Eliza Hensel

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County has hired Eliza Hensel as its new natural resources educator. She brings experience in extension education and community outreach to support and enhance agricultural initiatives in Chautauqua County. She can be reached by calling 716-664-9502, ext. 220 or emailing emh275@cornell.edu.

CCE Chautauqua has been undergoing an internal capacity study which has led to innovative growth and positive restructuring. Cornell Cooperative Extension officials said the new position will increase capacity and efficiency within CCE Chautauqua while providing support and guidance to the county’s agricultural community.

Hensel’s professional and academic background is founded in an interdisciplinary approach to environmental sciences. She has worked with college programs, urban-agriculture businesses and she founded a non-profit compost pick-up program. She attended Eckerd College where she majored in both Environmental Studies and Animal Studies for her bachelor’s degree. Most recently, Hensel worked for Michigan State University Extension as its statewide Compost Systems Educator where her expertise was used helping farmers and community members understand and utilize composting systems. Her experience goes beyond just composting, however. She has also worked with environmental conservation-based youth camps, marine ecology education programs, as well as urban agriculture and gardening businesses.

“Our programming at CCE-Chautauqua continues to grow, and we are honored to welcome the breadth of experience and expertise Eliza brings. Her confidence, communication, and strive to collaborate will help us meet the agricultural needs of our community,” said Katelyn Walley-Stoll, CCE Chautauqua agriculture team leader.

In this new role, Eliza will serve as a Natural Resource Educator and deliver programming in Chautauqua County.