Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Essex County

09/03/2026

See you 9/23 for this awesome field day at Barred Owl Brook Farm!!!

🌳 Tree Fodder Field Day: Exploring Trees as Livestock Feed
Join us on September 23 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Barred Owl Brook Farm in Westport, NY for a hands-on Tree Fodder Field Day.

This event is part of a research and education project exploring the potential of woody species to supplement livestock feed, both through direct consumption of tree fodder and through beneficial impacts on nearby pasture.

During the field day, participants will:
🌳Learn about different systems of utilizing tree fodder
🌳Observe and compare several tree/shrub species planted for fodder
🌳Discuss considerations for different livestock species and age classes
🌳Explore the nuances of tree fodder as a tool to manage invasive species like buckthorn
🌳Get a sneak peek at ongoing research on tree fodder biomass production and forage quality

We will hear real-world insights and experiences from Alex Caskey, Owner of Barred Owl Brook Farm, who actively utilizes tree fodder to feed his sheep.

Partners:
Michael Davis - Cornell Willsboro Research Farm | Christine Georgakakos SUNY ESF | Ben Roosa American Farmland Trust

Registration + More information: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/y3ec0ExNdk

We hope you'll join us in the field to see these systems up close, ask questions, and learn how tree fodder may fit into your farm operation.

09/03/2026

08/17/2026

A big welcome to our newest staff member, Kate Graziano. You may recognize Kate since she has technically been working in our office for the past two years as a Public Health Fellow. But her fellowship is over, and we've hired her to be our newest health and wellness educator working in senior fitness, food security, and nutrition. Kate has experience in education, both in health settings and childcare settings. She grew up in Syracuse and moved to Pennsylvania for college, where she got her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with minors in Music and Psychology. During her bachelor’s program and since graduating, she has worked in many settings, educating people of all ages and abilities on living their healthiest lives. She is excited to work as part of Cornell Cooperative Extension to assist the Essex County community by helping people live healthier lives.

07/28/2026

CCE Essex is delighted to announce the addition of Venice Aureli to our staff as our new Local Food and 4-H Educator. Originally from Rochester, NY, Venice earned a BA in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana. She has been working in local agriculture and food systems for the past ten years with experience in organic vegetable production, commercial mushroom production and community garden management. When not working in the field Venice has filled her professional life with nature based education in a variety of settings from inner city schools to rural -communities. When she can find leisure time, she may be playing with her dogs, canoeing, planting her field at home, or working at her sewing machine. Welcome Venice!

07/27/2026

07/20/2026

Join us for an evening celebrating old memories and reconnecting with 4-H over ice cream at The Essex County Youth and Agriculture Building.

We want to welcome 4-H alumni of all ages and years to reconnect, and there is no better time to celebrate than the County Fair!

There will be opportunities to catch up with old friends, tell us about your 4-H experiences, share your what you’re doing now, pick up some 4-H swag, and bring ideas for the future.

When: Friday, July 31 from 4:30-6:00 PM
Where: 6 Fairground Way, Westport, NY 12993
All Essex County 4-H Alumni are invited!

07/19/2026

Here are the POP Club days and times for this upcoming week!

🥒 Wednesday, July 22: Lake Placid 9 AM - 1 PM
⛵ Friday, July 24: Elizabethtown 10 AM - 2 PM
🥔 Saturday, July 25: Saranac Lake 9 AM - 1 PM

07/18/2026

Join us at either Schroon Lake Farmers Market or Ticonderoga Area Farmers' Market TODAY, Saturday, July 18th, to learn about zucchini and see if you can turn one into a boat. Put your engineering and artistic skills to the test in this fun POP Club activity!

After participating ages 5-12 can also receive $5 to spend on fruits and veggies at the market. We'll see you there!

07/17/2026

Put your engineering and artistic skills to the test in a fun activity with POP Club! Join us at either Schroon Lake Farmers Market or Ticonderoga Area Farmers' Market TOMORROW, Saturday, July 18th, to learn about zucchini and see if you can turn one into a boat.

After participating, ages 5-12 can also receive $5 to spend on fruits and veggies at the market.

Next week the kiddos can build more zucchini boats and find out what Potato People are!

07/17/2026

Head on over to the Elizabethtown Farmers' Market today, July 17th for a hands-on and rewarding POP Club activity! We'll be here TODAY until 2 PM planting seeds of knowledge and joy, and of course... microgreens!

Each child participant will get to bring home their very own microgreen pet to grow and look after. After completing our activity children aged 5-12 can also receive $5 to spend on any produce at the market. Don't miss out!