During the 1980's and 1990's, most county governments in Massachusetts ceased to function as governmental bodies, turning over their responsiblities to the Commonwealth or local governments and agencies. Two notable exceptions to this shift, were the governments of Plymouth County, in Southeastern Massachusetts and Barnstable County, on Cape Cod. These two entities retain county government functions.
When most county government ended in the state, responsibility for delivery of Extension programming in those areas fell to UMass Amherst. Again, the situations in Plymouth and Barnstable Counties differed. Barnstable County elected to continue a full program of Extension activities and continues to do so today, in cooperation with UMass Extension at the Center for Agriculture. Plymouth County has maintained selected Extension functions, notably 4-H youth development and nutrition education.
Cape Cod Cooperative Extension
The mission of Cape Cod Cooperative Extension is to improve the health and well-being of youth, families and communities; conserve and enhance natural and marine resources; and strengthen agriculture and food systems. Extension links the Massachusetts land grant university with a larger community of people to address issues of fundamental importance to the people of Barnstable County.
Deeds and Probate Building
PO Box 367
Railroad Avenue
Barnstable, MA 02630-0367
508-375-6690
Plymouth County Extension
44 Obery St.
Plymouth, MA 02360
(Plymouth) 781-293-3541