April 27th was a bracing weather day in Rochester.  Hardy souls gathered in Genesee Valley Park celebrating Arbor Day in celebrating the planting of another Bur Oak, replacing the one lost to a summer storm in early July 2010.  Representatives of the County Executive Maggie Brooks and Mayor Tom Richards heard the University of Rochester’s horticulturist Dan Schied regaled some of the history of the first Bur Oak known as the ‘Tree of Life.’  A quartet with the U of R’s Yellow Jackets seriated attendees that were also greeted by U of R mascot Rocky the Yellow Jacket.

Greentopia 2012 has expanded!

Following the success of Greentopia 2011, this year's festival has been greatly expanded!

Running from September 10th - September 16th, 2012, Greentopia 2012 is a week-long interactive experience showcasing sustainability in the Northeast. Featuring four primiere events including Greentopia|FILM, Greentopia|MUSIC, Greentopia|ECOFEST and Greentopia|INNOVATION, Greentopia 2012 will have something for everybody.

Greentopia|FILM will challenge individuals to reevaluate how they interact with their surrounding environment. Greentopia|MUSIC will bridge the gap between musicians and fans in a joint celebration of sustainability. Greentopia|ECOFEST will be an opportunity for attendees to explore the latest products and programs from businesses and organizations that will help restore the planet, promote sustainable living and foster new, innovative ideas. Greentopia|INNOVATION is a business to business conference that will explore the newest in innovation, technology and sustainable business. From each these four vantage points, every aspect of the festival will touch on how we as individuals and businesses can live and work in a more sustainable manner.

Visit www.greentopiafestival.com for more details.

GENESEE VALLEY REGION FRUIT AND VEGETABLE STUDY

Cornell’s Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management is asking for all fruit and vegetable producers in the following 9-county region to participate in a survey:  Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties. The overall project is funded through the Genesee Valley Regional Marketing Authority and NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and is managed through Cornell Cooperative Extension Wayne County.

Stories from buyers and growers alike describe unmet demand for some products.  This project will help determine where production opportunities exist. It will examine trends in fruit and vegetable production, where production flows to, what expansion is being planned, and what the challenges are for expansion of fruit, vegetable and small grain production in the  your 9-county region. This will help us inform potential buyers about general fruit and vegetable production in your region and inform policy makers about activities that would encourage production. It will also help us match research and Extension activities to meet your needs.

Please help by contacting Kristen Park, (607) 255-7215 or ksp3@cornell.edu for a copy of the questionnaire. If you are on an Extension mailing list, please watch your mailbox for a questionnaire and please complete and return it. If you have any questions, contact us. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. 

Gift Certificates Available!

Looking for that SPECIAL GIFT  for your wife, mom, friend or cooking enthusiast!   How about a GIFT CERTIFICATE to one of Cornell Cooperative Extension Monroe County’s monthly Cooking Classes?  Enjoy an evening out that includes not only eating delicious food but the expansion of your cooking knowledge and skills.

Certificates cost $30.00 and are valid for a single class from any of the quarterly series that are offered between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 – WONDROUS WINTER COOKING!, SMART AND SASSY SPRINGTIME COOKING!, STEP INTO SUMMER - COOKING!, A CORNUCOPIA OF COOKING!  

Purchase certificates (using cash or check) at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 249 Highland Avenue, Rochester, New York 14620.

Food Stamp Usage and Health Habits

Dora Christian, CCE's Nutrition Supervisor, and Michelle Weiler, one of CCE's Nutrition Educators, were recently featured in a broadcast from WXXI on food stamp usage and health habits.  Click here to listen.

Reducing Farm Energy Costs

Farmers interested in reducing their on farm energy and earning cash rebates should check out two programs from EnSave.  One is a free Engine Block Heater Timer.  The other lists units eligible for upgrade and a rebate for doing so.  Farmers can call the program director directly @ 800.732.1399 or email johnm@ensave.com.  EnSave completes the application, making the process easier yet.

Monroe County Eco Park Now Open

Monroe County recently opened a new facility for dropping off a huge variety of house hold items for recycling. The list includes:

CCE Public Value Information & Impact Statements

Advance Dairy Skills Training in Spanish

Glazier Named Extension Educator of the Year

Tractor Pulled Tile Plows with GPS Grade Control 

Car Donation Request:

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County is in need of a vehicle ( usable ). 

Please contact us at (585) 461-1000 ext 253.   Your donation is very much appreciated.

Emerald Ash Borer Information

Internships Available

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County has internships available in the areas of 4-H, Nutrition, Horticulture, and Administrative (e.g. grant writing).  Please contact us for more information.

Cornell Cooperative Extension actively supports equal educational and employment opportunities. No person shall be denied admission to any educational program or activity or be denied employment on the basis of any legally prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, color, religion, political beliefs, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital or family status, veteran status, or disability. Cornell Cooperative Extension is committed to the maintenance of affirmative action programs that will assure the continuation of such equality of opportunity.