Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County

06/10/2026

Cornell Climate Stewards is a CCE volunteer program open to all NY residents fostering direct community action on climate change. Stewards are trained, certified, and supported by CCE to implement a wide range of mitigation and adaptation projects in their communities.

CCE Tompkins will be training a new cohort of Climate Stewards in the fall of 2026. Want to get involved? Let us know by filling out the interest form at bit.ly/cornellCS or email [email protected] for more information.

06/10/2026

Thank you to all who joined us last Thursday for the Thriving Futures Ribbon Cutting celebration for the mural titled "Together" by Coralee Mcnee. We are honored to sponsor this mural at Viva Acres and 18 (now 19) other murals throughout the Southern Tier in partnership with Ithaca Murals. A special thank you to Juliana Quaresma, owner of Viva Acres.

The theme of this mural depicts a large focal word with images of hopping and romping sheep, trees that are part of the silvopasture system on Viva Acres, and a marmoset—a nod to Juliana’s Brazilian roots—all in the style of a block print. The word pairings are meant to invite deeper thought about the ways in which we are all related. The message of interconnection in the mural relates to sustainable practices more broadly, which includes energy solutions as well.

Learn more about this mural and the Thriving Futures Mural Initiative at https://smartenergychoices.org/thriving-futures2

06/09/2026

The Cornell Small Farms Program is holding a workshop to cover the basics of shiitake mushroom log yard management, 1-4 pm on Saturday, June 20! 🍄‍🟫 Sign up to learn how to choose the right tree species, inoculate logs for mushroom production, harvesting at the right time, and more, along with a tour of an active working mushroom yard. There will be time for questions and conversation.

Register online at

In this workshop, we will cover the basics of shiitake mushroom log yard management in a natural woodland setting. These production techniques result in the

06/05/2026

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 https://ccetompkins.wufoo.com/forms/m1ldb3t612v62zf .

The walk's site has a diversity of tree species and a scenic overlook. The loop trail is 2 miles long with some steep sections; please wear appropriate footwear and bring water.

Instructor Marvin Pritts was born in rural southwestern Pennsylvania where he spent many hours wandering through the Laurel Highlands identifying trees and collecting insects. He obtained a B.S. in Biology from Bucknell University, a M.S. in Biology (Plant Ecology) from the University of South Carolina, and a Ph.D. in horticulture at Michigan State University. Marvin came to Cornell in 1984 as the berry crop specialist but retained an interest in forest ecology. He co-authored a book on Smith Woods in 2017 and has been involved in its management for more than 20 years.

This program is in-person only, and a map of the meeting spot (in Danby) will be emailed to those registered. This program is valued at $20, however, please pay what you are able. Paying more than $20 will help others attend the class.

06/05/2026

Primitive Pursuits GROWING WILD CAMPS HAVE SPACE!
AGES 3-5
MON-FRI (9AM-12:45 PM)
$275-$375, scholarships available

Nature is nurture. As mentors and friends, we help young people connect to profound discovery by engaging nature’s elements and navigating its wonders. Within a safe explorative space in the outdoors, imagination and fascination are set free through stories and adventures. Each day at Growing Wild children wander in nature, sing sun-filled songs, and share heart-felt stories. Each week features a different theme to guide our journey, and a variety of natural materials, such as clay, rock-paint, bark, and leaves to create works of art that reinforce learning. Our 4-H Acres forest playground includes a meandering stream, towering oaks, logs and hills to climb, trails and forts to explore, a fire circle, and our beloved peace-making bench. At Growing Wild children grow in their comfort, confidence, and appreciation for the wonders of life.

https://primitivepursuits.com/growing-wild/

CURRENT OPENINGS:

Week 1 (6/29/26-7/3/26) - 3 spaces: http://www.ultracamp.com/info/sessiondetail.aspx?idCamp=1259&campCode=PPC&idSession=562573

Week 2 (7/6/26-7/10/26) - 6 spaces: http://www.ultracamp.com/info/sessiondetail.aspx?idCamp=1259&campCode=PPC&idSession=565154

Week 3 (7/13/26-7/17/26) - 4 spaces: http://www.ultracamp.com/info/sessiondetail.aspx?idCamp=1259&campCode=PPC&idSession=565157

Week 5 (7/27/26-7/31/26) - 5 spaces:
http://www.ultracamp.com/info/sessiondetail.aspx?idCamp=1259&campCode=PPC&idSession=565336

Week 6 (8/3/26-8/7/26) - 3 spaces: http://www.ultracamp.com/info/sessiondetail.aspx?idCamp=1259&campCode=PPC&idSession=565462

Week 7 (8/10/26-8/14/26) - 5 spaces: http://www.ultracamp.com/info/sessiondetail.aspx?idCamp=1259&campCode=PPC&idSession=565534

Week 8 (8/17/26-8/21/26) - 6 spaces: http://www.ultracamp.com/info/sessiondetail.aspx?idCamp=1259&campCode=PPC&idSession=565537

Week 9 (8/24/26-8/28/26) - 1 space left! http://www.ultracamp.com/info/sessiondetail.aspx?idCamp=1259&campCode=PPC&idSession=565538

Need help? Call the registrar at 607-272-2292 ext 261 or email at [email protected]

06/04/2026

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 and receiving boxes of local, in-season produce throughout the growing season (usually every week).

This way, a farmer knows they'll have a market for their crops no matter which do well in a year, and CSA members benefit from a variety of healthy, fresh food.

A number of CSAs here in the Tompkins County area still have spots available for those who'd like to subscribe! Review our local CSA guide at https://www.canva.com/design/DAG--EMkgxo/FPu2xR_JSj88RgSTjY4UMw/view?utm_content=DAG--EMkgxo&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=viewer to learn what's available.

Check out this Real Estate Flyer designed by CCE Tompkins.

06/03/2026

CCE Tompkins County is looking for our next Agriculture & Horticulture (Ag-Hort) Issue Leader. If you have the knowledge and experience to lead a team focused on supporting Tompkins County’s farmers, gardeners, and program partners and volunteers — this might be the opportunity for you!

Management of the Ag-Hort team will include administrative direction of programs and CCE staff, responsibility for securing funds and managing resources, and accountability and transparency within the program and across the county Extension association. A Program Advisory Committee and the Board of Directors will provide support and guidance, and the Issue Leader will serve as a member of the CCE Tompkins Leadership Team, strategizing around shared goals.

The Ag-Hort Issue Leader will also work with others at the university, county, state, and regional level across different sectors to address high priority issues that relate to agriculture and horticulture.

The successful candidate will be a community-minded leader who thrives in an environment where building and supporting a strong, resilient farming community is top of mind. They will lead and guide a team that develops and delivers programs and information on topics such as local food systems, agriculture & the environment (climate smart agriculture, carbon farming, water issues, and more), farmland protection, composting, home and community gardening, agrivoltaics, and on-farm energy efficiency.

This is a full time, 40 hours per week, benefits eligible position. Compensation begins at $72,000 per year, based on experience. A master's degree in an agricultural-related field and at least 4 years related experience in program development, delivery, and management required.

Learn more, read the full position description, and find a link to apply online at https://cornell.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/CCECareerPage/details/Agriculture-Issue-Leader--Ithaca--NY_WDR-00057824

[Pictured: tabling conversations during a break at the 2026 Tompkins County Ag Summit.]

06/02/2026

“We incorporated this component of community engagement...So the artists not only had a vision of what they wanted to represent, but how would they engage with community members around these concepts of a thriving future of where people living environment thrive, where cultural expressions contribute to that, where there is justice and environmental protection."

Have you come across one of the 18 new Thriving Futures murals across the Southern Tier? The next unveiling will be held Thursday afternoon!

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.

06/02/2026

CCE Tompkins is supporting and participating in the Growing Well Together program, free Tuesday evening activities hosted at Ithaca Community Gardens! All ages are welcome.

This evening's program will feature outdoor yoga, a walking group, and learning to plant a healthy, successful garden. If you're not able to join us today, you can still show up for future programs; learn more and sign up at https://lovelivingathome.helpfulvillage.com/events/2952-growing-well-together

Growing Well Together starts this Tuesday, 6/2!

Weekly Schedule of Events:

5:30-6:00 pm: Meet at the Garden Pavilion
Enjoy a healthy snack, refill your water bottle, check your blood pressure, and learn about local resources for your health and well-being.

6:00 - 7:00 pm: Choose Your Own Wellness Adventure
All ages and levels of experience are welcome! All activities are free thanks to our local partners.

Choose from:

Gardening
Learn from local gardeners how to grow and care for vegetables and herbs. Help care for the garden plot where Ithaca Community Gardens grows vegetables to donate.

Walking
Meet with neighbors and friends for a walking group led by Bike Walk Tompkins, starting and ending at the Ithaca Community Gardens. Enjoy a relaxed, two mile social walk on the Cayuga Waterfront Trail featuring special guests each week including Cayuga Health professionals.

Yoga
Join Yoga Farm Ithaca for a 60-minute yoga class, on the grass and under the sky. Bring a blanket or yoga mat.

Optional- register to stay updated on event information or to be notified about cancellations. www.lovelivingathome.org

See you in the gardens!

06/01/2026

The June newsletter is available now! If you missed the Toolbox in your email, you can read it online at https://conta.cc/43zffpJ for:

🔦 Emergency Preparedness Training
🌳 Tree ID Walk
☀️ Rural Youth Services Summer Camps in Groton & Enfield
🌿 Gardening in Difficult Spaces
🎨 Thriving Futures Mural Celebration
🌰 Agroforestry Design Workshop
🗒️ Parenting Skills Classes
✅ And More!