2025 Suffolk County Budget

On behalf of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, we extend our sincere gratitude to the Suffolk County Legislature and the office of Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine for increasing our funding by 2% in the 2025 budget. Your support allows us to continue delivering vital programs and resources that benefit Suffolk’s families and communities.

Together, we are fostering a stronger, more sustainable future for our county. We look forward to our continued partnership in serving the people of Suffolk.

Thank you for believing in our mission!

Nourish Suffolk County

CCE Suffolk joined Island Harvest Food Bank and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine to celebrate the launch of Nourish Suffolk County, a $250,000 initiative to combat food insecurity while supporting local agriculture.

This innovative program will empower Island Harvest to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from Suffolk County growers, simultaneously addressing food needs and providing an economic boost to the region’s agricultural community.

Island Harvest, a long-standing partner of CCE Suffolk and a leader in hunger relief, developed the program to meet the urgent needs of underserved Suffolk communities. Through Nourish Suffolk County, Island Harvest will partner with ten farms, purchasing $8,000 worth of produce during each of the three growing seasons—spring, summer, and fall. This effort is projected to deliver nearly 500,000 meals of fresh, nutritious food to residents in need.

“This initiative highlights the enduring partnership between Suffolk County and its thriving agricultural community,” said Vanessa Pino Lockel, CCE Suffolk Executive Director, at the event announcing the program. “For more than a century, CCE Suffolk’s Agriculture Program has equipped local farmers with essential resources and sustainable practices to foster their success. Nourish Suffolk County builds on this tradition by fortifying the connection between local farmers and the community, ensuring greater access to fresh, locally grown food.”

Learn more about Island Harvest

Congratulations

Nora Catlin!

Congratulations to CCE Suffolk Agriculture Program Director Nora Catlin for being named to Schneps Media's Power List: 2024 Power Women of Long Island!

This prestigious honor recognizes women whose leadership strengthens Long Island as a vibrant place to work, live, and grow.

Nora Catlin, Ph.D., has dedicated nearly two decades to advancing agriculture on Long Island. Holding a doctorate in Plant and Soil Science from UMass Amherst and a master’s from Penn State University, Nora collaborates closely with local growers to promote sustainable and innovative practices that support the region’s economic and environmental resilience.

Under Nora’s leadership, CCE Suffolk’s Agriculture Program—founded in 1917—continues to provide cutting-edge resources, from integrated pest management and soil health techniques to environmental stewardship training. At the Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center (LIHREC), a 68-acre Cornell University facility in Riverhead, Nora oversees a range of research and extension initiatives, including projects in ornamental and vegetable crops, viticulture, and sustainable landscape management.

Thank you, Nora, for your commitment to CCE Suffolk and our mission to build a healthy, sustainable Suffolk County!

New CCE Suffolk Brochure

Check out our new brochure, providing a great summary of all the resources our program areas provide!

Read here

Get Your Limited Edition Giving Tuesday Shirts!

#GivingTuesday is a global movement that shines a spotlight on nonprofits during the holiday season.

This Giving Tuesday, show your support for the dedicated specialists, researchers, and volunteers who have been fostering a thriving Suffolk County since 1917 by grabbing a limited edition shirt!

Along with an adult and youth t-shirt, there is also a heavyweight cotton long sleeve to keep you warm this winter. All designs feature a special #GivingTuesday2024 CCE Suffolk logo.

Available for a short time—don’t miss out!

Shop Here

Turkey Visit to Building Blocks Preschool

Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at CCE Suffolk!

This year, in collaboration with the Office of the Suffolk County Comptroller, staff from the Suffolk County Farm brought a very special visitor to Building Blocks Developmental Preschool in Commack! Turkey Time is a special interactive program with November’s shining star, and includes an educational chat about our turkeys, a story time, turkey meet & greet, and a take home craft for the kids.

A heartfelt thank you to Building Blocks, Legislator Leslie Kennedy, and Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy for making this special day possible!

Independent Group Home Living at the Suffolk County Farm

Independent Group Home Living, Inc. (IGHL), established in 1978 in Mt. Sinai, has been a cornerstone of support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, fostering personal growth and meaningful community connections. In 2004, IGHL partnered with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County to launch the Cornell Cooperative Day Habilitation program, hosted at the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center.

IGHL participants play an integral role in farm activities, especially during the holiday season. Each year, they work hard to cultivate vibrant poinsettias in the farm’s greenhouse, which are delivered to the CCE Suffolk Griffing Avenue office for the annual holiday celebration. This year, they also assisted in gathering greenery for the farm's popular wreath-making class!

Griffing Avenue

Office Clean Up

Some of our staff got together for a clean up of our office grounds on Griffing Avenue!

The Kermit W. Graf Building in Riverhead has long housed the main offices of CCE Suffolk, and each year our staff dedicates some time to making sure the grounds look their best. 

Thank you to everyone that lent a hand!

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

NYS Comptroller’s Profile of Agriculture in

New York State

The NYS Comptroller’s Profile of Agriculture in New York State has been released, offering a detailed analysis of agricultural trends based on the latest census data. This comprehensive report showcases the economic and community contributions of farming while addressing the challenges faced by farmers across the state.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and his team for their dedicated attention to Long Island agriculture. Earlier this year, in preparation for their insightful report, Michael Caplice, Regional Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Community Relations, visited the Suffolk County Farm & Education Center for a tour and overview of programs provided. 

Long Island ranks second only to New York City in agricultural sales per acre statewide, underscoring the extraordinary productivity of its farms. While New York City’s figures are influenced by its high land and goods costs, Long Island stands out even more compared to other regions, achieving agricultural sales per acre six times higher than the next highest region. 

Other key highlights from the report include:

• Long Island was the only region in the report to see increases in both the number of farms and farmland acreage from 2012 to 2022, driven by growth in Suffolk County. The county also leads the state in direct-to-consumer agricultural sales, with over $268 million circulating in the local economy.

• Suffolk County remains the driver of agricultural growth in the region, contributing $364.2 million of the $372.9 million in total sales on Long Island. It leads New York State in nursery, greenhouse, and floriculture product sales, with over 60% of the state’s protected growing capacity situated in Suffolk.

• Aquaculture continues to be a cornerstone of Long Island’s agricultural economy. Suffolk and Nassau Counties rank first and second statewide in shellfish production, with the region’s farms setting the standard for sustainable aquaculture practices.

• The fruit and winegrape industries on Long Island also stand out. Winegrapes and other fruits had a wholesale value of $53.6 million, only a small part of the total contribution to the local economy which includes wine sales, tasting room visits, and agritourism.

As noted by Matthew Chayes in Newsday, immigrant farm workers play a vital role in sustaining Long Island’s agricultural sector. Their expertise and contributions are essential to planting, cultivating, and harvesting, underscoring the need for continued support for this critical workforce. Newsday subscribers can read the full article here.

The report underscores the importance of supporting Long Island agriculture as farmers navigate market demands, environmental challenges, and economic pressures to sustain their critical role in New York’s food production. 

Learn more here

Living Landscapes Conference

This full-day, in-person workshop explores the beauty of designed landscapes while emphasizing their ecological role.

Speakers included Logan Kjep of Living Lands, Invasive Species Specialist with GEI Consultants Luke Gervase, and Sue Feustel, Environmental Chairperson of The Caumsett Foundation.

Shop Local!

Many local farm stands are 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 Map 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.

Diabetes 101

The Diabetes Education team teamed up with the Suffolk County Lions Diabetes Foundation to host Diabetes 101: Diagnosed with Diabetes, Now What?

This free class covered the basics that you need to know if you or a loved one are diagnosed with Diabetes. Participants learned about diabetes as well as self-management skills including meal planning, self-testing blood glucose levels, working with providers, and stress management.

Mobile Diabetes Clinic Visits Brookhaven

Thank you to the Town of Brookhaven for partnering with Sun River Health and nutrition experts from our Community Education Program to host the Mobile Diabetes Screening Clinic!

Held at Brookhaven Town Hall, this event provided attendees with vital health information, resources, recipe samples, and personalized support. The Mobile Diabetes Screening Clinic empowers individuals to take control of their health by offering education on managing blood sugar levels and access to resources for effective diabetes care.

Diabetes continues to reach epidemic levels nationwide. Here in Suffolk County, 9% of adults are diagnosed with diabetes, with many more remaining undiagnosed. Initiatives like this are critical to improving health outcomes in our community.

Parenting Workshops

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:

• Talking to Your Kids About Drugs and Alcohol

Tuesday, December 10th | 12:00pm-1:00pm

Learn more/Register here

• Parent Support Groups

12/9 • 4pm-5pm

12/16 • 4pm-5pm

Link

Meeting ID: 871 0307 7952

Meeting Password: 822376

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

Cook with the Team through Facebook Live!

Join Nutritionist Laury Baez on December 12th for a Facebook Live showing some great holiday food options that are healthy and satisfying!

Keep an eye out for more Facebook Live demos in the new year!

Community Education Facebook Page

Free Drug Prevention and Narcan Training Programs Available

The Community Education Program currently offers two valuable resources for your group or organization to help strengthen their support and preparedness in addressing substance use and overdose prevention.

Guiding Good Choices is a free, evidence-based drug prevention program designed for parents of children aged 9 to 14. It equips them with the tools and knowledge to guide their children through the challenges of early adolescence.

The program has been proven to:

• Reduce current alcohol use by 41%
• Lower the rates of initiation for alcohol and marijuana use
• Decrease the likelihood of experimental users advancing to heavier substance use by 54%
• Increase the chances of non-users remaining drug-free by 26%
• Reduce the likelihood of delinquent behavior
• Significantly slow the rate of multiple substance use

Additionally, the team offers free Narcan training, funded by the Suffolk County Legislature and the Suffolk County Opioid Task Force.

Narcan (naloxone) is a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses. This training is essential for empowering individuals to respond effectively in an overdose situation. Participants will learn how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, administer naloxone, and provide care until emergency services arrive. Upon completion, participants receive a Narcan kit.

If you are interested in scheduling either of these programs for yourselves or your school, library, agency or organization staff, please reach out to Cara Sultan, Parent Educator, at caw10@cornell.edu. Trainings are also available in Spanish.

Ask the Family Educator

by Maxine Roeper Cohen, M.S.

With relatives arriving during the December holidays, how can I keep things harmonious in my home?

December rolls around before we know it. Sometimes fraught with anxiety, we are faced with crowded stores full of busy shoppers, end of year deadlines at work, and anticipation of family get-togethers. Long distance relatives might stay in our home, and we look forward to bringing everyone together for holiday cheer and making memories. Sounds pretty positive, doesn’t it? During this most hectic time, your attitude and behavior can help shape expectations and guide conversations.

Karl Pillemer, Professor of Psychology at Cornell University and Professor of Gerontology at Cornell Medicine, offers sage advice for creating and maintaining harmony during these emotion packed visits. This is not the time to think that you are going to “fix” a relative’s point of view. If you think about your friends, you realize that you share similar points of view. That’s why you are friends, because we tend to affiliate with people who are on our wavelength. This does not necessarily apply to relatives who may or may not share our opinions or values. Therefore, holidays are not the time for heavy, emotionally charged discussions. It is best to avoid getting involved, so walk away if things heat up. With a confrontational person, try to understand where that person is coming from and then under-react. Think about your aim of bringing the generations together to share, and have a fun and enjoyable time.

A major holiday event may not be the best time for a relative to introduce a new partner to the whole family for the first time. That new person might feel on edge being judged by so many people, even if everyone is outwardly welcoming. Waiting until things are slower with fewer people decreases the pressure for that new individual who wishes to make a good impression.

As far as in-laws, it is usually better to allow the blood relative to deal with any issues. That person understands the home life they came from and their own relatives much better than their spouse. Each spouse should handle any misunderstandings or differences of opinion from their own side of the family. This allows for more peace and calmness. It is best to avoid taking sides.

The three biggies - politics, religion, and money - are topics of conversation best avoided. Your role as host is to bring loved ones together in light, pleasant conversations. Think of yourself as a diplomat who utilizes compromise and tact to make the holidays special and memorable for all.

Wishing you and your families a most healthy, happy, and harmonious holiday season!

Suffolk County 4-H at the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference

Congratulations to Kaitlyn Eckles of Suffolk County 4-H for her outstanding participation in the Avian Bowl at the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference in Louisville, Kentucky!

Kaitlyn joined forces with teammates MaCanna Washko and Ashley Wuorio, both from Clinton County, to achieve an impressive tie for 5th place overall in this year’s competition. Well done to the entire team for their hard work and success!

Farm Animal Training with Southampton Town

Animal Control

The CCE Suffolk Animal Care team recently collaborated with the Southampton Town Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management, specifically its Animal Control Division, to strengthen their expertise in handling farm animals!

Animal Control officers visited the Suffolk County Farm & Education Center for a hands-on training session focused on safely handling a variety of animals, including chickens, ducks, turkeys, goats, sheep, cows, pigs, horses, llamas, and alpacas. They practiced techniques for catching and containing these animals while also learning key health indicators to monitor and critical care practices to be aware of.

Given Southampton’s diverse animal population—ranging from horses and petting zoos to backyard chicken coops and working farms—Animal Control officers frequently encounter loose or displaced animals. We are proud to offer this specialized training to better equip our officers with the skills and knowledge needed to serve the community with confidence and care.

Check out the article in 27east here

New Sea Explorers Camp Store

Check out the new online camp store featuring of tons of gear so you can show off your Sea Explorers pride!

Shop 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.

Suffolk County Industrial

Development Agency

We were proud to be in attendance at the Long Island Business Development Council's Suffolk County IDA Dinner, highlighting the region's renewable energy initiatives. Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine led the discussion on the importance of renewable energy to Long Island's economy and its communities and encouraged businesses and residents to take advantage of the local incentives and opportunities to ‘Solar Up Suffolk!’ and save money on energy bills.

Learn more about the SCIDA

Home Electrification Appliance Rebate (HEAR)

Home Electrification Appliance Rebate (HEAR) funding through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) recently expanded the incentives that income eligible Long Islanders can currently receive through the EmPower+ program and local utility programs to make their homes more comfortable and energy efficient. This new federal funding means that low-income households could be eligible for up to $40,000* in FREE home weatherization projects and heat pump installations, and moderate-income households are eligible for approximately $25,000* through applicable programs for the same projects. Refer to the eligibility table below to understand the amount your household could be eligible for through state programs.

This funding is applied toward the cost of energy efficiency improvements, including air sealing, insulation, heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and electrical service and wiring upgrades. Qualified, participating contractors will help determine necessary improvements and what households are eligible for during the home energy assessment prior to starting any project.

Rebates and incentives are available while funding lasts so please sign up today! Go ahead and start your Empower+ application NOW or contact us at the Long Island Clean Energy Hub at LICleanEnergy@cornell.edu or

(516) 832-2591 ext. 125 for knowledgeable, personalized attention for any questions you might have!

CCE Suffolk Clean Energy Newsletter

This monthly newsletter will help to connect Suffolk County homes and businesses with the rapidly growing clean energy sector, offering home energy efficiency opportunities, municipal and communal clean energy opportunities, resources for finding job training and employment in the clean energy sector, and more!

Stay up to date with the latest from CCE Suffolk Clean Energy by subscribing to our new newsletter.

Marine Program Director Testifies Before NYS Assembly

Chris Pickerell, Director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program, testified before the New York State Assembly Majority Agriculture Committee to showcase our efforts in supporting Long Island’s fisheries and aquaculture industries. 

In his testimony, Chris emphasized the deep cultural and economic significance of these industries and highlighted our Long Island FISH initiative. He also outlined our partnership with the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets to establish two NYS Seafood Cuisine Trails in Suffolk County. These trails will celebrate locally sourced seafood, spotlighting restaurants, fish markets, and farmers markets across Long Island—all designed to boost tourism and strengthen our fishing communities. 

Chris also extended our gratitude to the NYS Legislature for their steadfast support of these initiatives and their commitment to New York’s fishing communities.

Learn more about the Choose Local FISH Initiative

Learn more about the upcoming Seafood Trails

East Setauket Restoration Project Featured on News 12

Check out Shellfish Restoration Manager Demetrios Caroussos on News 12 highlighting our oyster reef restoration efforts at Shore Road Marina in East Setauket!

The project is a collaboration between NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, the Setauket Harbor Task Force and its dedicated volunteers, Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright, Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, Shore Road Marina, and New York Sea Grant.

Oyster reefs play a vital role in supporting marine ecosystems and protecting our coastlines. Each adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of seawater daily, contributing to cleaner water, stabilizing shorelines, and serving as a critical food source.

See the full story here

Shellabration 2024

Saturday, December 7, 2024, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Sunday, December 8, 2024, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Shellabration is back! The culinary event of the season will return to Greenport Village on December 7-8, 2024, from Noon-4pm each day.



Participants gain access to Greenport’s finest establishments to enjoy local shellfish, wine and beer pairings during a weekend long restaurant walk. All proceeds generated from wristband sales will support Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program’s shellfish restoration and community stewardship projects-specifically the SPAT Program (Suffolk Project in Aquaculture Training) and Back to the Bays Initiative.

It is highly recommended that Shellabrants reserve wristbands in advance, as this event sells out every year. Upon checking in, you will be treated to a complimentary first pairing of clams and oysters on the half shell and a local craft beverage tasting.

Learn more/Register

Free Virtual Parenting and Nutrition Classes

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

Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Everything you need to care for and feed your young family!

Join us for parenting and nutrition programs for parents with young children. These programs are free; however, pre-registration is required.

TOPIC: Baby, let’s sleep

During a child’s first two years of life, sleep problems are one of the most common complaints of parents. In this workshop for parents of infants and toddlers, we will review sleep requirements, recommendations, and routines. We will also look at normal infant sleeping patterns and discuss ways that parents can help their baby learn how to self-soothe and fall asleep.

Learn more/Register

Virtual Diabetes Support Group

Tuesday, December 10, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

If you or a loved one have questions about living with diabetes, join our Free Virtual Diabetes Support Group led by a CCE Suffolk Diabetes Educator!

Learn more/Register

Diabetes 101: Diagnosed with Diabetes, Now What?

Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

This class covers the basics that you need to know if you or a loved one were diagnosed with Diabetes. Participants will learn about diabetes as well as self-management skills including meal planning, self-testing blood glucose levels, working with providers, and stress management.

Learn more

Guidance for Offshore Wind Careers

Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Find your role within offshore wind’s broad range of careers, from skilled tradesman to environmental engineering!

Join us for a 90-minute workshop sponsored by Suffolk County Community College which includes a short lecture and a fun hands-on project on December 11th at 6 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, 423 Griffing Avenue, Riverhead. The workshop is open to high school students and adults with interests in almost any skill, from welding to engineering.

Attendees will learn:

• What are wind farms
• How do they work
• What is happening on Long Island now
• What jobs will be offered in the future
• How to build a turbine

Learn more/Register

Pregnancy and Infant Feeding Workshops

Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

These workshops help people:

Eat healthier during pregnancy and lactation

Explore the benefits of breastfeeding

Get tips for feeding their baby

Know baby hunger cues

Explore breastfeeding positions

Understand how to pump and store breastmilk

Contact us to find out more information or to sign up.

Zoom Session: December 11

In-person session: December 18 (with Zoom option)

Learn more/Register

Gingerbread Barn Workshop

Saturday, December 14, 2024, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Join us at the farm for some holiday fun. Decorate yourself with a gingerbread barn, sip on some cider and enjoy all the farm has to offer in December.

Program includes:

• Gingerbread barn decorating
• Wagon ride (depending on weather)

Fee:

$30 per house, up to 2 people per house. Ages 4+. Adults required to stay

Learn more

Guiding Good Choices Drug Prevention Program

Tuesday, December 17, 2024, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Guiding Good Choices is a free drug use prevention program that provides parents of children 9 to 14 years old with the knowledge and skills needed to guide their children through early adolescence. Thanks to funding from the Suffolk County Opioid Task Force, our educators will be providing this program free to the community.

Guiding Good Choices has been shown to:

• Reduce current alcohol use by 41%
• Reduce the rates of initiation for alcohol and marijuana use
• Reduce the likelihood that experimental users will advance to heavier use by 54%
• Increase the likelihood that non-users will remain drug-free by 26%
• Reduce the likelihood that young people will commit delinquent acts
• Significantly slow the rate of multiple substance use

Register here

Toddler Talk

Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 6:30 PM - 7:15 PM

Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 6:30 PM - 7:15 PM

+ more



Join us for chats about living with toddlers! These 45-minute themed talks are for parents and other caregivers of children between 12-36 months of age. There is no fee to participate, however advanced registration is required. Please use the corresponding link to register for the topic(s) of your choice.

Please note, these are not formal programs so please come with your questions for our educators.

Learn more/Register here

44th Annual Long Island Agricultural Forum

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Join us for the 44th Annual Long Island Agricultural Forum!

The LI Ag Forum is a two-day educational program for all those in the agriculture and ornamental horticulture industries, with programming tailored to the needs and issues of these industries as they pertain to Long Island. 

Sessions cover topics such as agricultural labor, viticulture, greenhouses, transitioning to organic, beginning a farm, aquaculture, and more!

Learn more/Register

Understanding Autism

Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Thursday, January 16, 2025, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Free Professional Development for Children’s Librarians

The Family Health and Wellness Educators of Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Community Education Program invite you to join us for Understanding Autism. We will be presenting this program via Zoom on the dates below. The trainings are free of charge, pre-registration is required.

Learn more/Register