A farmer harvesting crops.

Programs & Education

Programs That Empower Orleans County

Cornell Cooperative Extension Orleans County (CCE Orleans County) offers a diverse array of programs designed to enrich lives, strengthen communities, and support a sustainable future. By pairing local insights with Cornell University's research-based resources, we create dynamic initiatives that address the most pressing needs of our county, from agriculture to youth development, health education, and beyond.

As part of New York’s statewide Cooperative Extension network, our work is driven by the goal of improving economic, social, and environmental outcomes. Every program is tailored to benefit individuals, families, and businesses across Orleans County, ensuring that the solutions we provide are both impactful and relevant. 
 

Agriculture

Regional Agriculture Teams

CCE Orleans County participates in three regional ag teams allowing growers to work with highly qualified industry specialist and receive the most current access to information and research. 

To subscribe for team publications and receive the benefits of on farm support and access to trainings call us today at 585-798-4265 or email orleans [at] cornell.edu (orleans[at]cornell[dot]edu).

camp sign

Horticulture

Marigolds in bloom.
Master Gardener Volunteer Program

Master Gardeners assist with gardening projects in the community, teach classes and workshops, plant and maintain demonstration gardens at CCE Orleans County, provide information and soil pH testing at events, and answer gardening questions that come in to the GrowLine, a horticultural hotline.

Planting vegetables in a garden.
Master Gardener Journals

View articles written by our Master Gardener Volunteers.

Packets of vegetable seeds.
Seed Share

We invite local gardeners to borrow seeds, nurture them in their home gardens, and return seeds from their mature plants. This simple act creates a powerful cycle of sharing that benefits our entire community.

Contact

Katie Oakes
Horticulture Educator
Master Gardener & Master Food Preserver Program Coordinator
klo54 [at] cornell.edu (klo54[at]cornell[dot]edu) 
585-798-4265 ext. 125

Community & Economic Vitality

An open laptop with a graphic on it that says farm to fork

Digital Literacy

We offer free tech help and computer classes where participants can develop new and refresh on old skills.

Get help using a computer, cell phone, tablet, smart watch, and how to use the Internet safely. We also help troubleshoot tech problems.

To schedule a free tech mentoring appointment or learn more about programs offered call our office.

Contact

Abigail Smith
Digital Literacy Program Coordinator
ats235 [at] cornell.edu
585-798-4265 x 146

Nutrition

CCE Orleans County offers a range of nutrition education options. For more information reach out to the office to be connected with one of our nutrition program staff.

The CHEFS program offers three class options which are offered in six to seven week cohorts in groups of about twenty students. Each class has a specific theme and content. Participants are expected to attend all classes, or complete a makeup activity to be eligible for participation incentives at the end of the class.

  • CHEFS 101: Formerly the Stone Soup Class. Nutrition Basics, Build a Healthy Plate
  • CHEFS 102: Healthy for Life
  • CHEFS 103: Master the Kitchen. Cooking Matters.

Contact

Katie Oakes
Horticulture Educator
Master Gardener & Master Food Preserver Program Coordinator
klo54 [at] cornell.edu (klo54[at]cornell[dot]edu) 
585-798-4265 ext. 125

Whether you're preserving your own harvest or you've purchased locally grown fruits or vegetables, canning, freezing and drying can be effective ways to serve foods that taste harvest-fresh at a later date. To ensure that the products you serve are safe, it is important to follow tested guidelines for safely preserving foods by these methods. Cooperative Extension offers both information and hands-on, small group training in a variety of home food preservation topics.

Contact

Katie Oakes
Horticulture Educator
Master Gardener & Master Food Preserver Program Coordinator
klo54 [at] cornell.edu (klo54[at]cornell[dot]edu) 
585-798-4265 ext. 125

Youth & Families

4-H is a youth education program. It uses a learn-by-doing approach to help youth develop the knowledge, attitudes, and skills they need to become competent, caring, contributing citizens.

4-H staff work with adult volunteers to offer 4-H activities that help youth explore, learn, and grow. Youth can be club members and meet regularly with friends or enroll as independent based upon their interests. New members are accepted into 4-H throughout the year. 

Explore the 4-H program.

Contact

Kristina Gabalski
4-H Program Coordinator
kmg286 [at] cornell.edu (kmg286[at]cornell[dot]edu)
585-798-4265 x132
 

The 2026 Orleans County 4-H Fair is July 27 to August 1 and brings family fun for people throughout WNY. 

Discover all we have to offer at the fair. 

Contact

Robert Batt
Executive Director
rpb23 [at] cornell.edu
585-798-4265 x 130