Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) has been deeply rooted in the Yates County community for over 100 years. Its connection to Cornell University and the 112 additional institutions comprising the Land Grant University System allows us immeasurable access to research and resources to help address needs and issues affecting our local community.
CCE Yates works with youth and families, area farms and businesses, as well as local community organizations to serve as a vital connection to research-based education and resources. This year, CCE-Yates is excited to have a matching funds opportunity for our “Friend of Extension” campaign as an anonymous donor has offered to match donations received up to $5,000.
CCE Yates shared some of this year’s projects and accomplishments and ask residents to consider how CCE-Yates County has improved their life and community:
- 4-H Youth Development– Reached over 1600 youth contacts with hands-on positive youth development programming via over 130 educational opportunities.
- Agriculture– Provided a variety of farm workshops on subjects including soil health, cover crops, pest management, and farm finance.
- Family Budgeting & Life Skills– Provided FREE resources via workshops, 1:1 education, and community outreach, including budgeting tools, calendars/planners, expandable file folders, calculators, and lightbulbs.
- Finger Lakes Grape Program (FLGP)– Cornell’s Grape Breeding Program released a new “Aravelle” variety this year after over 10 years of test plot research conducted by the FLGP at their teaching vineyard located at Anthony Road Winery in Penn Yan, NY.
- Master Gardeners & Community Horticulture– Over 100 Master Gardener calls were answered, 30 site visits completed, and 539 volunteer hours were donated by 12 Master Gardeners. Also, over 600 lbs. of produce grown in the Penn Yan Community Garden was donated to local food pantries.
- Cornell Vegetable Program (CVP)– Farm food safety training was provided to address the needs of Amish and Mennonite farmers. CVP also hosted Finger Lakes Produce Auction Educational Meetings, which over 200 people attended.
- Natural Resources– Stabilization of Sugar Creek behind the Branchport- Keuka Park Fire Department with a toewood restoration and planting of a riparian buffer consisting of 20 trees and 450 native vegetative plants for overall erosion control.
- SNAP-Ed– Taught a 5-week Fruit and Vegetable Prescription (FVRx) program in Yates County focused on decreasing chronic illnesses through healthy eating and physical activity education.
CCE Yates officials say as they look at the future of the non-profit, they are encouraged by the possibilities for growth and increased outreach, education, and services for Yates County. Your tax-deductible Friend of Extension donation allows CCE to continue its work and expand its effectiveness heading into 2024.
To become a Friend of Cornell Cooperative Extension, please visit their website or call 315-536-5123 to request a donation form. If you would like to donate in person, CCE’s office is in the Yates County Office Building at 417 Liberty Street, Penn Yan.
