Gardening In The Shade - Pearl River Thursday, April 16, 2026 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Hosted by Pearl River School Districts Adult EducationContact Monica Muthig at muthigm@pearlriver.org to registerGardening In The ShadeMany Rockland gardeners begin with a sunny landscape, but as trees grow and mature, gardeners are faced with abundant shade. This is not a negative change as it opens up new possibilities for shrubs, perennials, and even annuals.This class will discuss the plants that are made for the shade and how gardeners can use them effectively to create a beautiful environment. ========================================= 4-H Beginner Dog Training Series Begins Wednesday, April 22, 2026 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm About the program:This four-session foundation training class employs positive training methods that reward desirable behaviors to help your dog learn in a humane way. These methods foster a trusting and closer bond between owners and their dogs.Learn from a professional dog trainer:Canine body language and how it can help you to understand what your dog is saying to you.How to communicate clearly with your dog through the use of a reward marker.How to teach your dog to pay Attention to you, Come when called, Sit, Lie Down, and Do a Trick.About the presenter:Fran Hellman is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and the owner of Four Paws Guidance Dog Training. She is a positive reinforcement trainer who only uses force-free, science-based training methods. Learn more about Fran at the Four Paws Guidance Dog Training website.Event Details & Registration Information:When:Wednesdays, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pmApril 22, April 29, May 6 & May 13Where:Paw Pals in Nanuet - 35 Smith St, Nanuet, NY 10954Who:Youth ages 8-18. For youth safety, a parent/guardian must be present for participants 13 and under. Space is limited to 6 dogs. Registration and payment must be submitted to reserve your space.New York State 4-H Dog Policy:Please read the New York State 4-H Dog Policy before registering. All participants will need to sign the CCE Dog/Animal Release of Liability and Indemnification Agreement and the Animal Registration Form upon enrolling in the class. $125. Financial assistance is available. Kristin Ruggiero, klf37@cornell.edu, (845) 429-7085 x 103 Registration: https://www.cceevents.org/e/4-h-beginner-dog-training-2026 ========================================= Dealing with Wildlife In The Backyard Wednesday, April 22, 2026 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Suffern Library , 210 Lafayette Ave , Suffern, NY 10901 Hosted by Suffern Free LibraryTo register please contact Miguelina Molina at mmolina@suffernfreelibrary.org Dealing with Wildlife In The Backyard Deer and other wild life are a constant threats to plantings and home gardens. This discussion will address the primary wild life challenges in our area. It will explain the behaviors and habits of the local invaders such as deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and chipmunks as well as options for limiting their damage. ========================================= Gardening In The Shade - Finkelstein Memorial Library Thursday, April 23, 2026 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Finkelstein Memorial Library, 24 Chestnut Street , Spring Valley , New York 10977 Hosted by Finkelstein Memorial Library Contact Maria Vanessa Cipolla at mcipolla@rcls.org  to registerGardening In The ShadeMany Rockland gardeners begin with a sunny landscape, but as trees grow and mature, gardeners are faced with abundant shade. This is not a negative change as it opens up new possibilities for shrubs, perennials, and even annuals.This class will discuss the plants that are made for the shade and how gardeners can use them effectively to create a beautiful environment. ========================================= Edible Landscaping Thursday, April 23, 2026 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Hosted by Pearl River School Districts Adult Education Contact Monica Muthig at muthigm@pearlriver.org to registerEdible LandscapingThe possibilities are endless and oh, so inviting! Edible Landscaping is a beautiful, sustainable, and tasty alternative to traditional landscaping. Many trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants with edible parts can serve the same function as ornamentals and can look just as good. This program will explore ways of adding fruit, vegetables, and herbs to your existing beds, borders, and containers. ========================================= Online Native Plant Sale Fundraiser Friday, February 27, 2026 12:00 pm - 11:45 pm Our Native Plant Sale 2026 Fundraiser is here! This annual event helps fund Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rockland County’s educational programs while giving you the opportunity to bring beautiful, ecologically beneficial native plants into your landscape. Native plants support pollinators, improve soil health, reduce stormwater runoff, and create thriving habitats right here in Rockland County.In addition to a wide selection of carefully curated native plants, we’re excited to offer handcrafted wren houses made by Mike Tito — perfect for inviting insect-eating House Wrens into your yard — and beautifully crafted cedar planters made by Master Gardener Volunteer Chris Addeo. These durable, rot-resistant planters are ideal for small-space gardening, patios, and entrywaysOrdering closes April 24Pickup is Saturday May 9 from 9 AM to 1 PM at CCE Rockland - 10 Patriot Hills Drive, Stony Point NYShop The Plant Sale Here ========================================= Master Gardener Application Deadline Monday, June 1, 2026 12:00 pm - 12:00 pm The deadline to apply for the Master Gardener Volunteer Program is June 1How to enroll in the program: • Complete application/interest form: MGV Interest Form• Complete an in-person interview with the Horticulture Educator (June - July ) • Pay the course fee and begin the program on September 10, 2026Fill Out Application/Interest Form: MGV Training Application/Interest FormCourse fee: $375.002026-2027 Master Garden Volunteer ProgramIf you would like to help improve the environment and natural beauty of your community and you enjoy sharing your knowledge/expertise with others gardening, then consider becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer!What is the Master Gardener Volunteer Program?The Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a nationwide educational program, and in New York State, consists of a corps of volunteers who are trained by Cornell Cooperative Extension in the science and art of gardening.Master Gardener Volunteers are volunteers from the community who enjoy gardening , and use their horticultural skills and expertise to educate others. In return for their training, Master Gardener Volunteers donate their time teaching the community about their gardening and the environment. Each volunteer agrees to give back 100 hours of service over a two-year period, and then continue in the program as a certified Master Gardener Volunteer.Master Gardener Volunteer activities include:Teaching gardening to children, adults, educators and community groups in the demonstration gardens,schools, libraries and other public venues.Working with schools in after-school programs and school gardensOffering lectures and workshops at libraries, schools and in the communityAnswering horticultural inquiries and assisting in the Horticultural Diagnostic LabWriting articles about gardeningCreating and staffing horticultural booths at shows and fairsProviding advice to the public at farmer’s markets, garden centers and other venuesCommunity improvement and beautification projectsHorticultural therapy at local health care facilitiesIncreasing awareness of integrated pest management, water quality and conservation and other environmental issuesNeighbors teaching neighbors about:Container GardeningGardening with ChildrenLandscape & Garden DesignLawn CareNative PlantsVegetables & FruitsHerbsHouseplantsPlant DiseasesIntegrated Pest Management (IPM)Wildlife ManagementAttracting Birds, Butterflies & Beneficial InsectsCompostingOrganic GardeningWater ConservationAnd much, much moreWhat are the qualifications to become a Master Gardener Volunteer?A basic interest and knowledge about landscape and gardeningEnthusiasm for acquiring and sharing horticultural knowledge and skillsInterest in teaching othersAbility to communicate verbally and in writingUnderstanding of Cornell Cooperative Extension’s educational missionFlexible time schedule to allow participation in the programWillingness to volunteer time on horticultural projects and to help meet the goals of the county’s Cornell Cooperative Extension Program.Being a Master Gardener Volunteer is both a rewarding and gratifying experience. Master Gardeners add beauty and knowledge to the many lives they touch.View MGV Brochure Here Read More About Our Master Gardeners Here Kristen Ossmann, kno7@cornell.edu, (845) 429-7085 ext. 108 ========================================= Save The Date - Sustainability Walk & Showcase Fundraiser Sunday, October 4, 2026 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Congers Lake Memorial Park, Gilchrest Road, off Route 303 , Congers, NY 10920 Get Out, Get Active, & Play in Nature with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rockland County! Join us during leaf-peeping-season at the scenic Congers Lake in Congers, NY, for our fourth annual Sustainability Walk & Showcase. Take advantage of this special opportunity to walk the Congers Lake Memorial Park trail that is normally reserved for Clarkstown residents only.At this family-friendly event you will: Discover the Lake with a scavenger hunt Learn about birds, bugs, and biodiversity at educational stops along the way Protect the environment and save money with green living ideasCornell Cooperative Extension of Rockland County is pleased to announce it will be acknowledging environmental work and stewardship at its fifth annual Sustainability Walk & Showcase on Sunday, October 4. The event runs from 10 am to 2pm.View the SWS website HERE and learn how to become a sponsor!             We thank our Platinum Sponsors from 2025Would you like to become a sponsor or vendor for this event? Ways to Get Involved:Join the Walk:Be a part of the event by participating in the Sustainability Walk on Sunday, September 29th. Bring your friends and family along to enjoy the activities and support the cause.Create a Team:Form a team with your peers, colleagues, or friends to walk together and show collective support for sustainability and environmental awareness.Fundraise for CCE Rockland:Consider fundraising efforts to support CCE Rockland's essential programs, such as 4-H initiatives, the Master Gardener Program, and other valuable projects. Visit the website for detailed information on how your donations can make a difference.Corporate Sponsorship:Encourage businesses to become corporate sponsors of the walk. By sponsoring the event, companies can gain visibility, recognition, and demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability. Use the provided link for sponsorship details.Individual Sponsorship:Individuals can also contribute to the cause by becoming sponsors of the walk. Contact Jody Addeo at jka64@cornell.edu or (845) 429-7085 ext 107.Promotional Photo of Lake Credit: Carlos Gonzalez ScenesFromTheTrail.com Free Admission, Donations Welcome Ernesto Leon, el456@cornell.edu, (845) 429-7085 =========================================