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Meet Partners of the Northeast Climate Hub

We work together to make climate information accessible.

The USDA Northeast Climate Hub is a partnership of numerous government agencies, land grant universities, Tribes, and nonprofits. The formation of our partner network stands out as one of our greatest successes and assets. Our network provides the foundation for knowledge sharing and collaboration opportunity. These partner organizations contribute to the ongoing development and operational activities of the Northeast Climate Hub. We are proud to be working with such multi-faceted, knowledgeable, well-established and well-connected partners. Unique resources are offered by each partner. 

Government

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency that focuses on finding solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans everyday from field to table. The mission of ARS is to conduct research to develop and transfer solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority and provide information access and dissemination in order to ensure high quality and safe food, access the nutritional needs of Americans, sustain a competitive agriculture economy, enhance the natural resource base and the environment, and provide economic opportunity to rural citizens, communities, and societies as a whole.

The U.S. Forest Service is a multi-faceted agency that manages and protects 154 national forests and 20 grasslands in 44 states and Puerto Rico. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. Through valued partnerships with public and private agencies, the Forest Service works to plant trees, improve trails, educate the public, and improve conditions in wildland/urban interfaces and rural areas. The Forest service also actively works to promote sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation on an international level.

As part of U.S. Forest Service Research and Development, the Northern Research Station (NRS) seeks to understand all of the elements of forests and related landscapes by working across a dynamic land with incredible social, biological, and physical diversity. The rural and urban experimental forests run by NRS uniquely supports long-term research that is not possible in other settings and helps to develop management strategies for plants, soil, air, water, and wildlife to meet the needs of people and communities.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) works with farmers, ranchers and forest landowners across the country to help them boost agricultural productivity and protect our natural resources through conservation. NRCS’ approach combines locally-led solutions with science and technology; customer stewardship; partnerships; and proven conservation practices to produce results for agriculture and the environment that ensure the health of our natural resources and the long-term sustainability of American agriculture.

The East National Technology Support Center (ENTSC) for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is responsible for acquiring and/or developing science-based technology for manure management, plants, soil health and sustainability. From timeless principles of soil conservation, such as cover crops and maintaining soil cover, to emerging natural resource issues, such as drought mitigation, climate change, and biosecurity, ENTSC provides training and technical assistance for conservation planning and resource assessment to states, partners, and the public.

The mission of the Northeast Regional Climate Center (NRCC) is to facilitate and enhance the collection, dissemination and use of climate data and information, as well as to monitor and assess climatic conditions and impacts in the twelve-state, northeastern region of the United States. Its activities are intended to further the economic efficiency and general welfare of public and private institutions and individuals in the region.

The Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center (NECASC) is part of a federal network of eight Centers created to provide scientific information, tools, and techniques that managers and other parties interested in land, water, wildlife and cultural resources can use to anticipate, monitor, and adapt to climate change. The primary objective of NECASC is to improve the way climate science informs resource management in the Northeast.

University

Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is leading science and education toward a resilient future through teaching, research, and extension programs in food & energy systems, the life sciences, the environmental sciences, and the social sciences.

Cornell Climate Smart Farming Program is a voluntary initiative that helps farmers in New York and the Northeastern US to: Increase agricultural productivity and farming incomes sustainably; Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural production through adoption of best management practices, increased energy efficiency, use of renewable energy, and increased carbon sequestration; and Increase farm resiliency to extreme weather and climate variability through the adoption of best management practices for climate change adaptation.

Cornell Cooperative Extension brings local experience and research based solutions together in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability and social well-being for New York families and communities in our rapidly changing world.

Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station (CUAES) is dedicated to sustainable "science for life," in its two core separate but related functions - the operation of world-class research facilities throughout the state, and the generation and application of research-based knowledge through the administration of federal formula funds.


  • Cornell Biochar and Compost Facilities

    cornell biochar

    To deal with their organic wastes, Cornell is using slow pyrolysis to create biochar, and also composting. Both can be used as soil amendments and to sequester carbon.

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  • Agroforestry at Angus Glen

    Angus Glen Farms demonstrates silvopasturing. This agroforestry practice blends the sustainable production of livestock, forage, and trees on the same land.

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  • Northeast Climate Change and Agriculture Vulnerability Assessment

    This vulnerability assessment provides an overview of regional agriculture and forest sensitivities to climate change and suggests adaptation strategies that can help build resilience.

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  • Climate Change Capacity Discovery

    A 2015 online survey established the current and future capacity of land-grant universities in the Northeast to address climate change research and extension work in the agriculture, natural resources, and forestry sectors.

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  • [Poster] Agricultural Resiliency to Climate Change in the Northeastern U.S.

    Poster, created by Cornell University and Penn State, presents project findings of three regional research projects which laid the ground work for facilitating agricultural resiliency to climate change in the Northeast.

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Delaware State University's College of Agriculture, Science and Technology has an integrated mission of teaching, research and outreach (extension) that provides an experiential education for students and research-based educational programs for Delaware residents.

Delaware State University Cooperative Extension  is a resource for alternative markets such as aquaculture, ethnic vegetables, high tunnels, meat goats, pole lima beans, and small flock poultry.

Delaware State University Cooperative Extension specializes in assisting small farm families through one-on-one farm visits, workshops, research, and demonstrations. The program also assists with farm and financial management issues, accessing USDA program services, direct marketing, sustainable agriculture practices, demonstration of organic farming techniques and on-farm research. 


  • High Tunnels at DSU

    The Delaware State University (DSU) Outreach & Research Center provides a demonstration of high tunnel designs and best practices for small farmers to protect and improve their operations in a changing climate.

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Pennsylvania State University

Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences seeks solutions to the agricultural and ecological problems of our time by conducting basic and applied research focusing on cross-cutting thematic areas.

​Rutgers University

  • Rutgers University Cooperative Extension 
    Helps the diverse population of New Jersey adapt to a rapidly changing society and improve their lives and communities through an educational process that uses science based knowledge.
  • New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station 
    The research and outreach arm of Rutgers. NJAES delivers wide-ranging educational programs in the areas of agriculture, fisheries, urban and community outreach, youth development, food, nutrition and health, and related areas of economic and workforce development across New Jersey.
  • Rutgers Climate Institute 
    A University-wide effort to address one of the most important issues of our time through research, education and outreach.
  • New Jersey Climate Adaptation Alliance
    An alliance that focuses on climate change preparedness in key impacted sectors such as public health, watersheds, rivers and coastal communities, built infrastructure, agriculture, and natural resources.

University of Connecticut

  • University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension 
    Connects the power of UConn research to local issues by creating practical, science-based answers to complex problems in areas such as: economic viability, business and industry, community development, agriculture and natural resources.
  • Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station 
    SAES operates within UConn's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Office. SAES administers funds for research and facility operations that assist in advancing agriculture, health, environmental quality, and natural resource concerns in Connecticut.

University of Delaware

  • University of Delaware Cooperative Extension 
    Connects the public with university knowledge, research and resources to address youth, family, community and agricultural needs. UD Cooperative Extension helps people understand Delaware’s climate trends and future projections in order to minimize risks and maximize opportunities that may be posed by these changing conditions.
  • Delaware Agricultural Experiment Station 
    Supplies useful information to farmers for improving agricultural methods in row crops, insect and disease problems in orchard crops, and animal husbandry.

University of the District of Columbia

University of the District of Columbia's College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) recognizes that, like ecosystems, we are connected to people and places right here in our own neighborhoods and to those halfway around the world. Pollution travels, resources are not always consumed where they are generated, and job markets are increasingly global and knowledge-based. Given these realities, CAUSES aspires to teach students to think in systems, work in diverse teams, and focus on connectivity and innovation.

  • University of the District of Columbia Cooperative Extension 
    Falls under (CAUSES), which offers a wide range of academic and community outreach programs that serve individuals and organizations within the community and beyond. Together Cooperative Extension and CAUSES work as the nation’s only urban landgrant university. 
  • University of the District of Columbia Agricultural Research Station
    Addresses specific problems and issues unique to an urban environment, such as, but not limited to, socio-economic concerns, literacy, human health and nutrition, urban food production, preservation and conservation of the urban natural resources, urban architectural design and land usage, urban greening, recreation, environmental monitoring, water quality, pollution, environmental stewardship, pest control and cultural diversity.

University of Maine

University of Maine's College of Natural Sciences, Forestry and Agriculture harnesses science and technology for Maine’s future. The products of the college’s research and development programs inform decisions on pressing public policy issues, fulfill critical needs of state government, fuel business innovation and economic growth, and promote healthy living and a sustainable environment.

  • University of Maine Cooperative Extension 
    Utilizes university research for homes, businesses, farms, and communities in every corner of Maine. Educational efforts are focused on the Maine Food System, Positive Youth Development, and Community and Economic Development.
  • Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station 
    A center for applied and basic research in agriculture and food sciences, forestry and wood products, fisheries and aquaculture, wildlife, outdoor recreation, and rural economic development.
  • University of Maine Climate Change Institute 
    An interdisciplinary research unit organized to conduct research and graduate education focused on variability of Earth's climate, ecosystems, and other environmental systems and on the interaction between humans and the natural environment. The Institute provides expertise on climate-related matters to the people and governments of Maine, the Nation, and beyond.

University of Maryland

  • University of Maryland Cooperative Extension is a statewide, non-formal education system within the college of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore that provides educational programs and problem-solving assistance to citizens based on the research and experience of land grant universities such as the University of Maryland, College Park.
  • Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station fosters research at all levels (e.g., molecular, cellular, organismic, and ecosystem) related to sustainable food and fiber production with economic and environmental viability. 

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

  • University of Maryland Eastern Shore Agricultural Experiment Station is part of the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences (SANS). Research is broadly divided into Environmental Quality, Sustainable Agriculture, Human Health and Safety, and Food Science. The research conducted through the Experiment Station provides valuable opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students to work closely with faculty on projects of regional, national and international importance.
  • University of Maryland Cooperative Extension is a statewide educational organization funded by federal, state, and local governments that brings research-based knowledge directly to individuals, families, and communities. Its mission is to educate citizens to apply practical, research-based knowledge to critical issues facing individuals, families, communities, the State, and our global partners.

University of Massachusetts

  • University of Massachusetts Cooperative Extension provides educational services as an honest broker for the exchange of knowledge between the university and the public in areas that impact agriculture, food systems, environmental well-being and human health.
  • Massachusetts Agricultural Experiment Station operates within the Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment in the College of Natural Sciences to coordinate the distribution of federal funds that advance science in disciplines related to agriculture, food and natural resources.

University of New Hampshire

  • University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension brings information and education into the communities of the Granite State to help make New Hampshire’s individuals, businesses, and communities more successful and its natural resources healthy and productive.
  • New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station stewards federal and state funding to provide unbiased and objective research concerning diverse aspects of sustainable agriculture and foods, aquaculture, forest management and related wildlife, environmental, natural resources and rural community topics.

University of Rhode Island

University of Vermont

  • University of Vermont Cooperative Extension integrates higher education, research and outreach to help individuals and communities put knowledge to work in their families and homes, farms, businesses, towns and the natural environment.
  • Vermont Agricultural Experiment Station tackles issues of agriculture, environment, nutrition, food safety, health, community and economic development, works to enlighten classroom discussion,  and translates research into practical solutions for rural and urban Vermonters.
  • Farming & Climate Change Program in the Center for Sustainable Agriculture advances sustainable food and farming systems in Vermont, cultivates partnership, supports innovative research and practices, and informs policy to benefit Vermont communities and the UVM campus.

West Virginia State University

  • West Virginia State University Agricultural and Environmental Research Station 
    Committed to developing knowledge and engaging in technology transfer and economic development activities beneficial to West Virginia and all our constituents. From on-campus research labs, field plots and greenhouses to lab space at the West Virginia Regional Technology Park in South Charleston, AERS is an ever-increasing presence in agricultural and environmental research in the Mountain State.
  • ​West Virginia State University Extension Service 
    Provides research-based knowledge through innovative programs, expert advice and a wealth of dependable answers to the questions important to West Virginia. We are the primary outreach arm of WVSU and part of the land-grant mission of teaching, research and extension.
  • ​WVSU Energy and Environmental Science Institute 
    Addresses major energy and environmental issues of interest and concern to West Virginians and society in general, such as: feedstock improvement, biofuels and bio-products, anaerobic digestion, microbial genomics, bioremediation, environment and sustainability, education, outreach and training.

West Virginia University

  • West Virginia University Cooperative Extension 
    Develops and teaches best practices for sustainable agriculture, for responsible use of renewable resources, and stewardship of natural resources, and offers programs to strengthen leaders of all ages.