Spring 2026 Anger Management Series Tuesday, March 24, 2026 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Extension Education Center, 479 Route 66 , Hudson, New York 12534 The course is held every Tuesday for 8 consecutive weeks. Class is held in-person from 5:30-7:00 pm. Classes are scheduled to be held at our Hudson Educational Center, 479 NY-66, Hudson, NY 12534 Cost: $70.00 for the entire 8-week series Dates: Topics: Tuesday, March 24 - Intro to Anger Management/Group guidelines Tuesday, March 31 - Anger Survey/Expectations Tuesday, April 7 - Anger’s Many Faces/The Power of Anger NO CLASS APRIL 14 Tuesday, April 21 - Defusing Anger by Managing Stress Tuesday, April 28 - Handling Anger Effectively/Assertiveness Tuesday, May 5 - Managing Conflict/Turn Your Anger into Forgiveness Tuesday, May 12 - Changing Your Thinking/Cognitive Distortions NO CLASS MAY 19 Tuesday, May 26 - How Emotional Intelligence Impacts Anger/CertificatesAfter completion of 8 classes, a Certificate of Achievement is awarded. Register for Spring 2026 Anger Management Series $70.00 for the entire 8-week series Megan Gardner, mg2287@cornell.edu, (518) 622-9820 ext. 114 ========================================= Spring Gardening Day 2026 Saturday, March 28, 2026 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Hudson Junior High School, 215 Harry Howard Ave , Hudson, NY 12534 Spring Gardening Day is back! Join us for a full day of learning, inspiration, and connection for gardeners of all levels. This in-person event features practical, science-based workshops, a keynote presentation, vendors, and plenty of opportunities to learn from—and connect with—fellow gardeners.Register for Spring Gardening DayEvent DetailsDate: Saturday, March 28, 2026Time: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PMLocation: Hudson Jr/Sr High School, Hudson, NYFee: $45Format: In-person, multi-track workshops + keynoteWho should attend: Home gardeners, Master Gardeners, community gardeners, and anyone who loves growing thingsWhat to Expect Multiple workshop tracks throughout the day so you can build a schedule that fits your interestsSessions taught by Columbia–Greene Master Gardener Volunteers and Cornell Cooperative Extension staffA vendor space featuring garden-related businesses and community organizationsFood available for purchase, including baked goods and à la carte breakfast and lunch items prepared by Master Gardener VolunteersVendor raffle prizes announced during the keynoteA closing keynote focused on native plants and garden designPlease note: Workshops are first come, first served. Seating is limited, and once a room is full, attendees may be turned away. We strongly recommend choosing a backup session for each time slot.Workshop Tracks(Subject to change) Gardening Basics (GB)Seed starting, composting, and foundational gardening skillsGarden Maintenance & Management (GMM)Soil health, invasive plants, and pest identification & managementFood Gardening (FG)Herbs, vegetables, and small-scale forest gardeningNon-Food Gardening (NFG)Native trees & shrubs, rain gardens, perennial care, and plants for practical usesWildlife & Habitat (WH)Managing nuisance wildlife, attracting birds, and understanding light pollutionFull Agenda & Course DescriptionsPlan your day using our printable PDFs: Overview Agenda (by time & track)Detailed Course Descriptions (by track)Keynote SpeakerCarolyn Summers – Flying TrilliumNative Plant Gardens: Learning by Example1:45 PM – 3:15 PMCarolyn Summers is a nationally recognized landscape architect, author, and educator whose work highlights the beauty and ecological value of native plants. Her keynote will draw on real-world garden examples to inspire resilient, place-based landscapes.VendorsSpring Gardening Day will include a vendor space featuring garden-focused businesses and organizations. Vendors may include seed companies, plant growers, tool suppliers, bird and wildlife specialists, and conservation groups.A full vendor list will be posted as it becomes available.Food & RefreshmentsFood will be available for purchase throughout the day, including baked goods, snacks, and lunch options. All food is prepared by Master Gardener Volunteers, with proceeds supporting local educational programs.Thank You to Our SponsorsSpring Gardening Day 2026 is made possible with support from: Samascott's Garden MarketOpen Land StudioThe Garden Club of KinderhookNewton Hook Tree Care LLCThe Chatham Berry Farm LLCDean's Catskill Valley MillArthur's Point FarmStoneledge Farm $45 Xandra Powers, amp422@cornell.edu, 518-828-3346 x106 ========================================= 4-H Youth Anger Management SPIN Club Tuesday, April 7, 2026 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Extension Education Center, 479 Route 66 , Hudson, New York 12534 What’s Good About Anger?Helping Teens Manage Their Anger: In the Home, School & CommunityThe 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 express their anger effectively, practice conflict resolution, and develop healthy coping skills.After completion of 2 classes, a Certificate of Achievement is awarded.For ages 13-17Fee: $15 per youth, $30 per family to enroll in 4-H for the program year. The enrollment fee can be waived in cases of financial hardship.To register and obtain details regarding 4-H membership, please contact:Megan Gardner, MSW, CAMS-1518-622-9820 X114 or mg2287@cornell.edu4-H is for ALL Kids. 4-H welcomes young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving kids a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better. 4-H programs are open to youth on the Spectrum. If a young person requires a support person to attend, that person is also welcome. We limit the number of attendees at many of our programs. Please register. If a program has "THINK Differently" in its title, it was created with a focus on working with neurodivergent learners. These programs are also welcoming to all youth. Megan Gardner, mg2287@cornell.edu, (518) 622-9820 ext. 114 ========================================= Communication with Young Children: Building a Positive Relationship and Connection Wednesday, April 8, 2026 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Athens Cultural Center , 24 Second Street , Athens, NY 12015 Join Mike Pagnani, Parenting Educator of Cornell Cooperative Extension of CGC, for an educational workshop offered to all caregivers of youth aged 2-7. The workshop focuses on learning effective, evidence-based communication strategies that encourage healthy social and emotional development, resiliency, motivation, and age-appropriate conflict resolution. Our shared goal is for families is to foster an environment of trust, safety, and mutual respect through positive communication.An open-ended activity will be provided for young children.Registration encouraged; walk-ins welcome!Register for Communication with Young Children: Building a Positive Relationship and Connection Free Megan Gardner, mg2287@cornell.edu, (518) 622-9820 ext. 114 ========================================= 4-H Youth Anger Management SPIN Club Thursday, April 9, 2026 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Extension Education Center, 479 Route 66 , Hudson, New York 12534 What’s Good About Anger?Helping Teens Manage Their Anger: In the Home, School & CommunityThe 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 express their anger effectively, practice conflict resolution, and develop healthy coping skills.After completion of 2 classes, a Certificate of Achievement is awarded.For ages 13-17Fee: $15 per youth, $30 per family to enroll in 4-H for the program year. The enrollment fee can be waived in cases of financial hardship.To register and obtain details regarding 4-H membership, please contact:Megan Gardner, MSW, CAMS-1518-622-9820 X114 or mg2287@cornell.edu4-H is for ALL Kids. 4-H welcomes young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving kids a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better. 4-H programs are open to youth on the Spectrum. If a young person requires a support person to attend, that person is also welcome. We limit the number of attendees at many of our programs. Please register. If a program has "THINK Differently" in its title, it was created with a focus on working with neurodivergent learners. These programs are also welcoming to all youth. Megan Gardner, mg2287@cornell.edu, (518) 622-9820 ext. 114 ========================================= Salamander Stroll at Clearpool Model Forest Saturday, April 11, 2026 9:30 am - 12:30 pm  Clearpool Model Forest, Carmel Campus , 33 Clearpool Rd , Carmel, NY 10512 Join CCE Putnam Master Gardener Volunteers and CCE Columbia-Greene as we explore the Clearpool Model Forest in search of salamanders and other amphibians. During this family-friendly hike, we will discuss the different species of salamanders, frogs, and toads that call our area of New York home and what we can do to support their continued survival.We will also learn about a research project taking place in the Model Forest by Dr. Rebecca Pinder of SUNY Columbia-Greene to monitor, count, and identify salamanders and study forest health regionally.Register for Salamander Stroll at Clearpool Model Forest Free (Suggested Donation of $5) ========================================= 4-H Mindful Movement Tuesday, April 14, 2026 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Extension Education Center, 479 Route 66 , Hudson, New York 12534 This series is made possible by funding from the Columbia County Youth Bureau and is open to youth ages 5 and up. Parents/Guardians are welcome but not required to stay for the program.The series will demonstrate age-appropriate ways to reduce stress, regulate emotions, and promote relaxation through techniques and activities that involve body movement. The series will focus on different movements and body positions that help youth improve their balance, flexibility, and strength. Youth will be encouraged to participate in techniques such as yoga, walking meditation, visualizations, stretching, and breathing exercises in a fun and creative way!All youth must enroll in 4-H to participate. Due to the generous support of our sponsor (The Columbia County Youth Bureau), enrollment fees are waived for Columbia County Youth who are not already enrolled and would like to participate in 4-H Mindful Movement.Fee: $15 per youth, $30 per family to enroll in 4-H for the program year. 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 Mindful Movement.4-H is for ALL Kids. 4-H welcomes young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving kids a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better. 4-H programs are open to youth on the Spectrum. If a young person requires a support person to attend, that person is also welcome. We limit the number of attendees at many of our programs. Please register. If a program has "THINK Differently" in its title, it was created with a focus on working with neurodivergent learners. These programs are also welcoming to all youth. ========================================= FAMACHA Certification Training Wednesday, April 15, 2026 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Kinderhook Farm , 1958 County Rt 21 , Valatie, New York 12184 Sheep and goat producers, join CCE Columbia-Greene, Ulster, and FAMACHA certified trainer Jessica Waltemyer CCE Small Ruminant Specialist from the Cornell Pro-Livestock team, for hands-on FAMACHA training. Become certified on how to use the FAMACHA system to detect anemia in sheep and goats to make strategic deworming decisions. FAMACHA helps producers manage barber pole worm (Haemonchus contortus), a common internal parasite of small ruminants grazing.Registration is required and is limited to 15 registrants. Registration fee includes FAMACHA card for each producer that they will be able to use to check anemia scores in their flocks and herds.Register for  FAMACHA Certification Training $25.00 Per Person Ashley Schoenborn, als543@cornell.edu, 518-622-9820 x 113 ========================================= Nobody Gets Left in the Woods: A Safety Network for Forest Workers Friday, April 17, 2026 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Lennox Model Forest, 2420 Arbor Hill Road , Delhi, NY 13753 Forest work can be intense with rough terrain, weather, and no cell service. Are you prepared? What’s in your vest? Hear from a panel of professional foresters about the necessities we often overlook when entering the forest for a day’s work. We’ll begin in the classroom with refreshments and a presentation. Afterwards, we’ll walk in the Lennox Model Forest to discuss further awareness for woodland work.Learn about the new initiative “Nobody Gets Left in the Woods”, a network of foresters working towards awareness of the challenges being forest workers, maintaining a safe workday, and positive mental health. Too often, we mourn the loss of forest workers. Let’s come together as an industry and make sure everyone makes it out of the woods.SAF credits are available.Register for Nobody Gets Left in the Woods: A Safety Network for Forest Workers $15.00 per person Shane Stevens, ss3666@cornell.edu, 518-622-9820 ex 118 ========================================= Spring Bulb Workshop Saturday, April 18, 2026 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Agroforestry Resource Center (Business Office), 6055 Route 23 , Acra, New York 12405 Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop planting hyacinth, mini daffodils, and muscari bulbs. You’ll create your own one-of-a-kind spring dish garden to enjoy indoors or out. This kid-friendly class is a perfect way to welcome the season early. Get your hands in the soil now and enjoy cheerful blooms in time for the early spring holidays.Register for Spring Bulb Workshop $45.00 per person Xandra Powers, amp422@cornell.edu, 518-828-3346 x106 ========================================= Navigating Digital Media and Screen Time for all Youth with CCE Wednesday, April 22, 2026 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm The Spark of Hudson, 502 Union Street , Hudson, NY 12534 Join Mike Pagnani, Cornell Cooperative Extension’s parenting educator, for an educational workshop offered to all caregivers focused on managing youth’s technology usage, understanding social media’s impact, and fostering healthy digital habits. Mike will share evidence-based strategies and tools to balance screen time, improve media safety, and set boundaries. Our shared goal is for families to thrive in a healthier, safer, and collaborative unit while promoting positive use of digital media. Free Megan Gardner, mg2287@cornell.edu, (518) 622-9820 ext. 114 ========================================= Earth Day Tree Planting Wednesday, April 22, 2026 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Agroforestry Resource Center (Business Office), 6055 Route 23 , Acra, New York 12405 Come celebrate Earth Day and help build a riparian buffer alongside the Bowery Creek in Siuslaw Model Forest. We will be planting a variety of native tree and shrub species to control erosion, promote biodiversity, and reduce flood vulnerability. And we need your help! Come dressed in clothing you’re ok with getting dirty and be sure to wear closed-toed shoes with a stable footing.Extra bare root stock of various native trees and shrubs will be available for participants to take home while supplies last.Register for Earth Day Tree Planting Free William McCall, wdm72@cornell.edu ========================================= Woodland Walk with a Forester Saturday, April 25, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm  Clearpool Model Forest, Carmel Campus , 33 Clearpool Rd , Carmel, NY 10512 Join us for a guided woodland walk at the Clearpool Model Forest! Certified forester Chris Prentis from Lower Hudson Forestry Services will lead us through the trails to discuss the best management practices and land use strategies used at Clearpool to maintain a healthy and productive working forest within the NYC Watershed. See various forest stands and hear about silviculture methods, and local forest ecology.In addition, learn about the Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Master Forest Owner (MFO) program and how you can request a free forest visit to help prioritize your woodland goals or become a volunteer MFO yourself.Participants will receive a follow-up email with helpful digital resources.Register for Woodland Walk with a Forester $25.00 Per person Shane Stevens, ss3666@cornell.edu, 518-622-9820 ex 118 ========================================= Outdoor Mushroom Farming Series Wednesday, April 29, 2026 5:00 pm - 7:30 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 BasicsWednesday, April 29 - 5:00 pm -7:30 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 Wednesday, May 27 - 5:00 pm -7:30 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 & marketingWednesday, June 24 – 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 $25.00 per person per class or $60.00 for full 3-part series Hannah Case, hc2329@cornell.edu, 518-622-9820 ext 102 ========================================= Wild Edible Plants Tuesday, May 5, 2026 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm Extension Education Center, 479 Route 66 , Hudson, New York 12534 Come explore the grounds at the Extension Education Center to learn about the value of woodlands and fields in a new way. Foraging is a great way to get to know your land as a resource for local foods. It can be a wonderful family activity and comes with a greater understanding of our interactions with the natural world. Participants will learn what is available on a seasonal basis as well as how to collect food without disturbing or endangering a plant population. Recommendations will be given on how to safely collect food with the help of local resources. Following the walk, we will learn how to incorporate these wild foods into a meal. Locally foraged goods will be made available for samples and snacking during a Q & A to wrap up this evening.Register for Wild Edible Plants $25.00 per person Hannah Case, hc2329@cornell.edu, 518-622-9820 ext 102 ========================================= Air Pruned Raised Beds Wednesday, May 6, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm Agroforestry Resource Center (Business Office), 6055 Route 23 , Acra, New York 12405 Join us at the Agroforestry Resource Center for a hands-on workshop exploring the innovative world of air-pruned raised beds (APRBs). APRBs are elevated nursery containers that enhance root development, improve transplant success, and are ideal for propagating nut-bearing and other long-taproot tree species. During this workshop, participants will see a short presentation introducing the principles of air pruning, design considerations, and species selection. We’ll then move into a hands-on session where attendees will build and plant a raised bed using native nut trees. By the end of the session, participants will have seen how to build a fully planted APRB ready for seasonal growth and a deeper understanding of how APRB’s work.Register for Air Pruned Raised Beds $25.00 per person Tracey Testo-Smith, tet35@cornell.edu, (518) 622-9820 ext.119 ========================================= Master Gardener Spring Seedling Sale: Garden-Tested Picks Saturday, May 16, 2026 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Join us for our annual spring seedling sale featuring Garden-Tested Picks — plants thoughtfully selected by Master Gardener Volunteers for Columbia and Greene County gardens.Our sale highlights native perennials that support pollinators and local ecosystems, along with vegetable and herb varieties chosen for their performance, flavor, disease resistance, and productivity. These are plants backed by research and real experience. They are the ones we grow in our own gardens and confidently recommend year after year.Every plant in this sale has been selected with intention. We focus on varieties that are resilient, ecologically valuable, and well-suited to our region’s conditions.A full plant list will be available in advance so you can plan your visit.Important Details No plants may be brought from home. This is a sale, not a swap. This change was made to help prevent the spread of invasive species, including the harmful Jumping Worm (Amynthas spp.). No pre-orders. All seedlings are first-come, first-served. Sales begin promptly at 9:00 am. We are not able to sell plants before 9:00 am, and we appreciate everyone respecting the start time. Come early for the best selection. Some varieties sell out quickly. The event is free to attend, and plant prices will vary.All proceeds support Master Gardener educational programs in our community.Whether you’re planting for pollinators, building a more resilient landscape, or growing food for your table, you’ll find plants we truly believe in.Register for Master Gardener Spring Seedling Sale: Garden-Tested Picks - AcraAgroforestry Resource Center, 6055 Route 23, Acra, NY 12405Register for Master Gardener Spring Seedling Sale: Garden-Tested Picks - HudsonExtension Education Center, 479 Route 66, Hudson, NY 12534 Free to attend, plant prices will vary Xandra Powers, amp422@cornell.edu, 518-828-3346 x106 ========================================= Outdoor Mushroom Farming Series Wednesday, May 27, 2026 5:00 pm - 7:30 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 BasicsWednesday, April 29 - 5:00 pm -7:30 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 Wednesday, May 27 - 5:00 pm -7:30 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 & marketingWednesday, June 24 – 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 $25.00 per person per class or $60.00 for full 3-part series Hannah Case, hc2329@cornell.edu, 518-622-9820 ext 102 ========================================= Silvopasture Forest Conversion Workshop Wednesday, June 3, 2026 9:00 am - 3:30 pm Extension Education Center, 479 Route 66 , Hudson, New York 12534 Silvopasture is an Agroforestry Practice of integrating trees, forage, and rotationally grazed livestock into one system. This can involve planting trees in pasture, or thinning trees in the woods, and establishing grasses.Join Cornell Cooperative Extension Columbia-Greene, Ulster County educators, along with Forester Jeff Jourdain, for a full day of Converting Forest to Silvopasture at the Agroforestry Resource Center. The workshop will have a Forest to Silvopasture focus and topics to be discussed: planning, equipment, follow-through, and economics to thinning your woods. In the afternoon, we plan to head across the street to Siuslaw Model Forest, where we can identify and discuss site selection and assessment. Along the way, educators will discuss managing livestock, species selection, benefits, and what resources are available. This workshop is for farmers, landowners, and service providers who are practicing Silvopasture in the forest or are interested in applying or teaching these concepts.Lunch and handouts are included; part of this workshop is outside, so dress appropriately for the weather.Register for Silvopasture Forest Conversion Workshop Sliding Scale $25.00, $30.00, $35.00 per person (Pay what you can) Ashley Schoenborn, als543@cornell.edu, 518-622-9820 x 113 ========================================= Past, Present & Future of Our Forests and What We Can Do for Them Sunday, June 7, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Agroforestry Resource Center (Business Office), 6055 Route 23 , Acra, New York 12405 Join us for a woodland walk at the Siuslaw Model Forest with a sensory immersion that deeply observes slow processes happening within the forest, while considering the relationship between our own lives, communities, and the forest. We will explore how this relationship can be mutually healing through simple hands-on tasks we can do in our local forests. We'll focus on awareness and the nuances of issues such as invasive species, deer, and forest pests and diseases. This walk will be led by Annabel Roberts-McMichael of Tend & Gather Forestry Practice.For more informationRegister for Past, Present & Future of Our Forests and What We Can Do for Them $25.00 per person Shane Stevens, ss3666@cornell.edu, 518-622-9820 ex 118 ========================================= Paint Making with Invasive Plants Sunday, June 7, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Through mini presentations and hands-on paint-making, workshops introduce participants to bird species on farms and invasive plant management that supports their conservation. Asian invasive plants such as Toringo crabapple and Multiflora rose, collected at Hawthorne Valley Farm with guidance from professionals, are used as teaching materials.While acknowledging their impact on local ecosystems, participants learn the plants' names, cultural significance, and uses in Japan. Participants take part in a hands-on session making paint from invasive species, creating a positive relationship with these otherwise harmful plants.Participants will take home a bottle of plant paint and a list of low-cost, recycled-material options that allow them to continue paint-making independently.Register for Paint Making with Invasive Plants on June 7, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Agroforestry Resource Center, 6055 Route 23, Acra, NY 12405Register for Paint Making with Invasive Plants on June 13, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm- Extension Education Center, 479 Route 66, Hudson, NY 12534 $45.00 per person each day Tracey Testo-Smith, tet35@cornell.edu, (518) 622-9820 ext.119 ========================================= Paint Making with Invasive Plants Saturday, June 13, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Through mini presentations and hands-on paint-making, workshops introduce participants to bird species on farms and invasive plant management that supports their conservation. Asian invasive plants such as Toringo crabapple and Multiflora rose, collected at Hawthorne Valley Farm with guidance from professionals, are used as teaching materials.While acknowledging their impact on local ecosystems, participants learn the plants' names, cultural significance, and uses in Japan. Participants take part in a hands-on session making paint from invasive species, creating a positive relationship with these otherwise harmful plants.Participants will take home a bottle of plant paint and a list of low-cost, recycled-material options that allow them to continue paint-making independently.Register for Paint Making with Invasive Plants on June 7, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Agroforestry Resource Center, 6055 Route 23, Acra, NY 12405Register for Paint Making with Invasive Plants on June 13, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm- Extension Education Center, 479 Route 66, Hudson, NY 12534 $45.00 per person each day Tracey Testo-Smith, tet35@cornell.edu, (518) 622-9820 ext.119 ========================================= Pond Management: A General Overview Tuesday, June 23, 2026 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Agroforestry Resource Center (Business Office), 6055 Route 23 , Acra, New York 12405 Are you interested in ponds? Join us at the Siuslaw Model Forest for an introduction to pond management and to learn the importance of ponds within the landscape. We’ll start in the classroom to discuss pond features, pond watersheds, basic ecology, and identify management goals. Afterward, we’ll walk to our ponds, and together we’ll apply what we have learned to perform an annual inspection while learning how ponds are influenced by their surrounding environment. Learn the basics to keep your pond resilient!Participants will receive a follow-up email with digital resources.Register for Pond Management: A General Overview $25.00 per person Lindsey Strehlau-Howay, las549@cornell.edu, (518) 622-9820 ext 112 ========================================= Outdoor Mushroom Farming Series Wednesday, June 24, 2026 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 BasicsWednesday, April 29 - 5:00 pm -7:30 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 Wednesday, May 27 - 5:00 pm -7:30 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 & marketingWednesday, June 24 – 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 $25.00 per person per class or $60.00 for full 3-part series Hannah Case, hc2329@cornell.edu, 518-622-9820 ext 102 ========================================= Memorial Day - Office Closed Friday, July 3, 2026 12:00 pm - 12:00 pm ========================================= Indigenous Peoples' Day Monday, October 12, 2026 12:00 pm - 12:00 pm =========================================