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 $25 Ashley Schoenborn, als543@cornell.edu, 518-622-9820 x 113 ========================================= Batavia Kill Family Splash and Learn Wednesday, August 13, 2025 10:00 am - 11:00 am Are you a family of environmental enthusiasts? Then join us this August on the Batavia Kill for a stream focused educational experience and walk, fun for both youth and adults! Each day’s workshop will include a hands-on exploration of the creatures that live in and around streams, plus a walk and talk. You’ll receive a stream resource kit complete with factsheets and guides!Register for Batavia Kill Family Splash and LearnLocation:DEC Fishing Access site, Ashland NY (at intersection of Jewett Heights Rd and Paradise Ln)Date/Time:August 13th 10:00-11:00 am or 1:00-2:00 pmAugust 14th 1:00-2:00 pmAugust 21st 10:00-11:00 amRain date of August 22nd 2:00-3:00pm Free ========================================= Batavia Kill Family Splash and Learn Thursday, August 14, 2025 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Are you a family of environmental enthusiasts? Then join us this August on the Batavia Kill for a stream focused educational experience and walk, fun for both youth and adults! Each day’s workshop will include a hands-on exploration of the creatures that live in and around streams, plus a walk and talk. You’ll receive a stream resource kit complete with factsheets and guides!Register for Batavia Kill Family Splash and LearnLocation:DEC Fishing Access site, Ashland NY (at intersection of Jewett Heights Rd and Paradise Ln)Date/Time:August 13th 10:00-11:00 am or 1:00-2:00 pmAugust 14th 1:00-2:00 pmAugust 21st 10:00-11:00 amRain date of August 22nd 2:00-3:00pm Free ========================================= 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 ========================================= Batavia Kill Family Splash and Learn Thursday, August 21, 2025 10:00 am - 11:00 am Are you a family of environmental enthusiasts? Then join us this August on the Batavia Kill for a stream focused educational experience and walk, fun for both youth and adults! Each day’s workshop will include a hands-on exploration of the creatures that live in and around streams, plus a walk and talk. You’ll receive a stream resource kit complete with factsheets and guides!Register for Batavia Kill Family Splash and LearnLocation:DEC Fishing Access site, Ashland NY (at intersection of Jewett Heights Rd and Paradise Ln)Date/Time:August 13th 10:00-11:00 am or 1:00-2:00 pmAugust 14th 1:00-2:00 pmAugust 21st 10:00-11:00 amRain date of August 22nd 2:00-3:00pm Free ========================================= 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 =========================================