📖 Learn & Community

Lake Luzerne folk school teaching blacksmithing, woodworking, fiber arts, and traditional Adirondack crafts.

Cornell Cooperative Extension agroforestry resource center in Acra serving the Catskills and Hudson Valley with resources on sustainable land management, timber, and agricultural forestry.

The annual county fair serving Albany County and the greater Capital Region, held each August in Altamont. One of the oldest fairs in the region, featuring agricultural exhibits, 4-H competitions, livestock shows, entertainment, rides, and food. A community anchor for the Albany County farming community and the Hilltowns rural population.

385-acre outdoor education, conference, and retreat center in the Catskill foothills of Ulster County, listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Ashokan Field Campus Historic District. Founded in 1967 and home to Jay Ungar and Molly Mason's Music & Dance Camps since 1980 — the gathering that inspired the iconic fiddle tune "Ashokan Farewell." Year-round programming includes the Bluegrass Camp, Acoustic Guitar Camp, Northern and Southern Weeks, Western & Swing Week, the biannual Summer and Winter Hoot festivals, contra and square dances, foraging walks, and school field programs. The Esopus Creek runs through the property beneath the 1885 Ashokan-Turnwood covered bridge, moved here from Turnwood in 1939.

Arts organization in Livingston Manor serving Sullivan County and the broader Catskills community. Gallery space and educational programming for artists and craftspeople.

Non-profit organization dedicated to the stewardship of the Catskill Forest. Resources for private forest landowners on sustainable timber harvesting, wildlife habitat, and land conservation in the Catskill region.

Cultural and arts foundation in Hunter serving Greene County with crafts programs, gallery space, and community events. Coordinates the Gallery at Hunter Village Square.

Community of woodcarvers in the Catskill Mountain region. Educational resource and community organization for wood carving enthusiasts and craftspeople throughout the Catskills.

An artist-run weaving school in Catskill, Greene County, offering in-person and online workshops in weaving, spinning, dyeing, printing, knitting, and natural dye. Courses include Introduction to Weaving, Intermediate and Advanced Weaving, Drafting, and Natural Dye techniques covering madder, osage orange, black walnut, indigo, and plant-based dye methods. A serious fiber arts education resource rooted in the Catskill creative community.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving both counties from its Extension Education Center in Hudson. Programs span agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, gardening, climate change, and 4-H youth development. Master Gardener Volunteers staff a horticulture hotline. Also operates the Agroforestry Resource Center in Acra (Greene County). Active livestock and vegetable specialist support, farm business management, and CSA resources for producers.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County, serving the county for over 100 years from its office at State Highway 10 in Hamden. Programs cover agriculture and food systems, energy, family and nutrition, horticulture, natural resources, rural healthcare, and 4-H youth development including 4-H Camp Shankitunk. Partners with the Watershed Agricultural Council and local farms to deliver free or low-cost workshops on home gardening, organic farming, crop school, energy efficiency, maple production, and local food systems. Promotes the CCE Delaware farmers market listings and Pure Catskills regional buy-local program. Annual Delaware County Spring Crop School draws regional farmers for updates, pest management, and DEC credits.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County, serving the county's agricultural and residential communities since 1913 from the Dutchess County Farm & Home Center in Millbrook. Programs span agriculture and food systems, environmental education, 4-H youth development, family and consumer education, community horticulture, and the Green Teen Community Gardening Program in Beacon. Master Gardeners staff a Horticulture Hotline April through September. Manages the Taste NY Market at Todd Hill rest stop on the Taconic Parkway. Operates CSA resources and farm business consulting.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County connects research-based agricultural knowledge with farmers, families, and communities throughout the county. Programs cover agriculture and food systems, 4-H youth development, food and nutrition education, and horticulture. Provides direct farm consulting, business management support, vegetable and livestock specialist guidance, and local food promotion through the Harvest Connection program. Horticulturist on staff year-round.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County, serving farmers, gardeners, families, and communities from their office in Ballston Spa. Programs span commercial and home agriculture, animal science, horticulture, tree fruit, equine education (CCE Equine program, est. 2006), 4-H youth development, food and nutrition education, and invasive species management (Capital/Mohawk PRISM coordinator). Horticulture tours, workshops, and farm business consulting available year-round.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schenectady County, serving the region since 1918 from Suite 301 at 107 Nott Terrace in Schenectady. Programs cover agriculture and food systems, energy efficiency, gardening and horticulture, environment, nutrition and healthy living, parenting, sustainable living, 4-H youth development, and composting and recycling. Operates a Sustainable Living Center. Coordinates and supports the county's growing network of farmers markets. Offers free or low-cost workshops connecting residents to research-based resources from Cornell University.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schoharie and Otsego Counties, serving both counties from its Cobleskill Extension Center since 1914. Programs span agriculture and food systems, energy, environment, family and consumer sciences, gardening, nutrition and health, and 4-H youth development. Partners with SUNY Cobleskill and the Schoharie County Office of Agricultural Development on farmers market development, farm business support, and local food systems work. Afterschool programs in Cobleskill-Richmondville and Schoharie Central Schools integrate STEM with 4-H activities. Master Gardener Volunteers provide horticultural support.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Warren County, serving the Adirondack foothills region since 1916 from its office on Schroon River Road in Warrensburg. Programs cover agriculture and food systems, horticulture and gardening, 4-H youth development, natural resources and environment, family and consumer sciences, and nutrition and health. Manages and promotes multiple Warren County farmers markets in Warrensburg, North Creek, Bolton Landing, and Glens Falls. Offers free or low-cost workshops, soil testing, Master Gardener support, and extension education for farmers, homeowners, and youth across the county.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Washington County has served farmers, families, and rural residents since 1916. Programs cover agriculture and food systems, 4-H youth development, environment and natural resources, and nutrition and health. Offers farm business management education, beginning farmer training, livestock specialist support, vegetable and tree fruit programs, Master Gardeners, and maple program resources.

The annual Columbia County Fair, held in late August/early September at the Columbia County Fairgrounds in Chatham. Features demolition derbies, tractor pulls, agricultural exhibits, 4-H competitions, live entertainment, rides, and local food. A beloved annual gathering of the Columbia County farming and rural community.

Community ceramics studio in Catskill offering wheel, hand-building, and mosaic classes for all levels.

A multi-farm CSA operating in the Cooperstown region for over 15 years. Provides a 20-week seasonal share delivered weekly in Cooperstown, including vegetables, optional eggs, and end-of-season storage crops. Offers part-time work shares on the farm or organizational work. One of the most established community-supported agriculture programs in Otsego County.

A regional team of Cornell Cooperative Extension specialists serving vegetable, small fruit, tree fruit, viticulture, and farm business management across the Hudson Valley and Capital Region. Free to call with farm production questions. Specialists include vegetable experts based in Kingston and Middletown, tree fruit and small fruit specialists in Highland and Hudson Falls, and a business management specialist in Highland. Conducts on-farm research trials, spray programs, pest identification, variety trials, and production guides relevant to HV growing conditions. Part of the CCE network — every HV county has a local CCE office with additional programming including workshops, soil testing, Master Gardener hotlines, and 4-H agricultural education.

The local Cornell Cooperative Extension office serving Fulton and Montgomery counties, based in Johnstown. Offers programs in agriculture, horticulture, 4-H, nutrition, family and consumer sciences, and environmental education for the Mohawk Valley communities of Fulton and Montgomery counties. A free community resource for homesteaders and farmers in the Mohawk Valley.

Every county in the Hudson Valley and Capital Region has a Cornell Cooperative Extension office offering free or low-cost resources for homesteaders and home gardeners. Services include soil testing with interpretation, plant pest and disease diagnostics, garden helplines staffed by trained Master Gardeners, free and low-cost workshops on food preservation, composting, seed saving, pest management, and home food production. Master Gardeners are volunteer plant experts trained by Cornell who answer questions by phone, email, and at clinics throughout the growing season. Contact your county CCE office — one of the most accessible and practical free resources available to any homesteader.

The Cornell Small Farms Program offers flexible online courses in livestock and farm management for beginning and experienced farmers statewide. Courses include Goat Production (dairy, meat, fiber), Foundations of Beef Production, Beef Cattle Management, Identifying and Partnering with Mushrooms, and more. Live weekly webinars allow direct interaction with Cornell faculty. All course materials accessible for life after enrollment. A free or low-cost gateway to Cornell agricultural expertise for HV homesteaders.

A community farm in New City, Rockland County, offering agricultural education, community garden plots, and local food programming for Rockland County residents. Part of the growing network of community-supported agricultural education sites serving the lower Hudson Valley.

The largest agricultural fair in the Catskill region, held annually in Walton, Delaware County each August. The 137th fair draws 80,000+ visitors over six days with agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, 4-H showcases, tractor pulls, rides, local food, and entertainment. A cornerstone of Delaware County farming culture and the annual gathering of the Catskill Mountain agricultural community. Organized by the Delaware County Agricultural Society.

The 179th annual Dutchess County Fair, held each August in Rhinebeck — one of the most celebrated county fairs in the Hudson Valley. Features 4-H livestock competitions on Livestock Hill, grandstand entertainment, rides, local food, and agricultural exhibits. A beloved regional institution drawing families from across the Hudson Valley.

Classic fall destination farm in Ballston Spa with more than 40 attractions including corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, and family activities.

Trade association representing New York State forest products businesses. Resources on logger training, forest products marketing, and forestry regulations for NYS landowners and timber businesses.

A textile arts workshop program on a 200-acre farm in Chatham, Columbia County, 25 minutes from Hudson. Offered by Jill Duffy, specializing in fresh leaf indigo dyeing and botanical printing from plants harvested on the farm. Workshops cover fresh plant dyeing, natural dye science, and sustainable fiber practices. A rare hands-on immersion in living plant dye methods.

Agricultural education nonprofit headquartered at historic Empire Farm in Copake — a 220-acre working farm that once served as the personal residence of Henry Astor. FarmOn! connects the next generation to sustainable farming through its Farm Academy incubator, seed saving and banking program, farm store, CSA shares, cooking classes, and public hiking on 220 acres. Biodynamic seed program sources air-pollinated, open-pollinated varieties. Annual events include Camp FarmOn! and the Hootenanny agricultural festival.

A bioregional herbalism school offering a year-long intensive called Wild Medicine Ways, focused on the plants of the Hudson Valley and Catskills. Covers field botany, plant identification, diverse medicine-making practices, and deep ecological relationship with the local landscape. Centers environmental justice, decolonization, and bioregionalism as foundations of herbal practice. For students who want more than recipes — a roots-down understanding of plant medicine in the Hudson Valley bioregion.

The annual Fonda Fair at the Fonda Fairgrounds in Montgomery County, held in late August. Features animal contests and shows, tractor pulls, amusement rides, demolition derbies, and live music. One of the great county fair traditions of the Mohawk Valley, celebrating Montgomery County's deep agricultural roots.

A community farm near Schenectady offering an authentic homesteading experience alongside fresh, sustainably raised food. Features work parties, pick-your-own days, seasonal festivals, demonstrations and workshops covering traditional rural skills. Also offers a unique camping farmstay. One of the most hands-on homesteading education farms in the Capital Region.

An annual farm-to-table tour connecting residents of Fulton and Montgomery counties with the farms and farmers who feed them. Participating farms open their doors to the public across both counties — offering farm tours, tastings, demonstrations, and direct sales. A community agricultural celebration rooted in the Mohawk Valley farming tradition.

A nonprofit agricultural education center at the historic Glynwood estate in Cold Spring, Putnam County. Runs the Glynwood Farm Beginners' Farmer Training Program and apprenticeships for people new to farming. Also advocates for farmland preservation, sustainable agriculture policy, and regional food systems in the Hudson Valley. A key regional institution for anyone wanting structured entry into farming in the Hudson Valley.

The annual 4-H and youth agricultural fair of Greene County, held each July at Angelo Canna Town Park in Cairo. Features animal exhibits, 4-H competitions, food vendors, classic car shows, and community programming. A celebration of rural youth and agricultural tradition in Greene County.

Regional initiative connecting Capital Region residents with local farms, farmers markets, and locally grown food year-round including winter. Maintains listings of winter farmers markets, farm stores, and seasonal eating resources.

The Hudson Valley Farm Hub in Hurley, Ulster County, runs agricultural education and training programs aimed at improving the capacity of farmers and agricultural workers to plan and sustain farm careers. Programs address workforce development, food systems, and connection between farmers, processors, and markets. Also home to the Milestone Mill grain operation and field crops research in organic and regenerative practices.

Popular fall destination farm with corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, and seasonal activities. One of the premier agritourism destinations in Rensselaer County.

The oldest farm in the Mohawk Valley, Mabee Farm Historic Site sits on the banks of the Mohawk River in Rotterdam Junction, operated by the Schenectady County Historical Society. The property includes the original 1705 stone Mabee House — the oldest house still standing in the Mohawk Valley — a 1760s brick house, a 1790s inn, an authentic hand-pegged Dutch barn (1760s, relocated from Johnstown and restored), a family cemetery, wooden outbuildings, orchards, gardens, and forest trails. The modern Franchere Education Center hosts year-round exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and school programs. Tours run Wednesday through Saturday at 11am, 1:30pm, and 3pm. Reproduction 18th-century bateaux float at the dock, illustrating how goods once traveled the Mohawk River.

A Westchester County-operated historic farm in Somers offering free public access to working farm grounds, farm animals, seasonal events, and agricultural education programs. One of the most visited agricultural sites in the lower Hudson Valley, featuring demonstrations of traditional farm practices, a working farm store, and regular community events. Home of the Muscoot Farm Farmers' Market. Open seasonally Monday through Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 9am-5pm.

The 187th annual Orange County Fair, held each July in Middletown — one of the longest-running county fairs in New York State. Features agricultural exhibits, 4-H competitions, tribute band entertainment, rides, fireworks, and local food. The annual gathering of Orange County's farming community.

Community-based conservation nonprofit founded in 1968, dedicated to protecting Otsego County's air, land, water, and natural resources. Offers guided hikes, nature walks, mushroom and plant foraging outings, apple-grafting workshops, group paddles, Be Informed lectures, and the annual Earth Festival. Stewards the Basswood Pond Trail. Partners with landowners and municipalities on environmental planning and advocacy across the county.

Year-round workshops and hands-on training in practical rural and small-scale farming skills on the Rensselaer Plateau. Programming covers cheesemaking, whole-animal butchery, fermentation, food preservation, and small-scale farming fundamentals. Rooted in making traditional food and land skills accessible to a new generation of rural residents and homesteaders in Rensselaer County.

The annual Saratoga County Fair, held for 175+ years, typically in late July at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds in Ballston Spa. Features livestock competitions, equestrian events, the Mobile Dairy Experience, demolition derby, NYTPA tractor pulls, harness racing, rides, food, and grandstand entertainment. A multigenerational Saratoga County tradition celebrating the county's agricultural heritage.

The third oldest fair in New York State, held annually in Schaghticoke, Rensselaer County. A deeply traditional agricultural fair showcasing the best of Rensselaer County — every building bursting with vegetables, fruits, farm animals, antiques, baked goods, and homemade crafts. Takes great pride in hands-on participation and community engagement. Typically held late August through Labor Day weekend.

The annual agricultural fair of Schoharie County, held each August at the Cobleskill Fairgrounds. Features livestock competitions, demolition derby, tractor pulls, 4-H exhibitions, an ugly cake contest, rides, and local food vendors. A beloved community event celebrating the agricultural character of the Schoharie Valley.

Seasonal agritourism destination in Schuylerville offering fall hayrides, a corn maze, pumpkin picking, and family farm activities in northern Saratoga County near the Saratoga National Historical Park battlefields. A beloved Capital Region fall tradition drawing families from across the region each October.

Evening farmers market in Albany's South End neighborhood running Thursday evenings. Accepts FMNP, FCC, and SNAP. Community food access focus.

The educational and heritage breed farm programs at Stony Kill Farm in Wappingers Falls, Dutchess County. Hosts annual Family Farm Day events, heritage breed livestock demonstrations, fiber shows, and agricultural education programs on the historic Stony Kill property. Features registered Tunis sheep, Milking Devon cattle, Dominique chickens, and rare heritage poultry breeds.

The annual Sullivan County Fair in Ferndale, held each August. Features agricultural exhibits, 4-H competitions, livestock shows, demolition derby, rides, live entertainment, and local food vendors. A community institution celebrating the farming and rural heritage of Sullivan County and the Western Catskills.

SUNY Cobleskill's College of Agriculture and Technology offers bachelor's and associate degrees in Animal Science, with hands-on learning on a working college farm that houses horses, dairy cattle, beef cattle, swine, poultry, sheep, and meat goats. Students work daily with livestock in modern facilities alongside modern chemistry and biology labs. One of the closest agricultural colleges to the HVA region, offering a direct pipeline from high school to working farm practice in the heart of the Catskill region.

A biodynamic community farm in Chestnut Ridge rooted in Waldorf educational principles. Offers agricultural education programs, farm shares, and community events connecting Rockland County residents to sustainable farming practices. One of the long-established biodynamic farming operations in the region.

Putnam County's flagship agricultural education center on 258 acres in Brewster, operated by Putnam County Government. Features organic gardens, beekeeping classes, hiking trails, and working farm animals including alpacas, chickens, pigs, and horses. Offers hands-on farm education programs for all ages, seasonal events, and opportunities to learn traditional rural skills. One of the most accessible agricultural education resources in the lower Hudson Valley.

The 136th annual Ulster County Fair, held each summer at the fairgrounds on Libertyville Road in New Paltz. Features 4-H programming, tractor pulls, carnival rides, local food vendors, and agricultural exhibits. A community tradition celebrating the farming heritage of Ulster County.

Off-grid, solar-powered nonprofit permaculture education center on 12 acres in West Edmeston, founded in 2014. Runs Farm Fellowship and Volunteer Program covering no-till organic farming, agroforestry, permaculture design, natural building, foraging, herbalism, and food preservation. Home to a 1-acre multi-story food forest with 350+ fruit and nut trees and 480+ berry shrubs. USDA Conservation Stewardship Program member and first Otsego County recipient of NY State Climate Resilient Farming program. All produce donated to food pantries and herbal aid programs.

One of the great agricultural fairs of upstate New York, held annually in Greenwich, Washington County, drawing 130,000+ visitors over seven days each August. Features draft horse demonstrations including single and team work, logging arch, and obstacle courses; open fiber shows for goats and sheep; handweavers; 4-H exhibits; livestock competitions; tractor pulls; and local food and craft vendors. Rooted in the strong agricultural heritage of Washington County and the Upper Hudson Valley.

Non-profit organization supporting the economic viability of agriculture and forestry in the New York City Watershed. Publishes the Pure Catskills Products Guide and manages Catskill WoodNet. Connects buyers with Catskill producers.

A Hudson Valley school of herbal studies offering foundation courses in Western herbal traditions. Co-founded by Lauren Giambrone who also opened the Good Fight Herb Co. in Germantown. Seeds of Herbalism is a 5-month, 60-hour foundational herbal medicine program taking place in and around Hudson, NY, covering botany, bioregional plant ID, medicine making, first aid, self care, and the cultural and spiritual dimensions of plant medicine. An important regional resource for anyone learning plant medicine in the Hudson Valley.