Bring Solar to Orleans County CCE

Bring solar to the Orleans County CCE (OCCCE), and help build ongoing programing in the Orleans, NY to support local agriculture, youth, and families.

The mission of the OCCCE is to provide relevant, accessible, research-based information to grow confident youth and successful farms & gardens for a strong and healthy Orleans community. Serving over 3,000 individuals annually, the Orleans County CCE operates programs ranging from 4H youth development to digital literacy.

Watch our introductory video here.

The programs include:

4H youth development – focuses on building confident youth and successful farms and gardens for a strong and healthy Orleans Community Youth in 4-H are 4x more likely to contribute to their community, 2x more likely to be civically active, 2x more likely to make healthy choices, and 2x more likely to participate in science programs outside school than their peers

Adults looking at the Seed Library at Orleans County CCE

Horticulture education – education on sustainability, vermiculture, seed banks and seed starting, invasive species, pollinators, and support for community members with questions on soil health, pests, or plant disease.
SNAP Nutrition Education – nutrition & healthy eating including cost effective shopping, how to prepare fresh produce, and active living.
Digital Literacy – education on the basics of how to use a computer, cell phone, or other device, cyber security basics, help with email and social media and help researching problems and issues with the members from the community.
Master Food Preserver – food preservation & cooking workshops with a focus on garden to table and improving food security
Agricultural Education - Connecting local growers to research proven methods to improve on farm operations and addressing challenges including pest management, economics, and other issues in the industry.
Hosting the Orleans County 4-H Fair which showcases the work of their 4-H youth and many organizations and businesses. This traditional event brings together 25,000 friends and family in the last week of July.

Adults receiving Master Food Program course at Orleans County CCE

Each unique program is adapted to meet the communities most emergent needs, and through partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extensions, offers a trusted standard of quality.

“Orleans CCE has become a hub in our area. We have our own vital programing, but are excited that we are also able to support the county and other organizations meet their needs, helping audiences across the county”, said Robert Batt, OCCCE ED.

The planned 24.65 kW solar array will generate 28,245 kWh of electricity annually - avoiding 44,129 of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. This is the equivalent to the carbon sequestered by 331 tree seedlings grown for 10 years, or to averting the greenhouse gas emissions of 2,252 gallons of gasoline consumed.

Overall the system is anticipated to save Orleans County CCE ~$3,925 in the first year. Each dollar saved helps to increase security in covering operating expenses and being able to allow programs to get the items they need. For instance, $1,000 in savings, will allow them to invest in improvements to livestock housing and show supplies, and increasing hands on components in educational workshops.

THANK YOU to individuals and organizations who have made contributions to help bring solar to Orleans County CCE!

Special Thanks to...

^. Anonymous Donors ^.

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