CCE Sullivan Hosts Series of Fall Workshops Focused on Sustainable Gardening, Water Management, and Farm Pest Management

LIBERTY, NY – Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County is offering three educational workshops this October designed to help gardeners, landowners, and farmers prepare for the seasons ahead through hands-on learning and practical conservation practices. The programs will cover bulb planting and garden design, contour swales and rain garden construction, and integrated pest management strategies for small farms.

The workshop series begins on October 27 with the Contour Swales & Rain Garden Design Workshop, presented by Adrianne Picciano, owner of The Dirt Diva. Participants will attend an educational presentation followed by a tour of CCE Sullivan’s contour swale project. The program will explore how contour swales and rain gardens capture and manage water, reduce erosion, improve drainage, and provide ecological benefits for home landscapes and small farms. Attendees will receive practical guidance and take-home resources for developing their own systems.

On October 28, gardeners are invited to attend the Bulb Planting Garden Workshop at the CCE Sullivan office. This interactive, hands-on experience will guide participants through bed preparation, mulching, bulb selection, and planting techniques. The workshop will focus on pest-resistant flowering bulbs and garlic, helping gardeners plan for blooms from spring through fall. Participants will also learn basic garden design principles while working directly in the garden.

The series concludes on October 29 with IPM for the Small Farm: Aphids to White-Tailed Deer at Bobolink Farm in Liberty. Hosted by farm owner Brenda Miller, this walking tour will introduce participants to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles and help them identify locations where pests and pathogens overwinter. The program will examine seasonal pest management decisions and strategies that support a balanced agricultural ecosystem. NYS DEC pesticide recertification credits will be available for eligible participants.

“These workshops provide practical, local education that participants can immediately apply in their gardens, landscapes, and farming operations,” said Michelle Proscia, CCE Sullivan Ag Program Manager. “Whether you're looking to improve water management, prepare for next year's garden, or develop more sustainable pest management strategies, these programs offer valuable hands-on learning opportunities.”

To register for these events visit: www.sullivancce.org/events.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County is an equal opportunity educator, provider and employer. This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2024-70027-42540 and Award Number 2022-06508.