New York City Soil Health Field Day

May 18, 2022


The New York Soil Health Working Group and the New York Soil Health Initiative announce the 2022 Soil Health and Climate Resiliency Field Day Series.

Mark your calendars for ten field days across the state that will focus on principles and practices related to building soil health and climate resiliency on farms.

MAY 18 | 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
New York City - Bronx  |  New Roots Community Farm
Topic: urban soil health, water management

Online registration is required for all events. A few events will have a small registration fee to support costs associated with the event. REGISTER NOW!

2022 Field Day Collaborators and Partners include CCE Harvest NY, Cayuga SWCD, Tompkins SWCD, Cornell Climate Smart Farming Program, Kings AgriSeeds, Clinton CCE, Cornell Small Farms Program, Eastern NY CCE, USDA-NRCS, Cornell Lake Erie Regional Grape Program, Hudson Valley Farm Hub, Orleans CCE, American Farmland Trust, Western NY Crop Management Association, Suffolk CCE and SWCD, NOFA-NY, and NYS Dept of Ag and Mkts.

Air-Pruned Raised Bed Workshop Series

April 23, 2026
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Brooklyn, NY

Join Connor Youngerman of Cornell Small Farms and the team at The Opportunity Hub for a hands-on, train-the-trainer workshop introducing Air-Pruned Raised Beds (APRBs) from construction to implementation. Designed to equip forestry practitioners, educators, and community leaders with the skills to replicate this model. This session will cover APRB design, recommended urban tree species, installation techniques, and basic troubleshooting. Participants will not only learn the fundamentals of APRBs as a tool for growing a diverse range of urban tree species but will also gain the knowledge and confidence to teach others how to build and manage them. 

Air-Pruned Raised Beds 101

April 24, 2026
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Upper Manhattan, NY

Join Connor Youngerman of Cornell Small Farms and NYRP's Parks & Urban Agriculture teams for an introduction to Air-Pruned Raised Beds (APRBs) from construction to implementation. APRBs have been shown as an excellent method for growing a suite of urban tree species and hold great promise as a tool for forestry practitioners in NYC. This workshop will explore the in's and outs, including design, appropriate tree species, and basic troubleshooting (i.e. weeding). Participants will also get to help build and plant out two APRBs at NYRP's field facility.

Air-Pruned Raised Bed Workshop

April 25, 2026
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Bronx, NY

Join Connor Youngerman of Cornell Small Farms and the team at Riverdale Country School for a hands-on, train-the-trainer workshop introducing Air-Pruned Raised Beds (APRBs) from construction to implementation. Designed to equip forestry practitioners, educators, and community leaders with the skills to replicate this model. This session will cover APRB design, recommended urban tree species, installation techniques, and basic troubleshooting. Participants will not only learn the fundamentals of APRBs as a tool for growing a diverse range of urban tree species, but will also gain the knowledge and confidence to teach others how to build and manage them.

NOTE: Registration is required for this workshop. Attendance will be capped at 25 people.

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.