Cornell Cooperative Extension of Wayne County

The mission of Cooperative Extension is to enable people to improve their lives and communities through partnerships that put experience and research knowledge to work. Extension staff and trained volunteers deliver education programs, conduct applied research, and encourage community collaborations. Our educators connect people with the information they need on topics such as commercial and consumer agriculture; nutrition and health; youth and families; finances; energy efficiency; economic and community development; and sustainable natural resources. Our ability to match university resources with community needs helps us play a vital role in the lives of individuals, families, businesses, and communities throughout Wayne County.

CCE- Wayne is a subordinate governmental agency with an educational mission that operates under a form of organization and administration approved by Cornell University as agent for the State of New York. It is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments. As New York’s land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. Each Cornell Cooperative Extension association is an independent employer that is governed by an elected Board of Directors with general oversight from Cornell. All associations work to meet the needs of the counties in which they are located as well as state and national goals.

We have an extensive system for getting input from diverse interests in the community, and we welcome your ideas and involvement in our efforts. If you are interested in how CCE-Wayne sets policies and program priorities, or if you'd like more information on how to get involved, please reach out to us!

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Wayne County Community Horticulture Program Services:

• Cornell Cooperative Extension of Wayne County Garden, Lawn, and Home landscapes monthly tips and upcoming events online newsletter.  Those interested can email us at mgwayne@cornell.edu to sign up to receive our e-newsletter.

• Gardening Hotline: During the growing season (April- end of October) Master Gardeners are in the office on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon for questions, to look at plant and insect samples, and for soil pH testing. Nov. 1st – end of March, we respond to questions left on our voicemail or emailed to us. People can email questions to: mgwayne@cornell.edu or leave a message on our voicemail (315) 331-8415, ext. 107.

• Plant and insect samples can be brought to our office (1581 Rte. 88 North, Newark), M-F from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Insects should be submitted in a clean plastic container (so they won’t get crushed) and plant samples in sealed plastic bags. Containers should be labeled with the client name and daytime phone number.  This service is free.

• Soil Testing: Our Master Gardeners complete soil pH testing for $3.00 per sample. We also provide soil nutrient test submission forms and instructions and can assist with completing the forms and with soil test result interpretation.

• Horticultural Presentations: Available to groups of 10 or more in Wayne County. For information on topics or to schedule a presentation, contact us at: mgwaynepres@gmail.com.

• Community and School Garden Liaison Project: We provide troubleshooting for plant problems, guidance for planting and maintenance, and seeds/plants, when available, to participating sites. Please contact us for more information.