Upcoming Events

International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) 

(May 3-9, 2026)

ICAW is the largest and most comprehensive education initiative of the compost industry, led by the Compost Research and Education Foundation. Celebrated internationally, the goal of ICAW is to work together to raise public awareness on why we all should be composting our organics and using compost to create healthier soil. 

Federation of New York Solid Waste Associations 

(May 17-20, 2026 - Bolton Landing, NY)

This 2.5 day conference and tradeshow brings together the latest news and partners engaged with soil waste management across NYS. Hosted at the Sagamore Resort on the edge of beautiful Lake George. 

The Annual School for Highway Superintendents 

(June 1-3, 2026 - Ithaca, NY)

The 'Highway School' is open to anyone involved in local road work, not just superintendents. Each year, it brings together more than 700 local roads professionals from across NYS for two and a half days of training and education. Sponsored by the New York State Association of Towns, Cornell Local Roads Program, and statewide vendors.

International Symposium on Animal Mortality Management 

(June 29-July 2, 2026 - Stevens Point, Wisconsin)

Established in 2005 this symposium is an excellent opportunity to learn about the latest research, educational programs, and technologies available for disinfection, decontamination, depopulation, and disposal. It also serves as an opportunity to learn about managing animal mortalities, products, and by-products; research; and education programs. 

NYS Association For Solid Waste Management Fall Conference

(September 20-22, 2026 - Lake Placid, NY)

Annual conference of the New York State Association For Solid Waste Management. Will be held at the High Peaks Resort. 

North American Biochar Conference

(November 16-18, 2026 - New Orleans, Louisiana)

This conference is the leading gathering of the global biochar industry and the flagship event for advancing biochar innovation, collaboration, and deployment. Hosted by the American Biochar Institute (ABI), the conference has served as the central meeting point for the biochar industry since the first event in 2009—where research meets commercialization and collaboration drives real-world deployment. 

NYSAR3 Annual Conference and Trade Show

(November 18-20, 2026 - Cooperstown, NY)

A three-day hybrid conference dedicated to advancing the principles of Reduction, Reuse, and Recycle in the context of sustainable materials management. A dynamic conference that brings together a diverse group of professionals, educators, and experts from various fields to share their knowledge and insights on creating a more sustainable future for municipalities, states, and industries across the globe.   

Cornell Cooperative Extension Ag in-Service Conference

(November 17-19, 2026) - Ithaca, NY)

The Agriculture, Food & Environmental Systems In-service brings together faculty, educators, volunteers, and industry professionals from various agricultural fields to discuss the latest developments in research and practice. Hosted at the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center with programming available in multiple tracks spanning a variety of agriculture related disciplines. 

News

Two people look at a vermicompost box

News

Master Composters turn food waste into community action
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
Jonathan Russell-Anelli with students in the field

News

Emily McFadden ’25 has always wanted a career in agriculture and the environment. When she toured Cornell as a high school student, she sat in on a soil science course (PLSCS 2600) taught by Jonathan Russell-Anelli, senior lecturer and senior...
  • Campus Area Farms
  • Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station
  • Dilmun Hill Student Farm
Two female students hold plastic containers and examine circuitry.

News

Human urine could be a handy resource in tending home gardens and compost piles, thanks to an interdisciplinary collaboration between two Cornell Engineering students and plant scientist Rebecca Nelson.

  • Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station
  • Global Development Section
  • School of Integrative Plant Science