Suffolk County Farm Introduces Interactive Walkway and Visitor Center

Suffolk County Farm and Education Center in Yaphank celebrated a significant milestone recently, unveiling a brand-new interactive walkway and announcing an upcoming visitor center.

This remarkable development was made possible through funding from National Grid. The newly revealed interactive walkway is designed to engage visitors through various life-size elements. It comprises multiple stations highlighting the diverse program areas offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk (CCE Suffolk). These encompass agriculture, marine science, gardening, horticulture, camping, life skills education, and family wellness.

The Suffolk County Farm, sprawling across 272 acres, is not just a farm but a year-round educational environment. It welcomes a staggering 100,000 visitors annually, including 20,000 schoolchildren. Moreover, the farm hosts various unique educational programs catering to pre-K to 12th-grade students, summer day camps, a nature-based preschool, and various special events. The farm's historic 1871 Haybarn holds a prestigious spot on the National Historic Registry. Suffolk County has demonstrated its agricultural prowess, ranking fourth in agricultural sales out of the state's 62 counties, with $225.6 million in sales, according to a 2019 report by the state comptroller's office.

Elected state and county-level officials lent their support to this momentous occasion. State Senator Dean Murray proudly stated, "Suffolk County ranks among the top five in the state in agriculture. What you do here is an absolute wonder." Assemblyman Joe DeStefano emphasized, "No farm, no food. It's essential. We need to remember the importance of farms." Local legislator Jim Mazzarella warmly welcomed everyone, saying, "This farm, once a hidden gem, is now widely recognized. It offers programs for everyone, from K-12 to adults. Vicky and Vanessa have worked tirelessly to make it a community cornerstone." Legislator Sarah Anker underscored the educational significance of farms, adding, "Farms like this are crucial for education. Many people don't realize the learning potential here. It's a vital part of our heritage."

Legislator Nick Caracappa emphasized the collaborative nature of Suffolk County's agricultural and aquacultural resources: "Suffolk County's rich agricultural and aquacultural resources are a gift. We collaborate on a county level to share this bounty with our residents." Legislator Sam Gonzalez applauded Cornell Cooperative Extension's profound impact on local students, calling it "unbelievable." Minority Leader Jason Richberg praised the partnership formed to support this initiative, emphasizing its importance in nurturing the environment and the community. Vanessa Lockel, Executive Director of CCE Suffolk, expressed gratitude to National Grid for their contribution, saying, "Thanks to National Grid, the Suffolk County Farm now features a dynamic, new walkway providing an immersive experience that captures the essence of CCE's multifaceted programs."

Kathy Wisnewski, Director of Customer and Community Engagement at National Grid highlighted the alignment of this initiative with National Grid's values, focusing on community learning and broadening public understanding of sustainability, history, and science. Sonia Spar, President of the CCE Suffolk Board of Directors, eloquently summarized the significance of the new walkway: "It's truly an educational journey in itself. Visitors will enjoy a holistic experience that enables them to appreciate the extraordinary breadth of CCE Suffolk's offerings in a personal way."

Although unable to attend in person, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone expressed his support for the innovative initiatives undertaken by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk, highlighting the farm's role as a hub for learning and its contribution to the county's agricultural heritage and sustainability efforts. Rob Carpenter, Director of the Long Island Farm Bureau, praised the Suffolk County Farm's educational agenda and commended CCE Suffolk and National Grid for their exceptional work. Aligned with Cornell University within the national land grant university system, CCE Suffolk boasts a team of educators, researchers, specialists, and dedicated support staff.

Their collective commitment revolves around enhancing the allure of Suffolk County as a prime location for residence and employment. As a governmental subsidiary, CCE Suffolk fulfills its educational mission under an organizational framework sanctioned by Cornell University on behalf of the State of New York. For further details, please refer to http://ccesuffolk.org/.