Resilient Gardens Symposium

August 10, 2024


Cornell Garden-Based Learning team, CCE Harvest NY, and New York State Seed to Supper are excited to announce that we will be hosting a one-day Resilient Gardens Symposium in New York City focused on culturally relevant gardening skills adapted to climate change for the unique resource needs of urban gardeners. The day's focus will be on addressing barriers for beginning gardeners most affected by post-pandemic food insecurity, hearing from leaders on innovative ways to overcome these issues in cities and connecting resources between Cornell Cooperative Extension and leading community gardens. 

The symposium will have many invited guests from the NYC area community gardens as well as Seed to Supper participants, volunteers, and coordinators. We will hear talks from several community garden leaders on topics relevant to garden education, community gardening and Seed to Supper goals such as:

Our Keynote: DK Kinard - "Cultivating Resilience: Building Solidarity Through Community Connections & Collective Relationships"

• Perl Egendorf, Professor, Pace University- "Adventures in Composting - Stories and Science from the City"
• Corey Blant, Director of Urban Agriculture, New York Restoration Project - "Accessibility in Gardens"
• Alexis Luna, Will Thomson & Chit Yee Ng, Share Shed NYC - "Growing & Strengthening Sharing Networks Amongst NYC Urban Growers"
• Kwesi Joseph, Urban Garden Specialist, Harvest New York - "Mental Health and Healing in Community Gardening"

The Symposium will host talks from CCE specialists on topics relevant to urban gardeners including:

• Mark Bridgen, Professor, Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center - "Plant Propagation for Community Gardens",
• Sam Anderson, Urban Agriculture Specialist, Harvest New York - "Garden Pests in a Changing Climate"
• Carla Crim, Subject Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension Delaware County - "Integrating Cut Flowers in Community Gardens"
• Jody L. Gangloff-Kaufmann, Senior Extension Associate, NYS Integrated Pest Management - "Urban Pests"

And, there will be garden tours to Harlem Community Gardens!

Group A: Harlem Walking Tour (40 minutes of walking to and from sites):

• Garden of Love: Leader, Sade Boyewa El, 302-304 W 116th St, New York, NY
• St. Nicholas Miracle Garden: Leader, Judi Desire, 330 St. Nicholas Ave, New York, NY
• 127th Youth Garden + Market: Leader, Judi Desire, 77 W. 127th St., New York, NY

Urban Ag Food Safety Webinar

March 11, 2026
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Urban and small-scale producers are encouraged to join us for the Urban Ag Food Safety webinar, featuring speakers from Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell IPM. We will explore the 'why' behind food safety, providing a basic overview and diving into specific urban ag considerations including water, pest, rodent, and soil health challenges. We will touch on the regulation and marketing landscape, and share resources for learning more. Bring your questions!

Companion Planting in the Garden -- With Mushrooms!

March 12, 2026
10:00 am - 11:30 am

Learn how to diversify your garden harvest with companion planting at this virtual workshop. Plan next spring's garden with guidance CCE Harvest NY Urban Agriculture Specialist Yolanda Gonzalez on growing three different types of mushrooms.

2026 Rochester Urban Agriculture Conference

March 21, 2026
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Rochester, NY

Join us for our annual Rochester Urban Agriculture Conference, a day of learning and connections featuring interactive workshops, community knowledge sharing, Fruition's Gift of Seed Experience, horticulture tables and displays, and more!

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.

2025 Year in Review

2025 was another year of growth and accomplishment for CCE Harvest NY! Our 2025 Year in Review highlights our impacts and details our work.