Cornell Cooperative Extension

Schenectady County
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Welcome to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schenectady County!

Since 1918, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schenectady County (CCE,SC) has responded to the needs of local residents with unbiased, research-based information, tools and education that people have come to depend on and trust. Our programs are developed in direct response to community input, and are based on the most current information available from Cornell and other Land Grant universities from across the nation.

CALLING ALL TEACHERS!!

CCE Schenectady County offers FREE youth nutrition classes to schools or groups where 50% or more students are eligible for free or reduced lunch. Classes are 30 minutes long where students learn about MyPlate, eating healthy, and physical activity. For questions or more info contact Aimee at ara225@cornell.edu.



Striped cucumber beetle Acalymma vittatum (Fabricius, 1775) from Bugwood.org

Pests & IPM

IPM is a system for managing pest problems using a range of safe, least-toxic methods. Find IPM resources here!

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close-up photo of soil after tilling

Soils & Climate

Your garden soil and our local climate have a big impact on every aspect of growing plants. Find resources here on soil texture, organic matter, soil testing and more.

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Water from the Red River swept into the Grand Forks area, flooding homes, submerging cars and destroying property on a massive scale (4/01/1997).

Prepare for Emergencies

Do you know how to keep your family and pets safe during a weather event or other emergency? Find out how to prepare for or recover from a variety of natural disasters, here on our site.

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fresh compost

Compost Basics

Our handout explains the basics and benefits of home composting. What is compost and why is it so useful when used as mulch, in the garden or in potting mixtures?

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A honey bee is attracted to flowers in theUSDA People's Garden, pollinator garden in Washington, D.C. (USDA Photo).

Gardening & Climate Change

How can changing climate affect your home gardening efforts? Find useful resources here on climate-friendly gardening, landscaping for water quality, and more.

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milkweed blossom

Native Plants

Native plants deserve a place in your garden, and they offer many advantages over non-native species. Find a list of suggested varieties here.

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Last updated November 1, 2024

Events

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Sustainable Living Center Information

Master Gardener Volunteers are available to answer gardening related questions on Mondays and Thursdays between 9am-12pm.  Anyone wishing to drop off a soil sample, insect or plant for identification is asked to drop the sample off during these hours at the Sustainable Living Center, Central Park Greenhouse.  

More information can be found here. (Look for the "Testing" box on the right side of the page.)