Our Program Areas

Cornell Cooperative Extension puts a wealth of useful, research based information at your fingertips. We’re here to help, with information and people you can trust!

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4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

CONTACT: Leslie Pude, 4-H Program Team Lead, lap276@cornell.edu, (585) 753-2567

4-H connects youth to hands-on learning opportunities that help them grow into competent, caring, contributing members of society in our county’s urban, suburban, and rural communities.

Social Media: 4-H Facebook - 4-H Twitter - 4-H Instagram

AGRICULTURE

CONTACT: Jarmila Haseler, Agricultural & Food Systems Educator, jh954@cornell.edu, (585) 753-2565

The Agriculture program supports commercial growers through educational programs and connects residents with local food sources and on-farm experiences while enhancing the viability of farms and economic well-being of our community.

COMMERCIAL HORTICULTURE

CONTACT: Challis Mathes, Horticulture Team Leader, cjm438@cornell.edu, (585) 753-2557

The Horticulture provides research-based horticulture information for home gardeners and commercial horticulture businesses. Commercial horticulture topics include: lawn care, landscaping, sports turf, garden retail, ornamental horticulture greenhouses, school and municipal ornamental horticulture.

Natural Resources education and outreach informs the community about the natural world and environmental initiatives people can take to make Monroe County more sustainable. It works with regional environmental organizations to support their goals with Cornell research and outreach.

MASTER GARDENERS

(Consumer Horticulture/Home Gardening)

CONTACT: Ashly Piedmont, Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator, ap824@cornell.edu, (585) 753-2558

The Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who teach the community about horticulture and sustainable home gardening practices and provide educational programs and activities. Home gardening topics include: home landscape lawns, flower and vegetable gardens, trees & shrubs, plant diseases, and insect pests in and outside the home.

Social Media: Master Gardener Facebook - Master Gardener Instagram

DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC

CONTACT: Challis Mathes, Horticulture Team Lead, cjm438@cornell.edu, (585) 753-2557

The Diagnostic Clinic provides diagnostic services to identify plant diseases, insects, weeds, & soil pH. With correct identification of a problem, a management plan will be recommended. Diagnosis takes place in the laboratory of the Monroe County office.

NUTRITION

SNAP CONTACT: Shelby DePew, Lead Nutritionist, set73@cornell.edu, (315)226-8135

MONROE CONTACT: Alyssa VanValkenburg, County Nutrition Educator, abd55@cornell.edu, (585)753-2572

The Nutrition program's goals include increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, decreasing sugary beverage consumption, and bringing attention to caloric balance and physical activity.

MASTER FOOD PRESERVATION

CONTACT: Michele Connors, Master Food Preserver Volunteer, monroemfp@cornell.edu

The Master Food Preserver Volunteer provides education on proper and safe food preservation and canning techniques, including jam making, dehydration, food saving, pickling, fermenting and more.

Last updated April 15, 2025