About Cornell Cooperative Extension
The Cornell Cooperative Extension provides research-based education and outreach programs that support agriculture, horticulture, forestry, natural resources, environmental stewardship, youth development, family well-being, and community improvement throughout New York. As the outreach arm of Cornell University and the State University of New York land-grant system, Extension connects residents, farmers, businesses, municipalities, and community organizations with practical solutions backed by scientific research.
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New York’s diverse geography includes the Adirondack Mountains, Finger Lakes region, Hudson Valley, Great Lakes shoreline, agricultural valleys, forests, suburban communities, and one of the world’s largest urban centers. Cornell Cooperative Extension develops programs tailored to the unique environmental, agricultural, and economic needs found throughout the state.
Core Services Offered
Cornell Cooperative Extension provides educational resources and technical assistance across a wide range of disciplines that support economic development, environmental sustainability, and healthy communities.
Agriculture and Crop Production
New York is a leading producer of dairy products, apples, grapes, vegetables, and numerous specialty crops. Extension specialists help producers improve productivity and sustainability.
- Crop production management
- Integrated pest management
- Soil health programs
- Nutrient management planning
- Irrigation management
- Agricultural business development
Extension programs support both large-scale agricultural operations and smaller specialty farms throughout the state.
Dairy and Livestock Programs
New York has one of the nation’s largest dairy industries. Extension specialists provide extensive support for livestock producers.
- Dairy herd management
- Beef cattle production
- Livestock nutrition
- Animal health education
- Forage management
- Farm business planning
Fruit and Specialty Crop Programs
New York’s apple orchards, vineyards, berry farms, and specialty crop producers benefit from extensive Extension research and educational programs.
- Orchard management
- Fruit pest monitoring
- Vineyard management
- Disease prevention strategies
- Pollination management
- Crop protection planning
Home Gardening and Horticulture
Homeowners and gardening enthusiasts throughout New York rely on Cornell Extension resources for science-based gardening and landscape management information.
- Vegetable gardening
- Fruit production
- Landscape maintenance
- Tree and shrub care
- Lawn management
- Garden pest identification
Master Gardener Program
The Cornell Master Gardener Volunteer Program trains volunteers who help educate residents about gardening, plant health, and environmental stewardship.
Master Gardeners assist residents with:
- Plant selection
- Pest identification
- Composting techniques
- Native plant landscaping
- Pollinator conservation
- Sustainable gardening practices
Forestry and Natural Resources
New York’s forests provide significant environmental, recreational, and economic benefits. Extension programs help landowners manage these resources responsibly.
- Forest stewardship
- Tree health management
- Wildlife habitat improvement
- Watershed protection
- Conservation planning
- Natural resource management
Environmental Stewardship Programs
Cornell Cooperative Extension helps communities address environmental challenges through science-based education and outreach.
- Water quality protection
- Stormwater management
- Climate resilience education
- Pollinator habitat development
- Sustainable landscaping
- Environmental conservation initiatives
4-H Youth Development
The New York 4-H program provides educational opportunities that help young people develop leadership skills and practical knowledge.
- STEM education
- Agricultural sciences
- Environmental education
- Animal science projects
- Leadership development
- Community service activities
Pest Pressures and Challenges in New York
New York’s farms, forests, landscapes, and urban environments face a wide variety of pest challenges that can affect public health, agricultural productivity, forest ecosystems, and property values. Cornell specialists provide science-based recommendations to help residents manage these concerns effectively.
Ticks
Ticks are among the most significant public health pests in New York. Tick populations have expanded across much of the state and are associated with several diseases.
Common tick species include:
- Blacklegged Ticks (Deer Ticks)
- Lone Star Ticks
- American Dog Ticks
- Brown Dog Ticks
Cornell Extension provides educational resources on tick identification, habitat management, personal protection, and disease prevention.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are widespread throughout New York, particularly in wetlands, forests, suburban neighborhoods, and urban environments.
Extension programs provide information on:
- Mosquito biology
- Breeding habitat reduction
- Integrated mosquito management
- Personal protection strategies
- Community mosquito control efforts
Mosquito management remains important because of nuisance concerns and disease transmission risks.
Agricultural Crop Pests
New York growers manage numerous insect pests that can affect fruit, vegetable, grain, and specialty crop production.
Important agricultural pests include:
- Corn Rootworms
- European Corn Borers
- Colorado Potato Beetles
- Armyworms
- Aphids
- Spotted Wing Drosophila
Extension entomologists provide seasonal pest monitoring reports and management recommendations throughout the growing season.
Fruit Crop Pests
New York’s apple orchards, vineyards, and berry farms face pressure from numerous insect pests.
Common fruit pests include:
- Codling Moths
- Apple Maggots
- Spotted Wing Drosophila
- Plum Curculios
- Grape Berry Moths
- San Jose Scale
Extension specialists provide monitoring updates and integrated pest management recommendations for fruit producers.
Forest Pests
New York’s forests and urban trees face threats from both native and invasive insects.
Important forest pests include:
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Hemlock Woolly Adelgids
- Spongy Moths
- Asian Longhorned Beetles
- Bark Beetles
- Forest Tent Caterpillars
Forestry specialists help landowners and municipalities monitor forest health and respond to emerging pest threats.
Garden and Landscape Pests
Home gardens and ornamental landscapes throughout New York encounter a variety of insect pests and plant diseases.
Common garden pests include:
- Aphids
- Japanese Beetles
- Flea Beetles
- Cabbage Worms
- Leafminers
- Spider Mites
Extension publications help gardeners identify pest problems and implement sustainable management strategies.
Urban and Structural Pests
New York homeowners, businesses, and property managers regularly encounter pests that invade structures.
Common structural pests include:
- Termites
- Cockroaches
- Bed Bugs
- Ants
- Rodents
- Stored Product Pests
Cornell Extension provides educational resources focused on prevention, exclusion, sanitation, and integrated pest management approaches.
Invasive Species
Invasive species continue to threaten New York’s agriculture, forests, landscapes, and natural ecosystems.
Notable invasive pests include:
- Spotted Lanternflies
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Hemlock Woolly Adelgids
- Asian Longhorned Beetles
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
Extension personnel work with state and federal agencies to support monitoring, early detection, rapid response, and public education efforts.
Integrated Pest Management Programs
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is one of Cornell Cooperative Extension’s most recognized and influential program areas.
IPM strategies emphasize:
- Accurate pest identification
- Pest monitoring and scouting
- Preventive cultural practices
- Biological control methods
- Habitat modification
- Responsible pesticide use
These practices help reduce pest populations while protecting beneficial organisms, pollinators, water quality, and environmental health.
Research and Diagnostic Services
Cornell University conducts extensive research focused on agriculture, forestry, urban pest management, environmental stewardship, and sustainable food systems.
Research areas include:
- Crop protection
- Fruit pest management
- Forest health monitoring
- Biological control
- Urban pest management
- Invasive species research
Extension specialists translate scientific research into practical recommendations that benefit New York residents, businesses, and agricultural producers.
Educational Publications and Resources
Cornell Cooperative Extension publishes a wide variety of educational materials covering pest management, agriculture, horticulture, forestry, environmental stewardship, and community development.
Popular Resources Include:
- Pest identification guides
- Crop production manuals
- Fruit pest management resources
- Garden pest fact sheets
- Forest health publications
- Invasive species alerts
Many publications are available online and are regularly updated to reflect current research findings and emerging pest concerns.
Contact Cornell Cooperative Extension
Whether you need help identifying a pest, managing a crop, protecting an orchard, maintaining a garden, improving forest health, addressing tick concerns, or responding to invasive species threats, Cornell Cooperative Extension provides access to research-based information and local expertise throughout New York.
Residents can contact their local Extension office or visit the Cornell Cooperative Extension website to access educational publications, pest management resources, diagnostic assistance, and professional guidance.