College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources

Connecticut is a unique state, defined by its strong communities, diverse landscapes, and deep commitment to education, innovation, and public service. As Connecticut’s land-grant university, the University of Connecticut takes great pride in serving the people, farms, and environments that make the state exceptional. UConn Extension embodies this responsibility by working alongside residents, farmers, landowners, and local leaders to improve quality of life through education, partnership, and solutions grounded in local needs.

Serving all 169 towns and cities, UConn Extension educators and volunteers are deeply connected to the communities they support. Their work strengthens Connecticut’s agricultural vitality, supports working lands, and promotes the stewardship of natural resources that sustain the state’s economy and ecosystems. From supporting farms and food systems to protecting soil, water, forests, and wildlife, UConn Extension applies research-based knowledge to address both immediate challenges and long-term sustainability. As a trusted partner, UConn Extension remains dedicated to helping Connecticut grow, adapt, and thrive today and into the future.

College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources

As Connecticut’s only public land-grant university, UConn was established with a mission to educate students, advance research, and build knowledge with residents across the state. Through UConn Extension and our network of local Extension centers, we offer programs that support many different needs but are united by a shared commitment to strengthening the quality of life in our state and helping Connecticut’s communities thrive. In this issue, you’ll learn about our agriculture workforce development programs, the Grown ConNECTed initiative which links consumers with local farms and farmers’ markets, how Extension supports hands-on learning with gardens for Danbury Public Schools, and new resources to help residents prepare and recover from weather-related disasters. We are excited for 2026 and look forward to continuing our efforts to protect and strengthen healthy food systems, healthy environments, and healthy families and communities.

Together, We Reach All Communities

UConn Extension’s Reaching All Communities Fund ensures that critical, research‑based information reaches every resident of Connecticut—no matter where they live or what resources they have. With donor support, we are expanding programs that protect health, strengthen communities, and improve quality of life statewide.

This fund supports many programs, including our residential well water testing program, which empowers homeowners with accessible water screening and guidance to keep their families safe. The fund also supported the creation of educational tools like our bear awareness video, helping residents understand how to coexist with wildlife and reduce human–bear conflicts. In addition, the fund provides essential backing for the inaugural Diversified Livestock Conference, bringing farmers together to learn best practices that enhance sustainability, profitability, and animal well‑being.

These efforts reflect UConn Extension’s long‑standing commitment to meeting people where they are and delivering trusted solutions. But to keep these programs strong—and to reach even more communities—we rely on partners who share our vision.

Your gift to the Reaching All Communities Fund directly strengthens Extension’s ability to serve Connecticut. Together, we can build healthier homes, safer communities, and a more resilient future for all.