Women Owning Woods: Forest Management Workshop Thursday, July 10, 2025 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Schor Pond, 58 Shore View Dr , East Chatham , NY 12060 Led by Patrick Knapp, CLC Public Lands Manager, Steve Day, logger and owner of Day’s Timber, and Jess Toro, Co-owner and Project Manager of Native Habitat Restoration. Individuals will leave with an understanding of how these methods can leave forests healthier and more resilient to climate change. This workshop is ideal for women landowners or land managers who care for five acres or more of forest and are eager to play an active role in creating healthy forests! Participants will learn how to set up AVID (Assessing Vegetation Impacts from Deer) plots, which will enable CLC to collect data over time and assess the impacts of deer browsing on the forest, ultimately informing management decisions.This event is in collaboration with the Catskills | Hudson Valley Chapter of Women Owning Woods (WOW). WOW is a group of women landowners, forest lovers, and natural resources professionals that hosts workshops throughout the year to educate and engage the public with forest stewardship. This event is offered with support from The Nature Conservancy. What’s involved: This event will include walking approximately one mile along the Red Fox Loop, a forested trail featuring packed earth. The group will stop often to discuss forest management along the way. Additional trail information can be found here.Packing list: Lunch will be provided, please bring a water bottle, weather-appropriate clothing and footwear, and a way to take notes (i.e. notebook, smartphone).What not to bring: Please, no dogs.Register for Women Owning Woods Free, with support from The Nature Conservancy Tracey Testo-Smith, tet35@cornell.edu, (518) 622-9820 ext.119 ========================================= 2025 Summer-Fall Anger Management Series Thursday, July 10, 2025 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Extension Education Center, 479 Route 66 , Hudson, New York 12534 The course is held every Thursday for 8 consecutive weeks. The class is held in-person from 5:30 -7 pm.Classes are scheduled to be held at our Hudson Educational Center, 479 NY-66, Hudson, NY 12534Cost: $70.00 for the entire 8-week seriesPlease enroll with the Eventbrite link below:Dates: Topics: Thursday, July 10 - Intro to Anger Management/Guidelines/Anger SurveyThursday, July 17 - Anger’s Many Faces/Power of AngerThursday, July 24 - When Anger is Good/Handling Anger Effectively Thursday, July 31 - Managing Conflict/Effective Communication Skills Thursday, August 7 - When to Take a Break/Cognitive DistortionsThursday, August 14 - Change your Life by Changing your Thinking/LoggingThursday, August 21 - How Emotional Intelligence Impacts Anger Thursday, August 28 - Anger Review/Assessments/CertificatesThursday, September 4 - Make-up Day After completion of 8 hour and a half classes, a Certificate of Achievement is awarded. Register for 2025 Summer-Fall Anger Management Series $70.00 Megan Gardner, mg2287@cornell.edu, (518) 622-9820 ext. 114 ========================================= Silvopasture Field Day Thursday, July 10, 2025 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Gansvoort Farm , 1827 Route US-9 , Germantown, NY 12526 Silvopasture, the integration of livestock with trees or other perennials, has been identified as a key strategy for climate resilience in the agriculture sector.Join Cornell Cooperative Extension, Scenic Hudson, Eli Roberts of Sunfleck Consulting, and Jennifer Phillips of Gansvoort Farm for a Silvopasture Field Day. Tour Gansvoort’s farm, including the planting of fodder and nut trees, where they will begin grazing sheep this year. Learn how silvopasture can help address your farm’s resource concerns, including providing shade and fodder for livestock, carbon sequestration potential, and other ecosystem services, and the resources and potential funding sources for implementing these practices.Learn more about silvopasture, including:Goals of introducing trees to a farm Considerations for location, design layout, and species selection Challenges in establishment and lessons learned at Gansvoort Benefits of fodder trees, including variations around the world, nutrition, and productivity Trade-offs between benefits depending on management choices About Gansvoort Farm:Jennifer has been raising grass-fed livestock for over 20 years with a focus on sheep. She has been at her current farm since 2009, adding trees in a number of different configurations to support animal health, biodiversity, and forage productivity. In 2023, she planted a two-acre pilot project of fodder and nut trees with the help of Eli and Interlace Commons. Sheep will be grazing the fodder trees for the first time this summer. In addition to running the farm, Jennifer teaches courses on climate change and agroecology for graduate students at Bard College.Register for Silvopasture Field Day Sliding Scale, Pay what you can - $10, $15, $20 Per Person Ashley Schoenborn, als543@cornell.edu, 518-622-9820 x 113 ========================================= Ag. Expo Friday, July 11, 2025 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Extension Education Center, 479 Route 66 , Hudson, New York 12534 The Expo is an opportunity for farmers, agribusinesses and farm-related organizations to share information about the resources and farming opportunities in Columbia and Greene counties for those who are currently farming, those interested in getting into farming and for landowners interested in making their lands available for farming. The Expo is also a great opportunity for the general public to learn more about the local farming industry and how they can help support local farms.In addition to the sponsoring organizations, a number of farm-related organizations and businesses will be attending this year’s Expo to provide information on the services they have available to support farmers. Several local farms will also be at the Expo to give samples.Presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties, Soil and Water, Farm Bureau and Columbia Land Conservancy.Ag. Expo Registration Free Ashley Schoenborn, als543@cornell.edu, 518-622-9820 x 113 ========================================= 4-H Pre-Fair Maker Space Sunday, July 13, 2025 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm This workshop is only available to 4-H members. Interested in joining 4-H or starting a new club? Find more information about 4-H here. ========================================= Game of Logging, Level 1 Monday, July 14, 2025 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Frost Valley YMCA Model Forest, 2000 Frost Valley Rd. , Claryville, NY 12725 Game of Logging Level 1 combines lecture with a hands-on component, so students can practice their newly learned skills. Game of Logging is widely recognized as a leader in logging safety and introduces loggers, landowners, and land managers to chainsaw safety, operation, and open face felling. Other topics covered include personal protective equipment, bore cutting, pre-planning the fell and understanding hinge wood strength.Participants are required to bring their own chainsaw and safety gear, which includes but is not limited to a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, and safety chaps. This is a full day class held outdoors with strenuous activities operating a chainsaw in the woods. Each participant is required to fell a mature tree to complete the class. Light refreshments will be provided. Bring lunch and water for the day. Register for Game of Logging $25 Tracey Testo-Smith, tet35@cornell.edu, (518) 622-9820 ext.119 ========================================= Think Differently – Craft Session Tuesday, July 15, 2025 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Extension Education Center, 479 Route 66 , Hudson, New York 12534 Free craft session for Neurodiverse youth ages 5-18 on July 15 from 4-5:30 at the Extension Education Center, 479 Route 66 in Hudson. Join us in making Spin Art, Mindfulness Glitter Jars, and DIY Fidget Toys. Children of all ages are welcome to join the fun! All materials will be provided on-site. Registration is required.All children must be accompanied by an adult.Register for Think Differently – Craft Session Free ========================================= 4-H Goat Showmanship Clinic Wednesday, July 16, 2025 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm This workshop is only available to 4-H members.Interested in joining 4-H or starting a new club? Find more information about 4-H here. ========================================= Outdoor Mushroom Farming Series Thursday, July 17, 2025 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Agroforestry Resource Center (Business Office), 6055 Route 23 , Acra, New York 12405 This workshop is a 3-part series. You may attend parts but attend all three to develop the skill to successfully farm mushrooms on your land.Part 1 - Outdoor Mushroom Farming Series- Part 1: Log Inoculation, The BasicsThursday, May 22, 5:00 pm -7:00 pmAre you interested in exploring how to grow your own mushrooms to start a small-scale mushroom operation? Participants in this workshop will learn various techniques for growing different species of mushrooms using a variety of materials, with a focus on shiitakes. You will participate in a hands-on experience inoculating wood with shiitake spawn. Each participant will bring home their own inoculated log for at-home production.Part 2 - Outdoor Mushroom Farming Series Part 2: Laying Yard Management, Harvesting, and GardeningThursday, June 26 - 5:00 pm -7:00 pmJoin us at the shiitake laying yard to learn about managing shiitakes, as well as other mushrooms, as a crop. At this hands-on workshop, participants will experience soaking, fruiting and harvesting shiitakes, and will learn what is required to build your own mushroom yard. In addition, we will examine where we harvested small pole-size trees used for inoculating the shiitake mushrooms and understand the rationale for harvesting those particular trees as part of forest improvement. Participants can be sure that they will leave this class with mushrooms to try and will gain an understanding of how to profit from this newly recognized crop.Part 3 - Outdoor Mushroom Farming Series Part 3: Enterprise planning and marketingThursday, July 17 – 5:00 pm – 7:00 pmReady to set up your mushroom skills and turn that knowledge into a business? Join us at the Agroforestry Resource Center to learn what it takes. During this class, participants will receive shiitake business planning resources with detailed guidance on how to apply that knowledge to your farm. Many different revenue streams associated with mushroom cultivation will be discussed, and how to market your mushrooms.Register for Outdoor Mushroom Farming Series $25 per class / $60 for all 3 classes Ashley Schoenborn, als543@cornell.edu, 518-622-9820 x 113 ========================================= The Night Shift: Creating A Garden to attract Nighttime Pollinators Friday, July 18, 2025 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm American Legion Hall, 54 Maple Ave , Greenville, NY 12083 Just like the city, the garden never sleeps. When bees have gone home and butterflies have crept under leaves, a new crew of pollinators emerges from the shadows ready to work. We will discuss how to attract and support these unique denizens of the dark through color, selection of night-blooming plants and the importance of turning out the lights. About Ilze Earner: After 25 years of teaching and writing about human behavior, I am turning to working on what I call the 'last chapter, best chapter' of my life. Following up on a life-long passion for plants and gardening I completed the Master Gardener program through Cornell Cooperative Extension last spring and have since embarked on sharing knowledge, ideas and inspiration with the gardening community.Additional Notes:This talk will be at a meeting for the Clematis Garden Club. Please contact Clematis Garden Club if you are interested in becoming a member. Xandra Powers, amp422@cornell.edu, 518-828-3346 x106 ========================================= Teen Anger Management 2-Part Series Wednesday, July 30, 2025 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Extension Education Center, 479 Route 66 , Hudson, New York 12534 The course utilizes the evidence-based and nationally recognized What’s Good About Anger? Teen-based curriculum. The course provides teens with the skills needed to effectively express their anger, practice operative conflict resolution, and develop healthy coping skills.For Ages 13 to 16Date: July 30th and August 6th, 2025Students must be able to attend both classes in order to receive credit for participation.After completion of 2 classes, a Certificate of Achievement is awarded.Register for Teen Anger Management 2-Part Series $15 for non-4-H members and is Free for all 4-H members Megan Gardner, mg2287@cornell.edu, (518) 622-9820 ext. 114 ========================================= Art Opening – Mayuko Fujino Saturday, August 2, 2025 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Agroforestry Resource Center (Business Office), 6055 Route 23 , Acra, New York 12405 Nature-inspired, hand-crafted illustrations with a Japanese folk art aesthetic.Mayuko Fujino is a self-taught paper cutout and stencil artist from Japan, now based in Columbia County, NY. Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese stencil textile designs and the Mingei folk art movement, she has been creating art since 1999 for clients such as the National Audubon Society, The Atlantic, and The Nature Conservancy.A dedicated birder, Mayuko finds inspiration in the natural landscapes and rural life of the Hudson Valley. Through her work, she seeks to connect with fellow nature lovers and support environmental conservation efforts. She currently serves as a board member of the Alan Devoe Bird Club in Columbia County.For those interested in learning more about her artistic journey, creative process, and philosophy, an interview is available with Natural Earth Paint.Mayuko hosts a monthly radio program, Beakuency: Meet Bird People in the Hudson Valley!, on Wave Farm's WGXC, a community radio station based in Greene County, NY. Deven Connelly, dvc34@cornell.edu, (518) 622-9820 ex 120 ========================================= 4-H Archery SPIN Club for Youth 9-13 Monday, August 4, 2025 10:00 am - 11:00 am Extension Education Center, 479 Route 66 , Hudson, New York 12534 Join us for a series of 4-H Archery programs, made possible by the Columbia County Youth Bureau. All equipment will be provided. All youth must enroll in 4-H to participate. Due to the generous support of our sponsor, enrollment fees are waived for Columbia County Youth who are not already enrolled and would like to participate in 4-H Archery.4-H certified instructors supervise each 4-H archery program. Safety is a primary concern. All archers on the range must wear closed-toed shoes. No garden shoes or clogs. Long hair must be up in a ponytail or braid. No Jewelry. All archers must use our equipment. All archers must arrive on time in order to participate in hands-on interaction with a bow. Space is limited and registration is required. Archery is a weather-dependent program and may be canceled in the case of unsafe weather conditions.Our archery SPIN (Special Interest Club) program will focus on teaching and improving youth’s archery skills while reinforcing safety protocols, proper stance, and technique. Participants will be provided with a series of activities and challenges to help improve their accuracy, skills, and sportsmanship. The archery SPIN club encourages youth to share in a common interest, gain a new skill, and engage in a positive group youth experience.This series is designed for youth who have previous experience handling a bow. This is a series geared towards improving already existing skills. If you have no prior experience with a bow, consider attending one of the Beginning Archery Clinics on May 10. If you have questions about whether or not you qualify for this program, please contact Sara at syp27@cornell.edu.Presented by: Megan Gardner and Becky Polmateer ========================================= Summer Cut Flower Field Day Thursday, August 7, 2025 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Meadowbrook Farm, 513 Route 67 , Leeds, NY 12451 Join us for an evening of education on cut flowers, a food truck, and good conversation at Meadowbrook Farm. We will also have a few educators who will be discussing soil health, planting, common diseases, weed management, and agritourism. See what you can find while scouting the garden and ask our IPM Coordinator. We will hear from the farmer and tour the farm. This field day is for new, aspiring, and seasoned growers looking for more knowledge and resources on cut flowers.Meadowbrook Farm is a 120-acre cut flower and agritourism farm with a focus on Sunflowers. Some others: Zinnias, Dahlias, Snapdragons and Eucalyptus and a few more. Located in Leeds, NY. along the Catskill Creek. Meadowbrook Farm hosts many festivals as well as weddings and showers. Voted the best wedding venue of Greene County for 2025. Summer Cut Flower Field Day Registration $20 Ashley Schoenborn, als543@cornell.edu, 518-622-9820 x 113 ========================================= Summer Wildflower Walk Thursday, August 14, 2025 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Siuslaw Model Forest, 6055 NYS Route 23 , Acra, NY 12405 Not all wildflowers bloom in the spring. Explore the edge lands of Siuslaw Model Forest with CCE Staff and wildflower enthusiast Tracey Testo, to search for the colorful blooms of late summer. Learn simple flower parts that will enable participants to go out and identify wildflowers on your own. Discover historic or current uses of these plants. This program includes a moderate hike. Service dogs only, please.Summer Wildflower Walk Registration $10, $15, $20 Tracey Testo-Smith, tet35@cornell.edu, (518) 622-9820 ext.119 ========================================= “So You Want to Be a Master Gardener Volunteer?” – Info Session for Prospective Applicants Monday, August 18, 2025 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Online Event Curious about the Master Gardener Volunteer Program? Thinking about applying for the 2025–2026 training class? Join us for a virtual info session to learn what it really means to be a Master Gardener Volunteer with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties.We’ll talk about what the program is (and what it isn’t), what kinds of volunteer work our Master Gardeners do in the community, and what we’re looking for in new applicants. We’ll also walk through the application process, timeline, and what to expect from the training course that runs from late October through mid-March. There will be plenty of time for questions, and all are welcome to attend!Three sessions will be offered via Zoom: July 9th, August 18th, and September 10th. You only need to attend one—choose the date that works best for you!Applications open July 7th and are due by September 12th.Register for July 9th Info SessionRegister for August 18th Info SessionRegister for September 10th Info Session Free Xandra Powers, amp422@cornell.edu, 518-828-3346 x106 ========================================= Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley at the International Master Gardener Conference Tuesday, August 26, 2025 4:45 pm - 5:45 pm Online Event In this engaging session of the International Master Gardener Conference, the creators of our beloved podcast Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley will share how a small team of Master Gardener Volunteers from Columbia and Greene Counties, New York, launched a science-based podcast during the pandemic—and have grown it into a thriving platform that entertains, educates, and inspires. Designed for gardeners, nature enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the world around them, this weekly podcast is produced in collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension and features expert voices from academia, community organizations, and the Master Gardener community.Learn how the podcast evolved from a local radio show, how topics and guests are chosen, and how the team manages scripting, production, and editing with limited resources. Presenters will reflect on lessons learned, tips for others interested in launching their own outreach projects, and how podcasting has become an accessible and impactful way to amplify the Master Gardener mission while building digital relevance in a changing world.Additional Notes:Admission fee to the International Master Gardener Conference 2025 includes access to recordings of all of the sessions until January 2026.This session will be held from 4:45–5:45 PM Eastern Time (3:45–4:45 PM Central Time). Since the conference is hosted virtually from Texas, all times listed will vary by location—please adjust for your local time zone.Register for International Master Gardener Conference $185 until June 21, $210 until August 15. Xandra Powers, amp422@cornell.edu, 518-828-3346 x106 ========================================= Garlic, the Stinking Rose: Origins, Lore, and Biology Saturday, September 6, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Extension Education Center, 479 Route 66 , Hudson, New York 12534 Domesticated for about 5,000 years, garlic is now a cooking staple that grows well in the Hudson Valley. This class will explore its origins, history, and life cycle. Breeders all over the world have developed hundreds of varieties. As a part of this program we’ll taste test four, grown in our very own demonstration gardens in Hudson.About KathrynKathryn Schneider is a Master Gardener and professional ornithologist. Her career has included teaching college biology courses, managing a biodiversity inventory program, consulting for government agencies, and writing a book on the birds of the Hudson Valley. A committed conservationist, she is past President of the New York State Ornithological Association, a former member of the Columbia County Environmental Management Council, and a Columbia Land Conservancy volunteer.Register for Garlic, the Stinking Rose: Origins, Lore, and Biology $20 Xandra Powers, amp422@cornell.edu, 518-828-3346 x106 ========================================= “So You Want to Be a Master Gardener Volunteer?” – Info Session for Prospective Applicants Wednesday, September 10, 2025 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Online Event Curious about the Master Gardener Volunteer Program? Thinking about applying for the 2025–2026 training class? Join us for a virtual info session to learn what it really means to be a Master Gardener Volunteer with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties.We’ll talk about what the program is (and what it isn’t), what kinds of volunteer work our Master Gardeners do in the community, and what we’re looking for in new applicants. We’ll also walk through the application process, timeline, and what to expect from the training course that runs from late October through mid-March. There will be plenty of time for questions, and all are welcome to attend!Three sessions will be offered via Zoom: July 9th, August 18th, and September 10th. You only need to attend one—choose the date that works best for you!Applications open July 7th and are due by September 12th.Register for July 9th Info SessionRegister for August 18th Info SessionRegister for September 10th Info Session Free Xandra Powers, amp422@cornell.edu, 518-828-3346 x106 ========================================= Deadline for Master Gardener Volunteer Training Applications Friday, September 12, 2025 4:00 pm - 4:00 pm Are you passionate about gardening and ready to give back to your community? Apply now for the 2026 Master Gardener Volunteer Training with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties. This hybrid program includes self-paced online learning, weekly Zoom classes, and in-person Saturday sessions (three per month) from late October 2025 to March 2026.Participants will learn about botany, soil health, food gardening, pest management, climate-friendly practices, and much more. The program includes field trips, garden visits, and an opportunity to develop and present your own educational outreach project.Graduates are asked to contribute 150 volunteer hours within two years. Access to a laptop or computer is highly recommended.Training fee: $300, due upon acceptance. Scholarships available. Applications must be received by September 12, 2025.Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one of our virtual info sessions, “So You Want to Be a Master Gardener Volunteer?”, offered via Zoom on July 9 at 10am, August 18 at 2:30pm, or September 10 at 2pm.Application TBAAdditional Notes: In-person classes rotate between Hudson and Acra offices Background checks and interviews required prior to start Applicants will be notified of decisions in late September Fee is refundable (minus $75) until first day of trainingThis training prepares participants to serve as community volunteers with CCE. It does not confer professional certification, licensure, or business credentials, and it should not be used for commercial promotion or as a resume certification. The value of the program is in the hands-on learning, access to research-based horticulture resources, and joining a network of active garden educators making a difference in their local communities. Alyx Arslanian, aja333@cornell.edu ========================================= Wildlife Enhancement Woodland Walk at Siuslaw Model Forest Saturday, September 13, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Agroforestry Resource Center (Business Office), 6055 Route 23 , Acra, New York 12405 Join us at the Siuslaw Model Forest for a woodland walk to explore options for improving wildlife habitat in your woods. Wildlife enhancements can be anything that improves habitat. Having various types of habitats available in your forest can increase biodiversity and overall forest health.We’ll walk the trails of Siuslaw to view wildlife enhancements that you can implement in your woods. During the walk, we’ll discuss the benefits associated with improving biodiversity and habitat for pollinators, birds, mammals, and more! Participants will receive a follow-up of digital resources.Register for Wildlife Enhancement Woodland Walk at Siuslaw Model Forest Sliding Scale, Pay what you can - $10, 15, 20 per person Shane Stevens, ss3666@cornell.edu, 518-622-9820 ex 118 ========================================= Pickling in a Water Bath Canner Wednesday, September 17, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Extension Education Center, 479 Route 66 , Hudson, New York 12534 Please join Rebecca Polmateer, Master Food Preserver, as she teaches how to pickle vegetables and use a water bath canner. Participants will learn how to safely preserve their vegetable bounty via pickling and canning in a water bath canner. This will be a hands-on educational experience where participants will learn by doing and then leave with a jar of pickled vegetables, they helped preserve themselves.Register for Pickling in a Water Bath Canner $20.00 per person Rebecca Polmateer, rp328@cornell.edu, (518) 622-9820 x117 ========================================= Growing Great Garlic Thursday, September 18, 2025 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Extension Education Center, 479 Route 66 , Hudson, New York 12534 Are you interested or getting ready to plant some garlic this fall? Rather you’re a home gardener or farmer, join us for a presentation on garlic care. The presenter will be: Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist from the Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Team. Bring your questions about Garlic.Presented by: Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Vegetable SpecialistRegister for Growing Great Garlic  Free Ashley Schoenborn, als543@cornell.edu, 518-622-9820 x 113 ========================================= Minimizing Deer Impacts on Forests Saturday, September 27, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Frost Valley YMCA Model Forest, 2000 Frost Valley Rd. , Claryville, NY 12725 Join us for a woodland walk at the Frost Valley Model Forest to explore options for minimizing deer impacts on forests! With deer over-browsing preferred native tree seedlings, they are widely seen as the top reason for a decrease in species diversity and a decline in forest regeneration, contributing to the invasion of non-native invasive species. We’ll discuss management options including fencing, tree tubes, natural deterrents, slash walls, and more.In addition, you will learn how to monitor deer browsing at your site using the Assessing Vegetation for Impacts from Deer (AVID) protocol. Connect with us in the woods to learn about the importance of forest regeneration and how to keep your forests healthy, productive, and resilient!Participants will receive a follow-up of digital resources.Register for Minimizing Deer Impacts on Forests Sliding Scale, pay what you can - $10, 15, 20 per person Shane Stevens, ss3666@cornell.edu, 518-622-9820 ex 118 ========================================= Composting Made Easy: Layering for Success Sunday, September 28, 2025 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Thomas Cole National Historic Site, 218 Spring St , Catskill, NY 12414 Join us at Thomas Cole National Historic Site for a hands-on outdoor composting workshop where we’ll demonstrate how quick and easy it is to build a compost heap. We’ll cover what materials can and cannot be composted, troubleshoot common composting challenges, and explore different composting methods with a focus on lasagna layering. This simple technique involves layering sticks, browns, and food scraps in a structured way to create an effective, low-maintenance compost pile. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, you’ll leave with practical knowledge to start or improve your own composting system at home.About the Instructors:Kathryn Schneider is a Master Gardener and professional ornithologist. She has taught college biology courses, managed biodiversity inventory programs, consulted for government agencies, and authored a book on the birds of the Hudson Valley. A dedicated conservationist, Kathryn has served as President of the New York State Ornithological Association, a member of the Columbia County Environmental Management Council, and a volunteer with the Columbia Land Conservancy.Jennifer DeFranco is a Master Gardener with experience in plant propagation, composting, and annual flower demonstration gardens. She is currently conducting a bush green bean trial of over 20 locally sourced varieties for Cornell Cooperative Extension. A passionate home gardener long before becoming a Master Gardener in 2021, Jennifer has a particular interest in old roses and is currently experimenting with tomato grafting and dry farming methods at her home in Columbia County.Lindsey Strehlau-Howay is a Master Gardener and currently works for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia-Greene on the Natural Resources and Environment Team. She has received a Master Composter Certification from the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, volunteering many hours at the now Red Hook Farms - Compost Operation site. Having a past career in food systems, she continues to bring that experience into her work and learning, applying for a Wild Mushroom Food Safety Certification and ever-expanding experimenting with new produce and herbs in her home container garden.Xandra Powers is the Community Horticulture Coordinator for CCE Columbia and Greene Counties, overseeing the Master Gardener Volunteer Program. Since stepping into the role in October 2023, she has successfully led the most well-attended Master Gardener training these counties have ever seen. With a background in Environmental Biology from SUNY New Paltz, Xandra has worked with the USDA on the plum pox virus survey and in the laboratory of an artisanal tea company, focusing on quality dried teas and herbs. She is passionate about connecting people with reliable gardening information and building a strong network of engaged volunteers.Registration To Be Announced TBA Xandra Powers, amp422@cornell.edu, 518-828-3346 x106 ========================================= Indigenous People Day Monday, October 13, 2025 12:00 pm - 12:00 pm ========================================= Thanksgiving Thursday, November 27, 2025 12:00 pm - 12:00 pm ========================================= Winter Break Wednesday, December 25, 2024 12:00 pm - 12:00 pm =========================================