The Joro spider, an arachnid that's been in the United States for years in some southern states, has been trending in the news lately as the next potentially invasive species to land in New York State. Some media hypes giant, venomous, flying spiders, but how concerned should we really be here in New York about their potential arrival?

To address these questions Alejandro Calixto, Director of the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program at Cornell University joins this episode of Cornell Cooperative Extension’s ‘Extension Out Loud’ podcast. Calixto discusses the myths surrounding the Joro spider and the impacts of a changing climate on the spread of invasives. While large and venomous like many spiders, the Joro spider does not pose a direct threat to humans.

"Every spider has venom, but their venom is primarily for capturing prey and defense, not for attacking humans," said Calixto.

One common misconception Calixto addresses is the idea of Joro spiders flying into homes or attacking pets. While they can disperse using a technique called ballooning—where they release silk strands to catch the wind and travel—they do not have wings or parachutes and are not aggressive towards humans or pets.

Calixto highlights concerns about the Joro spider potentially outcompeting native species like the golden silk weaver in habitats where they overlap. However, their slow dispersal rate means any effects would likely be gradual and localized.

Focusing on more immediate concerns for New Yorkers, Calixto mentions the rise of pests like the spotted lanternfly and the increased activity of ticks due to milder winters. These changes underscore the importance of vigilance and proactive pest management strategies to mitigate potential impacts on agriculture and public health.

To learn more about the Joro Spider and other invasive pests in New York State visit the NYS Integrated Pest Management website.

A trip to the grocery store today is an exercise in balancing budget against nutritional need. For many community members, these calculations lead to decisions based on economy and convenience. For historically underserved populations, this process is complicated by issues of access and the expense of healthier choices. Addressing this challenge is the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), whose goal is to help folks understand and maximize the impact of food dollars.

Federally funded and present in every state and U.S. territory, EFNEP programs are delivered locally through the Cooperative Extension system. This year marks the 55th anniversary of EFNEP, a celebaration that highlights the importance of local partnerships in empowering communities to eat healthier.

This episode of ‘Extension Out Loud’ focuses on the impacts of EFNEP through a conversation with Carol Parker, nutrition and health program leader and Cynthia Fouyolle, community nutrition educator for Cornell University Cooperative Extension New York City (CUCE NYC), which administers EFNEP programming in the Big Apple.

I like to describe us as being rooted and planted in the neighborhood. The communities that we're working in are the communities that we've been working in for over 50 years.

-Carol Parker

Before becoming an community educator, Fouyolle was an EFNEP program participant. Her journey illustrates the success of the embedded approach to education that forms the core of nutrition education by CUCE NYC.

One of the things about the program is not only the food preparation. It's not only the exercise. It's not only what they've been learning. It's the passion that we share with the participant. It's the respect.

- Cynthia Fouyolle

Parker and Fouyolle discuss EFNEP’s history, educational approaches, and significant impacts over 55 years. The conversation highlights the importance of partnerships with schools and community organizations, and the diverse linguistic and cultural adaptations in teaching methods. It also emphasizes the long-term behavioral changes and empowerment of participants.

About FNEP

Learn more about EFNEP in New York City

In a world increasingly dominated by technology, fostering a connection with the natural world carries more weight than ever. This episode of ‘Extension Out Loud’ is a conversation with John Linstrom, who recently edited a new version of Liberty Hyde Bailey’s book, “The Nature Study Idea.”

Bailey, a horticulturist, and educator, helped found the Cornell College of Agriculture, becoming dean of what was then known as New York State College of Agriculture. He believed that cultivating a relationship with nature was not just beneficial, but essential. Originally written for elementary school teachers, Bailey’s work laid the foundations for 4-H, emphasizing an experiential approach to engage youth in active learning

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This new edition of the “Nature Study Idea” brings Bailey’s ideas to a new generation.

“Bailey’s philosophical and literary writing is just so beautiful and grounded ,” Linstrom says. “I think it really speaks to his idea of the human place in the natural world, and to our current moment.”

Linstrom argues that Bailey’s work, though written over a century ago, offers valuable insights that have been somewhat lost to environmental thought.

Bailey’s concept of nature study goes beyond the accumulation of facts about plants and animals. The Nature Study Idea emphasizes the cultivation of a sense of wonder and empathy for the natural world. Linstrom suggests that Bailey’s concept of “sympathy with nature” is particularly relevant today, as environmental concerns continue to mount.

Linstrom’s edited edition of “The Nature Study Idea” offers a timely reminder of the importance of reconnecting with nature. During our conversation, Linstrom explores Bailey’s philosophy, rooted in observation, curiosity, and empathy, revealing a valuable framework for environmental education in the 21st century.

Visit Cornell University Press "The Nature-Study Idea"

After nearly 10 years as the New York State 4-H Director, Andrew Turner ’88, MPS ’98, is moving into a new role as Director for Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) beginning Dec. 1.

In this episode of ‘Extension Out Loud,’ Turner shares his vision for moving the organization forward and his deeply personal connection to and appreciation for the CCE educators across the state who selflessly drive and embody CCE’s commitment to New York state communities.

Turner was prepared for his new role by a lifetime of personal and professional experiences. A third-generation extension professional, Turner has led NYS 4-H since 2014, providing program leadership, professional development, and support for one of the largest and most diverse 4-H programs in the nation. Prior to that, he spent two years on campus as CCE assistant director for field operations and communications.

However, it is Turner’s boots on the ground experience at the county level that he says has most prepared him for his role of director. That journey began in 1989 at CCE Rockland County where Turner worked as a 4-H educator for nine years before serving as executive director for CCE Greene County for 14 years.

Turner says having experienced CCE at different organizational levels, as well as being a Cornell graduate, has had a profound impact on the way he views the reciprocal relationships between communities, local CCE educators, and extension faculty and researchers on campus.

 We're not information providers only, we're community builders. And that happens through collaboration and context and embracing diversity, finding a way to engage all the people.

While appreciative of CCE’s rich history of serving New York communities, Turner also acknowledges the need for extension to adapt and embrace new ways of reaching people. Still, Turner emphasizes the importance of maintaining the human element as part of extension’s two-way exchange of ideas with communities. “We're not information providers only, we're community builders,” he said. “And that happens through collaboration and context and embracing diversity, finding a way to engage all the people.”

Download the podcast to learn more about Turner’s perspective on the future of CCE and extension work as well as his deep admiration for the educators who drive and define CCE’s work across the state.  

Download the episode transcript (pdf)

Chef Chantay Skrine is dicing onions for her collard greens. Skrine, owner of Sweetay’s LLC in Binghamton, N.Y., is at work in a shared commercial kitchen on the campus of Cornell Cooperative Extension Broome County. The past two years have been demanding, but her presence here signals a major step in the growth of her food-based business.

“Being able to utilize the kitchen here at the CCE has been awesome because I'm able to work with some amazing people.”- Chantay Skrine

This episode of Cornell Cooperative Extension's ‘Extension Out Loud’ podcast charts Chantay's journey from home to commercial kitchen and beyond. Amy Willis, Food Systems Project Coordinator, and Katie Matsushima, Food Development Specialist, of CCE Broome County join the conversation to talk about the full range of support her team provides to help Southern Tier chefs successfully scale up a food-based business.

“We always like to say, ‘What do you want to make? Do you have a business plan?’ We always just try to take a second to make sure that we can understand the bigger picture,” says Matsushima. The bigger picture often includes licensing and legal requirements. Combined with a scarcity of available commercial kitchens in Broome County, successfully navigating this landscape requires support and guidance.

“You start at home you grow, develop a base, customers. you start developing those smaller pieces. And then it's time to really scale” -Amy Willis

CCE Broome County offers a unique environment to support home processors who are ready to scale up production. The commercial kitchen is adjacent to the farmer's market. This means that fresh, local produce is available to aspiring chefs. Combined with CCE staff who can help navigate the many challenges facing small food-based businesses the odds of making a successful transition are dramatically increased.

Download this episode transcript (pdf)

The South Lawn Project, on-site at the offices of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County, in Rochester, N.Y., has transformed an underutilized piece of land into a thriving food-growing environment, offering employment opportunities to at-risk young adults.

In this episode of Cornell Cooperative Extension ‘s 'Extension Out Loud” podcast Marci Muller, CCE Urban Garden Specialist, explains the origin and goals of the South Lawn Project.

During the project's planning phase, Muller envisioned integrating transitional employment aspects into the urban farm's framework, aiming to establish a living laboratory for urban agriculture. According to Muller “a transitional job is a job for someone with barriers to employment. And it gives them the structure of work but not quite as demanding as a real job”.

 A key factor in the project's overall success is the emphasis on mentoring, as young adults work alongside a seasoned farm manager to acquire essential knowledge in planting, tending, and harvesting. Simultaneously, they develop vital skills necessary for success in the workplace.

 Also contributing to this episode are two farm employees, as well as farm manager Mike Kinkaid, and Brendan Tidings of the Regional Valley Market in Rochester. The Regional Market is a supporter of the south lawn farm, providing funding in these first years to help this innovative program continue.

Download the episode transcript (pdf)