Eileen’s journey with Cornell Cooperative Extension began through family. A relative of hers is a Master Gardener in Monroe County, and when Eileen learned the program was offered in Orleans County as well, she reached out to the CCE office to learn more. That first meeting opened the door to what would become a meaningful and lasting connection.

“Being involved with CCE has given me a sense of community,” Eileen shares. Through the Master Gardener program, she has seen how much value these programs bring to Orleans County. “Our community has gained the benefit of many levels of knowledge through Master Gardener programs,” she says.

What Eileen enjoys most is the people. Being part of the Master Gardener program has connected her with like minded individuals and new friendships, while also giving her an outlet to share the information she has gathered over the years.

Finding Her Place as a Master Gardener

Before officially becoming a Master Gardener, Eileen participated as a Friend of the Master Gardeners. She was welcomed into meetings and programs and quickly felt at home. “I was impressed by the friendliness and the knowledge,” she says. “I wanted some of that.”

Eileen especially enjoys programs that combine learning with creativity, particularly those that engage families. She notes that many people are looking for opportunities to work alongside their children while learning more about the environment. Some of her favorite projects include Fairy Gardens, Hypertufa, Straw Bale Gardening, Moss Making, and Water Conservation in the Garden Landscape.

One project stands out above the rest. “My favorite success is my Straw Bale Gardening,” Eileen says. She laughs as she admits she once envisioned having one at CCE and now finds herself dreaming of a greenhouse as well. “We will see,” she adds.

Sharing Knowledge and Building Confidence

One of the most important messages Eileen shares during workshops is that everyone starts somewhere. “We all have different levels of expertise,” she explains. “Some of us did not have formal education, but that does not mean we cannot learn about our environment or the impact we can have on it.”

She especially enjoys sharing stories from her Pollinator Garden and helping others see how much can be learned in a small space. Identifying pollinators in her own garden has become a way for her to show that environmental stewardship is accessible to everyone.

A Shared Purpose

For Eileen, supporting the broader mission of CCE means promoting its programs and making sure people know what is available to them. She has found that when people come together to work on CCE grounds or community programs, a shared purpose quickly becomes clear.

“When I work in a group, it strikes me how similar we all are,” she says. “We all love nature and want our area to thrive, not just survive.”

Eileen believes education and collaboration are essential. Living in an agricultural community means everyone has a role to play, and she sees Master Gardeners as ambassadors who help educate people of all ages about sustainable practices and how small efforts at home can make a difference.

Looking Ahead

When asked what someone might gain from becoming a Master Gardener, Eileen’s answer is enthusiastic. She points to the friendships, the inclusive nature of the program, and the depth of knowledge available. “You gain knowledge you did not even know you could thirst for,” she says, along with opportunities to share what you already know.

She describes Orleans CCE as a comprehensive organization that responds to the needs of the community while drawing on the strength of Cornell resources. If she had to describe CCE in one word, it would be supportive.

For future volunteers, Eileen sees CCE as a starting point. She believes the organization provides young people with the tools to make thoughtful choices for their futures, especially with sustainability in mind.

Her closing message is simple and heartfelt.
“We need them. We need you.”