Skip the Candle and Gift Something Worth Talking About
Imagine a gift registry, but for impact: instead of candles and knicknacks, donors fund oysters, dahlias and trials for exemplary lettuce in someones name. Cornell Cooperative Extension Suffolk does the research so that farms can focus on the work of stocking the iconic farm stands and oyster boxes of the East End, bursting with fruits and vegetables, flowers and flavors from the sea.
Tell Me More
Tend The Forks is a fundraising campaign rooted in the real, measurable work of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County (CCE Suffolk). Each gift reflects the programs and impact we deliver every day—from restoring local shellfish populations to advancing climate-smart farming and improving community health. The gifts represent what we do, while your donations power how we do it.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County (CCE Suffolk) is a research-driven, sub-government organization tackling some of today’s most pressing environmental, agricultural, and public health challenges. As a direct partner of Cornell University’s land-grant, we translate cutting-edge research into action—pioneering solutions with global implications.
Our Marine Program—one of the largest in the country—leads shellfish restoration, climate resilience, and sustainable aquaculture, having produced more than 45+ million shellfish to clean our waters and revitalize coastal economies.
From restoring habitat and monitoring water quality to advancing aquaculture and supporting the commercial fishing families who have worked these waters for generations, the program protects the ecosystems—and the livelihoods—that make Suffolk County’s coast so extraordinary.
Our agriculture program drives climate-smart farming, vineyard and specialty crop research, ensuring that Suffolk County remains a leader in food security, sustainability, and green workforce development. Our newly formed clean energy program is working on a new slate of initiatives to help homes and businesses transition to renewable energy further securing these outcomes.
Beyond environmental impact, CCE Suffolk is a national leader in public health and community education, bridging the gap between academic research and real-world solutions. Through nutrition and maternal health programs (WIC, EFNEP), we improve health outcomes, food security, and economic resilience, saving $10 in healthcare costs for every $1 spent on nutrition education.
Our Suffolk County Farm & Education Center serves as a living classroom, where 125K+ annual visitors engage in hands-on agricultural, veterinary, and sustainability training. With deep expertise in marine science, food systems, and public health, we are uniquely positioned to collaborate with institutions on climate-health research, nutrition science, and community-based health initiatives. Through local action and global vision, CCE Suffolk is shaping the future of sustainable ecosystems, resilient food systems, and public health innovation.
Why Choose Us
Local Impact
Unique Gifts
Community Support
Sustainable Choices
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