Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Cattaraugus County, in partnership with the Cattaraugus County Health Department, will provide free soil testing services during the Connecting Communities in Action Back to School Bash on Thursday, August 21, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Lead contamination is a concern in many Northeastern communities, particularly in areas with older homes once painted with lead-based paint and in places where leaded gasoline was historically used. Gardeners preparing for the upcoming season are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to assess their soil’s health and safety.
Participants are invited to bring one cup of air-dried soil in a sealed plastic bag. CCE Master Gardeners will test soil pH on-site, while the Cattaraugus County Health Department will test for lead content—both services provided free of charge.
In addition to testing, attendees will receive expert guidance on:
- Improving soil health and fertility
- Gardening safely in areas with potential contaminants
- Best practices to prevent lead exposure
- Strategies for lead poisoning prevention at home and in the garden
The Connecting Communities in Action Back to School Bash will be held at: 25 Jefferson Street, Salamanca, NY 14779: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
This event aims to raise awareness about potential lead hazards in soil and provide the community with practical solutions to ensure healthy, safe gardening and outdoor play environments.
