Life On The Farm 2025 Monday, July 7, 2025 9:00 am - 2:00 pm 4-H Life on the Farm Experience: Youth, ages 9+, will discover what it’s like to live and work on a farm. Participants will take part in a variety of hands-on activities on a working farm and learn about horses, mini-horses, goats, poultry and a variety of other barnyard fowl.During this hands-on youth development program, the Junior Farmers will learn about horses, goats and a variety of poultry breeds; feeding and diet of barnyard animals; health and care of livestock including grooming; and farm maintenance.This program may not be suitable for youth with certain allergies.SELECT ONE SESSION:Session 1: Monday, July 7 - Friday, July 11, 2025Session 2: Monday, August 4 - Friday, August 8, 20259:00am - 2:00pmOpen to youth ages 9 and upProgram Fee: $300 per person (Non-Refundable); $35 4-H membership fee for new members.Location: Brewster, NY $300 (additional $35 for new members) Brandy Keenan, bmk98@cornell.edu, 8452786738 Registration: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/4H_LifeOnTheFarm_2025 ========================================= Ask a Master Gardener @ the Cold Spring Farmers' Market Saturday, July 12, 2025 8:30 am - 1:00 pm Boscobel House and Gardens, 1601 Route 9D , Garrison , NY 10524 Join our Master Gardener Volunteers the second Saturday of the month at the Cold Spring Farmers' Market to learn the ins and outs of gardening from native planting to composting and more! The Cold Spring Farmers' Market is held every Saturday at Boscobel House and Gardens in Garrison.  April 26 - Community Earth Day Celebration  *** special hours - 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.***— Getting Your Garden Started: Spotlight the MGV Plant Sale on May 10, 2025. Demonstration on how to begin a garden: site assessment, planting from seed and plugs.— Putnam Pollinator Pathway - Get to Know the Pollinators: Learn the importance of pollinators in your garden.  June 14 - Putnam Pollinator Pathway - Importance of Native Plants: Native Plants are an essential part of any ecosystem.  July 12 - Using Your Garden Resources: Demonstration on how to bring your outside garden inside.  Aug. 9 - Maximize Garden Production and Minimize Waste: Explore strategies that provide for more efficient use of your garden and produce less waste. Includes discussion on composting.  Sept. 13 -Putnam Pollinator Pathway - Best Practice for Gardens/Lawn Management: How to reduce pesticides in your garden and lawn.  Oct. 11 - Creating Habitat: Whether it's a planned garden or natural, it all starts with creating habitat. Leave the leaves alone! Amanda Colley, amc399@cornell.edu , 845-278-6738 ext. 221 ========================================= MGV Guided Hikes 2025 Saturday, July 19, 2025 9:30 am - 12:00 pm Join Cornell Cooperative Extension Putnam County Master Gardener Volunteers on guided hikes as we explore Putnam County’s natural beauty, land-use history, and the invasive species that threaten our natural resources. Date Difficulty Level Location May 31  Rain Date: June 1 Moderately Strenuous  5 hours4.45 miles Chimney Top Fahnestock State Park: Highlights include beautiful, wooded areas with interesting vegetation, such as Mountain Laurel, and outstanding views of Breakneck Ridge, Mt. Beacon, and Storm King. There is a moderate ascent.June 21 Rain Date: June 22 Strenuous  4.5 hours 4 miles Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area: A more challenging hike with a gorge waterfall, an overlook, and a hemlock forest affected by the 2018 tornado. We'll discuss the NY-Conn "Oblong" border history beginning in the 1600s. This hike has a 500- foot ascent. July 19  Rain Date: July 20Easy  2 hours 1.5 miles Pelton Pond Nature Trail: Located in Fahnestock State Park, this is an ideal hike for families with young children. This scenic trail loops around Pelton Pond, a man-made body of water created by flooding a mine shaft.Register HERE. Aug. 16  Rain Date: August 17 Moderate  3.5 hours 3 miles Sugarloaf Hill Trail: An out and back trail beginning in the Castle Rock Unique Area to Hudson Highlands State Park with views of the Hudson River, West Point and the Bear Mountain Bridge. The last 1/4 mile is a ridgeline ascent to the summit. Sept. 20 Rain Date: Sept. 21 Moderately Strenuous 3-4 Hours4 miles Mount Nimham: This is an up and back hike through the woods to a paved trail leading to the Mount Nimham Fire Tower. Along the way we'll discuss the tower and its namesake, stone chambers, and the area's history. Oct. 18Rain Date: Oct. 19Moderately Strenuous  4 hours 3 miles Dennytown Fahnestock State Park: Visit a reforested mining area, Civilian Conservation Corps lakes and public works, beaver dams, and a vista. This hike has a 400-foot ascent, but also follows level dirt roads, through a shady forest. Registration is free (minors must be accompanied by parent). Waiver required for all hikers. ONLY 1 PERSON PER REGISTRATION FORM. Amanda Colley, amc399@cornell.edu , 845-278-6738 ext. 221 ========================================= 4-H Showcase at the Putnam County Country Fair Saturday, July 26, 2025 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park, 201 Gipsy Trail Road , Carmel, NY 10512 4-H Showcase at the Putnam County Country Fair Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park 201 Gipsy Trail Rd, Kent Cliffs, NY 10512 July 26th and July 27thFOURTH ANNUAL DUCK DERBY! $5 per duck, 5 ducks for $20, 25 ducks for $75. Winner receives cash and prizes valued at $350. All proceeds support CCE-Putnam's Capital Campaign for The Cornell Barn at Tilly Foster Farm.ADOPT YOUR DUCKS HERE TODAY! VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDWe need help setting up and taking down before and after the Fair as well as during the two-day event!JOIN US AND SIGN UP TODAY HERE ========================================= 4-H Showcase at the Putnam County Country Fair Sunday, July 27, 2025 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park, 201 Gipsy Trail Road , Carmel, NY 10512 4-H Showcase at the Putnam County Country Fair Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park 201 Gipsy Trail Rd, Kent Cliffs, NY 10512 July 26th and July 27thFOURTH ANNUAL DUCK DERBY! $5 per duck, 5 ducks for $20, 25 ducks for $75. Winner receives cash and prizes valued at $350. All proceeds support CCE-Putnam's Capital Campaign for The Cornell Barn at Tilly Foster Farm.ADOPT YOUR DUCKS HERE TODAY! VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDWe need help setting up and taking down before and after the Fair as well as during the two-day event!JOIN US AND SIGN UP TODAY HERE ========================================= Life On The Farm 2025 Monday, August 4, 2025 9:00 am - 2:00 pm 4-H Life on the Farm Experience: Youth, ages 9+, will discover what it’s like to live and work on a farm. Participants will take part in a variety of hands-on activities on a working farm and learn about horses, mini-horses, goats, poultry and a variety of other barnyard fowl.During this hands-on youth development program, the Junior Farmers will learn about horses, goats and a variety of poultry breeds; feeding and diet of barnyard animals; health and care of livestock including grooming; and farm maintenance.This program may not be suitable for youth with certain allergies.SELECT ONE SESSION:Session 1: Monday, July 7 - Friday, July 11, 2025Session 2: Monday, August 4 - Friday, August 8, 20259:00am - 2:00pmOpen to youth ages 9 and upProgram Fee: $300 per person (Non-Refundable); $35 4-H membership fee for new members.Location: Brewster, NY $300 (additional $35 for new members) Brandy Keenan, bmk98@cornell.edu, 8452786738 Registration: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/4H_LifeOnTheFarm_2025 ========================================= Ask a Master Gardener @ the Cold Spring Farmers' Market Saturday, August 9, 2025 8:30 am - 1:00 pm Boscobel House and Gardens, 1601 Route 9D , Garrison , NY 10524 Join our Master Gardener Volunteers the second Saturday of the month at the Cold Spring Farmers' Market to learn the ins and outs of gardening from native planting to composting and more! The Cold Spring Farmers' Market is held every Saturday at Boscobel House and Gardens in Garrison.  April 26 - Community Earth Day Celebration  *** special hours - 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.***— Getting Your Garden Started: Spotlight the MGV Plant Sale on May 10, 2025. Demonstration on how to begin a garden: site assessment, planting from seed and plugs.— Putnam Pollinator Pathway - Get to Know the Pollinators: Learn the importance of pollinators in your garden.  June 14 - Putnam Pollinator Pathway - Importance of Native Plants: Native Plants are an essential part of any ecosystem.  July 12 - Using Your Garden Resources: Demonstration on how to bring your outside garden inside.  Aug. 9 - Maximize Garden Production and Minimize Waste: Explore strategies that provide for more efficient use of your garden and produce less waste. Includes discussion on composting.  Sept. 13 -Putnam Pollinator Pathway - Best Practice for Gardens/Lawn Management: How to reduce pesticides in your garden and lawn.  Oct. 11 - Creating Habitat: Whether it's a planned garden or natural, it all starts with creating habitat. Leave the leaves alone! Amanda Colley, amc399@cornell.edu , 845-278-6738 ext. 221 ========================================= MGV Guided Hikes 2025 Saturday, August 16, 2025 9:30 am - 1:00 pm Join Cornell Cooperative Extension Putnam County Master Gardener Volunteers on guided hikes as we explore Putnam County’s natural beauty, land-use history, and the invasive species that threaten our natural resources. Date Difficulty Level Location May 31  Rain Date: June 1 Moderately Strenuous  5 hours4.45 miles Chimney Top Fahnestock State Park: Highlights include beautiful, wooded areas with interesting vegetation, such as Mountain Laurel, and outstanding views of Breakneck Ridge, Mt. Beacon, and Storm King. There is a moderate ascent.June 21 Rain Date: June 22 Strenuous  4.5 hours 4 miles Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area: A more challenging hike with a gorge waterfall, an overlook, and a hemlock forest affected by the 2018 tornado. We'll discuss the NY-Conn "Oblong" border history beginning in the 1600s. This hike has a 500- foot ascent. July 19  Rain Date: July 20Easy  2 hours 1.5 miles Pelton Pond Nature Trail: Located in Fahnestock State Park, this is an ideal hike for families with young children. This scenic trail loops around Pelton Pond, a man-made body of water created by flooding a mine shaft.Register HERE. Aug. 16  Rain Date: August 17 Moderate  3.5 hours 3 miles Sugarloaf Hill Trail: An out and back trail beginning in the Castle Rock Unique Area to Hudson Highlands State Park with views of the Hudson River, West Point and the Bear Mountain Bridge. The last 1/4 mile is a ridgeline ascent to the summit. Sept. 20 Rain Date: Sept. 21 Moderately Strenuous 3-4 Hours4 miles Mount Nimham: This is an up and back hike through the woods to a paved trail leading to the Mount Nimham Fire Tower. Along the way we'll discuss the tower and its namesake, stone chambers, and the area's history. Oct. 18Rain Date: Oct. 19Moderately Strenuous  4 hours 3 miles Dennytown Fahnestock State Park: Visit a reforested mining area, Civilian Conservation Corps lakes and public works, beaver dams, and a vista. This hike has a 400-foot ascent, but also follows level dirt roads, through a shady forest. Registration is free (minors must be accompanied by parent). Waiver required for all hikers. ONLY 1 PERSON PER REGISTRATION FORM. Amanda Colley, amc399@cornell.edu , 845-278-6738 ext. 221 ========================================= Ask a Master Gardener @ the Cold Spring Farmers' Market Saturday, September 13, 2025 8:30 am - 1:00 pm Boscobel House and Gardens, 1601 Route 9D , Garrison , NY 10524 Join our Master Gardener Volunteers the second Saturday of the month at the Cold Spring Farmers' Market to learn the ins and outs of gardening from native planting to composting and more! The Cold Spring Farmers' Market is held every Saturday at Boscobel House and Gardens in Garrison.  April 26 - Community Earth Day Celebration  *** special hours - 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.***— Getting Your Garden Started: Spotlight the MGV Plant Sale on May 10, 2025. Demonstration on how to begin a garden: site assessment, planting from seed and plugs.— Putnam Pollinator Pathway - Get to Know the Pollinators: Learn the importance of pollinators in your garden.  June 14 - Putnam Pollinator Pathway - Importance of Native Plants: Native Plants are an essential part of any ecosystem.  July 12 - Using Your Garden Resources: Demonstration on how to bring your outside garden inside.  Aug. 9 - Maximize Garden Production and Minimize Waste: Explore strategies that provide for more efficient use of your garden and produce less waste. Includes discussion on composting.  Sept. 13 -Putnam Pollinator Pathway - Best Practice for Gardens/Lawn Management: How to reduce pesticides in your garden and lawn.  Oct. 11 - Creating Habitat: Whether it's a planned garden or natural, it all starts with creating habitat. Leave the leaves alone! Amanda Colley, amc399@cornell.edu , 845-278-6738 ext. 221 ========================================= MGV Guided Hikes 2025 Saturday, September 20, 2025 9:30 am - 2:00 pm Join Cornell Cooperative Extension Putnam County Master Gardener Volunteers on guided hikes as we explore Putnam County’s natural beauty, land-use history, and the invasive species that threaten our natural resources. Date Difficulty Level Location May 31  Rain Date: June 1 Moderately Strenuous  5 hours4.45 miles Chimney Top Fahnestock State Park: Highlights include beautiful, wooded areas with interesting vegetation, such as Mountain Laurel, and outstanding views of Breakneck Ridge, Mt. Beacon, and Storm King. There is a moderate ascent.June 21 Rain Date: June 22 Strenuous  4.5 hours 4 miles Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area: A more challenging hike with a gorge waterfall, an overlook, and a hemlock forest affected by the 2018 tornado. We'll discuss the NY-Conn "Oblong" border history beginning in the 1600s. This hike has a 500- foot ascent. July 19  Rain Date: July 20Easy  2 hours 1.5 miles Pelton Pond Nature Trail: Located in Fahnestock State Park, this is an ideal hike for families with young children. This scenic trail loops around Pelton Pond, a man-made body of water created by flooding a mine shaft.Register HERE. Aug. 16  Rain Date: August 17 Moderate  3.5 hours 3 miles Sugarloaf Hill Trail: An out and back trail beginning in the Castle Rock Unique Area to Hudson Highlands State Park with views of the Hudson River, West Point and the Bear Mountain Bridge. The last 1/4 mile is a ridgeline ascent to the summit. Sept. 20 Rain Date: Sept. 21 Moderately Strenuous 3-4 Hours4 miles Mount Nimham: This is an up and back hike through the woods to a paved trail leading to the Mount Nimham Fire Tower. Along the way we'll discuss the tower and its namesake, stone chambers, and the area's history. Oct. 18Rain Date: Oct. 19Moderately Strenuous  4 hours 3 miles Dennytown Fahnestock State Park: Visit a reforested mining area, Civilian Conservation Corps lakes and public works, beaver dams, and a vista. This hike has a 400-foot ascent, but also follows level dirt roads, through a shady forest. Registration is free (minors must be accompanied by parent). Waiver required for all hikers. ONLY 1 PERSON PER REGISTRATION FORM. Amanda Colley, amc399@cornell.edu , 845-278-6738 ext. 221 ========================================= Ask a Master Gardener @ the Cold Spring Farmers' Market Saturday, October 11, 2025 8:30 am - 1:00 pm Boscobel House and Gardens, 1601 Route 9D , Garrison , NY 10524 Join our Master Gardener Volunteers the second Saturday of the month at the Cold Spring Farmers' Market to learn the ins and outs of gardening from native planting to composting and more! The Cold Spring Farmers' Market is held every Saturday at Boscobel House and Gardens in Garrison.  April 26 - Community Earth Day Celebration  *** special hours - 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.***— Getting Your Garden Started: Spotlight the MGV Plant Sale on May 10, 2025. Demonstration on how to begin a garden: site assessment, planting from seed and plugs.— Putnam Pollinator Pathway - Get to Know the Pollinators: Learn the importance of pollinators in your garden.  June 14 - Putnam Pollinator Pathway - Importance of Native Plants: Native Plants are an essential part of any ecosystem.  July 12 - Using Your Garden Resources: Demonstration on how to bring your outside garden inside.  Aug. 9 - Maximize Garden Production and Minimize Waste: Explore strategies that provide for more efficient use of your garden and produce less waste. Includes discussion on composting.  Sept. 13 -Putnam Pollinator Pathway - Best Practice for Gardens/Lawn Management: How to reduce pesticides in your garden and lawn.  Oct. 11 - Creating Habitat: Whether it's a planned garden or natural, it all starts with creating habitat. Leave the leaves alone! Amanda Colley, amc399@cornell.edu , 845-278-6738 ext. 221 ========================================= MGV Guided Hikes 2025 Saturday, October 18, 2025 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Join Cornell Cooperative Extension Putnam County Master Gardener Volunteers on guided hikes as we explore Putnam County’s natural beauty, land-use history, and the invasive species that threaten our natural resources. Date Difficulty Level Location May 31  Rain Date: June 1 Moderately Strenuous  5 hours4.45 miles Chimney Top Fahnestock State Park: Highlights include beautiful, wooded areas with interesting vegetation, such as Mountain Laurel, and outstanding views of Breakneck Ridge, Mt. Beacon, and Storm King. There is a moderate ascent.June 21 Rain Date: June 22 Strenuous  4.5 hours 4 miles Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area: A more challenging hike with a gorge waterfall, an overlook, and a hemlock forest affected by the 2018 tornado. We'll discuss the NY-Conn "Oblong" border history beginning in the 1600s. This hike has a 500- foot ascent. July 19  Rain Date: July 20Easy  2 hours 1.5 miles Pelton Pond Nature Trail: Located in Fahnestock State Park, this is an ideal hike for families with young children. This scenic trail loops around Pelton Pond, a man-made body of water created by flooding a mine shaft.Register HERE. Aug. 16  Rain Date: August 17 Moderate  3.5 hours 3 miles Sugarloaf Hill Trail: An out and back trail beginning in the Castle Rock Unique Area to Hudson Highlands State Park with views of the Hudson River, West Point and the Bear Mountain Bridge. The last 1/4 mile is a ridgeline ascent to the summit. Sept. 20 Rain Date: Sept. 21 Moderately Strenuous 3-4 Hours4 miles Mount Nimham: This is an up and back hike through the woods to a paved trail leading to the Mount Nimham Fire Tower. Along the way we'll discuss the tower and its namesake, stone chambers, and the area's history. Oct. 18Rain Date: Oct. 19Moderately Strenuous  4 hours 3 miles Dennytown Fahnestock State Park: Visit a reforested mining area, Civilian Conservation Corps lakes and public works, beaver dams, and a vista. This hike has a 400-foot ascent, but also follows level dirt roads, through a shady forest. Registration is free (minors must be accompanied by parent). Waiver required for all hikers. ONLY 1 PERSON PER REGISTRATION FORM. Amanda Colley, amc399@cornell.edu , 845-278-6738 ext. 221 =========================================