Climate Resiliency

Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County is committed to strengthening the region’s climate resilience through a holistic approach that supports farmers, landowners, municipalities, and communities in adapting to the realities of a changing climate. Our climate resiliency programming centers on education, planning, and implementation, empowering people with science-based tools, technical assistance, and trusted networks. 

As part of our emergency preparedness efforts, CCE Sullivan supports the County Animal Response Team (CART), a coordinated local initiative designed to ensure the safety and welfare of animals during disasters. CART helps prepare farmers, pet owners, and first responders to manage evacuations, sheltering, and emergency care for livestock and companion animals in the event of storms, flooding, or other crises. 

We are also proud to be a member of the national Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN), helping local residents and farms prepare for, respond to, and recover from extreme weather events through coordinated outreach and emergency planning resources. As part of our long-term land security efforts, we partner with the Orange County Land Trust to support farmland protection and access for new and existing farmers, recognizing that secure land tenure is foundational to both climate adaptation and agricultural sustainability. Together, these initiatives ensure that Sullivan County's agricultural and rural communities are equipped not just to survive, but to thrive, in the face of climate change.

Climate Resiliency & Emergency Preparedness for Catskills–Hudson Valley Farmers

Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County (CCESC) has received a grant to help farmers in the Catskills–Hudson Valley region prepare for climate and weather-related challenges. This project focuses on risk management education and technical assistance to strengthen farm resiliency and emergency preparedness.

What We’re Doing

• Educational Outreach:
  • 20+ workshops (in-person, on-farm, and webinars)
  • A new Climate Resiliency YouTube Channel and updated online resources
  • Social media campaigns and resource sharing platforms
• Technical Assistance:
  • One-on-one support for farmers to develop Climate Resiliency Plans and Emergency Management Plans
  • Training for first responders and creation of a County Animal Response Team (CART)

Topics Covered

• Water management for flooding and drought
• Soil health and cover crops
• Silvopasture development
• Season extension using high tunnels
• Livestock heat stress strategies
• Integrated pest management
• Emergency planning for farms

Who Benefits

• Beginning farmers
• Socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers
• Traditional commercial producers
• Local first responders

Our Goal

By the end of the project, farmers will have the tools and knowledge to:

• Reduce production risks from extreme weather
• Improve soil and water management
• Adapt to changing growing seasons
• Prepare for emergencies and protect livestock

This initiative will help reduce economic losses, strengthen local food systems, and build a more resilient agricultural community. 

Last updated December 30, 2025