Closed for the Holiday Monday, January 20, 2025 12:00 am - 11:45 pm Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County will be closed in observance of the holiday. Messages will be returned the following day. ========================================= What's Bugging You? -Proper storage of pesticides & household chemicals | Misuse of moth balls Friday, February 7, 2025 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm In honor of National Pesticide Safety Education Month, we're talking about proper storage of pesticides and household chemicals and misuse of moth balls.Register Here!About our "What's Bugging You?" seriesEach month at New York State Integrated Pest Management's "What's Bugging You? First Friday" events, experts share practical information and answer questions on using integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. We end with an IPM Minute, and cover a specific action you can take in the next few days to help you avoid pest problems. ========================================= 4-H Learn to Write Your Cover Letter & Resume Tuesday, February 11, 2025 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm 50 West High St. , Ballston Spa, NY 12020 Are you in search of an after-school job or maybe foresee working a summer job? If so, join us at Youth Resume/Cover Letter Writing Workshop and learn how to set yourself apart from others on your resume. Your resume is your most important tool when applying for a job. It doesn’t matter how qualified you are, or how much experience you have - if your resume is poorly presented or badly written, you may have difficulty getting the job you want. This workshop is for youth 13 and older. Youth must be a member or join 4-H to participate.Pizza will be provided by the 4-H Leaders Association. Please email Leland  to sign up. Leland Bunting, glb76@cornell.edu, 518-885-8995 ext. 2204 ========================================= The Great Backyard Bird Count Friday, February 14, 2025 12:00 am - 11:45 pm Each February, for four days, the world comes together for the love of birds. Over these four days we invite people to spend time in their favorite places watching and counting as many birds as they can find and reporting them to us. These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations.Launched in 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) was the first online participatory-science project (also referred to as community science or citizen science) to collect data on wild birds and to display results in near real time. Birds Canada joined the project in 2009 to provide an expanded capacity to support participation in Canada. In 2013, we became a global project when we began entering data into eBird, the world’s largest biodiversity-related participatory science (community science or citizen science) project. How to Participate Photos clockwise from top left: April Gaydos in Mexico, Sophie Skipper in United States, Pipope Panitchpakdi in Thailand, and Miguel Angel Montenegro in Bolivia.Participating is easy, fun to do alone or with others, and can be done anywhere you find birds.Step 1: Decide where you will watch birds.Step 2: Watch birds for15 minutes or more, at least once over the four days, February 14–17, 2025.Step 3: Identify all the birds you see or hear within your planned time/location and use the best tool for sharing your bird sightings:If you area beginning bird admirer and new to bird identification, try using the Merlin Bird ID app to tell us what birds you are seeing or hearing.If you have participated in the count before and want to record numbers of birds, try the eBird Mobile app or enter your bird list on the eBird website (desktop/laptop).  ========================================= The Great Backyard Bird Count Saturday, February 15, 2025 12:00 am - 11:45 pm Each February, for four days, the world comes together for the love of birds. Over these four days we invite people to spend time in their favorite places watching and counting as many birds as they can find and reporting them to us. These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations.Launched in 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) was the first online participatory-science project (also referred to as community science or citizen science) to collect data on wild birds and to display results in near real time. Birds Canada joined the project in 2009 to provide an expanded capacity to support participation in Canada. In 2013, we became a global project when we began entering data into eBird, the world’s largest biodiversity-related participatory science (community science or citizen science) project. How to Participate Photos clockwise from top left: April Gaydos in Mexico, Sophie Skipper in United States, Pipope Panitchpakdi in Thailand, and Miguel Angel Montenegro in Bolivia.Participating is easy, fun to do alone or with others, and can be done anywhere you find birds.Step 1: Decide where you will watch birds.Step 2: Watch birds for15 minutes or more, at least once over the four days, February 14–17, 2025.Step 3: Identify all the birds you see or hear within your planned time/location and use the best tool for sharing your bird sightings:If you area beginning bird admirer and new to bird identification, try using the Merlin Bird ID app to tell us what birds you are seeing or hearing.If you have participated in the count before and want to record numbers of birds, try the eBird Mobile app or enter your bird list on the eBird website (desktop/laptop).  ========================================= The Great Backyard Bird Count Sunday, February 16, 2025 12:00 am - 11:45 pm Each February, for four days, the world comes together for the love of birds. Over these four days we invite people to spend time in their favorite places watching and counting as many birds as they can find and reporting them to us. These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations.Launched in 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) was the first online participatory-science project (also referred to as community science or citizen science) to collect data on wild birds and to display results in near real time. Birds Canada joined the project in 2009 to provide an expanded capacity to support participation in Canada. In 2013, we became a global project when we began entering data into eBird, the world’s largest biodiversity-related participatory science (community science or citizen science) project. How to Participate Photos clockwise from top left: April Gaydos in Mexico, Sophie Skipper in United States, Pipope Panitchpakdi in Thailand, and Miguel Angel Montenegro in Bolivia.Participating is easy, fun to do alone or with others, and can be done anywhere you find birds.Step 1: Decide where you will watch birds.Step 2: Watch birds for15 minutes or more, at least once over the four days, February 14–17, 2025.Step 3: Identify all the birds you see or hear within your planned time/location and use the best tool for sharing your bird sightings:If you area beginning bird admirer and new to bird identification, try using the Merlin Bird ID app to tell us what birds you are seeing or hearing.If you have participated in the count before and want to record numbers of birds, try the eBird Mobile app or enter your bird list on the eBird website (desktop/laptop).  ========================================= Closed For The Holiday Monday, February 17, 2025 12:00 pm - 12:00 pm Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County will be closed in observance of the holiday. Messages will be returned the following day. ========================================= The Great Backyard Bird Count Monday, February 17, 2025 12:00 am - 11:45 pm Each February, for four days, the world comes together for the love of birds. Over these four days we invite people to spend time in their favorite places watching and counting as many birds as they can find and reporting them to us. These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations.Launched in 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) was the first online participatory-science project (also referred to as community science or citizen science) to collect data on wild birds and to display results in near real time. Birds Canada joined the project in 2009 to provide an expanded capacity to support participation in Canada. In 2013, we became a global project when we began entering data into eBird, the world’s largest biodiversity-related participatory science (community science or citizen science) project. How to Participate Photos clockwise from top left: April Gaydos in Mexico, Sophie Skipper in United States, Pipope Panitchpakdi in Thailand, and Miguel Angel Montenegro in Bolivia.Participating is easy, fun to do alone or with others, and can be done anywhere you find birds.Step 1: Decide where you will watch birds.Step 2: Watch birds for15 minutes or more, at least once over the four days, February 14–17, 2025.Step 3: Identify all the birds you see or hear within your planned time/location and use the best tool for sharing your bird sightings:If you area beginning bird admirer and new to bird identification, try using the Merlin Bird ID app to tell us what birds you are seeing or hearing.If you have participated in the count before and want to record numbers of birds, try the eBird Mobile app or enter your bird list on the eBird website (desktop/laptop).  ========================================= Hop, Swim, and Crawl with the YNOE PWT Wednesday, February 26, 2025 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm Join us for a fun and educational 4-session virtual series on amphibians, designed for youth across New York State! From February 26th to March 19th, 2025, each Wednesday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., participants will dive into the fascinating world of amphibians, learning about their unique characteristics, habitats, and conservation. These interactive sessions will feature expert guest speakers, exciting hands-on activities, and opportunities to ask questions. Don’t miss this chance to discover the amazing amphibians that call New York home! Join us for one session or for all four!Virtual Sessions will be held at 6:30pm on Wed. Feb 26th, Wed. March 5th, Wed. March 12th, and Wed. March 19th.Each 45-60 minute long session will be jam-packed with educational fun. This series will unravel the mysteries of amphibians with experts from Cornell University, Finger Lakes Community College, SUNY Cobleskill, and more.This education adventure is coordinated by the Cornell University Youth Nature and Outdoor Environment Program Work Team. There is no cost to participate and you do NOT need to be a member of NYS 4-H to attend!!Looking forward to learning with you all soon!-Youth Nature and Outdoor Environment TeamIf you have any questions or concern, please reach out to Sarah McCormick at sam555@cornell.edu. Free ========================================= 4-H Veterinary Science Monday, March 3, 2025 12:00 pm - 12:00 pm Saratoga County 4-H presents the 2025 Veterinary Science Project which is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 3rd, 2025. The 5-week annual program is open to all 4-H Youth members, 12 and older, who are interested in learning about small and large animal medicine. Non-members will be charged $20; this fee includes a membership enrollment. Registration is limited to 15 youths, and payment must be received by February 7th, 2025! $15.00 ========================================= Hop, Swim, and Crawl with the YNOE PWT Wednesday, March 5, 2025 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm Join us for a fun and educational 4-session virtual series on amphibians, designed for youth across New York State! From February 26th to March 19th, 2025, each Wednesday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., participants will dive into the fascinating world of amphibians, learning about their unique characteristics, habitats, and conservation. These interactive sessions will feature expert guest speakers, exciting hands-on activities, and opportunities to ask questions. Don’t miss this chance to discover the amazing amphibians that call New York home! Join us for one session or for all four!Virtual Sessions will be held at 6:30pm on Wed. Feb 26th, Wed. March 5th, Wed. March 12th, and Wed. March 19th.Each 45-60 minute long session will be jam-packed with educational fun. This series will unravel the mysteries of amphibians with experts from Cornell University, Finger Lakes Community College, SUNY Cobleskill, and more.This education adventure is coordinated by the Cornell University Youth Nature and Outdoor Environment Program Work Team. There is no cost to participate and you do NOT need to be a member of NYS 4-H to attend!!Looking forward to learning with you all soon!-Youth Nature and Outdoor Environment TeamIf you have any questions or concern, please reach out to Sarah McCormick at sam555@cornell.edu. Free ========================================= What's Bugging Youi? -Considerations for hiring a pest pro | Choosing a tick repellent Friday, March 7, 2025 12:00 pm - 12:00 pm NYS Plant Regulations (Feature presentation)—Thom Allgaier discusses the New York State Prohibited & Regulated Invasive Plant Lists for a better understanding of what to keep in mind when selecting nursery plants. Choosing Native Plants (IPM Minute)—Krissy Boys talks about the value of native plants in the landscape and resources for selecting those plants.Register Here!About our "What's Bugging You?" seriesEach month at New York State Integrated Pest Management's "What's Bugging You? First Friday" events, experts share practical information and answer questions on using integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. We end with an IPM Minute, and cover a specific action you can take in the next few days to help you avoid pest problems.See the What's Bugging You? Page for more events. ========================================= 4-H Veterinary Science Monday, March 10, 2025 12:00 pm - 12:00 pm Saratoga County 4-H presents the 2025 Veterinary Science Project which is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 3rd, 2025. The 5-week annual program is open to all 4-H Youth members, 12 and older, who are interested in learning about small and large animal medicine. Non-members will be charged $20; this fee includes a membership enrollment. Registration is limited to 15 youths, and payment must be received by February 7th, 2025! $15.00 ========================================= Hop, Swim, and Crawl with the YNOE PWT Wednesday, March 12, 2025 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm Join us for a fun and educational 4-session virtual series on amphibians, designed for youth across New York State! From February 26th to March 19th, 2025, each Wednesday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., participants will dive into the fascinating world of amphibians, learning about their unique characteristics, habitats, and conservation. These interactive sessions will feature expert guest speakers, exciting hands-on activities, and opportunities to ask questions. Don’t miss this chance to discover the amazing amphibians that call New York home! Join us for one session or for all four!Virtual Sessions will be held at 6:30pm on Wed. Feb 26th, Wed. March 5th, Wed. March 12th, and Wed. March 19th.Each 45-60 minute long session will be jam-packed with educational fun. This series will unravel the mysteries of amphibians with experts from Cornell University, Finger Lakes Community College, SUNY Cobleskill, and more.This education adventure is coordinated by the Cornell University Youth Nature and Outdoor Environment Program Work Team. There is no cost to participate and you do NOT need to be a member of NYS 4-H to attend!!Looking forward to learning with you all soon!-Youth Nature and Outdoor Environment TeamIf you have any questions or concern, please reach out to Sarah McCormick at sam555@cornell.edu. Free ========================================= 4-H Veterinary Science Monday, March 17, 2025 12:00 pm - 12:00 pm Saratoga County 4-H presents the 2025 Veterinary Science Project which is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 3rd, 2025. The 5-week annual program is open to all 4-H Youth members, 12 and older, who are interested in learning about small and large animal medicine. Non-members will be charged $20; this fee includes a membership enrollment. Registration is limited to 15 youths, and payment must be received by February 7th, 2025! $15.00 ========================================= Hop, Swim, and Crawl with the YNOE PWT Wednesday, March 19, 2025 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm Join us for a fun and educational 4-session virtual series on amphibians, designed for youth across New York State! From February 26th to March 19th, 2025, each Wednesday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., participants will dive into the fascinating world of amphibians, learning about their unique characteristics, habitats, and conservation. These interactive sessions will feature expert guest speakers, exciting hands-on activities, and opportunities to ask questions. Don’t miss this chance to discover the amazing amphibians that call New York home! Join us for one session or for all four!Virtual Sessions will be held at 6:30pm on Wed. Feb 26th, Wed. March 5th, Wed. March 12th, and Wed. March 19th.Each 45-60 minute long session will be jam-packed with educational fun. This series will unravel the mysteries of amphibians with experts from Cornell University, Finger Lakes Community College, SUNY Cobleskill, and more.This education adventure is coordinated by the Cornell University Youth Nature and Outdoor Environment Program Work Team. There is no cost to participate and you do NOT need to be a member of NYS 4-H to attend!!Looking forward to learning with you all soon!-Youth Nature and Outdoor Environment TeamIf you have any questions or concern, please reach out to Sarah McCormick at sam555@cornell.edu. Free ========================================= 4-H Veterinary Science Monday, March 24, 2025 12:00 pm - 12:00 pm Saratoga County 4-H presents the 2025 Veterinary Science Project which is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 3rd, 2025. The 5-week annual program is open to all 4-H Youth members, 12 and older, who are interested in learning about small and large animal medicine. Non-members will be charged $20; this fee includes a membership enrollment. Registration is limited to 15 youths, and payment must be received by February 7th, 2025! $15.00 ========================================= 4-H's Winter's Edge: Party For A Cause Saturday, March 29, 2025 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Saratoga County 4-H is excited to host the Winter’s Edge “Party For A Cause” on Saturday, March 29th from 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm at The Hideaway Saratoga Lake Country Club, an event dedicated to uplift-ing the invaluable programs offered to our local youth. This year’s signature sponsor is the Harmony Veterinary Hospital. Each year, 4-H positively impacts the lives of over 400 young individuals in Saratoga County, providing them with diverse experiences and essential skills through initiatives such as the STEM Robovines, Fiber Arts projects, creative gingerbread house displays at the Saratoga Victorian Walk, and engaging 4-H shooting sports classes.We invite you to join us in this mission! 10.00 Greg Stevens, grs9@cornell.edu, 518-885-8995 ext. 2210 Registration: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML487ZHKJPDBC/checkout/5XSECLBUPZUREWOBIH4Z4IFZ ========================================= 4-H Veterinary Science Monday, March 31, 2025 12:00 pm - 12:00 pm Saratoga County 4-H presents the 2025 Veterinary Science Project which is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 3rd, 2025. The 5-week annual program is open to all 4-H Youth members, 12 and older, who are interested in learning about small and large animal medicine. Non-members will be charged $20; this fee includes a membership enrollment. Registration is limited to 15 youths, and payment must be received by February 7th, 2025! $15.00 ========================================= What's Bugging You? -Pest rats explained | Myth: cats for rat control Friday, April 4, 2025 12:00 pm - 12:00 pm Join us on World Rat Day to learn all about the brown rat and what makes it a pest. We'll then address the myth of cats for rat control.Register Here!About our "What's Bugging You?" seriesEach month at New York State Integrated Pest Management's "What's Bugging You? First Friday" events, experts share practical information and answer questions on using integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. We end with an IPM Minute, and cover a specific action you can take in the next few days to help you avoid pest problems. ========================================= What's Bugging You? -Spongy moth caterpillar management | Feeding Friendly Insects: Plan to prep your soil Friday, May 2, 2025 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm In NY, spongy moth caterpillars start showing up in May. You'll learn why there are more caterpillars in some years than in others, and why you should manage them when they are still small. Also, make a plan to spend the summer preparing to plant wildflowers that feed friendly insects.Register Here!About our "What's Bugging You?" seriesEach month at New York State Integrated Pest Management's "What's Bugging You? First Friday" events, experts share practical information and answer questions on using integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. We end with an IPM Minute, and cover a specific action you can take in the next few days to help you avoid pest problems. ========================================= Closed for the holiday Monday, May 26, 2025 12:00 am - 12:00 am ========================================= What's Buggng You? -Spotted lanternfly update | Recognizing wild parsnip Friday, June 6, 2025 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm NY Invasive Species Awareness week happens in June, so we're focusing on two invasive species - spotted lanternfly and wild parsnip - and how IPM should be part of your response to them. Get an update on where we are in the SLF life cycle and action steps for this time of year. Learn how to recognize and why you should avoid wild parsnip.Register Here!About our "What's Bugging You?" seriesEach month at New York State Integrated Pest Management's "What's Bugging You? First Friday" events, experts share practical information and answer questions on using integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. We end with an IPM Minute, and cover a specific action you can take in the next few days to help you avoid pest problems. ========================================= Closed For The Holiday Friday, July 4, 2025 12:00 pm - 12:00 pm Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County will be closed in observance of the holiday. Messages will be returned the following day. ========================================= What's Bugging You? -Grow green lawns with overseeding | Beech leaf disease Friday, July 4, 2025 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm Learn how to grow a dense, healthy lawn with fall overseeding. Stick around for insights about the relatively new beech leaf disease and what to do if you think you've seen it.Register Here!About our "What's Bugging You?" series Each month at New York State Integrated Pest Management's "What's Bugging You? First Friday" events, experts share practical information and answer questions on using integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. We end with an IPM Minute, and cover a specific action you can take in the next few days to help you avoid pest problems. ========================================= What's Bugging You? -Making a mosquito bucket trap | Feeding Friendly Insects: Pick plants Friday, August 1, 2025 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm Do mosquito bucket traps work? This presentation will review results of a 2024 NYSIPM project to provide guidance on using this technique for backyard mosquito management. Stick around for part two of Feeding Friend Insects, covering plant selection.Register Here!About our "What's Bugging You?" series Each month at New York State Integrated Pest Management's "What's Bugging You? First Friday" events, experts share practical information and answer questions on using integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. We end with an IPM Minute, and cover a specific action you can take in the next few days to help you avoid pest problems. ========================================= Closed for the holiday Monday, September 1, 2025 12:00 am - 12:00 am ========================================= What's Bugging You? -Top 5 rodent exclusion tips | Feeding Friendly Insects: Get ready to plant Friday, September 5, 2025 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm Excluding rodents from your home can feel like a big job. Here are 5 actions to prioritize this fall. And, it's almost time for fall planting! Learn how to make final preparations to plant wildflowers that feed friendly insects.Register Here!About our "What's Bugging You?" series Each month at New York State Integrated Pest Management's "What's Bugging You? First Friday" events, experts share practical information and answer questions on using integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. We end with an IPM Minute, and cover a specific action you can take in the next few days to help you avoid pest problems. ========================================= What's Bugging You? -Winterize your home orchard | Feeding Friendly Insects: Fall is for planting Friday, October 3, 2025 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm In this event we're focusing on fall tasks that are good IPM practices. Cleaning up your home orchard can mean fewer pests to attack your tree fruit in the spring. Fall is also the right time to plant seeds or seedlings of perennial wildflowers that feed friendly insects.Register Here!About our "What's Bugging You?" series Each month at New York State Integrated Pest Management's "What's Bugging You? First Friday" events, experts share practical information and answer questions on using integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. We end with an IPM Minute, and cover a specific action you can take in the next few days to help you avoid pest problems. ========================================= Closed For The Holiday Monday, October 13, 2025 12:00 pm - 12:00 pm Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County will be closed in observance of the holiday. Messages will be returned the following day. ========================================= What's Bugging You? -Understanding indoor cockroaches | Invasive tawney field cockroach Saturday, November 1, 2025 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm Several cockroach species are found in homes, and each one tells a story of why it's there. Learn to distinguish different indoor cockroaches, and stick around to hear about the newest cockroach invader in the Northeast.Register Here!About our "What's Bugging You?" series Each month at New York State Integrated Pest Management's "What's Bugging You? First Friday" events, experts share practical information and answer questions on using integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. We end with an IPM Minute, and cover a specific action you can take in the next few days to help you avoid pest problems. ========================================= What's Bugging You? -IPM for clothes moths and pantry moths Friday, December 5, 2025 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm This month we'll focus in on two moths that can be pests in your home - clothes moths and pantry moths. Learn how to use IPM tools to deal with them.Register Here!About our "What's Bugging You?" series Each month at New York State Integrated Pest Management's "What's Bugging You? First Friday" events, experts share practical information and answer questions on using integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. We end with an IPM Minute, and cover a specific action you can take in the next few days to help you avoid pest problems. =========================================