Cornell Cooperative Extension

Orange County
CCEOC building summer

Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County: Helping You Put Knowledge to Work!

About Us


Who We Are:

A uniquely American invention, Cooperative Extension was created in 1914 as a part of the US Department of Agriculture's land grant university system to provide continuing education to people in their homes and communities. The land grant institution in New York is Cornell University, one of the world's leading research institutions.

For over 90 years, Cornell Cooperative Extension and its partnerships has provided programs for Orange County residents on youth and family development; nutrition, health, and food safety; community and economic vitality; and agricultural sustainability through Cornell based research. Committed to Orange County, we design programs to meet local needs to enable people to improve their lives and communities.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County: Helping You Put Knowledge to Work!

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Last updated April 5, 2023

About Us

How We Help You Put Knowledge to Work:

CCE Garden Helpline (845) 343-0664

The Garden Helpline is answered by our Master Gardener Volunteers Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 9:30 am -12:30 pm from April – November. Leave a message for a volunteer to return your call November – March, or e-mail mghelpline@cornell.edu.

The Diagnostic Lab

Your source for soil testing, identifying unknown plants or insects and analyzing insect or disease problems of plants. Small fee applies.

Classes, Classes, Classes!!!

Our educators and volunteers present classes, workshops, satellite conferences, and support groups throughout the year.

Topics cover all sorts of important areas, such as parenting, gardening, nutrition, and financial well-being -- with new topics added all the time! Call or visit our website for the latest information! Many are free or a nominal fee may apply.

Ways To Volunteer at CCEOC:

Volunteer Here!

4-H, Family & Consumer Sciences, Agriculture/Gardening and more!

Gardening and Agriculture Program:

Community Horticulture:
Home and community gardening educational resources.
Master Gardener Volunteer program, diagnostic lab and "Garden Helpline."
Classes and workshops on gardening, and pest management topics.

Crops, Livestock and Professional Education:
Resources for small and beginning farmers.
Information and educational programs including crop production, pest management, herd health, farm marketing and business management.
Commercial Agriculture program providing resources for Dairy, Field Crops, Equine and Livestock, Vegetable, Fruit, Greenhouse, Nursery and Turf industries.
Stormwater Management Training

4-H Youth Development program:

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. 4-H is an informal education program for families where children gain life skills, and parents become the best partners in their child’s education to ensure success in life. Youth are provided opportunities to gain self-awareness about personal health and well-being and the need to create and support healthy environments.

Family and Consumer Sciences program:

Family Economics and Resource Management Program:
Workshops and resources on basic financial management, including budgeting, credit/debt management, debtor education for bankruptcy filers, and basic energy and dollar saving strategies for your home.
First Time Home Buyers' Education Program
Family Budget Education Program: a free and confidential program that assists individuals/families with developing a budget or credit repayment plan.

Parenting and Family Life Resources: We are committed to helping families succeed by providing current research based educational programs and resources to parents and those who care for children.

Nutrition/Health/Food Safety Program:
Nutrition and food safety information/programs for families, individuals, seniors, health professionals and schools.
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP): For low-income families with young children, to help improve nutritional health through one-on-one and group education. Materials offered and taught in English and in Spanish.

SNAP-Ed New York:
Food Stamp recipients or applicants receive nutrition education and learn how to make their food dollars last longer.