CCE Rensselaer County

06/05/2026

Plant of the week: Dutchman’s Pipe Vine
Do you have a lot of space and are looking for a unique, hardy climber? Look no further than our plant of the week, which is the Dutchman’s Pipe Vine (Aristolochia macrophylla). This is a vigorous, deciduous vine native to the Eastern US. And when we say vigorous, we mean a growth habit of 4-6 feet a year, which can spread over an area of up to 15-40 feet at maturity! The Dutchman’s Pipe Vine is hardy in USDA zones 4-8 and blooms April-June. It has dense heart-shaped leaves (some of which can grow 12 inches across!) and unique curved flowers. It gets its name as the flowers resemble the curved smoking pipes traditionally used in Holland in the 19th century. Plant the Dutchman Vine in full sun, but it will also do well in partial shade. It likes rich, consistently moist, but well drained soil. The Dutchman Pipe Vine is the exclusive host plant to the beautiful Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly. (A few caveats about this plant: make sure you pick the native plant, as the non-native species can be aggressive and invasive; all parts of this plant are toxic if ingested; it requires sturdy support such as a fence, arbor or trellis to grow on; and depending on the species, it can emit a strong odor to attract pollinating flies.)

06/04/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our equine program, A Horse's Final Chapter, last night. We appreciate those who took the time to attend and participate in this important conversation about end-of-life planning and care for horses.
We're always looking for ideas for future programs and workshops. What equine or agricultural topics would you like to learn more about?
Leave a comment below, send us a message, or give us a call at 518-272-4210. We look forward to hearing your ideas and continuing to provide educational programs that matter to our community!

06/03/2026

Reminder: This program is happening TONIGHT! Wednesday, June 3rd @ 6 PM.
If you'd like to attend, please call our office at 518-272-4210 or email Bernie at [[email protected]](

We look forward to seeing you tonight!

A Horse's Final Chapter
This is an end-of-life program for planning the last chapter for your horse. It is not a cheerful and uplifting topic but likely one of the most important areas of equine management a horse owner should be knowledgeable. This is geared for horse owners/leasees of all types, but may be difficult for some audiences. There is detailed information on different means of humane euthanasia, steps leading up to this difficult decision, and information on different ways to safely handle the horse after death. These are difficult topics, but necessary topics. Please rate your sense of appropriateness when it comes to youth in particular.

This program is taking place on June 3rd at 6 PM at the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds in the CCE Building. Please email Bernie at [email protected] if you plan to attend, and bring your best lawn chair to use for the program. Light refreshments and drinks will be available. A $1.00 donation is suggested.

05/29/2026

Plant of the week: Dame’s Rocket

Dame's Rocket (known botanically as Hesperis matronalis) is a short-lived perennial or biennial that can remain in the garden for years as a result of prolific self-seeding. The plant is native to Europe and central Asia. It is listed as a noxious w**d in one or more midwestern states. Dame’s Rocket grows 2-3 feet tall. It features white, lavender or purple flowers that can be quite fragrant, particularly in the evening. The Genus name comes from the Greek word hespera, meaning evening. The specific epithet refers to March 1 which was the Roman festival of the matrons (married women). The plant has naturalized in many places in the eastern United States as a garden escapee.

05/28/2026

Free tech help is coming to libraries and senior centers near you! Bring your phone, tablet, or laptop and get one-on-one help from our Digital Literacy Resource Educator.
Contact your local site to confirm availability and sign up.
📅 June Schedule:
Tues. 6/3 — Rensselaer Public Library 2–3 PM
Wed.6/4 — East Greenbush-Rensselaer Senior Center 10:30–11:30 AM
Wed. 6/4 — Brunswick Community Library 1–2 PM
Thurs. 6/5 — Schodack Senior Center 10–11:30 AM
Thurs. 6/5 — Nassau Free Library 1–2 PM
Thurs. 6/5 — Stephentown Memorial Library 3–4 PM
Tues. 6/10 — Sand Lake Town Library 11 AM–12 PM
Tues. 6/10— North Greenbush Public Library 1–2 PM
Wed. 6/11 — Hoosick Falls Senior Group –(Hoosick Falls Senior Center) 10-11:30 AM
Wed. 6/11 — Rensselaer County's Everett Wagar Senior CenterGrafton Seniors 12:30–2 PM

05/28/2026

Using Your Android Smartphone at the Public Library from 12:30-2:00 PM
Register online: https://uhls.librarycalendar.com/event/android-smart-phone-class-12643
Unable to register online? Call the library (518) 462-1193 to sign up.

In this multi-week series, you'll learn to navigate your Android smartphone more comfortably and confidently. We'll practice using basic features, downloading apps, and adjusting device and privacy settings. You'll also learn to use free messaging apps for voice and video calls and explore wearables, AI, and more!

Class dates: June 1, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26 and 29

05/27/2026

05/26/2026

CCE Rensselaer County Farm Day Out will be held on September 26th at the Alpaca Farm Days at Mill Pond Alpacas from 11 AM to 3 PM. CCE will be there, adding some Farm Day Out agriculture education and activities. Mill Pond Alpacas is located in Nassau and is looking for small business vendors, makers, crafters, creators, direct sales, food trucks, coffee bars, lemonade/drink booths, and more! Mill Pond Alpacas has a big lineup, including a petting zoo, pick-your-own pumpkin patch, and a build-your-own-bouquet flower bar, face painter, and much more for this Fall Festival! This outdoor event has 10 x 10 vendor spaces available, as well as accommodations for food vendors. Contact [email protected] for more information, vendor fees, and to secure your spot! We hope to see you there at our Farm Day Out event.

05/25/2026

Our office is closed today in observance of Memorial Day, but you can still get access to factsheets, recipes, event listings, and much more by visiting https://rensselaer.cce.cornell.edu/

Still have questions? We have answers. Just send us a message or leave a voicemail at 518-272-4210 and we'll get back to you ASAP.

05/22/2026

Our Plant of the Week is the beautiful Camassia (Camassia quamash). It’s a hardy perennial (USDA zones 4-8) native to North America. Camassias produce tall spires with star-like blueish/purple (sometimes white) flowers that bloom in mid May in our area. So, if you’re looking for a “gap” plant between the early spring bloomers and the summer arrivals, look no further than the Camassia. (Added bonus- these bulbs do not have to be lifted in the fall – in fact, they thrive when left undisturbed!) At its maturity, a Camassia can reach a height of 1 to 4 feet. Unlike many other bulbs, Camassias can be planted in moist soil. It enjoys full sun but will tolerate some light shade. And if all that wasn’t enough, it’s a pollinator magnet - bees, butterflies and hummingbirds love it!