Compost Carnival 2023

October 1, 2023


Join compost professionals and sustainability advocates for a Compost Carnival at Prospect Park on Sunday, October 1, from 2 - 5 p.m. with live performances and entertainment + pop-up food scrap drop-off.

This is a free event but donations are appreciated and will go towards the performers.

• Speakers include Council Members Shahana Hanif, Sandy Nurse, and Lincoln Restler.
• With performances by Hila the Earth and The Living Earth Band plus juggling acts.
• Tabling organizations include Red Hook Compost, GrowNYC, GreenThumb, The Clean Bushwick Initiative, Big Reuse, New York Botanical Garden Green-Up, BKRot, Hodge, Veggie Nuggets, Vokashi, New York League of Conservation Voters, Cornell Urban Agriculture, Brooklyn and Manhattan Solid Waste Advisory Boards, and more.

More details and tickets

Maximizing Your Garden Space

May 9, 2026
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Port Jefferson Station, NY

Celebrate spring and get your garden growing with this hands-on workshop on maximizing your garden space! Join Cornell Urban Garden Specialist Karen Guzman as she shares practical strategies to maximize limited space. Participants will learn about the current state-wide soil testing program and crop planning techniques designed to increase yields and extend the growing season.

Webinar: Impact of Microclimates on NYC Urban Ag

May 13, 2026
12:00 noon - 1:00 PM

Hear from Dan Olmstead of Cornell IPM on how NYC's microclimates differ from Borough to Borough and their impact on resilience planning. We will also be discussing the data collected from weather stations across urban gardens in the city.

Webinar: Biochar Applications on Urban Farms

June 10, 2026
12:00 noon - 1:00 PM

Hear from Deborah Aller, Cornell, about biochar applications on urban farms and its ability to act as a tool for soil health and climate mitigation. We will also be discussing the mission behind New York Center for Organics Recycling and Education (NYCORE).

Community Garden Leadership Program - Application Open Now!

The Cornell Community Garden Leadership Program is a year-long online program that prepares individuals to enhance their leadership skills to strengthen community gardens throughout New York State. The program equips community gardeners with management best practices and operational skills to improve garden sustainability. The program also connects gardeners to regional resources, professional development opportunities, and a statewide community garden leadership network.

Register for a virtual information session to learn more about the program and discover if this program is the right fit for you. Each information session is typically 45min-1hr.

Session Dates: 

Community Gardens Soil Testing Program Accepting Applications

Soil testing supports the growth and expansion of community gardens by protecting the health and safety of the food produced in these gardens. CCE Harvest NY, in partnership with the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets (AGM) and the Cornell Soil Health Lab, is offering eligible, food-producing gardens in New York State the opportunity to send soil samples for testing without charge.

The soil test will analyze samples for heavy metals and nutrient levels. Test results help gardeners make appropriate plans to produce high quality fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Technical support and education for participating growers will be available from the CCE Harvest New York team. Learn more about the 2026 Community Gardens Soil Testing Program.