2025 Sunflower Growing Competition - Entries Due! Sunday, October 19, 2025 12:00 am - 12:00 am Entries for this year’s Sunflower Growing Competition are due by midnight on Sunday, October 19th. Prizes will be awarded to the youths with the tallest plants and largest blooms. Only one entry per youth. Winners will be announced at the end of October. Click the link below to submit your entry today!Sunflower Growing Competition - Entry Form Susan Ndiaye, sgn32@cornell.edu, (845) 344-1234, Ext.250 ========================================= 4-H Cloverbud: Barnyard Buddies Club Tuesday, October 21, 2025 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County, 18 Seward Avenue Suite 300 (third floor), Middletown, New York 10940 Do your children love cows, sheep, rabbits, and other farm animals? The 4-H Cloverbud Barnyard Buddies Club is the perfect place for young animal lovers to explore the exciting world of farm life while getting involved in Orange County 4-H!This fun, hands-on program is designed for youth ages 5–7 and introduces them to basic animal care, agriculture, and the values of 4-H—all in a safe, supportive, and age-appropriate environment.Interest Meeting: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.Location: CCE Orange County Office 18 Seward Ave. Suite 300, Middletown, NY 10940PLEASE NOTE: Parental supervision is required. FREE Zoe Nafis, zrl7@cornell.edu, (845) 344-1234, Ext. 258 Registration: http://bit.ly/3IdQpVo ========================================= Orange County 4-H Beginner Archery Program 2025 Tuesday, October 21, 2025 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm CCEOC Education Center & 4-H Park, 300 Finchville Turnpike , Otisville, NY 10963 The Orange County 4-H Beginner Archery Program is a hands-on, skills-based course designed to introduce youth to the fundamentals of archery in a safe and supportive environment. Participants will gain practical knowledge and experience while building confidence, focus, and discipline through structured instruction and supervised practice.Course Highlights: Learn the history of archery and its cultural significanceUnderstand range safety protocols and proceduresExplore archery equipment, including how to select and maintain itDevelop proper shooting form and techniqueParticipate in engaging, skill-building activities in a fun, team-oriented settingSchedule: Sessions held Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 PM Dates: September 23, 25; October 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30Cost: $25 per youth Registration Deadline: September 16 (Pre-registration is required; space is limited.) $25/youth Carol McLaughlin, cm798@cornell.edu, (845) 344-1234, Ext.243 Registration: https://cceorangecounty4h.wildapricot.org/event-6307662 ========================================= 2025 Ulster County Agroforestry Field Day Series Thursday, October 23, 2025 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Interested in incorporating agroforestry practices into your farm? Join us for a 3-part series co-hosted by CCE Ulster, Orange, and Harvest NY with Mastwood Farms, Black Creek Farm and Nursery and Scenic Hudson. Tour an agroforestry nursery, diverse planting sites and join a hands-on planting demonstration. Presenters will discuss why to consider agroforestry and how to get started.Event Dates: Part 1: Agroforestry Nursery Tour, Propagation and Species Selection at Black Creek Farm & Nursery in Highland, NY Date: Thursday, May 15, 3-5 PM Join us for a tour of Black Creek’s plant nursery, discussions on woody plant propagation and species selection for agroforestry projects with farmer and CCE Orange Educator Erik Schellenberg. Learn about Cornell and CCE Agroforestry Resources from CCE Ulster Educator Kathryn Brignac and funding resources with Harvest NY Ag Climate Resilience Specialist Savanna Shelnutt. Part 2: Agroforestry Installation and Tree Planting Demo at Mastwood Farms in Kerhonkson, NY Date: Thursday, June 5, 4-6 PM Join Costa Boutsikaris of Mastwood Farms and Erik Schellenberg of CCE Orange /Black Creek Farm and Nursery for a tour of their recent agroforestry planting site and discussion. Hear about planting preparation and design, followed by a hands-on tree-planting. Tour Mastwood’s fruit and nut trees selected for the Rondout Valley and discuss considerations for different species and soil types. Species include Hazelnut, Chestnut, Hickory, Persimmon, Plum and Elderberry. Learn about Scenic Hudson’s programs with Annie Christian.Part 3: Agroforestry Implementation and Management at Black Creek Farm & Nursery in Highland, NY Date: Thursday October 23rd, 3-5 PM Return to Erik’s farm, Black Creek Farm and Nursery, for a Fall tour of their agroforestry plantings. Erik will talk about harvesting and managing plantings while we see some seasonal crops and installations of different ages and types. There will be time for questions and discussion as we wrap up the series. $10 per session or $25 discounted ticket price (limited number) for all 3 dates. Light refreshments will be served. Space is limited so register in advance. Erik Schellenberg, jk2642@cornell.edu, (845) 344-1234, Ext.260 Registration: https://www.cceevents.org/e/2025-ulster-county-agroforestry-field-day-series ========================================= Orange County 4-H Beginner Archery Program 2025 Thursday, October 23, 2025 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm CCEOC Education Center & 4-H Park, 300 Finchville Turnpike , Otisville, NY 10963 The Orange County 4-H Beginner Archery Program is a hands-on, skills-based course designed to introduce youth to the fundamentals of archery in a safe and supportive environment. Participants will gain practical knowledge and experience while building confidence, focus, and discipline through structured instruction and supervised practice.Course Highlights: Learn the history of archery and its cultural significanceUnderstand range safety protocols and proceduresExplore archery equipment, including how to select and maintain itDevelop proper shooting form and techniqueParticipate in engaging, skill-building activities in a fun, team-oriented settingSchedule: Sessions held Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 PM Dates: September 23, 25; October 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30Cost: $25 per youth Registration Deadline: September 16 (Pre-registration is required; space is limited.) $25/youth Carol McLaughlin, cm798@cornell.edu, (845) 344-1234, Ext.243 Registration: https://cceorangecounty4h.wildapricot.org/event-6307662 ========================================= 2025 Gardening Classes Saturday, October 25, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County, 18 Seward Avenue Suite 300 (third floor), Middletown, New York 10940 Join us for our 2025 Gardening Classes! Taught by our Master Gardener Volunteers classes will be held on Saturdays @ 10:00 am, unless otherwise noted. Sign-up for as many classes as you would like.2025 Gardening Classes Date & Time Topic Description Saturday, September 13th @ 10:00 am All about Trees! Come learn all about trees — planting, fertilizing, watering, mulching, pruning etc. After an hour long lecture learning the basics, we’ll take an hour long walk around our campus learning how to identify trees and seeing how proper and improper care affects their growth. This class will take place rain or shine, so please dress appropriately. Saturday, October 25th @ 10:00 am Lawn Elimination and Reduction Picturesque lawns require vast inputs of time, energy, lawn care products, and water, but offer little wildlife habitat or food for people. This program will cover the basics of lawn reduction or elimination for the homeowner. We will discuss your goals, budgeting time and money, site assessment and site preparation, as well as the selection of appropriate plant material, including tips for establishing a wildflower meadow. $10 per class / $0 per class (solidarity pricing for those who cannot pay at this time) Katy Boula, keb332@cornell.edu, (845) 344-1234, Ext. 240 Registration: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/CCEGARDENINGWORKSHOPS25 ========================================= Home Efficiency Workshop @ Newburgh Free Library Monday, October 27, 2025 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Join Cornell Cooperative Extension's Energy Advisor Fernando Ahumada to learn how you can get up to $10,000 worth of insulation, energy assessments, and even electrical box upgrades. Attendees will receive energy kits to take home to help with DIY fixes (such as Door sweeps, pipe insulation, foam spray, etc.)This workshop will take place at the Newburgh Free Libraries: Town Branch (181 South Plank Road, Suite #2, Newburgh, NY 12250): Wednesday, September 10th starting at 6:30 p.m.Main Library (124 Grand Street, Newburgh, NY 12550): Monday, October 27 starting at 6:30 p.m.To register, visit https://newburghlibrary.libcal.com/ FREE Fernando Ahumada, faa53@cornell.edu Registration: https://newburghlibrary.libcal.com/ ========================================= Orange County 4-H Beginner Archery Program 2025 Tuesday, October 28, 2025 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm CCEOC Education Center & 4-H Park, 300 Finchville Turnpike , Otisville, NY 10963 The Orange County 4-H Beginner Archery Program is a hands-on, skills-based course designed to introduce youth to the fundamentals of archery in a safe and supportive environment. Participants will gain practical knowledge and experience while building confidence, focus, and discipline through structured instruction and supervised practice.Course Highlights: Learn the history of archery and its cultural significanceUnderstand range safety protocols and proceduresExplore archery equipment, including how to select and maintain itDevelop proper shooting form and techniqueParticipate in engaging, skill-building activities in a fun, team-oriented settingSchedule: Sessions held Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 PM Dates: September 23, 25; October 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30Cost: $25 per youth Registration Deadline: September 16 (Pre-registration is required; space is limited.) $25/youth Carol McLaughlin, cm798@cornell.edu, (845) 344-1234, Ext.243 Registration: https://cceorangecounty4h.wildapricot.org/event-6307662 ========================================= Orange County 4-H Beginner Archery Program 2025 Thursday, October 30, 2025 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm CCEOC Education Center & 4-H Park, 300 Finchville Turnpike , Otisville, NY 10963 The Orange County 4-H Beginner Archery Program is a hands-on, skills-based course designed to introduce youth to the fundamentals of archery in a safe and supportive environment. Participants will gain practical knowledge and experience while building confidence, focus, and discipline through structured instruction and supervised practice.Course Highlights: Learn the history of archery and its cultural significanceUnderstand range safety protocols and proceduresExplore archery equipment, including how to select and maintain itDevelop proper shooting form and techniqueParticipate in engaging, skill-building activities in a fun, team-oriented settingSchedule: Sessions held Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 PM Dates: September 23, 25; October 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30Cost: $25 per youth Registration Deadline: September 16 (Pre-registration is required; space is limited.) $25/youth Carol McLaughlin, cm798@cornell.edu, (845) 344-1234, Ext.243 Registration: https://cceorangecounty4h.wildapricot.org/event-6307662 ========================================= Discipline is NOT a Dirty Word, Fall 2025 Thursday, October 30, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Please join us for a 4-week, virtual program to support parents and caregivers with tools and resources for raising children.What will you learn? Understanding Your Child: Child and brain development, temperament, and why kids misbehave.Understanding Yourself Better: Parenting styles, co-regulation, resilience, and self-care.Communication Strategies: Active and reflective listening, I Statements, and empathy.Tools to Support Gentle Parenting: Five practical tips and ways to enhance your relationship with your child.This program is put on by CCE Orange and Sullivan Counties. $40 per person/ $0 Solidarity (if you cannot pay at this time) Registration: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E190538&id=906 ========================================= Forest Management for Ecological and Economic Health Saturday, November 1, 2025 9:00 am - 1:00 pm CCEOC Education Center & 4-H Park, 300 Finchville Turnpike , Otisville, NY 10963 Join us to learn about woodlot management from beginning to end at our very own Education Center & 4-H Park. We are in the process of managing a small stand of trees as we work on the park's development plan. Participants will observe our entire woodlot management process, from the initial planning and decision-making through marking trees for our eventual thinning operation. Participants will learn best practices for creating harmony between the ecological health of the woodlot and economic viability for the woodlot owner.The program will be hosted by our natural resources educator Erik Schellenberg and practicing local forester Chris Prentis, owner of Lower Hudson Forestry Services. A joint program with CCE Orange County and the New York Forest Owners AssociationRegistration is $25 per person. If you would like to attend but have difficulty paying, please contact jk2642@cornell.edu for sliding scale information $25 per person Erik Schellenberg, jk2642@cornell.edu, (845) 344-1234, Ext.260 Registration: https://bit.ly/4qfQPMq ========================================= Community Cafe for a Resilient Port Jervis - Nov. 2025 Wednesday, November 5, 2025 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm VFW Post 161, 47 Owen Street , Port Jervis, New York 12771 Port Jervis residents are invited to join their neighbors for a Community Café on Wednesday, November 5th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the VFW Post 161 at 47 Owen Street, Port Jervis. This free community event offers a welcoming space for residents to discuss the impacts of flooding on homes, businesses, and community spaces while planning for a stronger, more resilient future.An engaging activity will be available for children, and light refreshments will be provided.Registration is encouraged but not required. Residents are encouraged to respond by Saturday, November 1, by calling (845) 344-1234 ext. 274.This event is hosted by the Open Space Institute and Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County.Please note: this event is only open to residents and stakeholders; filming, photography, and recording will not be permitted unless granted permission in writing from both OSI and CCEOC. FREE Julika von Stackelberg, jv426@cornell.edu, (845) 344-1234, Ext.274 ========================================= Resilient Port Jervis Community Action Group Meetings 2025 Thursday, November 6, 2025 6:30 pm - 8:15 pm The Open Space Institute (OSI) and Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) have partnered on the Resilient Communities Initiative, which is intended to guide and support Port Jervis residents in the development of climate-smart strategies, such as land protection and management of natural resources that can address and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather, such as flooding and extreme heat. This Resilient Port Jervis Action Group meets on a regular basis to work on nature-based solutions to help prevent flooding. Meetings are open to the public. Location changes regularly.Please contact Julika von Stackelberg, Ph.D., at jv426@cornell.edu for details.Meetings are held from 6:30 - 8:15 P.M. on the following days: October 2ndOctober 16thNovember 6thNovember 20thDecember 4thDecember 18th FREE Julika von Stackelberg, jv426@cornell.edu, (845) 344-1234, Ext.274 ========================================= SOLD OUT! 2025 Natural Plant Dyes - Hands-on Workshop Saturday, November 8, 2025 10:00 am - 1:30 pm Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County, 18 Seward Avenue Suite 300 (third floor), Middletown, New York 10940 Come learn the art of natural plant dyeing with local artisan Kirsten Gabrielsen!Kirsten grows and forages for plants such as cosmos, goldenrod, phragmites, coreopsis, amaranth, chamomile, and indigo. She then creates vibrant colored dyes from their blooms and/or leaves, which she uses to produce skeins of beautifully dyed natural fiber yarns.Come explore the various dye colors you can create using plants that are easily grown right here in Orange County. Learn how to create vibrant colored dyes and all of the steps involved in the dyeing process. First you will learn about the art of creating natural plant dyes followed by a hands-on dyeing project. Each participant will get experience both preparing dye from plants and dyeing yarn and leave with two sample skeins of naturally dyed yarn.Hand-dyed yarn will be available for purchase after the workshop. Registration closes: Friday, October 31st.  Registration is limited to the first 12 people.Sorry, no refunds, if you can’t attend, please send someone in your place. $30 per person, includes all materials to dye two sample skeins of yarn. Katy Boula, keb332@cornell.edu, (845) 344-1234, Ext. 240 ========================================= Holiday Office Closure Tuesday, November 11, 2025 8:30 am - 4:30 pm The office will be closed in observance of the holiday.  ========================================= Discipline is NOT a Dirty Word, Fall 2025 Thursday, November 13, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Please join us for a 4-week, virtual program to support parents and caregivers with tools and resources for raising children.What will you learn? Understanding Your Child: Child and brain development, temperament, and why kids misbehave.Understanding Yourself Better: Parenting styles, co-regulation, resilience, and self-care.Communication Strategies: Active and reflective listening, I Statements, and empathy.Tools to Support Gentle Parenting: Five practical tips and ways to enhance your relationship with your child.This program is put on by CCE Orange and Sullivan Counties. $40 per person/ $0 Solidarity (if you cannot pay at this time) Registration: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E190538&id=906 ========================================= 2025 Gardening Questions Answered - 3rd Thursday Virtual Series Thursday, November 20, 2025 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm Online Event Join us every month on the third Thursday at noon as we answer your gardening questions. Each month we will focus on a specific topic. Pick and choose the topics that interest you. Note that April's session will be on the fourth Thursday, and June's session will be on the second Thursday.You will receive a Zoom Link the week before each session for which you are registered. Don't worry if you can't make it, we will send out a link to the recording after each session and post the recording on our YouTube Channel. Click here to watch all of our past Garden Questions Answered Programs!Gardening Questions Answered Date  Time Topic Thursday, January 16th 12:00 pm Drought Stress in the Landscape Thursday, February 20th 12:00 pm Winter Sowing Thursday, March 27th 12:00 pm Phenology and Gardening Thursday, April 24th 12:00 pm Invasive Insects: Spongy Moth and Spotted Lanternfly Thursday, May 22nd 12:30 pm Conditioning your Cut Flowers Thursday, June 12th 12:00 pm Water-Wise Gardening Thursday, July 17th 12:00 pm Keystone Native Plants Thursday, August 21st 12:00 pm Natives versus Nativars NEW DATE! Wednesday, October 1st 12:00 pm Propagation of Native Plant Seeds Thursday, October 16th 12:00 pm Leave the Leaves! Thursday, November 20th 12:00 pm Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) Thursday, December 18th 12:00 pm Asexual Houseplant Propagation Free! Katy Boula, keb332@cornell.edu, (845) 344-1234, Ext. 240 Registration: https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6fL4HiRiqpPgcSy ========================================= Resilient Port Jervis Community Action Group Meetings 2025 Thursday, November 20, 2025 6:30 pm - 8:15 pm The Open Space Institute (OSI) and Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) have partnered on the Resilient Communities Initiative, which is intended to guide and support Port Jervis residents in the development of climate-smart strategies, such as land protection and management of natural resources that can address and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather, such as flooding and extreme heat. This Resilient Port Jervis Action Group meets on a regular basis to work on nature-based solutions to help prevent flooding. Meetings are open to the public. Location changes regularly.Please contact Julika von Stackelberg, Ph.D., at jv426@cornell.edu for details.Meetings are held from 6:30 - 8:15 P.M. on the following days: October 2ndOctober 16thNovember 6thNovember 20thDecember 4thDecember 18th FREE Julika von Stackelberg, jv426@cornell.edu, (845) 344-1234, Ext.274 ========================================= Orange County 4-H Stargazing 2025 Saturday, November 22, 2025 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm CCEOC Education Center & 4-H Park, 300 Finchville Turnpike , Otisville, NY 10963 This program is part of the Orange County 4-H “Green Minds, Bright Futures” Program.Join us as we look to the skies and stargaze! Come out to the Education Center & 4-H Park in Otisville to learn all about the stars and gain valuable insight on the cosmos!What is "Green Minds, Bright Futures"?In this 4-H Environmental Program, youth will explore the natural world through hands-on activities that foster an understanding of ecosystems, conservation, and sustainability. While learning about topics like renewable energy, habitat preservation, etc. youth will develop the skills and knowledge to become responsible stewards of the environment and make a positive impact on their communities. FREE Kathy Leo, kal64@cornell.edu, (845) 344-1234, Ext.259 Registration: http://bit.ly/45uPEAo ========================================= 4-H Livestock Learning Night - Earn a YQCA Certification Tuesday, November 25, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County, 18 Seward Avenue Suite 300 (third floor), Middletown, New York 10940 On Tuesday, November 25th, join Orange County 4-H for Livestock Learning Night!During this session earn your Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) certification!Instructor Led TrainingYouth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) is a national certification program that teaches youth how to properly care for their animals and is used across the country in 4-H and FFA livestock shows, fairs, and future agricultural careers. It helps young livestock exhibitors learn about animal well-being, food safety, and life skills that build responsible future farmers!Program Requirements:Enroll for Livestock Learning Night through the QR code belowFollow the instructions below to create an account at yqcaprogram.orgPlease note: the course requires a $3 paymentEnroll in the training called “YQCA Training at CCE Orange County”Remember to take the online pretest before attending this eventFor instructions on how to create an account, visit http://bit.ly/46K6wniFor more information about YQCA Certification, visit https://yqcaprogram.org/Questions regarding YQCA registration, email help@yqcaprogram.orgPrevious livestock experience preferred. Parental supervision is required under the age of 17. This program is for youth ages 8-19. Zoe Nafis, zrl7@cornell.edu, (845) 344-1234, Ext. 258 Registration: http://bit.ly/4oc4UIT ========================================= Holiday Office Closure Thursday, November 27, 2025 8:30 am - 4:30 pm The office will be closed in observance of the holiday.  ========================================= Holiday Office Closure Friday, November 28, 2025 8:30 am - 4:30 pm The office will be closed in observance of the holiday.  ========================================= Resilient Port Jervis Community Action Group Meetings 2025 Thursday, December 4, 2025 6:30 pm - 8:15 pm The Open Space Institute (OSI) and Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) have partnered on the Resilient Communities Initiative, which is intended to guide and support Port Jervis residents in the development of climate-smart strategies, such as land protection and management of natural resources that can address and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather, such as flooding and extreme heat. This Resilient Port Jervis Action Group meets on a regular basis to work on nature-based solutions to help prevent flooding. Meetings are open to the public. Location changes regularly.Please contact Julika von Stackelberg, Ph.D., at jv426@cornell.edu for details.Meetings are held from 6:30 - 8:15 P.M. on the following days: October 2ndOctober 16thNovember 6thNovember 20thDecember 4thDecember 18th FREE Julika von Stackelberg, jv426@cornell.edu, (845) 344-1234, Ext.274 ========================================= 2025 Holiday Kissing Ball Workshop Friday, December 5, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County, 18 Seward Avenue Suite 300 (third floor), Middletown, New York 10940 Nothing is more festive than holiday decorations made with fresh greens.This workshop will begin with an introduction to all the gorgeous greens followed by a demonstration.Then attendees will work together in small groups alongside our Master Gardener Volunteers to create their own beautiful kissing ball.Join us for this great family project! Each attendee is encouraged to bring gloves and clippers.Registration closes: Monday, December 1st.  Registration is limited to the first 20 people for the morning session and the first 9 people for the evening session.Sorry, no refunds. If you can’t attend, please send someone in your place. $50 per person, includes all materials to make on kissing ball. Katy Boula, keb332@cornell.edu, (845) 344-1234, Ext. 240 Registration: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/2025KISSINGBALL ========================================= 2025 Holiday Wreath Workshop Friday, December 5, 2025 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County, 18 Seward Avenue Suite 300 (third floor), Middletown, New York 10940 Nothing is more festive than holiday decorations made with fresh greens.This workshop will begin with an introduction to all the gorgeous greens followed by a demonstration.Attendees will work together in small groups alongside our Master Gardener Volunteers to create their own beautiful holiday wreath.Join us for this great family project! Each attendee is encouraged to bring gloves and clippers.Registration closes: Monday, December 1st.  Registration is limited to the first 20 people per session.Sorry, no refunds.If you can’t attend, please send someone in your place. $50 per person, includes all materials to make one holiday wreath. Katy Boula, keb332@cornell.edu, (845) 344-1234, Ext. 240 Registration: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/2025HOLIDAYWREATH ========================================= 2025 Create a Holiday Tabletop Tree Friday, December 5, 2025 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County, 18 Seward Avenue Suite 300 (third floor), Middletown, New York 10940 Nothing is more festive than holiday decorations made with fresh greens.This workshop will begin with an introduction to all the gorgeous greens followed by a demonstration.Then attendees will work together in small groups alongside our Master Gardener Volunteers to create their own beautiful tabletop tree.Join us for this great family project!Each attendee is encouraged to bring gloves and clippers.Registration closes: Monday, December 1st.  Registration is limited to the first 20 people per session.Sorry, no refunds, if you can’t attend, please send someone in your place. $50 per person, includes all materials to make one tabletop tree Katy Boula, keb332@cornell.edu, (845) 344-1234, Ext. 240 Registration: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/2025TABLETOPTREE ========================================= 2025 Holiday Kissing Ball Workshop Friday, December 5, 2025 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County, 18 Seward Avenue Suite 300 (third floor), Middletown, New York 10940 Nothing is more festive than holiday decorations made with fresh greens.This workshop will begin with an introduction to all the gorgeous greens followed by a demonstration.Then attendees will work together in small groups alongside our Master Gardener Volunteers to create their own beautiful kissing ball.Join us for this great family project! Each attendee is encouraged to bring gloves and clippers.Registration closes: Monday, December 1st.  Registration is limited to the first 20 people for the morning session and the first 9 people for the evening session.Sorry, no refunds. If you can’t attend, please send someone in your place. $50 per person, includes all materials to make on kissing ball. Katy Boula, keb332@cornell.edu, (845) 344-1234, Ext. 240 Registration: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/2025KISSINGBALL ========================================= 2025 Create a Holiday Tabletop Tree Friday, December 5, 2025 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County, 18 Seward Avenue Suite 300 (third floor), Middletown, New York 10940 Nothing is more festive than holiday decorations made with fresh greens.This workshop will begin with an introduction to all the gorgeous greens followed by a demonstration.Then attendees will work together in small groups alongside our Master Gardener Volunteers to create their own beautiful tabletop tree.Join us for this great family project!Each attendee is encouraged to bring gloves and clippers.Registration closes: Monday, December 1st.  Registration is limited to the first 20 people per session.Sorry, no refunds, if you can’t attend, please send someone in your place. $50 per person, includes all materials to make one tabletop tree Katy Boula, keb332@cornell.edu, (845) 344-1234, Ext. 240 Registration: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/2025TABLETOPTREE ========================================= 2025 Holiday Wreath Workshop Friday, December 5, 2025 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County, 18 Seward Avenue Suite 300 (third floor), Middletown, New York 10940 Nothing is more festive than holiday decorations made with fresh greens.This workshop will begin with an introduction to all the gorgeous greens followed by a demonstration.Attendees will work together in small groups alongside our Master Gardener Volunteers to create their own beautiful holiday wreath.Join us for this great family project! Each attendee is encouraged to bring gloves and clippers.Registration closes: Monday, December 1st.  Registration is limited to the first 20 people per session.Sorry, no refunds.If you can’t attend, please send someone in your place. $50 per person, includes all materials to make one holiday wreath. Katy Boula, keb332@cornell.edu, (845) 344-1234, Ext. 240 Registration: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/2025HOLIDAYWREATH ========================================= 2025 Gardening Questions Answered - 3rd Thursday Virtual Series Thursday, December 18, 2025 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm Online Event Join us every month on the third Thursday at noon as we answer your gardening questions. Each month we will focus on a specific topic. Pick and choose the topics that interest you. Note that April's session will be on the fourth Thursday, and June's session will be on the second Thursday.You will receive a Zoom Link the week before each session for which you are registered. Don't worry if you can't make it, we will send out a link to the recording after each session and post the recording on our YouTube Channel. Click here to watch all of our past Garden Questions Answered Programs!Gardening Questions Answered Date  Time Topic Thursday, January 16th 12:00 pm Drought Stress in the Landscape Thursday, February 20th 12:00 pm Winter Sowing Thursday, March 27th 12:00 pm Phenology and Gardening Thursday, April 24th 12:00 pm Invasive Insects: Spongy Moth and Spotted Lanternfly Thursday, May 22nd 12:30 pm Conditioning your Cut Flowers Thursday, June 12th 12:00 pm Water-Wise Gardening Thursday, July 17th 12:00 pm Keystone Native Plants Thursday, August 21st 12:00 pm Natives versus Nativars NEW DATE! Wednesday, October 1st 12:00 pm Propagation of Native Plant Seeds Thursday, October 16th 12:00 pm Leave the Leaves! Thursday, November 20th 12:00 pm Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) Thursday, December 18th 12:00 pm Asexual Houseplant Propagation Free! Katy Boula, keb332@cornell.edu, (845) 344-1234, Ext. 240 Registration: https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6fL4HiRiqpPgcSy ========================================= Resilient Port Jervis Community Action Group Meetings 2025 Thursday, December 18, 2025 6:30 pm - 8:15 pm The Open Space Institute (OSI) and Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) have partnered on the Resilient Communities Initiative, which is intended to guide and support Port Jervis residents in the development of climate-smart strategies, such as land protection and management of natural resources that can address and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather, such as flooding and extreme heat. This Resilient Port Jervis Action Group meets on a regular basis to work on nature-based solutions to help prevent flooding. Meetings are open to the public. Location changes regularly.Please contact Julika von Stackelberg, Ph.D., at jv426@cornell.edu for details.Meetings are held from 6:30 - 8:15 P.M. on the following days: October 2ndOctober 16thNovember 6thNovember 20thDecember 4thDecember 18th FREE Julika von Stackelberg, jv426@cornell.edu, (845) 344-1234, Ext.274 ========================================= Holiday Office Closure Wednesday, December 24, 2025 8:30 am - 12:30 pm The office will be closed in observance of the holiday.  ========================================= Holiday Office Closure Thursday, December 25, 2025 8:30 am - 4:30 pm The office will be closed in observance of the holiday.  =========================================