June 2026

From gardens and local food to coastal science and community service, this issue of Extension Navigator is packed with summer resources, events, and updates from Cape Cod Cooperative Extension.

Summer on Cape Cod is a season of growth, discovery, and community connection.

In this issue of Extension Navigator, you'll find opportunities to learn from Master Gardeners, explore local farms and farmers' markets, discover the hidden world of nighttime insects, and see how Extension programs are supporting healthy ecosystems, resilient communities, and local food access across the Cape.

You'll also read about real-time ocean monitoring off Chatham, efforts to reduce food waste and recover surplus food, youth exhibits celebrating America's 250th birthday at the Barnstable County Fair, and practical resources such as household hazardous waste collections and boat shrink wrap recycling.

Whether you're tending a garden, heading out on the water, visiting a local farm, or looking for ways to get involved in your community, we hope you'll find something useful and inspiring in these pages.

Thank you for your continued support of Cape Cod Cooperative Extension and the many partners, volunteers, and community members who help make this work possible.

4-H & YOUTH EDUCATION

Patriotic poster promoting the Barnstable County 4-H Youth Exhibit Hall theme for the 2026 Barnstable County Fair. The graphic features red, white, and blue bunting, fireworks, 4-H clovers, and large text reading "Barnstable County 4-H Celebrates America's

Youth Shine at the Barnstable County Fair

This year's Youth Building celebrates America's 250th birthday with patriotic exhibits, artwork, photography, baking, and more. Learn how young people ages 5–18 can participate and be part of a long-standing Cape Cod tradition.

BUY FRESH BUY LOCAL CAPE COD

Children and adults walk through a greenhouse filled with tomato plants, promoting the 2026 Cape Cod Guide to Local Farms and Food from Buy Fresh Buy Local Cape Cod.

Find Local Farms, Food, and Farmers Markets

Looking for fresh produce, local seafood, farm stands, or farmers markets? The 2026 Guide to Local Farms and Food and Farmers Market Calendar make it easy to find local food across Cape Cod.

NUTRITION EDUCATION & FOOD SAFETY

Cape Cod cookout safety graphic showing safe cooking temperatures for poultry, meat, seafood, and leftovers, with a Cape Cod waterfront, lighthouse, and grilling scene in the background.

Safe Cookouts Start Here

Heading to a backyard barbecue? A few simple food safety tips can help keep family and friends healthy all summer long. Review safe cooking temperatures and grilling best practices before your next cookout.

AGRICULTURE & HORTICULTURE

Summer Gardening Help is Here

Flyer for the free "Evenings in the Garden" summer series hosted by the Master Gardener Association of Cape Cod, featuring gardening talks and garden tours at the Demonstration Garden at the Cape Cod Fairgrounds in East Falmouth.

From free soil pH testing to Ask a Master Gardener events and evening garden talks, Cape Cod gardeners have plenty of opportunities to get expert advice this season. Learn where to find gardening help near you and explore upcoming horticulture programs.

MARINE & AQUACULTURE

Educational shellfish aquaculture sign installed along a Cape Cod waterfront, with sandy shoreline, tidal flats, and dramatic clouds over the water in the background.

Shellfish Farms: A Working Waterfront

New educational signs are helping residents and visitors better understand shellfish aquaculture and how to safely enjoy areas where shellfish are grown. Learn how these signs support local aquaculture and coastal communities.

COASTAL EROSION & FLOOD RESOURCES

Yellow wave buoy floating in calm ocean waters off Cape Cod, collecting real-time wave and weather data under a clear blue sky.

Real-Time Wave Data Off Chatham

A wave buoy deployed near Chatham's South Inlet is providing real-time ocean condition data every 30 minutes. See how this information helps boaters, fishers, scientists, and anyone curious about conditions on the water.

ENTOMOLOGY

Promotional graphic about building a backyard insect light trap on Cape Cod, featuring a Polyphemus moth, a white sheet illuminated at night, and simple materials needed to attract and observe nighttime insects.

Discover Cape Cod's Hidden Nightlife

When the sun goes down, a whole world of moths, beetles, katydids, and other insects comes to life. Learn how to build a simple backyard light trap and see what nighttime visitors you can discover.

FOOD ACCESS

Graphic titled âBuy Fresh Buy Local Cape Cod Winter Market Tourâ showing photos of farmers, shoppers, and local food vendors at winter farmers markets on Cape Cod.

Cape Cod Food Connection Expands Food Recovery Efforts

A new regional initiative is working to connect surplus food with organizations that can put it to good use. Learn how Cape Cod Food Connection is helping reduce food waste while strengthening community food access.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE &

WATER QUALITY

Household Hazardous Waste Collections Underway

Summer and fall hazardous waste collections are happening across Cape Cod. Find upcoming collection dates, learn what materials are accepted, and help protect local water resources by disposing of hazardous products properly.

RECYLING & WASTE REDUCTION

Cape Cod boat shrink wrap recycling graphic showing shrink-wrapped boats at a marina and information about free seasonal recycling drop-off locations for Cape Cod residents.

Recycle Boat Shrink Wrap This Summer

Last year, Cape Cod residents recycled more than 67 tons of boat shrink wrap. Find participating drop-off locations, learn how to prepare your wrap for recycling, and see why this regional program is becoming a model for other coastal communities.

AMERICORPS CAPE COD

AmeriCorps Members Making an Impact

This spring, AmeriCorps Cape Cod members helped collect scientific data, restore habitats, educate students, and support community volunteer events across the Cape. Take a look at some of the projects that strengthened local communities and protected natural resources.

Graphic recruiting an On-Call 4-H Program Assistant. Text explains the position supports youth programs, volunteers, and community partnerships across Cape Cod and invites applicants to learn more and apply.

Graphic recruiting On-Call Household Hazardous Waste Collection Education Assistants. Text highlights helping residents safely dispose of hazardous materials, protecting Cape Cod's groundwater and coastal waters, and notes the seasonal position pays $25/hr

Cape Cod Cooperative Extension in the News

Cape Cod Boat Shrink Wrap Recycling

CapeCodNews.org reporter Teresa Martin recently featured Cape Cod's boat shrink wrap recycling program, highlighting how residents can recycle winter boat wrap and help keep tons of plastic out of landfills each year.

Kari Parcell explains how boat shrink wrap is recycled across Cape Cod.

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