Peeps in Pools Sunday, April 19, 2026 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Amboy 4-H Environmental Education Center, 748 State Route 183 , Williamstown, New York 13493 As water from melting snow and ice accumulates in low lying areas, vernal pools appear. These temporary wet spots are the perfect habitats to find frogs in during the spring.Come get acquainted with the different frog species found in New York and how we can protect them. Then take a guided hike to various vernal pools at the Center to search for these and other amphibians. Those who wish a hands-on experience will be instructed on how to safely touch these slippery creatures.Be sure to bring shoes that can get wet!This program, open to people of all ages, offers a unique opportunity to closely observe the amphibians we often hear croaking at ponds during the day or on warm spring nights.  Only $4 per person and up to $12 per family Registration: https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/PeepsinPools_235 ========================================= Wildflower Walk Saturday, April 25, 2026 10:00 am - 11:30 am Amboy 4-H Environmental Education Center, 748 State Route 183 , Williamstown, New York 13493 Have you ever noticed that some flowers which grow in the woods only bloom for a very short time before seemingly disappearing for the rest of the year?Come discover special adaptations some spring flowers have and get an introduction to the scientific method of naming flowers. Then, after practicing some identification skills, join a guided expedition to search for blooms in the woods and wetlands. Will any rare blossoms be found? Along the way, we'll talk about different flower histories and ecological interactions.This program, open to people of all ages, offers a unique opportunity to view some species of flowers only seen during this time of year. Advanced registration is encouraged, as space is limited. Only $4 per person and up to $12 per family Registration: https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/WildflowerWalk_235 ========================================= Garden Matchmaker: Discover Which Plants Grow Best Together Monday, April 27, 2026 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Mexico Public Library, 3269 Main Street , Mexico, NY 13114 Join Gail Hinman, Master Gardener Volunteer with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County to learn more about Food Friendships. This interactive workshop introduces families to the basics of companion planting.Plants are like people. Some relationships flourish and others do not. Participants will explore how vegetables, herbs, and flowers can support each other through pest protection, nutrient sharing, and efficient use of garden space.Through a fun matching activity and simple garden design exercise, families will learn how to plan a small garden using plant partnerships. ========================================= From Farm to Food Sales Monday, April 27, 2026 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm CCE Oswego Education Center, 3288 Main Street , Mexico, New York 13114 Hear directly from a panel of restaurant and grocery store buyers about ordering requirements, packaging and delivery expectations, and the opportunities and constraints relevant to working with local producers. A structured open dialogue session will follow, giving you the chance to ask questions and to share your own needs, desires and constraints.Presentations and discussions will cover topics such as how to best approach and pitch to restaurants and grocers, the importance of consistent supply and seasonal flexibility, pricing and fair billing practices, packaging and logistics, and the potential of specialty and emerging crops.Light refreshments will be served, and a period of informal networking will be reserved towards the end of the evening.The event is open to local farmers, chefs, and independent grocers interested in increasing sales of locally grown products and strengthening local food networks. Whether you are a farmer looking to expand your markets or a buyer eager to source more locally, this is an opportunity to build the connections that make it possible. Registration: https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/Farm-to-Food-Sales_235 ========================================= ​2026 Youth Fly Fishing Program Saturday, May 2, 2026 9:00 am - 3:00 pm CCE Oswego Education Center, 3288 Main Street , Mexico, New York 13114 The Youth Fly Fishing Program is a series of two classes that will provide youth with the basic skills and understanding of fly fishing. The classes will begin with an introduction to the sport along with salmon and trout natural history lessons. Youth will learn how to assemble and cast a fly rod, tell the difference between wet and dry flies along with insect identification, and how to tie simple flies. The series includes an exciting fishing excursion in Oswego County.The program kicks off at 9 a.m. in the Cooperative Extension office in Mexico on Saturday, May 2nd and will be in session until 3 p.m. The second session will be held on Sunday, May 3rd, also from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Salmon River Fish Hatchery in Altmar. A fishing rain date is Saturday, May 9th.The 2026 Youth Fly Fishing Program is open to youth 12 years of age and older. Because this program is based on the philosophy, “Learn by Doing”, space is limited for this program. The maximum number of youth that will be accepted into the program is eight (8). Youth Fly Fishing Program is a collaboration between Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County 4-H and Trout Unlimited Chapter 589. All gear, and supplies necessary for the fishing course will be provided. $30.00 Registration: http://reg.cce.cornell.edu/youthflyfish26_235 ========================================= ​2026 Youth Fly Fishing Program Sunday, May 3, 2026 9:00 am - 3:00 pm CCE Oswego Education Center, 3288 Main Street , Mexico, New York 13114 The Youth Fly Fishing Program is a series of two classes that will provide youth with the basic skills and understanding of fly fishing. The classes will begin with an introduction to the sport along with salmon and trout natural history lessons. Youth will learn how to assemble and cast a fly rod, tell the difference between wet and dry flies along with insect identification, and how to tie simple flies. The series includes an exciting fishing excursion in Oswego County.The program kicks off at 9 a.m. in the Cooperative Extension office in Mexico on Saturday, May 2nd and will be in session until 3 p.m. The second session will be held on Sunday, May 3rd, also from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Salmon River Fish Hatchery in Altmar. A fishing rain date is Saturday, May 9th.The 2026 Youth Fly Fishing Program is open to youth 12 years of age and older. Because this program is based on the philosophy, “Learn by Doing”, space is limited for this program. The maximum number of youth that will be accepted into the program is eight (8). Youth Fly Fishing Program is a collaboration between Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County 4-H and Trout Unlimited Chapter 589. All gear, and supplies necessary for the fishing course will be provided. $30.00 Registration: http://reg.cce.cornell.edu/youthflyfish26_235 ========================================= Farm Business Development & Management Workshop Series Tuesday, May 12, 2026 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm CCE Oswego Education Center, 3288 Main Street , Mexico, New York 13114 This multi-session program, designed primarily for beginning and relatively new farmers, will cover the essential elements of establishing and maintaining a successful farm operation — from conducting market research and obtaining licenses to managing cash flow and analyzing financial performance.Each 90-minute workshop will feature expert speakers who will address the many critical aspects of business development and management. Participants will receive practical materials throughout the series, including templates for budgeting and financial analysis, as well as examples of important business documents such as business plans, lease agreements, and required documentation for business registration. The series will kick off on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the CCE Oswego County office with a networking event designed to bring beginning and other interested farmers in the area together. Rather than formal instruction, this first session creates space for farmers to connect with one another — because some of the most valuable business advice a new farmer can receive comes directly from peers with firsthand experience. Registration: https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/FBDM-Session-1_235 ========================================= 2026 Bucket of Junk Contest Wednesday, July 1, 2026 12:00 pm - 12:00 pm Oswego County Fairgrounds, 291 Ellisburg Street , Sandy Creek, NY 13145 Join in the fun of the second annual Bucket of Junk Contest at the Oswego County Fair!  Create a sculpture using only the items - and all of the items! - in the bucket - but not the bucket - provided to you by Cooperative Extension of Oswego County and based on the Oswego County Fair’s theme: Farm, Family, Freedom. The finished sculptures will be displayed in the Agriculture/Domestic Arts Building for the entire fair! People’s Choice is awarded a tangible prize. First in each division is awarded a tangible prize. No cash premiums will be awarded.  Classes: Based on age as of January 1, 2026: Individual Youth (12 years of age and younger) Individual Youth (13-18 years of age) More than 1 youth (mixed ages of youth) No adults Family Individual Adult Group of Adults, ex., business, church, club... General Information Open to ANY interested parties of ALL ages. This is NOT a 4-H Members Only competition. The contest is limited to 15 applicants (individual or team) and will be on the first come first serve basis. There will be a waiting list to replace any applicant that drops out of the contest before the fair, as well as any applicant that does not collect their bucket of supplies. Buckets must be picked up at the Oswego County Fair on Saturday, June 6, 2026 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you cannot make this time period, arrangements for an alternate time can be made with the superintendent prior to pick up date. Sculptures are to be dropped off at the Agriculture/Domestic Arts Building on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. If this is not a convenient time, please contact the superintendent before June 28, 2026 to schedule an appointment for drop off. No exceptions. When delivering your sculpture, please return your bucket. Sculptures are to be picked up on July 5, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. or Monday July 6, 2026 from10:00 a.m. to Noon. Any sculpture not claimed by Noon on July 6th will be disposed of.Judging Criteria Contestant used only the materials that we provided (required). 25%Contestant used materials in a new way to create something different. 25%Contestant’s ideas are recognizable (clarity of idea). 25%Contestant’s overall finished appearance of the sculpture, including the difficulty of the piece and how well it was made. 25% Presentation The objective of “Bucket of Junk” is to create a sculpture using only the items in the bucket. A sculpture is defined as a three-dimensional work of art that can be viewed from 360°. All sculptures must be submitted and presentation ready to be accepted. Sculptures not meeting this requirement may not be judged. Judges must know where you used each item in the bucket. Please note, you must use each item provided. You do not need to use the entire item in the sculpture, but there must be enough used to make it visible. The only optional pieces in the bucket are the packaging from different items i.e. cardboard packaging, plastic bag, etc. However, if you want to use it, you may, but they are not mandatory. You may not add any additional items to your sculpture. Only the items in the bucket are permitted to be part of your sculpture. The bucket may not be used as part of the sculpture. There will be a list of contents in each bucket. Please indicate on the list where each item was used. Please return this list completely filled out when you drop off your sculpture. You can cut, sand, glue, weld, bolt, fasten, bend, shape, curl, staple, and paint these items to make your sculpture. You may connect your entry to a solid base for stability, if needed. The base CANNOT be part of the sculpture. The base must also be smaller than the sculpture, and it is NOT to be painted. The base will not be considered part of your sculpture so it will not be judged. The bucket and contents list must be returned when you bring the sculpture to the fairgrounds for display. The bucket is not to be used as part of the sculpture. Any sculpture larger than 24L x 24W inches will automatically by disqualified. Your sculpture must be completely finished when it arrives. No painting, construction, etc. will be allowed. There is no fee to enter but registration is required. Registration: https://bit.ly/4rDvgVy ========================================= 2026 Oswego County 4-H Fabric Sale Saturday, July 25, 2026 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Oswego County Fairgrounds, 291 Ellisburg Street , Sandy Creek, NY 13145 The 2026 Annual Oswego County 4-H Fabric Sale Fundraiser has been scheduled! This much-anticipated fabric sale fundraiser to support the Oswego County 4-H Program, part of Cornell Cooperative Extension, will be held from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Entertainment Building at the Oswego County Fairground located at 291 Ellisburg Street, Sandy Creek, New York. Everything will be priced to sell, with many great deals to be found. All fabric will be sold by the piece at just $2.00 a yard. Pieces will be sold as is and will not be cut into smaller yardage. Credit and debit cards will not be accepted. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County would like to thank the community in advance for their support of this wonderful fundraiser. The sale’s proceeds benefit the local 4-H program.Looking to Donate? The Oswego County 4-H Program will be accepting donations from April 1st through July 1st of fabric and other sewing items for the sale. The following items are examples of what the Oswego County 4-H will be accepting: yard goods (dressmaking, home decorating, felt, burlap, needlework craft fabrics, vintage fabrics, quilting, solids, craft panels, seasonal, pillows, wall hangings), notions, sewing tools, patterns (must be complete), books, booklets, yarn skeins, crochet cotton, knitting supplies and needles, crochet hooks, quilting frames, hoops, cutting mats, rotary cutters, rulers, and batting. Fabric pieces should be a fat quarter or larger. Please contact Linda or Mary at 315-963-7286 to schedule your donation.Looking to Volunteer? Oswego County 4-H is looking for individuals to help us sort, fold & tag all the generous donations we have been receiving for our annual Fabric Sale Fundraiser! If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Linda or Mary at 315-963-7286 to learn more. For more information about the fabric sale, joining 4-H, or how to make a monetary donation to the Oswego County 4-H Program, please contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego at 315-963-7286. =========================================