CCE-Suffolk in the News
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New Interactive Walkway at Historic Suffolk County Farm and Education Center |
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Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk (CCE Suffolk) held the unveiling of a new, interactive walkway at its 272-acre Suffolk County Farm and Educational Center in Yaphank as well as the announcement of a new visitor center. The walkway was funded by National Grid. Designed with multiple, life-size elements designed for visitor engagement, the walkway features a series of stations that highlight CCE Suffolk’s wide range of program areas. Among the disciplines showcased are agriculture, marine science, gardening and horticulture, camping, life skills education, and family wellness. The Suffolk County Farm is a working farm that offers hands-on, research-based learning within a year-round, educational environment. It hosts 100,000 visitors each year, 20,000 of whom are schoolchildren. The farm is also home to unique educational programs for children ranging from pre-K to 12th grade, summer day camps, a nature-based preschool, and special events, among many other offerings. Its 1871 Haybarn is listed on the National Historic Registry. According to a 2019 report by the state comptroller’s office, Suffolk County ranked fourth among the state’s 62 counties in agricultural sales. The county’s 560 farms generated $225.6 million in sales. State Senator Dean Murray, State Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, and County Legislators James Mazzarella, Sarah Anker, Nick Caracappa, Sam Gonzalez, and Jason Richberg were among the elected officials participating in today's event. “Thanks to National Grid, the Suffolk County Farm now features a dynamic, new walkway providing an immersive experience that captures the essence of CCE’s multifaceted programs,” said Vanessa Lockel, Executive Director of CCE Suffolk. “The visitor center and walkway will together help the farm carry on its tradition of community learning that dates back more than a century.”
“We're proud to partner with CCE Suffolk to create an interactive walkway that’s designed to educate and inspire visitors to the Suffolk County Farm,” said Kathy Wisnewski, Director of Customer and Community Engagement at National Grid. “Community learning is deeply aligned with National Grid's values, and we're delighted to contribute to an initiative that broadens public understanding of such critical subjects as sustainability, history, and science.”
“The new walkway is far more than an entry point into this remarkable farm,” said Sonia Spar, President of the CCE Suffolk Board of Directors. “It’s truly an educational journey in itself. Visitors will enjoy a holistic experience that enables them to appreciate the extraordinary breadth of CCE Suffolk’s offerings in a personal way.” “While I regret not being able to attend today’s ceremony in person, I support the innovative initiatives undertaken by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk at the Suffolk County Farm,” commented Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “The interactive walkway emphasizes that the farm is not just a place to visit; it's a learning hub that exemplifies the rich agricultural heritage and forward-thinking sustainability efforts of our county.”
“Visited by tens of thousands of people each year, the Suffolk County Farm is one of Suffolk’s true gems,” said County Legislator James Mazzarella. “National Grid deserves praise for underwriting a beautiful new walkway that stands as a testament to CCE Suffolk's ambitious program of community outreach and education.”
“The Suffolk County Farm is emblematic of the leadership role that this county plays in New York State’s agricultural sector,” said Rob Carpenter, Director of the Long Island Farm Bureau. “Its far-reaching educational agenda deepens Long Islanders’ understanding of the world of agriculture. We applaud CCE Suffolk and National Grid for the tremendous work they’ve done here.”
About Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County
Established in 1917, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County (CCE Suffolk) is a non-profit community education agency that works to preserve the county’s agricultural resources, marine life, protect our eco-systems, support families, provide community service opportunities for youth, and advance research-based education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Affiliated with Cornell University as part of the national land grant university system, CCE Suffolk’s staff consists of educators, researchers, specialists, and support personnel who are dedicated to making Suffolk County a desirable place to live and work. CCE Suffolk is a subordinate governmental agency with an educational mission that operates under an organizational model approved by Cornell University as agent for the State of New York.
About National Grid
National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through its networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future — transforming its networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For more information, please visit National Grid’s website, follow them on Twitter, watch them on YouTube, like them on Facebook and find them on Instagram. |
East End Scallop Die-Off PersistsPeconic Bay scallops are experiencing their fourth straight year of decline. Learn more. |
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Preserve the HarvestThese canning tips will have it tasting like fall (or summer!) all year long |
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Marina Installs Cutting Edge Tech to Remove Litter From Long Island Sound |
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Volunteers hold final work session for Huntington-Northport oyster reef project |
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New pests take a huge toll on local treesAsh trees are not expected to survive the infestation of the invasive emerald ash borer, while southern pine beetles are devastating pines in Suffolk, and the spotted lanternfly poses threat to vineyard. |
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Spotted lanternfly poses threat to East End vineyards, Police urge residents to lock cars after string of vehicle theftsread more |
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Free Diabetic Screenings and Education Services at Brookhaven Town Hall |
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Calverton farmer Jeff Rottkamp and farm finance executive Pat Wiles honored by L.I. Farm Bureau - RiverheadLOCALThe Long Island Farm Bureau honored Jeff Rottkamp of Rottkamp’s Fox Hollow Farm in Calverton and Patrick Wiles, Farm Credit East’s Riverhead branch manager, with awards for their contributions to Long Island’s agriculture industry during the organization’s 101st Awards Gala Friday night at the Riverhead Polish Hall. |
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Offshore developer helps revive US oyster habitats |
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Project Aims to Clean Up Water, Revive Oyster Harvesting |
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Community Offshore Wind Helps Revitalize Oyster Habitats on Long Island With Huntington-Northport Oyster Reef Project |
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Governor Hochul Announces Distribution of $5.7 Million in Federal COVID-19 Relief to New York's Marine Fishing Industries |
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Suffolk Closeup: Tribute to a protector of the natural world |
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Cornell University to Team Up With DEC to Monitor Striped Bass |
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District Six And The Town Board MeetingScreenshot from the recording of the April 28 North Hempstead town board meeting. (Photo taken from the North Hempstead town website) On April 28, the Town of North Hempstead held a lengthy town board meeting. The meeting lasted close to four hours and discussed 68 different items. Items on the list ... |
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Cornell Cooperative Extension hosts biggest mental health awareness campaign to date - Shelter Island ReporterDuring the month of May in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County is holding its biggest mental health awareness campaign to date, according to educator Cara Weiner Sultan. “What we’ve done this year is we’ve really raised the bar,” Ms. Weiner Sultan said. “We want as much information, as... |
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Project adds oysters to bay to improve water quality, establish marine habitatsNorth Hempstead Town and the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County want to add about 1 million spat-on-shell oysters to three parts of Manhasset Bay. |
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Congratulations to Dr. Matt Sclafani, Dr. Steve Tettelbach, Dr. Justin Bopp, Scott Hughes, and Jason Havelin on their research projects that were recently published in peer-reviewed scientific journals! Their work involved studying the impacts of whelks and other predatory species on bay scallops and the related implications on our restoration efforts. |
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Mess MakersIt's ok to play in the mud and slime at these kids' classes. |
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Farmers ramp up protection for flocks after cases of avian influenza confirmed in owls on North Fork |
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Two 'scary' diseases found in NY ticksAs weather warms up, risk of tickborne diseases returns. |
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Want to get into composting, but not sure how to start? Let us guide your way |
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Abandoned lobster traps in Long Island Sound to be removed |
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A beeline for spring: Gardening school, groups can help you help pollinatorsread here |
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Projects in the Field: Northeast USA fishermen Going Paperless in Transition to Electronic Vessel Trip ReportingRead article here |
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Freezing shellfish broodstock might give the industry an efficiency boostA research project from Cornell University has found that shellfish broodstock can be kept alive at low temperatures and used in future seedings – significantly cutting waste and making hatcheries more efficient. |
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Spread Seeds of Love for the East End This Valentine’s Day |
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Back to the Bays initiative continues to make a difference in local waters |
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Honoring Olmsted:Lecture to spotlight architect inspired by Adirondacks
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April 26, 2022, marks the 200th birthday of the author, journalist, public official, city planner and father of American landscape architecture. Frederick Law Olmsted. The Adirondack Garden Club (AGC) held a virtual discussion of “The Life of Frederick Law Olmsted, given by Roxanne Zimmer. |
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Tu Prensa Local rinde homenaje a los latinos más destacados del año: Aquellos que con su trabajo diario engrandecen nuestra comunidad
https://tuprensalocal.com/tu-prensa-local-rinde-ho...
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‘Healthy Corner Store’ launches in Glen Cove
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Community Education launches another “Healthy Corner Store” in Glen Cove
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Eastern Long Island vineyards look to ward off spotted lanternflies |
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The Suffolk Times published an article on the invasive Spotted Lantern Fly, which is of concern to East End growers. |
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Port Jeff Pulse covered the Cornell Creates Community event held November 4, 2021 at the Port Jefferson Village Center. Watch the interview with our executive director, Vanessa Lockel.
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Our Community and Nutrition Program Educator Anthony Garcia gave an interview in Spanish to La Fiesta 98.5 explaining support strategies to help lactating mothers.
North Fork farmers see ‘record-breaking’ apple crop this fall
 An apple tree at Wickham’s Fruit Farm in Cutchogue: (Credit: David Benthal) |
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Our Executive Director talks all things CCE-Suffolk with PoliticsNY
https://politicsny.com/2021/10/11/politicsny-with-...
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When this dietician has questions about her backyard farm, she turns to CCE-Suffolk!Find out more! |
Legislator Nick Caracappa tours Suffolk County FarmSuffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa was recently invited to tour the Suffolk County Farm in Yaphank, operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE). Caracappa’s colleague, Legislator Jim Mazzarella also attended. Read more... |
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Shellfish experts warn of scallop die-off in the Peconic Bay for third year in a rowThe experts say the adult scallops have died or are dying in mass amounts after spawning earlier this year. |
Caregiver Support - Local groups help grandparentsReporter Beth Whitehouse highlights the work of our Community Education Program’s PASTA or Parenting the Second Time Around initiative. |
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New program lets SNAP users double up on produce from LI farms |
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A press event at Thera Farms in Brentwood focused on our Community Education Team’s nutritional programs and the SNAP ed benefits for our community members offered at local farmers markets! |
Conozca a la latina que lleva las riendas de la Extensión Cooperativa de la Universidad de Cornell en el condado de Suffolk
South Fork Sea Farmers, Kelp is on the Way!
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Debbie Aller, Agricultural Stewardship Specialist, participated in an informational discussion about the benefits of kelp farming! |
LIBN/NOW Weekly Webinar
CCE-Suffolk’s Judi Veeck, Director of Development & Public Affairs and Kristin Gerbino, Fisheries Specialist were invited to speak with LI Business News about the state of the Island’s fisheries and how we get the word out that LOCAL is best!
An evening of prideSuffolk Farm hosts family-fun night in honor of Pride Month In honor of Pride Month in June, a family-fun event was recently hosted by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County at the Suffolk County Farm & Education Center in Yaphank. The event featured a drag show story hour hosted by Bella Noche, as well as crafting, cooking demonstrations, hayrides and family fun. |
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Front Page News!
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Pride at the Farm celebration held in Yaphank |
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An event to celebrate Pride Month attracted nearly 300 people to the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center in Yaphank last week. The June 30 Pride at the Farm event was hosted by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County and its 4-H Youth Development initiative. |
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The Pride at the Farm programming featured Drag Queen Story Hour with Bella Noche, a Family Chat session, rainbow grilled cheese demonstrations, creation of a Pride flag mural, hayrides, nutrition workshops, and other activities.
The Cornell Cooperative Extension runs an extensive Family Health and Wellness program that aims to help “diverse youth and adults reach their fullest potential as capable, competent, and caring citizens.” |
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LI News Radio | 07-02-21 | CCE of Suffolk
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Executive Director Vanessa Pino Lockel was on LI News Radio with Jay Oliver talking about our programs and outreach across Suffolk County. |
Cornell Cooperative Extension | WCBS-880AM's Tick Segment featuring CCE’s Dr Tamson Yeh |
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| Tick species have become a growing concern in the United States. Tick species and their associated diseases vary by location and region. It is important to be aware of ticks and the signs of the diseases they carry. |
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Latin Impact Awards - Schneps MediaThe awards recognize leaders in the community, volunteers, philanthropists, business owners & employees from all sectors; as a way of saying “Thank you” for making a difference in the day to day lives of others. |
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We're so proud to have Executive Director Vanessa Pino Lockel as an honoree at the Latin Impact Awards. The awards recognize community leaders, volunteers, philanthropists, business owners & employees from all sectors; as a way of saying "Thank you" for making a difference in the day to day lives of others. |
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TuPrensaLocal Highlighted some of our Community Education Spanish language nutrition programs: |
Horseshoe Crabs: The Real Blue Bloods Of The Hamptons, Vulnerable To Extinction |
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A serpentine path winds through the beachgrass, and volunteers — their feet bare or booted — traverse soft white sand.
Read more
here.
This is a Southampton Press cover story - June 2021
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CCE Executive Director Vanessa Lockel speaks with La Fiesta radio, 98.5.
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Coffee with the SupervisorCCE-Suffolk Executive Director Vanessa Lockel and Community Education Program Director, Dr. Zahrine Bajwa join Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine for his televised interview program, “Coffee with the Supervisor”. Supervisor Romaine, a long time friend of CCE, was interested in the consolidation of program areas creating Community Education. |
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Northforker - Feb 13, 2021 CCE’s human development team introduces parents to specific ways they can help their children (and themselves) through this time. With more than 50 years of combined experience, our educators have plenty of valuable advice for parents worried about the well-being of their family this winter. |
 Bundle Up! Both kids and parents benefit from spending time in nature during winter |
27east.comMarch 2, 2012
Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Spring Gardening School Goes Virtual March 20
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In the Newsday LI Life
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Well-known Weed Scientist Andy Senesac wins Excellence in Integrated Pest Management award |
 Elizabeth Lamb and Dr Nora Catlin present Andrew Senesac an Excellence in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Award from the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program (NYSIPM) |
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For Immediate Release: El Bravo Supermarket
celebrated as newest "Healthy Corner Store" location in Patchogue by
CCE-Suffolk, Cohen Children's Medical Center and Kohl's Keeping Kids Healthy
Program
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, Cohen Children's Medical Center and Kohl's Keeping Kids Healthy celebrated El Bravo Supermarket in Patchogue as Long Island's most recent 'Healthy Corner Store' (HCS) in a kickoff event on Tuesday, November 24, 2020. Click here to read the full press release.
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 Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri delivers a procilation to El Bravo Supermarket owner Jose Bonilla, pictured with CCE-Suffolk Executive Director Vanessa Pino Lockel |
'They all died': Peconic Bay scallop harvesting season appears lostBy Mark Harrington mark.harrington@newsday.com @MHarringtonNews
Peconic Bay scallops, which endured a historic die-off last year, appear to have suffered an even worse fate this year as baymen say early trips show none are to be found, and researchers continue to study multiple potential causes... Click here to read the entire article at newsday.com
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Great East End Soil + Sea Conversation Gets Rave Reviews
If you missed the Great East End Soil + Sea Conversation panel presented by Southampton Arts Center, a zoom discussion inspired by the world film premier of Kiss the Ground, below is the video.
Thank you Newsday for the coverage of the Suffolk County Farm. It's a great place to visit. Read the article here.
The Work We Do
The Work We Do is a multimedia series showcasing locals on the job. This is Kerri Reda of Cornell Cooperative Extension. Presented by Times Review Media Group.
Last updated September 7, 2023
At CCE of Suffolk, our goal is to bring beneficial information and data to the residents of Suffolk County and beyond. We work hard to bring information on our research, educational programs and events to the public, elected officials, community groups and to the media. Over the years, our many accomplishments and education programs have been featured in media outlets locally, regionally, nationally and even internationally.
