Take the Cornell Cooperative Ext. Survey

What does Putnam County need most?

More educational opportunities for young people? Greater support for local agriculture? Programs that help families stretch their budgets, protect natural resources, or develop valuable life skills?

Cornell Cooperative Extension-Putnam County wants to hear directly from the people who know their community best – its residents. As the organization prepares for 2027 and beyond, it is inviting all Putnam residents to participate in its 2027 community survey, an important initiative designed to identify community needs, evaluate existing programs, and guide future educational opportunities and services.

For more than 80 years, CCEPC has been connecting Cornell University’s research-based knowledge with practical, hands-on education that improves the lives of local residents. From 4-H youth development and agriculture to horticulture, environmental stewardship, nutrition education, and food security, CCEPC offers programs that strengthen families, support local businesses and farmers, and build more resilient communities.

In 2025 alone, CCEPC’s community impact included reaching more than 39,745 residents through programs and services, providing 32,900 free meals to individuals and families, purchasing 185,230 pounds of locally produced food, engaging 2,990 students in educational opportunities, and benefiting from 9,940 volunteer hours contributed by community members.

Despite this significant impact, CCEPC recognizes that many residents may be unfamiliar with the organization or the wide range of resources available to them.

“One of our greatest challenges is ensuring that residents understand who we are, what we do, and how Cornell Cooperative Extension can benefit their families, businesses, and communities,” said Stefanie Hubert, executive director CCEPC. “We offer so much more than many people realize, and we want to make sure our programs reflect the changing needs and priorities of the people we serve.”

The 2027 community survey seeks input from both individuals who have participated in CCEPC programs and those who have never utilized its services. Residents are encouraged to share which programs they find most valuable, what challenges their families and communities are facing, and what additional educational resources or services they would like to see offered.

“Community input is essential to our planning process,” said Hubert. “We don’t want to make assumptions about what Putnam County needs. We want to hear directly from our residents.”

The survey also comes at an exciting time for the organization as construction continues on the new Cornell Barn & Education Center at Tilly Foster Farm in Brewster. Once completed, this facility will expand opportunities for community education, youth programming, agricultural demonstrations, workforce development, and collaborative partnerships throughout Putnam.

To take the survey, visit www.cceputnam.org.