Lobby Day & CCE Executive Leadership Conference

At the Cornell Cooperative Extension Executive Leadership Conference & Lobby Day, I had the honor of meeting with several members of the New York State Senate and New York State Assembly, showcasing CCE Suffolk’s impactful programs and discussing exciting opportunities for collaboration in 2025. To bring a taste of Long Island to Albany, the Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program even shucked fresh oysters on-site!

At a dedicated Legislative Briefing, hosted in collaboration with Senator Anthony Palumbo and Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio, Chris Pickerell, Director of the CCE Suffolk Marine Program, and Nora Catlin, Agriculture Program Director, showcased the vital efforts advancing marine conservation and agricultural sustainability. Their presentations provided legislators with a comprehensive overview of key initiatives that strengthen Long Island’s marine and agricultural industries. We were also joined by Julie Suarez, Cornell University Associate Dean for Land-Grant Affairs. Over breakfast, the team shared a comprehensive overview of CCE Suffolk’s work and engaged in meaningful discussions with legislators.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to our partners in the state legislature for their continued support of critical line items in the budget. Their commitment plays a key role in the success and sustainability of our initiatives, allowing us to further strengthen and sustain Long Island’s communities.

Your continued commitment enables us to make a meaningful and lasting impact on our region, and for that, we are truly thankful!

Facilities Update

After many decades of serving the people, governments, and organizations of Suffolk County from the Kermit W. Graf Building, CCE Suffolk will be relocating our main offices and facilities to the Riverhead County Center at 330 South Center Drive in Riverhead. This move will not affect our steadfast commitment to delivering the high-quality service and support you have come to expect from us.

With the largest and most skilled staff in our 100-year history, along with an expanding portfolio of innovative programs, we are confident that our move to the Riverhead County Center will enhance our ability to serve Suffolk County. This new space presents exciting opportunities, including access to valuable resources such as a commercial kitchen and more centralized meeting areas for collaboration with county leadership. We expect to complete the transition by March 2025 and are eager to continue building on our momentum as we embark on this next chapter.

During the transition, if you have any questions about the location of staff or programs, please feel free to contact our program leaders or administrative team. We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we make this move.

We look forward to welcoming you to our new home at the Riverhead County Center soon!

Additionally, Some visitors to the Suffolk County Farm & Education Center may have noticed the ongoing construction around the property. We thank you for your cooperation and patience while we work to update some of the Farm's facilities to create an even more amazing place for Long Island's families to have fun and connect with our agricultural history!

Please be on the lookout for new signage during your visit, as the staff is hard at work making sure visitors can still get to their favorite spots easily and safely amid the ongoing work. 

Thank you again for your support of CCE Suffolk and the Suffolk County Farm & Education Center!

First Administrative Team Meeting of 2025

CCE Suffolk kicked off 2025 with our first Administrative Team meeting of the year! 

Bringing together administrative and program leaders, these gatherings serve as a valuable platform for fostering collaboration, sharing insights from across the organization, and strategizing innovative solutions to drive our mission forward.

Upcoming Meetings with Legislators

I am very excited to once again embark on our annual Government Road Show meetings!

At the beginning of every year, I strive to meet with every Suffolk County representative from the Suffolk County Legislature, State Assembly, and State Senate, assessing our existing programs and services, as well as communicate our objectives for 2025 and beyond!

As a sub-governmental association, CCE Suffolk heavily relies on its partnerships with local government entities to effectively leverage the diverse research conducted by our educators, providing guidance and solutions in communities where it is most effective.

Check Out Our Merch Stores!

Already looking forward to camp season 2025? Check out our online stores, featuring exclusive merchandise from Peconic Dunes, Peconic Dunes Sea Adventures, The Suffolk County Farm Camp, Sea Stars Marine Camp, and CCE Suffolk! 

Whether you're looking to show support, outfit your campers for next 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

Sea Explorers

NEW Sea Stars

CCE Suffolk

44th Annual Long Island Agricultural Forum

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all attendees, presenters, and supporting agencies for making the 44th Annual Long Island Agricultural Forum a resounding success!

This two-day educational event is designed to address the unique needs and challenges of Long Island's agriculture and ornamental horticulture industries. The forum featured engaging sessions on vital topics, including agricultural labor, viticulture, greenhouse management, transitioning to organic practices, starting a farm, aquaculture, and much more.

CCE Suffolk’s Agriculture Program, established in 1917 as our founding mandate, remains steadfast in supporting the region's agricultural industries. Through specialized education, innovative programs, and close collaboration with local farmers, we are committed to fostering the economic and environmental sustainability of Long Island’s agricultural community.

A special thank you to Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine for his inspiring remarks and unwavering support for our agricultural communities!

What are CSA's?

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a farm-to-table model that connects consumers directly with local farmers. By purchasing a share of a farm’s harvest in advance, CSA members receive a regular supply of fresh, seasonal produce while helping to sustain local agriculture.

This partnership fosters a deeper connection between farmers and their communities, promoting sustainability and food security.

Across Long Island, many farms and farm stands offer CSA programs or similar initiatives, providing residents with convenient access to high-quality, locally grown food. Supporting a CSA not only ensures fresher, healthier ingredients but also strengthens the local food economy.

Interested in joining a CSA? Check with nearby farms to explore the options available in your area!

Free Trainings for Child Care Providers

The Early Childhood team has some amazing trainings coming up for professionals who work with children!

• Guiding Toddler Behavior | March 7th

Discuss the development of toddlers and understand what makes them tick.

• Using the Environment to Guide Pre-K Curriculum (virtual) | March 12th

Examine how the seasons and a changing environment can guide both curriculum and developmental goals.

• Benefits of Outdoor Play for Children | Friday, April 4

Learn how outside free play helps health and physical development in children.

• The Connection Between Play and Literacy (virtual) | April 9th

Learn about the connection between emergent literacy skills, child development and children’s play.

• Unpacking Risky Play | May 2nd

Investigate the idea of risky play, outline the different types of risky play, and discuss why it is important.

• Caring for Yourself in Stressful Times (virtual) | May 14th

Review strategies for stress management, discuss signs and causes of burnout, and offer suggestions for self-care.

Learn more/Register here

Join Community Ed on Facebook Live!

The Nutrition team has been hosting some great Facebook live sessions, sharing tips, recipes, and more!

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

Community Education Facebook Page

View the latest Live Demonstration

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

Check out upcoming Guiding Good Choices info sessions here

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.

Tune In to the Latest Podcasts from the Community Education Program!

Family Wellness Tips uses evidence-based information to support people in the important, but sometimes difficult, job of staying well and healthy. The goal of the podcast is to provide information on nutrition, wellness and health. The latest episode covers the role of protein in diabetes management!

Listen here

Ask the Family Educator

by Maxine Roeper Cohen, M.S.

How can I help my teen get enough sleep? He is wide awake at night and groggy in the morning.

You bring up a common problem. Teens can stay awake late into the night, and then it is so hard for them to get up for school the next morning. They can sleep until noon if allowed, and many tend to do so on the weekend. Interestingly, this is normal behavior for adolescents. During puberty, there is a shift in teens’ circadian rhythm (their sleep-wake cycle). They don’t feel tired as early as they did in their pre-teen days. They stay alert many hours later. However, they need 8-10 hours of sleep each night, which results in a later waking time if allowed to sleep until their need is met. Most middle and high schools start quite early and this can result in sleep disturbances for teens. Ironically, younger children awaken much earlier, alert and raring to go. It would be beneficial if schools would flip their schedules, but so far this hasn’t happened.

Teens’ tremendous use of technology (including technologies’ emission of blue light which disturbs circadian rhythm), as well as their increased academic and social pressures all add to this problem, and there has been a surge in teen depression, risk-taking behavior, and emotional irregularity. Their mental and physical health suffers.



As parents, we need to communicate with our teens and explain how they are punishing their bodies with insufficient sleep, and less physical, outdoor activity due to increased sitting activity, hunched over devices. We need to set limits on their use of technology/screens. It is also important that we limit our own use of devices. They are addictive for all age groups. Try to set time for outdoor family activities, taking walks, sharing stories and ideas. Teens need their parents’ help in setting sleep schedules and electronic turn-off times. It is helpful if you do this for yourselves as well. Your family’s well-being is at stake.

Bird Flu: What to Know About HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza)

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), in this case strain H5N1, is a highly contagious virus impacting poultry and wildlife across the United States since 2022. This disease can cause a range of clinical symptoms, progress rapidly, and is often fatal. 3 flocks in New York State have tested positive for HPAI since February 2024, with one located in Suffolk County.

H5N1 spreads primarily through bird-to-bird contact, as well as by surfaces contaminated with infected feces or saliva (such as shoes, clothing, or equipment). Domestic cats—whether indoor-only, indoor/outdoor, stray, or feral—are also vulnerable to H5N1 and may suffer fatal outcomes. Cats can contract the virus through exposure to sick or deceased wild birds, direct contact with infected wildlife or livestock, or by consuming raw milk or meat from infected animals. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends keeping cats indoors and ensuring any raw food is thoroughly cooked before feeding. If you handle infected wildlife or livestock, it is advisable to change your clothes before interacting with cats.

Humans can contract H5N1 through direct contact with infected animals, though the CDC currently assesses the risk to the general public as low. With cases still on the rise, we strongly recommend that chicken owners follow the biosecurity practices outlined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to help prevent the spread of H5N1. These measures include limiting exposure to wild birds, maintaining strict hygiene protocols, and ensuring proper sanitation of equipment and clothing.

To report unusual pultry deaths, contact:

NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Division of Animal Industry

(518) 457-3502

USDA

(866) 536-7593.

For reports of wild bird illness and deaths:

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

(631) 444-0310.

For further information and resources, click here

Kate Perz, Science Program Coordinator at the Suffolk County Farm & Education Center, has been contacted by a number of news agencies looking for her expert opinion on this issue. Check out some of the coverage:

CBS News

Fox 5 NY

WSHU

Dan's Papers

Summer Camp 2025

Summer Camp 2025 is around the corner!

CCE Suffolk is proud to welcome campers to our dynamic learning sites across Long Island. Through immersive, research-based programs, we empower youth to explore, understand, and appreciate their environment and well-being. Our unique educational locations offer hands-on experiences in Long Island agriculture, marine science, and a variety of other exciting fields, fostering curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.

Check out some of our awesome camps below:

Peconic Dunes Camp (Southold)

Peconic Dunes Sea Adventures Day Camp (Southold)

Summer Camp at the Farm (Yaphank)

Sea Explorers Marine Camp (Babylon)

Sea Stars Marine Camp (Northport)

Bayside Adventures Marine Camp (Hampton Bays)

ArtSea Camp (Hampton Bays)

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.

Tool for Finding Solar Contractors

Interested in solar but having a hard time choosing amongst solar contractors? SolarReviews is a website for solar panel reviews and solar panel installation companies. You can check them out as an additional resource to help narrow down your search.

Learn more

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.

Shellfish Team's Collaboration with Town of Oyster Bay Highlighted in Newsday

The Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program Hatchery Team is proud to collaborate with the Town of Oyster Bay, providing hands-on training to their staff at our Southold shellfish hatchery as they develop plans to establish their own large-scale hatchery.

The Suffolk County Marine Environmental Learning Center (SCMELC) serves as the headquarters for the Marine Program’s Aquaculture efforts, supporting restoration projects and citizen science initiatives. Our state-of-the-art hatchery at SCMELC specializes in spawning clams, oysters, and scallops under controlled conditions. The facility features multiple nursery areas and houses the Suffolk Project of Aquaculture Training (SPAT) program, providing a comprehensive approach to aquaculture and marine restoration.

Raising shellfish is a delicate process that requires precise conditions and proper nutrition. Our expert team is excited to share their knowledge with the eight town employees participating in the training program. These workers will gain valuable experience in shellfish cultivation, which plays a crucial role in filtering water and enhancing marine ecosystems. This training will equip them to manage the future hatchery effectively as the town aims to create a self-sustaining aquaculture operation that will contribute to long-term environmental and economic benefits.

Check out the article in Newsday here (subscription required)

3rd Annual North Fork

Polar Bear Plunge

The 3rd Annual North Fork Polar Bear Plunge made a splash at Veterans Beach!

Brave participants took the icy plunge to support two incredible causes—CAST, which provides vital resources to the North Fork and Shelter Island communities, and CCE Marine Program’s Back to the Bays Initiative, dedicated to enhancing marine habitats and shellfish populations.

Thanks to everyone who plunged, donated, and cheered from the shore! Your support helps fund the creation of the new North Fork Polar Bear Marine Stewardship Site. See you next year for another exhilarating dive!

Kim Tetrault Speaks at NOAA Milford Aquaculture Seminar

Kim Tetrault, Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program Community Aquaculture Specialist and Director of the Suffolk Project in Aquaculture Training (SPAT), recently spoke at the 44th Annual NOAA Fisheries Service Milford Aquaculture Seminar in Shelton, Connecticut.



With a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, Kim leads programs that provide hands-on learning experiences in aquaculture, empowering community members to become active participants in marine conservation efforts.

The Milford Aquaculture Seminar, first held in 1975, began as a small gathering of Milford Laboratory researchers and shellfish growers addressing key industry challenges. Over the years, it has grown into a premier event that brings together scientists, industry professionals, ecosystem managers, and the public to advance aquaculture knowledge and practices.

Farewell, Gregg Rivara!

After nearly four decades of unwavering dedication to aquaculture and marine science education, Gregg Rivara is retiring from his role as Aquaculture Specialist and Site Director of the Suffolk County Marine Environmental Learning Center (SCMELC) at CCE Suffolk.

Gregg earned his Bachelor’s degree from Southampton College of Long Island University in 1982 and his Master’s from Stony Brook University’s Marine Science Research Center in 1985, quickly establishing himself as a passionate advocate for shellfish research and restoration. His early work focused on hard clams, laying the foundation for a lifelong career dedicated to the sustainability of New York’s marine ecosystems.

After brief tenures as a research assistant and Bay Management Specialist with the Town of Islip, Gregg joined CCE Suffolk in 1986, launching what would become a 37-year tenure shaping the future of aquaculture on Long Island. Under his leadership, SCMELC evolved into a premier facility for shellfish hatchery operations, habitat restoration, and public education. Whether guiding prospective shellfish farmers through the permitting process, leading environmental restoration initiatives, or overseeing the day-to-day operations of a bustling marine center, Gregg’s expertise and enthusiasm have left an indelible mark on colleagues, students, and the broader coastal community.

Throughout his career, Gregg has remained committed to collaboration, frequently partnering with alumni, researchers, and industry professionals to drive innovative, grant-funded projects. His ability to bridge science and community engagement has been instrumental in advancing sustainable aquaculture and marine conservation efforts across Suffolk County.

As Gregg embarks on this well-earned next chapter, we extend our deepest gratitude for his decades of service, leadership, and mentorship. His contributions will continue to benefit Long Island’s marine environment for generations to come.

Please join us in celebrating Gregg’s incredible career and wishing him all the best in his retirement!

Parent Education Programs

Monday, February 10, 2025, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Friday, February 14, 2025, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Thursday, February 27, 2025, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Join us for FREE virtual programs for parents to learn valuable information on how to promote & understand youth mental health.

Stress Management for Parents

Monday, February 10th • 12-1pm

Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth

Friday, February 14th • 10-11am

Recognizing and Managing Anxiety in Youth

Thursday, February 27th • 10-11am

PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS:

Come together with other parents to gain support & share the challenges of raising teens. FREE & no registration required.

February 12th • 3-4pm

February 25th • 4-5pm

Learn more

Food as Medicine

Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Monday, February 24, 2025, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Monday, March 3, 2025, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

+ more

Get a Taste for Nutrition with our FREE VIRTUAL Diabetes Nutrition Workshops with a CCE Suffolk Diabetes Nutrition Educator!

Topics include Fantastic Fruits and Veggies, Diabetes & Stress, Carbohydrate Basics, Dental Health & Diabetes and more.

Sesiones disponibles en español

Learn more

Toddler Talk

Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 10:00 AM - 10:45 A

Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 6:30 PM - 7:15 PM

Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 10:00 AM - 10:45 A



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

Free Virtual Parenting and Nutrition Class - Living with Toddlers

Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

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

• Living with Toddlers

February 11, 2025 @ 10:00am

February 19, 2025 @ 12:30pm

Toddlers can be sweet and charming, or feisty and uncooperative. In this program, parents will gain a better understanding of early childhood development and temperament, and how each may impact their toddler’s behavior, while developing realistic expectations for their child.

Sesiones disponibles en español

Learn more/Register

Silicon 101: Unlocking Plant Potential with a New Biostimulant

Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

This half-day seminar will focus on the use of silicon in greenhouse production. Greenhouse producers, nursery growers, and others interested in the use of biostimulants in ornamental plant production are encourage to attend.

This event is sponsored by SoluSil LLC.

Learn more

Certified Nursery & Landscape Professional (CNLP) Exam Review Course

Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

This course is designed to supplement study for landscape professionals interested in becoming a CNLP, but it’s also a great course for people new to ornamental horticulture. Select topics from the CNLP Training Manual will be reviewed. As a CNLP in New York State, you will become one of many green industry professionals who share a common desire to continue their education and grow as professionals. In order to qualify for the CNLP Program, you must have graduated from a recognized two- or four-year college with a degree in a horticulture-related field OR have at least three years working experience in the horticulture industry.

The CNLP exam is scheduled for March 27, 2025. You need to apply through the NYS Nursery Landscape Association (NYSNLA) to take the exam. There is a separate fee for the exam, which is administered by the NYSNLA.

Folks new to horticulture and landscape management are welcome and encouraged to participate even without intention of becoming a CNLP.

Learn more/Register

2025 Veterinary Medicine Career Exploration Program

Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM

Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM

Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM

Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM

Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM

Is there a high school student in your life interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine?

Registration is opens tomorrow for the 2025 Veterinary Medicine Career Exploration Program!

The program includes a lecture series held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:45 PM at the Suffolk County Farm & Education Center in the Agriculture Exhibit Hall. Participants will also gain hands-on experience through a veterinarian shadowing opportunity, which must be completed before the final session. Additionally, attendees can choose to tour the Cornell Cooperative Extension Suffolk County Farm and Education Center on either March 1 or March 9, 2025.

Lecture topic examples:

• Veterinary colleges and admissions information

• Large & mixed animal practices

• Small & companion animal medicine

• Zoo medicine & exotics

• Specializations in: Lab Animal Medicine, Emergency & Critical Care, Animal Behavior

To receive a Certificate of Completion, students must fulfill all requirements, including completing the shadowing experience and having no more than one absence (including the tour). Program graduates are eligible for the LIVMA Veterinary School scholarship.

Pre-registration is required.

Learn more

Winter Break Days 2025

Monday, February 17, 2025, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Thursday, February 20, 2025, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Friday, February 21, 2025, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Open to grades K – 5

Winter break days inspires youth to have fun outside while learning about agriculture, animal science, nutrition, healthy living, and life skills on a 100-year-old working farm. Rooted in the 4-H Positive Youth Development framework, our programs teach youth to use their Head, Heart, Hands and Health to foster self-esteem, teamwork and respect.

Each day will include different activities, interactions with farm animals, crafts, wagon rides and much more!

What to bring: 

• Make sure your child is dressed in layers and appropriate for the weather. We will be spending most of the day outside. 
• Change of clothes (including socks) in case they get soiled or wet while in with the animals or out on the farm.
• Lunch, snack, water and a warm beverage in a thermos.

When you register in your account you will have to list people authorized to pick up your child. Please make sure to also list parents/guardians and phone numbers to reach you in case of an emergency. Whoever is picking up your child(ren) must have a valid photo ID on them that matches our authorized pick-up list. This is for the safety of your child(ren).

Learn more

ArtSEA Create + Sip | Marsh Birds & Marshes

Thursday, February 20, 2025, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Learn about bivalves from CCE Marine experts and then get creative!

Artistic guidance from local artist Carolyn Munaco. Admission includes instruction, materials, and door prices!

Learn more

Ask the Dietician

Friday, February 21, 2025, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Friday, March 21, 2025, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Friday, April 18, 2025, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Join us for a free question and answer session with a CCE Suffolk nutrition expert!

Middle Country Library

575 Middle Country Road | Selden, NY

Learn more

Energy Literacy Workshop

Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

LI Clean Energy Hub x Town of Babylon Green Homes Program x Drive Electric LI presents - Heat Pumps and Electric Vehicles 101 - FREE presentations

Learn how to reduce your carbon footprint by switching to Air-Source Cold Climate Heat Pumps and Electric Vehicles! Come discover how to afford innovative technologies and save money while doing your part in keeping our environment clean! Join the informative presentations and community conversations. See you there!

Learn more/Register

Chicken Science

Thursday, February 27, 2025, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Thursday, March 6, 2025, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Thursday, March 13, 2025, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Thursday, March 20, 2025, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Thursday, March 27, 2025, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

What can a chicken teach you about science? Come join us for 5 sessions of challenges, experiments and projects all based on chickens. Do science, learn about chickens: win, win!

For 4th grade and up

Session 1: Poultry in Motion

Explore chicken anatomy through a challenge activity and a wing dissection.

Session 2: Feathers vs Fur

Experiment with heat to learn how a chicken keeps warm.

Session 3: Eggs

Build a nest and design an egg protector.

Session 4: Eggs 2: The scrambled edition

Explore the internal structure of an egg.

Session 5: Mini Dinos

Activities that highlight the evolutionary relationship of dinosaurs and chickens.

Learn more

Maple Sugaring

Sunday, March 2, 2025, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Sunday, March 2, 2025, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Learn about the process of making syrup by helping drill and tap our maple trees and hanging buckets to collect the sap. Everyone can watch how the sugaring process happens. Enjoy a wagon ride on our "Syrup Express" for a quick visit to our farm animals.

• Tapping Demonstrations
• Maple Sugaring Process presentation
• Wagon Rides-ongoing

Learn more/Register

Long Island Horticulture Conference

Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Join us for the 35th Annual Long Island Horticulture Conference, the premier gathering for professionals in landscaping, nursery production, arboriculture, landscape architecture and design, turf management, and related fields!

Expert speakers will cover key issues and innovations in horticulture, including:

• NYSDEC regulatory updates

• Disease management strategies

• Emerging plant health threats

• Sustainable landscape design

• Pollinator-friendly practices

• Urban plant selection

• Invasive species control

• Integrated pest management approaches

Whether you're based on Long Island or beyond, this conference offers invaluable insights and networking opportunities!

Brookhaven National Laboratory | Berkner Hall (Bldg. 488)

98 Rochester St | Upton, NY 11973

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available.

Learn more

St. Patrick's Day Scavenger Hunt

Saturday, March 8, 2025, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

The Leprechaun's are back and they've hidden their gold all across the farm! We'll need your help collecting it all. Join us Saturday, March 8th for our annual hunt for the Leprechaun's pot of gold!

Scavenger hunt, wagon rides, photo ops and farm animals! Lots of fun while you search for that pot of gold..

Registration is required for both children and adults. $15 per person ages 3 and up- Under 2 do not need to register.

Food trucks!

Adult beverages!

Learn more

Bilingual Diabetes Nutrition Education Workshop Series

Held via Zoom

English

Mondays: January 13th - April 14th

6:30-7:30 pm

Spanish

Tuesdays January 14th - April 7th

6:30-7:30 pm

https://cornell.zoom.us/j/91807484123?pwd=eXBEYlJoWE0vNk1RekZRYnk0cUFaQT09

Meeting ID 918 0748 4123 • Passcode: Diabetes

Email: RegistrationCCES@Cornell.edu

Text/Call (631) 759-4985 with any questions

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