iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Our newsletter is out today! Find it at conta.cc/4rJcUny for October updates: 🎃 4-H Fall Festival 🪱 Composting Classes 📖 The Powerhouse at TCPL 🍲 Family Cooking Classes 🖊️ Professional Development 🌱 Native Plants in State Parks 🍎 Food Preservation 🌾 Connecting Farmers to the Land ✅ And more!

A cluster of aster flowers with text The Community Toolbox October 2026 News and Updates.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

We invite Tompkins County residents with diverse backgrounds and interests to apply to serve as At-Large members of our Board of Directors for three-year terms starting in 2027.

View of the entrance of a building, with flowers and bicycles and overlaid text Serve on the CCE Tompkins Board of Directors.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Outdoor composting skills can help you to compost large amounts of leaves, garden debris, food scraps and more. The compost you make will improve your soil and your garden will thrive. Join our fall composting class at 5:30 pm on Thursday, October 8 here at our education center!

A person using a shovel to dig into a wire compost bin, with the title, time, and location given in the post.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

This weekend, tour an active solar + agriculture project in Candor, NY! ☀️ From 1 to 3 pm on Saturday, Sept 26, Cornell and United Agrivoltaics are hosting an open house at the Candor Central School District’s solar farm, a NYSERDA-funded project located behind the Candor bus garage, 163 Spencer Rd.

Sheep grazing between rows of solar panels.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Thank you to all who stopped by our building during Porchfest! Singtrece, The Rungs, and @wskg.bsky.social brought the music while we paid tribute to Ithaca Car Share's beloved pickup truck Irene and Primitive Pursuits offered a chance to make jewelry out of natural materials.

A large crowd facing three shade tents outdoors.

A woman singing, backed by two guitarists and a trumpeter.

Two kids making jewelry out of natural materials at an info table.

Two guitarists under a shade tent, with a crowd watching.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

In conjunction with Cornell Small Farms, we will be offering a hands-on workshop on Air Pruned Raised Beds for tree seedling production, 4-6 pm on Thursday, October 8. This system produces seedlings with stronger roots, higher transplant success, and the ability to grow in a small footprint.

A raised bed covered by wire fencing contains tree seedlings growing to every corner, overlaid with event title and details in the post text.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Have you tried a pawpaw? Learn more about this native fruit with a special episode of the Extension Out Loud podcast featuring small fruits specialist Anya Stansell. And if you enjoy the episode, share this pawpaw podcast with a friend! cals.cornell.edu/news/2026/06...

cals.cornell.edu

Anya Stansell, Small Fruits Specialist, on the Pawpaw

There's a fruit native to New York that many have never tasted, yet it holds a lot of promise for market growth. In this episode of ‘Extension Out Loud,’ host Paul Treadwell sits down with Anya Stanse...

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

The 4-H Senior Administrative Assistant will support the administrative efforts of our 4-H Youth Development programs. Learn more and apply at cornell.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/CCECar...

Image of a 4-H table at a public event with overlaid text Hiring: 4-H Senior Admin Assistant at CCE Tompkins County.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

NOTE: This workshop has been postponed until September 16.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

This harvest season: ⚠️ Slow down and increase distance if you see a vehicle with an orange triangle. ⚠️ Never pass with limited visibility or in a no-passing zone. ⚠️ Be alert for farm equipment that may be turning. ⚠️ Look down the road as far as possible to be aware of what is coming.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

If you are interested in reducing your landfill trash, check out this Composting 101 article. Our Compost Educator Adam contributed a lot of useful info! The easy instructions will help you establish your bin, know that it's working, and learn to use the results. www.lawnstarter.com/blog/lawn-ca...

lawnstarter.com

Composting 101: How to Start Composting

Learn how to start a compost pile in 5 simple steps: what to add, what to avoid, where to put it, and how to turn kitchen scraps into rich soil.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Join us on a farm in Tully, NY, for a free educational field day to explore distributed wind energy as a viable resource to diversify your property's power production. Sign up online at ccetompkins.wufoo.com/forms/mgw2j921izg77t to let us know you'll be there.

A cow stands in a barn under a small windmill, with text Renewable Energy Farm Tour, 10:30 am- 1 pm, Saturday, Sept 12.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

September is a month full of bounty! If you've found yourself with too many tomatoes for fresh eating, or if you're just curious about food preservation, join us for a workshop on how to preserve tomatoes and other seasonal foods at their peak flavor.

A person ladling tomatoes from a large pan into jars, with text Food Preservation: Water Bath Canning Tomatoes, 5:30-7:30 pm, Tuesday, September 8 at CCE Tompkins County.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

"The Liberty Hyde Bailey Center will combat the interlinked challenges of climate change, civic unraveling, and political polarization through action-oriented dialogues across many lines of difference, educational programming, and creative projects across the sciences, arts, and humanities."

ithaca.com

The Liberty Hyde Bailey Center: A Project of Cornell Cooperative Extension

Sharing a small loop road with Schuyler House and Cornell University Press, 103-109 Sage Place looks like an unusual location for student apartments. While that has been its function since

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Energy Warriors is now accepting applications for our next paid, clean energy job training program running September 28 through December 18, 2026 from 12:30 to 5:00 pm. This training is designed to support individuals entering the clean energy economy - no prior training is necessary!

A man using a drill on pieces of wood with overlaid text Apply by Sept 7 for the Energy Warriors Training Program.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

In this presentation on Thursday, August 27, we will cover the essential features of syntropic agroforestry. This event is free, and you can sign up online at CCETompkins.org/events/2026/08/27/syntropic-agroforestry-introduction-webinar .

Plants growing together in a row, with young trees in the background and overlaid text: Syntropic Agroforestry, Introduction Webinar, 6-7:30 pm, Thursday, August 27.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

🌼 Native Plant Garden Tour: 1-4 pm, Sunday, August 30! 🌻 A mix of public and private gardens in the Northside and Fall Creek areas will be open. The tour starts at the Cooperative Extension office and the entire route is just over 2 miles so you can walk, bike, or drive. No registration required.

A variety of flowers growing around a hand painted Native Plant Garden sign, with overlaid text Native Plant Garden Tour, 1-4 pm, Sunday, August 30, Northside and Fall Creek.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Join a free online presentation exploring the above-business-as-usual maintenance costs of farming in a conservation-minded way. Our researchers will share the methods & approach developed by our team, the initial findings from year one, and the ways in which this work will continue.

A person in kneeling in a field to tend plants growing up through a shade barrier, with text Opportunity Costs of Conservation- Minded Farming, 12-1 pm, Friday, August 28.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Join us for a free tour of a local farm hosting a significant trial for the NY Nut Growers Association English Walnut Project! The location also includes shagbark and shellbark hickories, apples, pears, plums, black locusts, and a vegetable garden.

Vintage illustration of walnut branch and fruit, with text Nut & Fruit Tree Culture English Walnut Planting Tour, 10 am-12 pm, Saturday, August 15.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Growing Wine Forests in New York Tour: 5:30-7:30 pm, Thursday, August 13. This is a walking tour of a local farm. Learn the techniques, ecology, and low-cost, low-input ways of growing multi-story wine forests. Sign up online at ccetompkins.wufoo.com/forms/growing-wine-forests-in-new-york .

Clusters of grapes growing in a tree with text Growing Wine Forests in NY Farm Tour, 5:30-7:30 pm, Thursday, August 13.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

The 4-H Joint Youth Commission Phenomenal Photographers program celebrated a week of learning by sharing their work in a special gallery show at the Ithaca Farmers Market this afternoon. Nine young artists showcased nature photos and other scenes, talking about their work with those who attended.

Three people looking at printed art photos.

Six themed photos in a frame, depicting book pages in a heart shape.

A framed photo with a 4-H Youth Fair Tompkins County ribbon.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Discover the basics of foraging for plants at 5:30 pm on Thursday, August 13! We will start with general foraging tips and then go over some easily identifiable species. Instructor Marissa is the Horticulture Team Lead at CCE Tompkins and previously worked in forest restoration and as a naturalist.

Close view of a nettle plant with text Plant Foraging Basics, 5:30-6:30 pm, Thursday, August 13 at CCE Tompkins County or on Zoom.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

The Liberty Hyde Bailey Center Project is raising funds to purchase the Ithaca home of Liberty Hyde Bailey and establish it as a center for dialogue around climate, civic engagement, plant science, and more. Read about this project at johnlinstrom.substack.com/p/on-leaving-the-tenure-track-or-on .

johnlinstrom.substack.com

On Leaving the Tenure Track; or, on the Scent of Deep Gladness, Deep Hunger

Learning to follow my own vocational advice—an odyssey to Ithaca.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Did you get our Community Toolbox e-news? If not, you can find it at conta.cc/4pQbK8O to read about: 🚜 Open Farm Day 🚶 "Walk with a Doc" Social & Health Series 🌿 Plant Foraging 🩸 Blood Drive 🧸 Family Open Play 🌳 Agroforestry Tours and Webinar 🔋 Smart Energy Choices Public Forum & Info ✅ and more!

Fluffy flowers with overlaid text The Community Toolbox, August 2026 News and Updates.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Green Profit magazine spoke with our Community Beautification Coordinator as part of a story about downtown beautification programs — a niche read, but interesting! www.greenprofit.com/Article/?art...

greenprofit.com

Inspiring Beautification

6/30/2026 Jennifer Polanz

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

We are hosting a blood drive at our office and education center (615 Willow Ave in Ithaca) on Friday, August 7! Sign up for any open spot between 10 am and 3 pm and help the American Red Cross save lives.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Parents Apart® is offered over two 2-hour sessions for parents who want to learn how to help their child(ren) adjust during their separation or divorce. Certified by the NY State Parent Education & Awareness Program and taught by parenting educators. ccetompkins.org/events/2020/...

ccetompkins.org

ZOOM: Parents Apart®

Parents Apart

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Celebrate agriculture and local food at Tompkins County Open Farm Day, 10 am-3 pm, Sunday, August 9! This year focuses on the west half of the county. Open Farm Day is free, family-friendly, and open to all! Sponsored in part by Tompkins County Soil & Water District and Tompkins County Farm Bureau.

Several geese in a grassy field with text Tompkins County Open Farm Day, 10 am-3 pm Sunday, August 9.

Open Farm Day Farms: Kestrel Perch, a project of New Roots Charter School, Dirtbaby Farm, Ramble On Farm, Littletree Orchards, Oechsner Farms, Springweather Farm, Three Story Farm, Groundswell Center for Food & Farming, Glenwood Farm & Waids Honey

Screenshot of a google map with pins where the farms are located.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

The last day of the 2026 Tompkins 4-H Youth Fair is Saturday, July 25! Featuring a chicken BBQ, the return of the local auction (with plants, art, baked goods, and more), a dog show, rabbit show, and the chance to see the exhibits and animals in year's events. Admission is free, and all are welcome.

A wall of photos from previous years' fairs.

People petting and taking photos of sheep.

Two young people working together to arrange plants in a pot.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

This morning's 4-H Fair events included the goat show, Junior Iron Chef, plant science, displays of creative 4-H work, and of course the animals that are here with us for the week! Check out what else we have planned at CCETompkins.org, and visit the fair through Saturday, July 25 at 4-H Acres.

An adult crouches to talk with a child who is holding a goat. The goat is yelling!

Several kids around a table of ingredients and kitchen utensils.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Calling all farmland owners and seekers! This speed link event, 5-7 pm on Friday, July 24, at the Learning Farm will help you connect and explore opportunities for sales, leases, cooperative use, and transition planning. ccetompkins.wufoo.com/forms/farmland-seekers-and-farmland-owners-72426

Silhouette of two people talking face to face with text Farmland Seekers & Farmland Owners Speed Link Event, 5-7 pm, Friday, July 24 at The Learning Farm.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

The annual 4-H Youth Fair is next week! Check out the schedule at CCETompkins.org/4HFair, and stop by to see highlights and visit animals participating this year. Open to the public Tuesday-Saturday, July 21-25, at 4-H Acres, 418 Lower Creek Road just east of Ithaca. Admission and parking are free.

Four bunnies in open pens with people holding them still.

Three ducks milling around inside a fence.

A very shaggy-looking calf stands next to a sitting cow.

Close view of a sheep with a lamb standing beside.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Join us for a talk on exemplary green gardening practices using native plant species that are beautiful throughout every season. We will discuss native plant /insect /animal interactions as a key component in preserving biodiversity and creating a garden that blends aesthetics with habitat needs.

A variety of low to the ground flowering plants and grasses with text Native Lawns: Ecological Solutions, 5:30-7 pm, Tuesday, July 14 at CCE Tompkins or on Zoom.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

This Monday, our monthly Coalition for Families presentation will focus on keeping cool during the hottest days of the year. Heat waves are one of the most dangerous weather-related hazards, but knowledge and planning can keep you safe. Sign up online at ccetompkins.wufoo.com/forms/july-2... .

Text Flyer: Coalition for Families Free presentation for families, community members, & professionals. "Keeping Cool This Summer" Monday, July 13th, 12:00-1:00 pm Held in Person and by Zoom. Learn DIY affortable strategies for keeping our homes safe & comfortable Discuss options to adapt to high heat Learn the signs of heat related illness and what you can do. Lunch provided for those attending in person. Registration is required and a Zoom link will be sent upon registration. Date: Monday, July 13th, 2026 Time: Noon-1:00pm Location: Online & in Person at CCE Tompkins (615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca) Presenter: CCE Tompkins- Smart Energy Choices.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

The 4-H Youth Fair is coming up! This year will see the return of the local auction, with chickens, plants, art, and baked goods available to bid on. A variety of animal shows, crafts, contests, and creative displays will be showcased Tuesday-Saturday. See CCETompkins.org/4HFair to plan your visit.

ccetompkins.org

4-H Youth Fair

2026 4-H FAIR IMPORTANT DATES: Exhibit Registration Deadline: July 1, 2026 Evaluation Day: July 18, 2026 Set-Up & Animal Arrival: July 20, 2026 Fair Opens to Public: 7/21-7/25, 2026 Each summer t...

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Our July newsletter is out! If you didn't receive it by email, go to conta.cc/4pi0Icp to learn about: ☀️ Managing Summer Heat 🌱 Native Lawns 🍅 Mediterranean Eating 🌲 Ithaca Forest Preschool 🧸 Family Open Play 🤝 Linking Farmland Seekers & Farmland Owners 👋 Climate Steward Volunteering ✅ And more!

A cluster of flowers with long petals and overlaid text The Community Toolbox, July 2026 News and Updates.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

This fall, we will train a cohort of Cornell Climate Stewards, who will create and implement community action projects. Volunteers will complete 12 two-hour training sessions, then complete at least 40 hours of work on a climate project of their choice.

Text graphic reads Worried about climate change? Want to take community action? Become a Climate Steward! Cornell Climate Stewards is a CCE volunteer program fostering direct community action on climate change. Stewards are trained, certified, and supported to implement education, mitigation, and adaptation projects in their communities. CCE Tompkins is training a new cohort of Climate Stewards this fall. Register your interest before July 7!

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Our Master Composter Volunteers had a great time at Ithaca's Reggae Fest this past weekend, holding dozens of conversations about composting and collecting over 900 pounds of food scraps over the course of the festival.

Four people posing for a photo under a tent labeled Master Composters.

A person smiles for the photo as they use a tool to pick material out of a trash bin, scattered crowds behind.

An information tent in front of scattered trees, a lake, and the sunset.

About 6 people in different conversations around an information tent, sandwich boards, and a Wheel of Compost game.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Our area will see extreme heat this week, with heat indexes up to 97 degrees expected. Stay hydrated, keep to cool spaces, and reach out to help others if you can. We've collected info and resources to keep yourself safe at ccetompkins.org/health/staying-safe-during-extreme-heat.

ccetompkins.org

Staying Safe during Extreme Heat

As temperatures rise globally, Tompkins County is likely to continue to experience more frequent times of extreme heat and humidity that can be dangerous to local residents. Know what local resources ...

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Family Open Play for this summer will run 3-5 pm on Wednesdays, July 1 to September 2 at CCE Tompkins County, 615 Willow Ave! These free meetups for families and their children ages 0-4 are a way to play, socialize, and get out of the heat. Includes toys, books, and movement.

Photo of parents and toddlers playing next to an illustration of the sun wearing sunglasses and stacked blocks, with text included in the post.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Discover healthy eating tips and learn delicious recipes! This free class will feature a review of healthy eating principles, a live recipe demo, and simple nutrition tips. Join us at 4 pm July 9, at CCE Tompkins, 615 Willow Ave in Ithaca. For more info or to register, email cl2742@cornell.edu.

A person slicing a lemon on a countertop, with tomatoes and basil beside. Text reads Mediterranean Eating Made Simple, followed by text in post caption.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Strawberries are in season, and local farms have open hours for you and your family to pick your own! See our list of u-pick locations below, and let us know if there are local strawberry sources we should add. 🍓 ccetompkins.org/agriculture/...

ccetompkins.org

U-Pick Strawberry Farms

Find U-Pick strawberry farms in Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Schuyler, Seneca, Tioga, and Tompkins counties.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Nothing beats the crunchy zing of a homemade pickle! In this workshop we'll learn the basics of making fermented foods and how to ferment food safely. We'll also have plenty of time for a hands-on activity where participants will get to decide if they want to make pickles or sauerkraut.

Jars of cucumbers sliced lengthwise for pickling, with text Food Preservation: Fermentation, 5:30-7 pm, Tuesday, July 7 at CCE Tompkins.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Are you looking to engage in your community around gardening? Become a Master Gardener Volunteer! Applications open until July 13; training will start at the end of August. Filling out this form does not guarantee acceptance, as we receive more interest than we have space: forms.gle/i21w3twriVoX...

Four people standing with an information table about plants and gardening.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Experienced Master Gardeners will address challenges associated with gardening in dry, shady, deer-prone and curbside conditions and present plants likely to be successful (and even flourish!) in these tough spaces.

Ferns and flowers grow under a hand painted Deer Resistant Shade Garden sign, with overlaid text Gardening in Difficult Space, 5:30-7 pm, Tuesday, June 30 at CCE Tompkins.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Cornell Climate Stewards is a CCE volunteer program open to all NY residents. Stewards are trained, certified, and supported to implement a wide range of projects in their communities. CCE Tompkins will be training a new cohort of Climate Stewards in the fall of 2026.

A photo of a container garden and solar panel in an urban setting as well as illustration of a skyline with text Worried about climate change? Want to take community action? Become a volunteer with Cornell Climate Stewards.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Learn to distinguish one tree from the next and about forest ecology. This tour will teach how to identify tree species using leaves, bark, and seeds. Sign up online at ccetompkins.wufoo.com/forms/m1ldb3... .

A footpath through a lush forest of tall trees and overlaid text Summer Tree ID Walk, 10-11:30 am, Saturday, June 13.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Have you ever signed up for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share? CSAs are a great way to support local farmers by paying for your produce in advance — usually early in the year — and receiving boxes of local, in-season produce throughout the growing season (usually every week).

Join a CSA in 2026! Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is good for farmers and for customers alike! In a CSA, the customer pays for a crop "share" up front, guaranteeing farmers a market for what they’re growing. In return, farmers commit to supplying fresh, quality food to customers on a weekly basis throughout the growing season. We have CSA options in Tompkins County to fit everyone’s needs, ranging from vegetables and fruits to meat and dairy with a variety of sizes, locations, and contents.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County @ccetompkins.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

“The artists not only had a vision of what they wanted to represent, but how would they engage with ... a thriving future of where people living environment thrive, where cultural expressions contribute to that, where there is justice and environmental protection." www.ithaca.com/entertainmen...

ithaca.com

Cornell Cooperative Extension Unveils Thriving Futures Murals

Community members and officials came together on May 21 to celebrate the completion of a mural at the Hammerstone School at 720 West Green Street.

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