2026 HOME GARDENING LECTURE SERIES & TOUR Wednesday, March 18, 2026 10:00 am - 11:00 am The 2026 Home Gardening Lecture Series will contain 5 lecture webinars on Seed Starting, A Homeowner’s Guide to Robot Mowers, The People-Plant Connection, Structural Defensive Gardening, and Climate Anxiety: How to Help. Also offered is a private garden tour of Lasdon Park & Arboretum & Veterans Memorial. Registration is available for individual or all webinars. Please note that garden tour spots fill quickly! SEED STARTING - SESSION 1 Wednesday, January 14, 2026 10:00 AM-11:00 AM REMOTE ON ZOOM Speaker: Gilda Forseter Speaker:Gilda Forseter Why purchase expensive plants from a garden center when you can start them from seeds for a fraction of the price, no greenhouse needed! Learn about the many benefits of seed starting and how to avoid the $50 tomato. Gilda Forseter is a Westchester CCE Master Gardener Volunteer. Since retiring from a 45 year career as a nurse and nurse practitioner she has had more time to focus on her garden of 25 years. She has been growing all of her vegetables and many of her flowers from seeds for the past 10 years. THE PEOPLE-PLANT CONNECTIONWednesday, February18, 202610:00 AM-11:00 AMREMOTE ON ZOOMSpeaker: Judy Rozanski What are the relationships between humans and plants? Learn about the physiological, emotional and social impacts of plants on us as individuals and on our communities. You will come away with an understanding and appreciation for our longstanding connections to nature, our gardens, and green spaces. Judy Rozanski is a Westchester CCE Master Gardener Volunteer. She pursued her interest in horticulture after retiring from teaching. She holds certificates from the New York Botanical Garden in Horticultural Therapy and in Gardening. Judy enjoys sharing her horticultural knowledge with others as a Master Gardener VolunteerCLIMATE ANXIETY: HOW TO HELPWednesday, March 18, 202610:00 AM-11:00 AMREMOTE ON ZOOMSpeaker: Dr. Matthew Aiello-Lammens This program explores climate anxiety, how it may impact gardeners, and how gardening can help us cope with uncertain times.It discusses adaptation through variable weather including droughts, floods, heavy rains, and changing frost dates while fostering hope and resilience. Matt Aiello-Lammens is an Associate Professor in the Environmental Studies and Science department at Pace University. He has studied anthropogenic impacts on plant communities, risks associated with species declines,and factors leading to invasive species spread with an eye toward understanding and protecting northeastern forests.Matt Aiello-Lammens has BA in Physics,a PhD in Ecology and Evolution,and was a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Connecticut.A HOMEOWNER'S GUIDE TO ROBOT MOWERSWednesday, April15, 202610:00 AM-11:00 AMREMOTE ON ZOOMSpeaker:Carl Schimenti Autonomous mowers have rapidly advanced to market,making it difficult to keep up with the changes in technology and applicability. We will discuss the current landscape of autonomous mowers including the various technologies, price points, comparisons to traditional mowers, and what situations are most applicable for these units.Homeowners will walkaway with a general understanding of how these units work, and if robot mowers are suitable for their home landscape. Carl Schimenti is an Urban Environmental Scientist in the Turfgrass Science Research Unit at Cornell University. He has worked on reduced-risk turfgrass management of NY State Park golf courses through judicious use of pesticides, nutrients, and water,and now focuses on data-driven management to maximize ecosystem service value of urban green spaces.STRUCTURAL DEFENSIVE GARDENINGWednesday, May13, 202510:00 AM-11:00 AMREMOTE ON ZOOMSpeaker:Lou Petralia This program covers a survey of practical techniques and strategies to protect your garden from varmints, large and small. It will cover simple, common-sense methods to critter proof your vegetable garden, your flowers, shrubs and fruit trees, without major expense or special skills, and without chemicals! Louis Petralia is a Westchester CCE Master Gardener Volunteer, as well as an attorney, teacher and lawn enthusiast. As a CCE Master Gardener Volunteer, he spends his time working the Demonstration Garden at Hart’s Brook Park and Preserve in Hartsdale, NY. GARDEN TOURSWednesday June17, 2026Lasdon Park,Arboretum&Veterans MemorialRAIN OR SHINEGuide:Jessica Schuler, Director Take a walk around the beautiful gardens and see what’s in bloom with Jessica Schuler, the Director of Lasdon Park! No-Walk Ins – 10:00 AM Arrival OR 11:15 AM Arrival Carpooling is suggested. PLEASE NOTE: Tours are popular and fill up quickly. First come, first served. Please feel free to contact our office at 914-285-4640, 914-285-4620 or westchester@cornell.edu regarding availability. No-Walk Ins–10:00 AM Arrival OR 11:15 AM Arrival Carpooling is suggested. The Garden Tour displays a variety of plants and crops that are well-adapted to local growing conditions. As the season progresses, mature crops are harvested and new crops are planted. Fallow plots contain cover crops and plants that support pollinators, suppress weeds, and improve the soil. Pollinator pathway gardens include native plant design examples for creating pollinator gardens in your own yard and community.2026 HOME GARDENING LECTURE SERIES BROCHUREPre-registration required. Payment by check, cash, or money order: Complete the form inside this brochure and mail with payment to: CCE Westchester County3 West Main Street,Suite.112Elmsford, NY10523Attn:Home Garden Lecture Series Checks can be made out to Cornell Cooperative Extension of  Westchester County. Payment must be received at our office at least 10 days prior to the first lecture for full season virtual subscribers, or 10 days prior to individual lectures purchased separately. PAYING BY CREDIT CARD:Please contact our office at 914-285-4640, 914-285-4620. FULL SERIES SUBSCRIBER: Once we receive your registration and payment,you will receive email invitations from Zoom for all lectures, approximately a week prior to each lecture. Each lecture has a unique link and password. INDIVIDUAL LECTURES: Once we receive your registration and payment, you will receive an email invitation from Zoom approximately a week prior to the chosen lecture. Each lecture has a unique link and password. PLEASE NOTE: Registration is not complete until payment is received. $5.00 PER LECTURE AND TOURS ARE $20 EACH ($45 TOTAL) Hillary Jufer, westchester+1@cornell.edu, 914-285-4640 Registration: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG37gykNic/RGq-kIdH95APY6-bKoGQYw/view?utm_content=DAG37gykNic&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hcc45ab7c29 ========================================= 2026 HOME GARDENING LECTURE SERIES & TOUR Wednesday, April 15, 2026 10:00 am - 11:00 am The 2026 Home Gardening Lecture Series will contain 5 lecture webinars on Seed Starting, A Homeowner’s Guide to Robot Mowers, The People-Plant Connection, Structural Defensive Gardening, and Climate Anxiety: How to Help. Also offered is a private garden tour of Lasdon Park & Arboretum & Veterans Memorial. Registration is available for individual or all webinars. Please note that garden tour spots fill quickly! SEED STARTING - SESSION 1 Wednesday, January 14, 2026 10:00 AM-11:00 AM REMOTE ON ZOOM Speaker: Gilda Forseter Speaker:Gilda Forseter Why purchase expensive plants from a garden center when you can start them from seeds for a fraction of the price, no greenhouse needed! Learn about the many benefits of seed starting and how to avoid the $50 tomato. Gilda Forseter is a Westchester CCE Master Gardener Volunteer. Since retiring from a 45 year career as a nurse and nurse practitioner she has had more time to focus on her garden of 25 years. She has been growing all of her vegetables and many of her flowers from seeds for the past 10 years. THE PEOPLE-PLANT CONNECTIONWednesday, February18, 202610:00 AM-11:00 AMREMOTE ON ZOOMSpeaker: Judy Rozanski What are the relationships between humans and plants? Learn about the physiological, emotional and social impacts of plants on us as individuals and on our communities. You will come away with an understanding and appreciation for our longstanding connections to nature, our gardens, and green spaces. Judy Rozanski is a Westchester CCE Master Gardener Volunteer. She pursued her interest in horticulture after retiring from teaching. She holds certificates from the New York Botanical Garden in Horticultural Therapy and in Gardening. Judy enjoys sharing her horticultural knowledge with others as a Master Gardener VolunteerCLIMATE ANXIETY: HOW TO HELPWednesday, March 18, 202610:00 AM-11:00 AMREMOTE ON ZOOMSpeaker: Dr. Matthew Aiello-Lammens This program explores climate anxiety, how it may impact gardeners, and how gardening can help us cope with uncertain times.It discusses adaptation through variable weather including droughts, floods, heavy rains, and changing frost dates while fostering hope and resilience. Matt Aiello-Lammens is an Associate Professor in the Environmental Studies and Science department at Pace University. He has studied anthropogenic impacts on plant communities, risks associated with species declines,and factors leading to invasive species spread with an eye toward understanding and protecting northeastern forests.Matt Aiello-Lammens has BA in Physics,a PhD in Ecology and Evolution,and was a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Connecticut.A HOMEOWNER'S GUIDE TO ROBOT MOWERSWednesday, April15, 202610:00 AM-11:00 AMREMOTE ON ZOOMSpeaker:Carl Schimenti Autonomous mowers have rapidly advanced to market,making it difficult to keep up with the changes in technology and applicability. We will discuss the current landscape of autonomous mowers including the various technologies, price points, comparisons to traditional mowers, and what situations are most applicable for these units.Homeowners will walkaway with a general understanding of how these units work, and if robot mowers are suitable for their home landscape. Carl Schimenti is an Urban Environmental Scientist in the Turfgrass Science Research Unit at Cornell University. He has worked on reduced-risk turfgrass management of NY State Park golf courses through judicious use of pesticides, nutrients, and water,and now focuses on data-driven management to maximize ecosystem service value of urban green spaces.STRUCTURAL DEFENSIVE GARDENINGWednesday, May13, 202510:00 AM-11:00 AMREMOTE ON ZOOMSpeaker:Lou Petralia This program covers a survey of practical techniques and strategies to protect your garden from varmints, large and small. It will cover simple, common-sense methods to critter proof your vegetable garden, your flowers, shrubs and fruit trees, without major expense or special skills, and without chemicals! Louis Petralia is a Westchester CCE Master Gardener Volunteer, as well as an attorney, teacher and lawn enthusiast. As a CCE Master Gardener Volunteer, he spends his time working the Demonstration Garden at Hart’s Brook Park and Preserve in Hartsdale, NY. GARDEN TOURSWednesday June17, 2026Lasdon Park,Arboretum&Veterans MemorialRAIN OR SHINEGuide:Jessica Schuler, Director Take a walk around the beautiful gardens and see what’s in bloom with Jessica Schuler, the Director of Lasdon Park! No-Walk Ins – 10:00 AM Arrival OR 11:15 AM Arrival Carpooling is suggested. PLEASE NOTE: Tours are popular and fill up quickly. First come, first served. Please feel free to contact our office at 914-285-4640, 914-285-4620 or westchester@cornell.edu regarding availability. No-Walk Ins–10:00 AM Arrival OR 11:15 AM Arrival Carpooling is suggested. The Garden Tour displays a variety of plants and crops that are well-adapted to local growing conditions. As the season progresses, mature crops are harvested and new crops are planted. Fallow plots contain cover crops and plants that support pollinators, suppress weeds, and improve the soil. Pollinator pathway gardens include native plant design examples for creating pollinator gardens in your own yard and community.2026 HOME GARDENING LECTURE SERIES BROCHUREPre-registration required. Payment by check, cash, or money order: Complete the form inside this brochure and mail with payment to: CCE Westchester County3 West Main Street,Suite.112Elmsford, NY10523Attn:Home Garden Lecture Series Checks can be made out to Cornell Cooperative Extension of  Westchester County. Payment must be received at our office at least 10 days prior to the first lecture for full season virtual subscribers, or 10 days prior to individual lectures purchased separately. PAYING BY CREDIT CARD:Please contact our office at 914-285-4640, 914-285-4620. FULL SERIES SUBSCRIBER: Once we receive your registration and payment,you will receive email invitations from Zoom for all lectures, approximately a week prior to each lecture. Each lecture has a unique link and password. INDIVIDUAL LECTURES: Once we receive your registration and payment, you will receive an email invitation from Zoom approximately a week prior to the chosen lecture. Each lecture has a unique link and password. PLEASE NOTE: Registration is not complete until payment is received. $5.00 PER LECTURE AND TOURS ARE $20 EACH ($45 TOTAL) Hillary Jufer, westchester+1@cornell.edu, 914-285-4640 Registration: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG37gykNic/RGq-kIdH95APY6-bKoGQYw/view?utm_content=DAG37gykNic&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hcc45ab7c29 ========================================= CERTIFIED TREE STEWARD PROGRAM 2026 Monday, April 20, 2026 9:00 am - 3:30 pm Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County, 3 West Main Street, Suite 112 , Elmsford, NY 10523 The Tree Steward Program is a comprehensive workshop dealing with arboriculture. Through both classroom learning and outdoor exercises, the participants will learn all about tree biology, identification, pruning, planting, rigging and much more. Personal protection as well as tree protection will be emphasized. Dates of the program from 9am until 3:30pm: 4/20/26, 4/22/26, 4/24/26, 4/27/26, 4/29/26, 5/1/26, rain dates may be schedule as needed Hands-on outdoor activities and field trainings are planned for most afternoons. Dress appropriately. Lunch and refreshments also included daily.Location: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County, 3 W Main St, 112, Elmsford, NY 10523Date and time: Mon, Apr 20, 2026 9:00 AM - Fri, May 1, 2026 3:30 PMOrganizer: Hillary Jufer, (914) 285-4640, westchester@cornell.eduPROGRAM FLYER **SUBSIDIZED PRICING** LANDSCAPERS AND INDUSTRY: $1,295 MUNICIPALTY OR COUNTY EMPLOYEE: $1,050 $1,050 OR $1,295 Hillary Jufer, westchester+1@cornell.edu, 914-285-4640 Registration: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/n7t8zbk ========================================= CERTIFIED TREE STEWARD PROGRAM 2026 Wednesday, April 22, 2026 9:00 am - 3:30 pm Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County, 3 West Main Street, Suite 112 , Elmsford, NY 10523 The Tree Steward Program is a comprehensive workshop dealing with arboriculture. Through both classroom learning and outdoor exercises, the participants will learn all about tree biology, identification, pruning, planting, rigging and much more. Personal protection as well as tree protection will be emphasized. Dates of the program from 9am until 3:30pm: 4/20/26, 4/22/26, 4/24/26, 4/27/26, 4/29/26, 5/1/26, rain dates may be schedule as needed Hands-on outdoor activities and field trainings are planned for most afternoons. Dress appropriately. Lunch and refreshments also included daily.Location: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County, 3 W Main St, 112, Elmsford, NY 10523Date and time: Mon, Apr 20, 2026 9:00 AM - Fri, May 1, 2026 3:30 PMOrganizer: Hillary Jufer, (914) 285-4640, westchester@cornell.eduPROGRAM FLYER **SUBSIDIZED PRICING** LANDSCAPERS AND INDUSTRY: $1,295 MUNICIPALTY OR COUNTY EMPLOYEE: $1,050 $1,050 OR $1,295 Hillary Jufer, westchester+1@cornell.edu, 914-285-4640 Registration: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/n7t8zbk ========================================= CERTIFIED TREE STEWARD PROGRAM 2026 Friday, April 24, 2026 9:00 am - 3:30 pm Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County, 3 West Main Street, Suite 112 , Elmsford, NY 10523 The Tree Steward Program is a comprehensive workshop dealing with arboriculture. Through both classroom learning and outdoor exercises, the participants will learn all about tree biology, identification, pruning, planting, rigging and much more. Personal protection as well as tree protection will be emphasized. Dates of the program from 9am until 3:30pm: 4/20/26, 4/22/26, 4/24/26, 4/27/26, 4/29/26, 5/1/26, rain dates may be schedule as needed Hands-on outdoor activities and field trainings are planned for most afternoons. Dress appropriately. Lunch and refreshments also included daily.Location: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County, 3 W Main St, 112, Elmsford, NY 10523Date and time: Mon, Apr 20, 2026 9:00 AM - Fri, May 1, 2026 3:30 PMOrganizer: Hillary Jufer, (914) 285-4640, westchester@cornell.eduPROGRAM FLYER **SUBSIDIZED PRICING** LANDSCAPERS AND INDUSTRY: $1,295 MUNICIPALTY OR COUNTY EMPLOYEE: $1,050 $1,050 OR $1,295 Hillary Jufer, westchester+1@cornell.edu, 914-285-4640 Registration: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/n7t8zbk ========================================= CERTIFIED TREE STEWARD PROGRAM 2026 Monday, April 27, 2026 9:00 am - 3:30 pm Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County, 3 West Main Street, Suite 112 , Elmsford, NY 10523 The Tree Steward Program is a comprehensive workshop dealing with arboriculture. Through both classroom learning and outdoor exercises, the participants will learn all about tree biology, identification, pruning, planting, rigging and much more. Personal protection as well as tree protection will be emphasized. Dates of the program from 9am until 3:30pm: 4/20/26, 4/22/26, 4/24/26, 4/27/26, 4/29/26, 5/1/26, rain dates may be schedule as needed Hands-on outdoor activities and field trainings are planned for most afternoons. Dress appropriately. Lunch and refreshments also included daily.Location: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County, 3 W Main St, 112, Elmsford, NY 10523Date and time: Mon, Apr 20, 2026 9:00 AM - Fri, May 1, 2026 3:30 PMOrganizer: Hillary Jufer, (914) 285-4640, westchester@cornell.eduPROGRAM FLYER **SUBSIDIZED PRICING** LANDSCAPERS AND INDUSTRY: $1,295 MUNICIPALTY OR COUNTY EMPLOYEE: $1,050 $1,050 OR $1,295 Hillary Jufer, westchester+1@cornell.edu, 914-285-4640 Registration: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/n7t8zbk ========================================= CERTIFIED TREE STEWARD PROGRAM 2026 Wednesday, April 29, 2026 9:00 am - 3:30 pm Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County, 3 West Main Street, Suite 112 , Elmsford, NY 10523 The Tree Steward Program is a comprehensive workshop dealing with arboriculture. Through both classroom learning and outdoor exercises, the participants will learn all about tree biology, identification, pruning, planting, rigging and much more. Personal protection as well as tree protection will be emphasized. Dates of the program from 9am until 3:30pm: 4/20/26, 4/22/26, 4/24/26, 4/27/26, 4/29/26, 5/1/26, rain dates may be schedule as needed Hands-on outdoor activities and field trainings are planned for most afternoons. Dress appropriately. Lunch and refreshments also included daily.Location: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County, 3 W Main St, 112, Elmsford, NY 10523Date and time: Mon, Apr 20, 2026 9:00 AM - Fri, May 1, 2026 3:30 PMOrganizer: Hillary Jufer, (914) 285-4640, westchester@cornell.eduPROGRAM FLYER **SUBSIDIZED PRICING** LANDSCAPERS AND INDUSTRY: $1,295 MUNICIPALTY OR COUNTY EMPLOYEE: $1,050 $1,050 OR $1,295 Hillary Jufer, westchester+1@cornell.edu, 914-285-4640 Registration: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/n7t8zbk ========================================= CERTIFIED TREE STEWARD PROGRAM 2026 Friday, May 1, 2026 9:00 am - 3:30 pm Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County, 3 West Main Street, Suite 112 , Elmsford, NY 10523 The Tree Steward Program is a comprehensive workshop dealing with arboriculture. Through both classroom learning and outdoor exercises, the participants will learn all about tree biology, identification, pruning, planting, rigging and much more. Personal protection as well as tree protection will be emphasized. Dates of the program from 9am until 3:30pm: 4/20/26, 4/22/26, 4/24/26, 4/27/26, 4/29/26, 5/1/26, rain dates may be schedule as needed Hands-on outdoor activities and field trainings are planned for most afternoons. Dress appropriately. Lunch and refreshments also included daily.Location: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County, 3 W Main St, 112, Elmsford, NY 10523Date and time: Mon, Apr 20, 2026 9:00 AM - Fri, May 1, 2026 3:30 PMOrganizer: Hillary Jufer, (914) 285-4640, westchester@cornell.eduPROGRAM FLYER **SUBSIDIZED PRICING** LANDSCAPERS AND INDUSTRY: $1,295 MUNICIPALTY OR COUNTY EMPLOYEE: $1,050 $1,050 OR $1,295 Hillary Jufer, westchester+1@cornell.edu, 914-285-4640 Registration: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/n7t8zbk ========================================= COASTAL GARDENING COURSE Monday, May 4, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Online Event Gardeners are problem-solvers. Our proximity to water bodies such as the Long Island Sound and the Hudson River present area gardeners with a unique opportunity to make wise choices about how we garden, how we enrich our soils and how we keep our nearby fresh and salt waterways healthy.This course has a two-fold purpose: education and outreach related to gardening practices with a greater awareness of the Long Island Sound estuary that connects our landscapes to waterways.EDUCATION. The course explores features of our garden practices that have a direct impact on the quality of our ecosystems. New gardeners have a chance to discover the best landscape practices. Those familiar with gardening have a chance to reconsider more environmentally appropriate approaches.OUTREACH. Spread the word in 10 hours of community stewardship. Enrollment in Coastal Gardening is based on the assumption that participants will share what they’ve learned with others. This outreach may take a variety of forms:neighborhood conversations, social media photos or posts, letters to an editor, event information tables, speaking at libraries and other public venues.A Coastal Gardening sign will be awarded after the completion of the course, including field trips and the 10 hours of volunteer service. The hope is that the sign displayed in a home garden also serves as a conversation starter for outreach in your neighborhood.COURSE FORMAT. In person and online learning experiences are included in this course. Coastal Gardening course materials are found in the Canvas learning online classroom platform. We will meet in person for field trips after the modules have been completed. For the most part, class members have access to speakers, videos, movies, websites and other reading materials on their own schedule. Each module contains two lectures, resources to view and read and activities for more hands-on experience. Although a smart phone provides access to content, a laptop or tablet may provide an easier platform for navigating course materials.Course OutlineModule ONE- Living by the SeaModule TWO - Water WiseModule THREE - Right Plant, Right PlaceModule FOUR - Soil SolutionsModule FIVE - Community StewardshipField Trips - Field site visitsFinal Gathering -Sharing Stewardship Experiences CelebrationLocation: The first 5 sessions are over Zoom and the last Saturday session is in person field trips locations in Westchester but TBD.COASTAL_GARDENING_COURSE.pdfRegistration Link $280 Hillary Jufer, westchester+1@cornell.edu, 914-285-4640 Registration: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/pdd9x9y ========================================= Beginner Floral Workshop: Making a Bouquet Saturday, May 9, 2026 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County, 3 West Main Street, Suite 112 , Elmsford, NY 10523 This class will teach floral skills such as flower cutting, arranging, and bouquet wrapping. Make yourself the perfect bouquet to bring home and enjoy or to gift just in time for Mother's Day!FLYER $50 Hillary Jufer, westchester+1@cornell.edu, 914-285-4640 Registration: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/5yay2n4 ========================================= COASTAL GARDENING COURSE Monday, May 11, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Online Event Gardeners are problem-solvers. Our proximity to water bodies such as the Long Island Sound and the Hudson River present area gardeners with a unique opportunity to make wise choices about how we garden, how we enrich our soils and how we keep our nearby fresh and salt waterways healthy.This course has a two-fold purpose: education and outreach related to gardening practices with a greater awareness of the Long Island Sound estuary that connects our landscapes to waterways.EDUCATION. The course explores features of our garden practices that have a direct impact on the quality of our ecosystems. New gardeners have a chance to discover the best landscape practices. Those familiar with gardening have a chance to reconsider more environmentally appropriate approaches.OUTREACH. Spread the word in 10 hours of community stewardship. Enrollment in Coastal Gardening is based on the assumption that participants will share what they’ve learned with others. This outreach may take a variety of forms:neighborhood conversations, social media photos or posts, letters to an editor, event information tables, speaking at libraries and other public venues.A Coastal Gardening sign will be awarded after the completion of the course, including field trips and the 10 hours of volunteer service. The hope is that the sign displayed in a home garden also serves as a conversation starter for outreach in your neighborhood.COURSE FORMAT. In person and online learning experiences are included in this course. Coastal Gardening course materials are found in the Canvas learning online classroom platform. We will meet in person for field trips after the modules have been completed. For the most part, class members have access to speakers, videos, movies, websites and other reading materials on their own schedule. Each module contains two lectures, resources to view and read and activities for more hands-on experience. Although a smart phone provides access to content, a laptop or tablet may provide an easier platform for navigating course materials.Course OutlineModule ONE- Living by the SeaModule TWO - Water WiseModule THREE - Right Plant, Right PlaceModule FOUR - Soil SolutionsModule FIVE - Community StewardshipField Trips - Field site visitsFinal Gathering -Sharing Stewardship Experiences CelebrationLocation: The first 5 sessions are over Zoom and the last Saturday session is in person field trips locations in Westchester but TBD.COASTAL_GARDENING_COURSE.pdfRegistration Link $280 Hillary Jufer, westchester+1@cornell.edu, 914-285-4640 Registration: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/pdd9x9y ========================================= 2026 HOME GARDENING LECTURE SERIES & TOUR Wednesday, May 13, 2026 10:00 am - 11:00 am The 2026 Home Gardening Lecture Series will contain 5 lecture webinars on Seed Starting, A Homeowner’s Guide to Robot Mowers, The People-Plant Connection, Structural Defensive Gardening, and Climate Anxiety: How to Help. Also offered is a private garden tour of Lasdon Park & Arboretum & Veterans Memorial. Registration is available for individual or all webinars. Please note that garden tour spots fill quickly! SEED STARTING - SESSION 1 Wednesday, January 14, 2026 10:00 AM-11:00 AM REMOTE ON ZOOM Speaker: Gilda Forseter Speaker:Gilda Forseter Why purchase expensive plants from a garden center when you can start them from seeds for a fraction of the price, no greenhouse needed! Learn about the many benefits of seed starting and how to avoid the $50 tomato. Gilda Forseter is a Westchester CCE Master Gardener Volunteer. Since retiring from a 45 year career as a nurse and nurse practitioner she has had more time to focus on her garden of 25 years. She has been growing all of her vegetables and many of her flowers from seeds for the past 10 years. THE PEOPLE-PLANT CONNECTIONWednesday, February18, 202610:00 AM-11:00 AMREMOTE ON ZOOMSpeaker: Judy Rozanski What are the relationships between humans and plants? Learn about the physiological, emotional and social impacts of plants on us as individuals and on our communities. You will come away with an understanding and appreciation for our longstanding connections to nature, our gardens, and green spaces. Judy Rozanski is a Westchester CCE Master Gardener Volunteer. She pursued her interest in horticulture after retiring from teaching. She holds certificates from the New York Botanical Garden in Horticultural Therapy and in Gardening. Judy enjoys sharing her horticultural knowledge with others as a Master Gardener VolunteerCLIMATE ANXIETY: HOW TO HELPWednesday, March 18, 202610:00 AM-11:00 AMREMOTE ON ZOOMSpeaker: Dr. Matthew Aiello-Lammens This program explores climate anxiety, how it may impact gardeners, and how gardening can help us cope with uncertain times.It discusses adaptation through variable weather including droughts, floods, heavy rains, and changing frost dates while fostering hope and resilience. Matt Aiello-Lammens is an Associate Professor in the Environmental Studies and Science department at Pace University. He has studied anthropogenic impacts on plant communities, risks associated with species declines,and factors leading to invasive species spread with an eye toward understanding and protecting northeastern forests.Matt Aiello-Lammens has BA in Physics,a PhD in Ecology and Evolution,and was a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Connecticut.A HOMEOWNER'S GUIDE TO ROBOT MOWERSWednesday, April15, 202610:00 AM-11:00 AMREMOTE ON ZOOMSpeaker:Carl Schimenti Autonomous mowers have rapidly advanced to market,making it difficult to keep up with the changes in technology and applicability. We will discuss the current landscape of autonomous mowers including the various technologies, price points, comparisons to traditional mowers, and what situations are most applicable for these units.Homeowners will walkaway with a general understanding of how these units work, and if robot mowers are suitable for their home landscape. Carl Schimenti is an Urban Environmental Scientist in the Turfgrass Science Research Unit at Cornell University. He has worked on reduced-risk turfgrass management of NY State Park golf courses through judicious use of pesticides, nutrients, and water,and now focuses on data-driven management to maximize ecosystem service value of urban green spaces.STRUCTURAL DEFENSIVE GARDENINGWednesday, May13, 202510:00 AM-11:00 AMREMOTE ON ZOOMSpeaker:Lou Petralia This program covers a survey of practical techniques and strategies to protect your garden from varmints, large and small. It will cover simple, common-sense methods to critter proof your vegetable garden, your flowers, shrubs and fruit trees, without major expense or special skills, and without chemicals! Louis Petralia is a Westchester CCE Master Gardener Volunteer, as well as an attorney, teacher and lawn enthusiast. As a CCE Master Gardener Volunteer, he spends his time working the Demonstration Garden at Hart’s Brook Park and Preserve in Hartsdale, NY. GARDEN TOURSWednesday June17, 2026Lasdon Park,Arboretum&Veterans MemorialRAIN OR SHINEGuide:Jessica Schuler, Director Take a walk around the beautiful gardens and see what’s in bloom with Jessica Schuler, the Director of Lasdon Park! No-Walk Ins – 10:00 AM Arrival OR 11:15 AM Arrival Carpooling is suggested. PLEASE NOTE: Tours are popular and fill up quickly. First come, first served. Please feel free to contact our office at 914-285-4640, 914-285-4620 or westchester@cornell.edu regarding availability. No-Walk Ins–10:00 AM Arrival OR 11:15 AM Arrival Carpooling is suggested. The Garden Tour displays a variety of plants and crops that are well-adapted to local growing conditions. As the season progresses, mature crops are harvested and new crops are planted. Fallow plots contain cover crops and plants that support pollinators, suppress weeds, and improve the soil. Pollinator pathway gardens include native plant design examples for creating pollinator gardens in your own yard and community.2026 HOME GARDENING LECTURE SERIES BROCHUREPre-registration required. Payment by check, cash, or money order: Complete the form inside this brochure and mail with payment to: CCE Westchester County3 West Main Street,Suite.112Elmsford, NY10523Attn:Home Garden Lecture Series Checks can be made out to Cornell Cooperative Extension of  Westchester County. Payment must be received at our office at least 10 days prior to the first lecture for full season virtual subscribers, or 10 days prior to individual lectures purchased separately. PAYING BY CREDIT CARD:Please contact our office at 914-285-4640, 914-285-4620. FULL SERIES SUBSCRIBER: Once we receive your registration and payment,you will receive email invitations from Zoom for all lectures, approximately a week prior to each lecture. Each lecture has a unique link and password. INDIVIDUAL LECTURES: Once we receive your registration and payment, you will receive an email invitation from Zoom approximately a week prior to the chosen lecture. Each lecture has a unique link and password. PLEASE NOTE: Registration is not complete until payment is received. $5.00 PER LECTURE AND TOURS ARE $20 EACH ($45 TOTAL) Hillary Jufer, westchester+1@cornell.edu, 914-285-4640 Registration: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG37gykNic/RGq-kIdH95APY6-bKoGQYw/view?utm_content=DAG37gykNic&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hcc45ab7c29 ========================================= COASTAL GARDENING COURSE Monday, May 18, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Online Event Gardeners are problem-solvers. Our proximity to water bodies such as the Long Island Sound and the Hudson River present area gardeners with a unique opportunity to make wise choices about how we garden, how we enrich our soils and how we keep our nearby fresh and salt waterways healthy.This course has a two-fold purpose: education and outreach related to gardening practices with a greater awareness of the Long Island Sound estuary that connects our landscapes to waterways.EDUCATION. The course explores features of our garden practices that have a direct impact on the quality of our ecosystems. New gardeners have a chance to discover the best landscape practices. Those familiar with gardening have a chance to reconsider more environmentally appropriate approaches.OUTREACH. Spread the word in 10 hours of community stewardship. Enrollment in Coastal Gardening is based on the assumption that participants will share what they’ve learned with others. This outreach may take a variety of forms:neighborhood conversations, social media photos or posts, letters to an editor, event information tables, speaking at libraries and other public venues.A Coastal Gardening sign will be awarded after the completion of the course, including field trips and the 10 hours of volunteer service. The hope is that the sign displayed in a home garden also serves as a conversation starter for outreach in your neighborhood.COURSE FORMAT. In person and online learning experiences are included in this course. Coastal Gardening course materials are found in the Canvas learning online classroom platform. We will meet in person for field trips after the modules have been completed. For the most part, class members have access to speakers, videos, movies, websites and other reading materials on their own schedule. Each module contains two lectures, resources to view and read and activities for more hands-on experience. Although a smart phone provides access to content, a laptop or tablet may provide an easier platform for navigating course materials.Course OutlineModule ONE- Living by the SeaModule TWO - Water WiseModule THREE - Right Plant, Right PlaceModule FOUR - Soil SolutionsModule FIVE - Community StewardshipField Trips - Field site visitsFinal Gathering -Sharing Stewardship Experiences CelebrationLocation: The first 5 sessions are over Zoom and the last Saturday session is in person field trips locations in Westchester but TBD.COASTAL_GARDENING_COURSE.pdfRegistration Link $280 Hillary Jufer, westchester+1@cornell.edu, 914-285-4640 Registration: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/pdd9x9y ========================================= COASTAL GARDENING COURSE Monday, June 1, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Online Event Gardeners are problem-solvers. Our proximity to water bodies such as the Long Island Sound and the Hudson River present area gardeners with a unique opportunity to make wise choices about how we garden, how we enrich our soils and how we keep our nearby fresh and salt waterways healthy.This course has a two-fold purpose: education and outreach related to gardening practices with a greater awareness of the Long Island Sound estuary that connects our landscapes to waterways.EDUCATION. The course explores features of our garden practices that have a direct impact on the quality of our ecosystems. New gardeners have a chance to discover the best landscape practices. Those familiar with gardening have a chance to reconsider more environmentally appropriate approaches.OUTREACH. Spread the word in 10 hours of community stewardship. Enrollment in Coastal Gardening is based on the assumption that participants will share what they’ve learned with others. This outreach may take a variety of forms:neighborhood conversations, social media photos or posts, letters to an editor, event information tables, speaking at libraries and other public venues.A Coastal Gardening sign will be awarded after the completion of the course, including field trips and the 10 hours of volunteer service. The hope is that the sign displayed in a home garden also serves as a conversation starter for outreach in your neighborhood.COURSE FORMAT. In person and online learning experiences are included in this course. Coastal Gardening course materials are found in the Canvas learning online classroom platform. We will meet in person for field trips after the modules have been completed. For the most part, class members have access to speakers, videos, movies, websites and other reading materials on their own schedule. Each module contains two lectures, resources to view and read and activities for more hands-on experience. Although a smart phone provides access to content, a laptop or tablet may provide an easier platform for navigating course materials.Course OutlineModule ONE- Living by the SeaModule TWO - Water WiseModule THREE - Right Plant, Right PlaceModule FOUR - Soil SolutionsModule FIVE - Community StewardshipField Trips - Field site visitsFinal Gathering -Sharing Stewardship Experiences CelebrationLocation: The first 5 sessions are over Zoom and the last Saturday session is in person field trips locations in Westchester but TBD.COASTAL_GARDENING_COURSE.pdfRegistration Link $280 Hillary Jufer, westchester+1@cornell.edu, 914-285-4640 Registration: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/pdd9x9y ========================================= COASTAL GARDENING COURSE Monday, June 8, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Online Event Gardeners are problem-solvers. Our proximity to water bodies such as the Long Island Sound and the Hudson River present area gardeners with a unique opportunity to make wise choices about how we garden, how we enrich our soils and how we keep our nearby fresh and salt waterways healthy.This course has a two-fold purpose: education and outreach related to gardening practices with a greater awareness of the Long Island Sound estuary that connects our landscapes to waterways.EDUCATION. The course explores features of our garden practices that have a direct impact on the quality of our ecosystems. New gardeners have a chance to discover the best landscape practices. Those familiar with gardening have a chance to reconsider more environmentally appropriate approaches.OUTREACH. Spread the word in 10 hours of community stewardship. Enrollment in Coastal Gardening is based on the assumption that participants will share what they’ve learned with others. This outreach may take a variety of forms:neighborhood conversations, social media photos or posts, letters to an editor, event information tables, speaking at libraries and other public venues.A Coastal Gardening sign will be awarded after the completion of the course, including field trips and the 10 hours of volunteer service. The hope is that the sign displayed in a home garden also serves as a conversation starter for outreach in your neighborhood.COURSE FORMAT. In person and online learning experiences are included in this course. Coastal Gardening course materials are found in the Canvas learning online classroom platform. We will meet in person for field trips after the modules have been completed. For the most part, class members have access to speakers, videos, movies, websites and other reading materials on their own schedule. Each module contains two lectures, resources to view and read and activities for more hands-on experience. Although a smart phone provides access to content, a laptop or tablet may provide an easier platform for navigating course materials.Course OutlineModule ONE- Living by the SeaModule TWO - Water WiseModule THREE - Right Plant, Right PlaceModule FOUR - Soil SolutionsModule FIVE - Community StewardshipField Trips - Field site visitsFinal Gathering -Sharing Stewardship Experiences CelebrationLocation: The first 5 sessions are over Zoom and the last Saturday session is in person field trips locations in Westchester but TBD.COASTAL_GARDENING_COURSE.pdfRegistration Link $280 Hillary Jufer, westchester+1@cornell.edu, 914-285-4640 Registration: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/pdd9x9y ========================================= Master Gardener Volunteer NYBG Tour Wednesday, June 10, 2026 10:00 am - 11:00 am New York Botanical Gardens, 2900 Southern Boulevard, , Bronx, NY 10458 This program is for Westchester County Master Gardener Volunteers to have a guided tour of the Flower Power Exhibition at NYBG. Only Master Gardener Volunteers may register.To register: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/wmmb69v/lp/3742a102-e76e-4486-828c-64a62d4ac82d New York Botanical Gardens2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10458View on map Jun 10, 2026 10:00am - Jun 10, 2026 11:00amAdd toGoogleOutlook WebOutlook MobileYahooiCal $62 Hillary Jufer, westchester+1@cornell.edu, 914-285-4640 Registration: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/wmmb69v/lp/3742a102-e76e-4486-828c-64a62d4ac82d ========================================= 2026 HOME GARDENING LECTURE SERIES & TOUR Wednesday, June 17, 2026 10:00 am - 11:00 am The 2026 Home Gardening Lecture Series will contain 5 lecture webinars on Seed Starting, A Homeowner’s Guide to Robot Mowers, The People-Plant Connection, Structural Defensive Gardening, and Climate Anxiety: How to Help. Also offered is a private garden tour of Lasdon Park & Arboretum & Veterans Memorial. Registration is available for individual or all webinars. Please note that garden tour spots fill quickly! SEED STARTING - SESSION 1 Wednesday, January 14, 2026 10:00 AM-11:00 AM REMOTE ON ZOOM Speaker: Gilda Forseter Speaker:Gilda Forseter Why purchase expensive plants from a garden center when you can start them from seeds for a fraction of the price, no greenhouse needed! Learn about the many benefits of seed starting and how to avoid the $50 tomato. Gilda Forseter is a Westchester CCE Master Gardener Volunteer. Since retiring from a 45 year career as a nurse and nurse practitioner she has had more time to focus on her garden of 25 years. She has been growing all of her vegetables and many of her flowers from seeds for the past 10 years. THE PEOPLE-PLANT CONNECTIONWednesday, February18, 202610:00 AM-11:00 AMREMOTE ON ZOOMSpeaker: Judy Rozanski What are the relationships between humans and plants? Learn about the physiological, emotional and social impacts of plants on us as individuals and on our communities. You will come away with an understanding and appreciation for our longstanding connections to nature, our gardens, and green spaces. Judy Rozanski is a Westchester CCE Master Gardener Volunteer. She pursued her interest in horticulture after retiring from teaching. She holds certificates from the New York Botanical Garden in Horticultural Therapy and in Gardening. Judy enjoys sharing her horticultural knowledge with others as a Master Gardener VolunteerCLIMATE ANXIETY: HOW TO HELPWednesday, March 18, 202610:00 AM-11:00 AMREMOTE ON ZOOMSpeaker: Dr. Matthew Aiello-Lammens This program explores climate anxiety, how it may impact gardeners, and how gardening can help us cope with uncertain times.It discusses adaptation through variable weather including droughts, floods, heavy rains, and changing frost dates while fostering hope and resilience. Matt Aiello-Lammens is an Associate Professor in the Environmental Studies and Science department at Pace University. He has studied anthropogenic impacts on plant communities, risks associated with species declines,and factors leading to invasive species spread with an eye toward understanding and protecting northeastern forests.Matt Aiello-Lammens has BA in Physics,a PhD in Ecology and Evolution,and was a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Connecticut.A HOMEOWNER'S GUIDE TO ROBOT MOWERSWednesday, April15, 202610:00 AM-11:00 AMREMOTE ON ZOOMSpeaker:Carl Schimenti Autonomous mowers have rapidly advanced to market,making it difficult to keep up with the changes in technology and applicability. We will discuss the current landscape of autonomous mowers including the various technologies, price points, comparisons to traditional mowers, and what situations are most applicable for these units.Homeowners will walkaway with a general understanding of how these units work, and if robot mowers are suitable for their home landscape. Carl Schimenti is an Urban Environmental Scientist in the Turfgrass Science Research Unit at Cornell University. He has worked on reduced-risk turfgrass management of NY State Park golf courses through judicious use of pesticides, nutrients, and water,and now focuses on data-driven management to maximize ecosystem service value of urban green spaces.STRUCTURAL DEFENSIVE GARDENINGWednesday, May13, 202510:00 AM-11:00 AMREMOTE ON ZOOMSpeaker:Lou Petralia This program covers a survey of practical techniques and strategies to protect your garden from varmints, large and small. It will cover simple, common-sense methods to critter proof your vegetable garden, your flowers, shrubs and fruit trees, without major expense or special skills, and without chemicals! Louis Petralia is a Westchester CCE Master Gardener Volunteer, as well as an attorney, teacher and lawn enthusiast. As a CCE Master Gardener Volunteer, he spends his time working the Demonstration Garden at Hart’s Brook Park and Preserve in Hartsdale, NY. GARDEN TOURSWednesday June17, 2026Lasdon Park,Arboretum&Veterans MemorialRAIN OR SHINEGuide:Jessica Schuler, Director Take a walk around the beautiful gardens and see what’s in bloom with Jessica Schuler, the Director of Lasdon Park! No-Walk Ins – 10:00 AM Arrival OR 11:15 AM Arrival Carpooling is suggested. PLEASE NOTE: Tours are popular and fill up quickly. First come, first served. Please feel free to contact our office at 914-285-4640, 914-285-4620 or westchester@cornell.edu regarding availability. No-Walk Ins–10:00 AM Arrival OR 11:15 AM Arrival Carpooling is suggested. The Garden Tour displays a variety of plants and crops that are well-adapted to local growing conditions. As the season progresses, mature crops are harvested and new crops are planted. Fallow plots contain cover crops and plants that support pollinators, suppress weeds, and improve the soil. Pollinator pathway gardens include native plant design examples for creating pollinator gardens in your own yard and community.2026 HOME GARDENING LECTURE SERIES BROCHUREPre-registration required. Payment by check, cash, or money order: Complete the form inside this brochure and mail with payment to: CCE Westchester County3 West Main Street,Suite.112Elmsford, NY10523Attn:Home Garden Lecture Series Checks can be made out to Cornell Cooperative Extension of  Westchester County. Payment must be received at our office at least 10 days prior to the first lecture for full season virtual subscribers, or 10 days prior to individual lectures purchased separately. PAYING BY CREDIT CARD:Please contact our office at 914-285-4640, 914-285-4620. FULL SERIES SUBSCRIBER: Once we receive your registration and payment,you will receive email invitations from Zoom for all lectures, approximately a week prior to each lecture. Each lecture has a unique link and password. INDIVIDUAL LECTURES: Once we receive your registration and payment, you will receive an email invitation from Zoom approximately a week prior to the chosen lecture. Each lecture has a unique link and password. PLEASE NOTE: Registration is not complete until payment is received. $5.00 PER LECTURE AND TOURS ARE $20 EACH ($45 TOTAL) Hillary Jufer, westchester+1@cornell.edu, 914-285-4640 Registration: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG37gykNic/RGq-kIdH95APY6-bKoGQYw/view?utm_content=DAG37gykNic&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hcc45ab7c29 ========================================= 2026 HOME GARDENING LECTURE SERIES & TOUR Wednesday, June 17, 2026 11:15 am - 12:15 pm The 2026 Home Gardening Lecture Series will contain 5 lecture webinars on Seed Starting, A Homeowner’s Guide to Robot Mowers, The People-Plant Connection, Structural Defensive Gardening, and Climate Anxiety: How to Help. Also offered is a private garden tour of Lasdon Park & Arboretum & Veterans Memorial. Registration is available for individual or all webinars. Please note that garden tour spots fill quickly! SEED STARTING - SESSION 1 Wednesday, January 14, 2026 10:00 AM-11:00 AM REMOTE ON ZOOM Speaker: Gilda Forseter Speaker:Gilda Forseter Why purchase expensive plants from a garden center when you can start them from seeds for a fraction of the price, no greenhouse needed! Learn about the many benefits of seed starting and how to avoid the $50 tomato. Gilda Forseter is a Westchester CCE Master Gardener Volunteer. Since retiring from a 45 year career as a nurse and nurse practitioner she has had more time to focus on her garden of 25 years. She has been growing all of her vegetables and many of her flowers from seeds for the past 10 years. THE PEOPLE-PLANT CONNECTIONWednesday, February18, 202610:00 AM-11:00 AMREMOTE ON ZOOMSpeaker: Judy Rozanski What are the relationships between humans and plants? Learn about the physiological, emotional and social impacts of plants on us as individuals and on our communities. You will come away with an understanding and appreciation for our longstanding connections to nature, our gardens, and green spaces. Judy Rozanski is a Westchester CCE Master Gardener Volunteer. She pursued her interest in horticulture after retiring from teaching. She holds certificates from the New York Botanical Garden in Horticultural Therapy and in Gardening. Judy enjoys sharing her horticultural knowledge with others as a Master Gardener VolunteerCLIMATE ANXIETY: HOW TO HELPWednesday, March 18, 202610:00 AM-11:00 AMREMOTE ON ZOOMSpeaker: Dr. Matthew Aiello-Lammens This program explores climate anxiety, how it may impact gardeners, and how gardening can help us cope with uncertain times.It discusses adaptation through variable weather including droughts, floods, heavy rains, and changing frost dates while fostering hope and resilience. Matt Aiello-Lammens is an Associate Professor in the Environmental Studies and Science department at Pace University. He has studied anthropogenic impacts on plant communities, risks associated with species declines,and factors leading to invasive species spread with an eye toward understanding and protecting northeastern forests.Matt Aiello-Lammens has BA in Physics,a PhD in Ecology and Evolution,and was a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Connecticut.A HOMEOWNER'S GUIDE TO ROBOT MOWERSWednesday, April15, 202610:00 AM-11:00 AMREMOTE ON ZOOMSpeaker:Carl Schimenti Autonomous mowers have rapidly advanced to market,making it difficult to keep up with the changes in technology and applicability. We will discuss the current landscape of autonomous mowers including the various technologies, price points, comparisons to traditional mowers, and what situations are most applicable for these units.Homeowners will walkaway with a general understanding of how these units work, and if robot mowers are suitable for their home landscape. Carl Schimenti is an Urban Environmental Scientist in the Turfgrass Science Research Unit at Cornell University. He has worked on reduced-risk turfgrass management of NY State Park golf courses through judicious use of pesticides, nutrients, and water,and now focuses on data-driven management to maximize ecosystem service value of urban green spaces.STRUCTURAL DEFENSIVE GARDENINGWednesday, May13, 202510:00 AM-11:00 AMREMOTE ON ZOOMSpeaker:Lou Petralia This program covers a survey of practical techniques and strategies to protect your garden from varmints, large and small. It will cover simple, common-sense methods to critter proof your vegetable garden, your flowers, shrubs and fruit trees, without major expense or special skills, and without chemicals! Louis Petralia is a Westchester CCE Master Gardener Volunteer, as well as an attorney, teacher and lawn enthusiast. As a CCE Master Gardener Volunteer, he spends his time working the Demonstration Garden at Hart’s Brook Park and Preserve in Hartsdale, NY. GARDEN TOURSWednesday June17, 2026Lasdon Park,Arboretum&Veterans MemorialRAIN OR SHINEGuide:Jessica Schuler, Director Take a walk around the beautiful gardens and see what’s in bloom with Jessica Schuler, the Director of Lasdon Park! No-Walk Ins – 10:00 AM Arrival OR 11:15 AM Arrival Carpooling is suggested. PLEASE NOTE: Tours are popular and fill up quickly. First come, first served. Please feel free to contact our office at 914-285-4640, 914-285-4620 or westchester@cornell.edu regarding availability. No-Walk Ins–10:00 AM Arrival OR 11:15 AM Arrival Carpooling is suggested. The Garden Tour displays a variety of plants and crops that are well-adapted to local growing conditions. As the season progresses, mature crops are harvested and new crops are planted. Fallow plots contain cover crops and plants that support pollinators, suppress weeds, and improve the soil. Pollinator pathway gardens include native plant design examples for creating pollinator gardens in your own yard and community.2026 HOME GARDENING LECTURE SERIES BROCHUREPre-registration required. Payment by check, cash, or money order: Complete the form inside this brochure and mail with payment to: CCE Westchester County3 West Main Street,Suite.112Elmsford, NY10523Attn:Home Garden Lecture Series Checks can be made out to Cornell Cooperative Extension of  Westchester County. Payment must be received at our office at least 10 days prior to the first lecture for full season virtual subscribers, or 10 days prior to individual lectures purchased separately. PAYING BY CREDIT CARD:Please contact our office at 914-285-4640, 914-285-4620. FULL SERIES SUBSCRIBER: Once we receive your registration and payment,you will receive email invitations from Zoom for all lectures, approximately a week prior to each lecture. Each lecture has a unique link and password. INDIVIDUAL LECTURES: Once we receive your registration and payment, you will receive an email invitation from Zoom approximately a week prior to the chosen lecture. Each lecture has a unique link and password. PLEASE NOTE: Registration is not complete until payment is received. $5.00 PER LECTURE AND TOURS ARE $20 EACH ($45 TOTAL) Hillary Jufer, westchester+1@cornell.edu, 914-285-4640 Registration: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG37gykNic/RGq-kIdH95APY6-bKoGQYw/view?utm_content=DAG37gykNic&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hcc45ab7c29 ========================================= COASTAL GARDENING COURSE Saturday, June 20, 2026 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Online Event Gardeners are problem-solvers. Our proximity to water bodies such as the Long Island Sound and the Hudson River present area gardeners with a unique opportunity to make wise choices about how we garden, how we enrich our soils and how we keep our nearby fresh and salt waterways healthy.This course has a two-fold purpose: education and outreach related to gardening practices with a greater awareness of the Long Island Sound estuary that connects our landscapes to waterways.EDUCATION. The course explores features of our garden practices that have a direct impact on the quality of our ecosystems. New gardeners have a chance to discover the best landscape practices. Those familiar with gardening have a chance to reconsider more environmentally appropriate approaches.OUTREACH. Spread the word in 10 hours of community stewardship. Enrollment in Coastal Gardening is based on the assumption that participants will share what they’ve learned with others. This outreach may take a variety of forms:neighborhood conversations, social media photos or posts, letters to an editor, event information tables, speaking at libraries and other public venues.A Coastal Gardening sign will be awarded after the completion of the course, including field trips and the 10 hours of volunteer service. The hope is that the sign displayed in a home garden also serves as a conversation starter for outreach in your neighborhood.COURSE FORMAT. In person and online learning experiences are included in this course. Coastal Gardening course materials are found in the Canvas learning online classroom platform. We will meet in person for field trips after the modules have been completed. For the most part, class members have access to speakers, videos, movies, websites and other reading materials on their own schedule. Each module contains two lectures, resources to view and read and activities for more hands-on experience. Although a smart phone provides access to content, a laptop or tablet may provide an easier platform for navigating course materials.Course OutlineModule ONE- Living by the SeaModule TWO - Water WiseModule THREE - Right Plant, Right PlaceModule FOUR - Soil SolutionsModule FIVE - Community StewardshipField Trips - Field site visitsFinal Gathering -Sharing Stewardship Experiences CelebrationLocation: The first 5 sessions are over Zoom and the last Saturday session is in person field trips locations in Westchester but TBD.COASTAL_GARDENING_COURSE.pdfRegistration Link $280 Hillary Jufer, westchester+1@cornell.edu, 914-285-4640 Registration: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/pdd9x9y =========================================