Community Garden Plots for Youth Education

The intern will gain hands-on leadership experience and education about all aspects of community gardens. In addition, the intern will not only help to coordinate Community Garden Plots for Youth Education, but also will tie it into CCE-NC's main, CSA, and youth education programs ACORNS and Oaks. The CCE-Nassau County a ready has in place a location in both Suffolk County, at their Dorothy P. Flint 4H Camp, as well as at their Nassau County location to interact with youth. In cooperation with Cornell University’s Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center (LIHREC) in Riverhead, NY, the intern will learn about soil management, plant nutrition, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for the control of insects and pathogens as part of this training. The locations of both the 4-H Camp and the LIHREC are literally across the street and will be convenient to conduct this internship. The living laboratory at the Dorothy P. Flint 4H Camp is an educational facility that is used to supply fresh, nutritious food to the campers. In addition, the intern will assist in the vegetable production at the Camp and work on a “Farm to Table” program which markets fresh produce at the CCE-NC’s urban East Meadow Farm. The intern will be able to use the education that is acquired on a practical level by interacting with consumers at the Farm.
 

Roles and responsibilities 

The student intern will work on a daily basis under the supervision of Collin Hedges at the 4H Camp, and Dr. Mark Bridgen at the LIHREC. The intern will learn about soil management and nutrition, participate in research with organic pest management, and assist with vegetable harvest techniques. The preparation and post-harvest management of vegetables will be included in this training, as will be participation in the “farm to table” program, CCE-NC’s CSA program, and their youth education programs ACORNS and Oaks. The intern will learn about the cost of farming and pricing to produce vegetables and make recommendations for competitive market pricing. A detailed plan will be developed for the following year’s vegetable crops based on what is being learned. The intern will have an opportunity to travel to various vegetable farms, greenhouses and nursery operations on Long Island to observe New York’s green industry. The intern will also have the experience of working on PowerPoint presentations, managing extension events, collecting data, inputting data into a computer, and collaborating with senior citizen volunteers.
 

Qualifications and previous coursework

This opportunity is available to non-graduating students in Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

The student should be at least a sophomore in one of the CALS agriculture-related curriculum. Some practical work experience with plants will be helpful. The student needs to be willing and able to work outside in hot, summer weather, and able to carry heavy loads (at least 50#). The student should not be worried about conducting field work and should be self-motivated.

Learning outcomes 

• Become competent with aspects of vegetable production from greenhouse to field including soil testing, soil management techniques, organic pest management, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and post-harvest techniques. 
• Learn about plant propagation and production techniques for various vegetable species, preparing vegetables for market, and how to calculate production cost of vegetables and compare market prices
• Conducting field research and understanding basic statistical design 
• Communicate and interact with stakeholders, volunteers, and senior citizens