives, skilled roles that benefit the community as much as the people filling them. Learn more.

SUFFOLK COUNTY FARM AND EDUCATION CENTER

Baby Animal Day: Where the Next Generation Meets Agriculture

Baby Animal Day is back, and it’s more than just a photo op. It’s one of the Farm’s most direct ways of connecting families to Suffolk County’s agricultural roots, giving kids a firsthand look at what life on a working farm is all about! Register today.

WHAT'S COMING UP?

Connecting research, education, and community to build a stronger, healthier, more resilient Suffolk County.