BINGHAMTON, NY – Today, Senator Webb delivered $50,000 to Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Broome County to support critical renovations, repairs, and enhancements to the Cutler Botanic Garden (CBG). CBG is a 5-acre teaching garden located in Broome County that plays a crucial role in promoting horticultural education and environmental awareness. 

“Cutler Botanic Garden has been a free, year-round resource for our community for decades, maintained almost entirely through the dedication of Cornell Cooperative Extension Broome County Master Gardener volunteers,” said Beth Roberts, Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension Broome County. “This funding allows us to address long-standing needs, including replacing worn benches and fencing and improving drainage throughout the garden. We are grateful to Senator Webb for recognizing the vital role this garden plays in Broome County and for helping us ensure it remains accessible and welcoming to everyone who enjoys its beauty.” 

Said Senator Lea Webb, “I am proud to deliver this $50,000 to help them make upgrades to Cutler Botanic Garden. This garden is free and open year-round for residents to appreciate the beauty of our natural world and learn about our environment. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County uses the garden as an outdoor classroom for hands-on workshops where students and adults study plants, animals, and composting. CCE Broome County is an invaluable resource to our community and I am excited for the great work they will do in the years to come.” 

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County is part of the larger cooperative extension system, a national educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments. The system operates via land-grant universities in each state, and in New York State our land-grant university is Cornell University. Each Cornell Cooperative Extension association is an independent employer that is governed by an elected Board of Directors with general oversight from Cornell. All associations work to meet the needs of the counties in which they are located as well as state and national goals. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County has existed in various forms since 1910 and works to support the community and connect residents to the latest research from Cornell University in an accessible format. 

Senator Webb secured the funding for improvements to their garden through the New York State Senate’s Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology (CREST) Program. The CREST Program, administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), provides reimbursement-based grants of capital costs for projects undertaken by eligible entities. 

The funding will support the following enhancements: 

• Vegetable Garden Improvements: Replacement of garden beds and upgrades to fencing to ensure the area remains secure and accessible for educational programming.
• French Drain Installation: Implementation of a French drain behind the storage shed to address drainage issues and prevent water damage.
• Herb Garden Fencing Replacement: Replacement of deteriorating fencing to maintain the integrity and appearance of the herb garden.
• Signage Upgrades: Installation of new, educational signage to enhance the visitor experience and provide valuable information about the garden’s features and sustainable gardening practices.
• Bench Replacement: Replacement of 10 rotting benches to provide safe and comfortable seating for visitors.
• Weather-Resistant Picnic Tables: Purchase of two new picnic tables that can withstand the elements, providing additional seating for visitors and volunteers.
• Paved Driveway: Paving the driveway to improve access for staff, volunteers and guests to ensure year-round safe entry and exit from the garden for both foot traffic and vehicle access.

Photos from the event are available here. Video of the event is available here. 

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