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 Jill at jp2298@cornell.edu.


chicken on the grill

Safe Grilling

The risk of foodborne illness increases during the summer months. Learn how to keep your family safe with these tips from the USDA.

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peonies; peony

Gardening

Find information on soils, site improvement, plant selection, proper plant care, eco-friendly practices, composting and so more, here on our site!

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close-up photo of soil after tilling

Test Your Soil!

Learn the correct way to gather soil for a soil test at Cooperative Extension.

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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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aphid

Plant Pests

Find links to resources on a wide range of plant pests that attack your house plants, vegetables, trees, your home, and more, as well as ways you can prevent or treat them.

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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 December 22, 2022

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.)

Office and Greenhouse Safety Plans

CCE Schenectady is working hard to keep staff, participants, volunteers and visitors safe. Safety plans for the main office located at 107 Nott Terrace, Suite 301 and the greenhouse and classroom location have been developed. Please note these documents will be updated as needed when new guidance is released related to COVID-19.

Main Office

Greenhouse facility

Public Health Emergency Plan