Cape Cod Cooperative Extension

Cape Cod Cooperative Extension (CCCE) is the education department for Barnstable County. CCCE educates the public on topics as diverse as deer ticks to water quality and much, much more. CCCE is part of national educational system, developed to convey research-based knowledge from Land Grant Universities (in CCCE’s case, UMASS Amherst), to the general public.

Educational programs focus on agriculture, marine resources, horticulture, aquaculture, natural resources, water quality, recycling, household hazardous waste, nutrition, food safety, youth development and environmental education issues facing the county. Extension programs are conducted in Barnstable County in cooperation with the staff at the University of Massachusetts, and The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution-Sea Grant program.

Extension staff plan and conduct programs based on local needs and interests. Volunteer advisory groups work with staff on developing specific programs. Local citizens, appointed by the County Commissioners, serve as County Extension trustees, advising the overall program.

The Extension staff serve as a direct link with the University of Massachusetts and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution-Sea Grant programs, where new research findings are translated into practical applications to be shared with people and community officials through workshops, conferences, field demonstrations, technical assistance, newspaper articles, radio and television and the internet. Publications, such as regular newsletters, and booklets, fact sheets, and home study courses bring information directly to those who want and need it.  Over 450 volunteers complement and extend staff efforts, contributing their time and expertise to Extension in Barnstable County.

The Horticulture, Entomology, and Ticks program serves as a resource for accurate, unbiased information on plant and pest management for municipal agencies as well as for agricultural producers, members of the Green Industries and the public. Trained volunteer Master Gardeners assist in the delivery of educational programs to the public.