Our Programs

The mission of Cornell Cooperative Extension Of Rensselaer County  is to put experience and research knowledge to work through educational partnerships that improve residents' lives and communities.

Our Vision is that Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County  is widely recognized as the resource of choice for excellent community education programs, continuing to work in collaboration with other community resources to provide up-to-date information and technology  to a constantly widening circle of county residents.

We accomplish this through our local program areas.

4-H Youth Development

Fostering our future community leaders, preparing young people for work, servicing rural and urban populations. Rensselaer County maintains a strong club program and education outreach to schools and child care facilities year-round.

Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

Rensselaer County has been providing Food and Nutrition Education for years through individual and group instruction. Call for assistance today.

Farm Business Management

Rensselaer County has a strong Agricultural history and Cooperative Extension is committed to helping our farmers prosper. Our Professional Agriculture Agents help in the business operations to ensure tax, financial, feeding, and crops concerns are answered.

Food Stamp Nutrition Education (Eat Smart New York)

Rensselaer County has joined other counties across the Nation to teach Food Stamp recipients the value of nutritious eating and stretching the family food dollar. Our Nutritionists and Home Economics Educators will teach how to expand the value of food budgets and build self-esteem.

Horticulture and Commercial Turf

Rensselaer County recognizes the fastest growing agricultural based industry in America by having a full time horticulturist on staff. "Green industry" professionals working in greenhouses, garden centers, nursery/landscape and turfgrass businesses rely on us for pesticide recommendations and training, problem-solving site visits, and educational seminars, newsletters, and publications. We periodically teach Pesticide Certification Classes. Our horticulturist operates the Capital District Turfgrass Diagnostic Laboratory and conducts turfgrass research.

Master Gardener

The county has a strong and growing Master Gardener program. Our Volunteers are eager to help with your growing needs in all aspects of home gardening, household insects and wildlife management. Soil testing, pest management and friendly advice are our standard fare.

The Senior Program

Our senior program is a joint venture between Unified Family Services Department of the Aging and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County. We provide quality nutrition services to seniors. Our services include quarterly site visits to Rensselaer senior centers, by a Registered Dietitian. Homebound and congregate meals served to seniors are monitored for compliance with agency regulations. We offer individualized nutritional education by a Registered Dietitian to at-risk seniors. A monthly nutrition Senior Newsletter, featuring a nutrition topic with healthy recipes, and corresponding nutrition education lesson is available to seniors.

Last updated February 23, 2015