This past summer, I enjoyed my internship with Litchfield County 4-H so much that I found myself quite sad at times that I had never done 4-H as a child. I had friends who were a part of it, but I never fully understood what it was, and never joined. From what I have observed […]
Food Safety and Refrigeration
By Diane Wright Hirsch, MPH, RD UConn Extension Educator – Food Safety As I am writing this, it is snowing lightly outside my office window. I am thinking about the potential weather fluctuations. Lots of folks have filled their freezers and refrigerators in preparation for the storm. But what happens when the power goes out? […]
UConn Master Gardners Signature Projects on the CT Coastline
The UConn Master Gardners have worked on a couple of projects on the CT Coastline over the years. Read more about the great work that has been done: Mercy by the Sea, Retreat and Conference Center, Madison Led by Advanced Master Gardener Jean Golicz, Master Gardeners have worked on various projects at Mercy by the […]
Umekia “Mickey” Taylor: Educator Spotlight
Merging Fitness and Nutrition to Create Healthy Lifestyles Umekia “Mickey” Taylor ’83 (CAHNR) merges fitness and nutrition to help people create healthy lifestyles. She is a community nutrition extension educator and the supervisor for Extension’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in New Haven County. “UConn Extension’s nutrition outreach education is valuable because we […]
Spotted Wing Drosophila in Berry Crops
Evan Lentz of the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture discusses monitoring and trapping for Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) in berry crops. This video was made possible through the USDA NIFA CPPM Grant, Award Number 2017-7006-27201.
Master Gardeners Making a Difference!
Congratulations to UConn Extension Master Gardener Program Holly Kocet and Barbara Thomas out of Extension’s Bethel office for making a difference in their communities! Both women worked to address native plantings for commercial projects. Check out this article: https://www.primepublishers.com/voicesnews/news/top_stories/newtown-regulations-address-commercial-projects-plants/article_46aa7174-6d6e-11ec-b2df-038565fb4be5.html
Snow Removal Tips
Photo and Article: West Virginia Extension Stay safe from slips and strains by following these recommendations for safe and effective snow removal. Shovel all sidewalks adjacent to your property to the bare pavement. This includes any sidewalks outside your fence lines and to the sides/rear of your property. Clear a path at least 36 inches […]
Converting Horse Manure into Heat
Looking for a unique and sustainable way to get rid of animal waste? UConn student Alexis Brown has found a cool way to turn horse manure into bricks that can be burned to produce heat. Check out this infographic for more information!
Cooking with Marissa Cardona and Umekia Taylor
This is the time of year when we celebrate traditions with family and friends, and create new traditions. Marissa Perez Cardona and Umekia Taylor from our UConn Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program- EFNEP celebrated Hispanic Heritage and discussed Latin culinary traditions and how we can incorporate these vibrant flavors into our meals throughout […]
Enrolling in 4-H Using Z Suite
The new 4-H year began on October 1st, and here at UConn 4-H we use the Z Suite enrollment system. It helps our educators and staff serve over 17,000 youth and 4,000 volunteers annually. We offer a how-to video on how to use Z Suite to add a new youth or volunteer to UConn 4-H […]
UConn PEP Communities Welcomes New Facilitators
An update from our People Empowering People Communities program: Last week, seven people participated in facilitator training. They will bring the UConn PEP Program to their communities. They will provide this 15-session personal, family, and civic leadership development program for people in their communities encouraging them as they move forward on their leadership journeys. Congratulations […]
4-H Bugs Summer Activity
Article by Sara Tomis ’22 (CAHNR) This summer, UConn 4-H New London County completed their first in-person program since early spring, 2020. The program focused on entomology and STEM and was facilitated through Preston Parks and Recreation summer camp. Students ranging from 4 to 12 years in age participated in a variety of activities designed […]
Domestic Seaweed 101
The Sea Grant Seaweed Hub has released a new infographic that provides a guide to where seaweed is grown and current market outlets. The infographic can be found here. For information on the Sea Grant Seaweed Hub, visit: www.seaweedhub.org. Posted originally by: CT Sea Grant
What is a Jumping Worm?
Jumping worms. Crazy worms. Snake worms. These nicknames apply to invasive earthworms of the genus Amynthas found in the United States. These Asian worms have been in the U.S. for years but have recently been in the spotlight due to the damage they can cause. Globalization, commerce, and development have contributed to their spread. There are extremely few native earthworm species in […]
Extension EFNEP Programming Positively Impacts Participants
Our Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) shifted during the pandemic, just as everyone did. Last summer I had the opportunity to work with Bristol and New Britain HRA programs teaching their summer youth employment program. Their Program Director asked me to create a five-week virtual class, with 16 hours’ worth of work per […]
Water Testing for Homeowners
When was the last time you had your well water tested? The Connecticut Department of Public Health has certified testing locations throughout the state. Visit ctiwr.uconn.edu for locations and other resources. If you have “city water”, your supplier is required to test your water on a regular basis (check your water company website or call for […]
UConn 4-H’er Selected as Runner Up for National 4-H Award
National 4-H Council announced that Olivia Hall of Litchfield County is a runner up for the 2022 4-H Youth in Action Award for Healthy Living. Hall is recognized nationally for her commitment to addressing food insecurity in her community and surrounding areas. Already aware of the food insecurity issues in her community, Hall noticed how […]
Unpeeled: The Case Files of Maya McCluen Game is Available
Navigating the grocery store aisle is challenging for many consumers—especially those who want to buy the most nutritious food and stay within their budget. The University of Connecticut (UConn) Extension New Technologies in Agricultural Extension (NTAE) team developed an interactive learning activity (or game), Unpeeled: The Case Studies of Maya McCluen. Our team sought to clarify […]
Making Waldorf Salad with Angie Surowiecki from UConn EFNEP
Angie Surowiecki from our UConn Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) walks us through making a Waldorf salad. The directions and ingredients can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vbf_KFbBL9Y
Birch Mill Farm – Connecticut Dairy Farm of the Year 2021
New England Green Pastures Connecticut Dairy Farm of the Year 2021 We are delighted to announce that Katlyn and Tim Kinsella of Birch Mill Farm have been selected as the 2021 New England Green Pastures Connecticut Outstanding Farm. Birch Mill Farm is located in Falls Village in the bucolic northwest corner of Connecticut. They are […]
UConn People Empowering People (PEP) Communities
Our communities need leaders and empowered individuals create positive action. UConn PEP Communities helps individuals build on their unique strengths and life experiences. Learn more at pep.extension.uconn.edu
Prepare for Hurricane Henri
Hurricane Henri is approaching, and our UConn Extension Disaster Education Network encourages you to prepare with an emergency supply kit and other measures. Visit https://eden.uconn.edu/ for more information.
#DoOneThing theme of 2021 #DontTrashLISound campaign
The Connecticut Sea Grant program, joined by volunteers from Save the Sound, the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk and other groups, will launch the fifth annual #DontTrashLISound campaign with a cleanup at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport on Aug. 16. This year’s campaign, run by the Connecticut and New York Sea Grant programs with support […]
UConn Extension Welcomes Dr. Nick Goltz
Nick Goltz was recently hired to direct the UConn Plant Diagnostic Lab. Dr. Goltz moved to Connecticut shortly after graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in Plant Medicine (https://dpm.ifas.ufl.edu). In addition to the plant health experience gained through his degree, Dr. Goltz prepared for this position by working at the UF Plant […]
Controlling Black Knot – #AskUConnExtension
What is Black Knot? Black Knot, is a disease commonly found on plums and Prunus species. The fungus causes the plant to produce unusual galls which eventually grow to girdle twigs and branches, restricting water supply and killing portions of the canopy. It is spread to other plants via wind and water. Control Manage the disease […]
Updated App, New Rules & Soggy Summer: Time For a Rain Garden
Story and photos by Judy Benson July’s wet weather may have dampened plans for beach days and barbeques, but it’s also a reminder of an environmental problem homeowners can help solve in their own yards. The excess of rainfall—about twice the amount normally seen so far this month—means more stormwater tainted with lawn chemicals, oil […]
New Normal with Extension Programs
Extension educators rose to the challenge and virtually shared our programs and educational outreach over the past year and a half. While we will continue incorporating virtual educational opportunities, we are eager to resume in-person programs as well. A few of our educators share what the new normal with Extension will be for their programs. […]
Songbird Alert
CVMDL (Drs. Mishra, Reinhardt, and Frasca) in UConn CAHNR are working with wildlife biologists of the CT DEEP to investigate this illness of songbirds; it is a disease concern throughout the mid-Atlantic and Northeast. CVMDL – the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory – is coordinating sampling and testing with CT DEEP, who are working with […]
Heat Kills! Problems and Solutions from our EDEN Team
We are in a period of extreme heat and heat kills! Our Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) team shares problems and solutions for dealing with extreme heat. The Problem: Know the Signs Profuse sweating Dizziness Confusion The Solution: Take Action Seek shade (outside) or air conditioning (inside) Drink fluids (water is ideal) Rest Learn more […]
What should I do if I hear chainsaws in the forest? – #AskUConnExtension
Tom Worthley, one of our Extension foresters, explains what you should do if you hear chainsaws in the UConn Forest or in a forest near your home. Have more questions? Connect with one of our specialists today. Extension specialists are here to help you, your family, and your community. We have answers to your questions […]
Volunteer Spotlight: Dr. Lynn Keller
UConn CAHNR Extension typically holds Bug Week in July; however, this year Extension has designated July as Bug Month. The UConn Extension Master Gardeners and Master Gardener interns participate. Bug Month is an educational outreach activity that promotes insects in the environment (bugs.uconn.edu/). Volunteers like Dr. Lynn Keller make this educational event fun and successful. […]
Sen. Blumenthal Seeks Funding for CT River Hydrilla Control
Sen. Richard Blumenthal announced on June 3 that he is leading an effort to secure $100 million over four years in federal funding for a multistate effort to control hydrilla in the Connecticut River watershed. In an event at Harbor Park in Middletown, Blumenthal said he is seeking an urgent fiscal year 2022 appropriation for […]
Dr. Larry Pennington: 23 Years of Volunteering to the UConn 4-H Program
Volunteers are the backbone of the UConn 4-H program and are who keep the program vibrant. “Volunteer helps grow true leaders” Dr. Larry Penington of the First Town Veterinary Science 4-H Club of Hartford County 4-H has volunteered 23 years of service to this program. An interview was conducted with him and below are his […]
Volunteer Spotlight: Nate McMullin of Hartford County 4-H Camp
Hartford County 4-H Camp, located on 100 acres in Marlborough, Connecticut has been offering camp experience for over 56 years to youth ranging from age 7 to 15. 4-H camp offers various options and sessions throughout the summer months and hosts small team building events in the off season for teenagers. Bring-your-own horse camp is […]
Grilling Fire Safety Tip
As the weather gets warmer more of us will start to fire up our grills. Make sure to use safe grilling practices!
Volunteer Spotlight: Steve Kenton
UConn Extension’s Center for Learning in Retirement (CLIR) provides meaningful and serious intellectual activities for retirees and other adults from all walks of life, conducted in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. Volunteers work to put together interesting speakers for various sessions through the year. One of these volunteers is CLIR President, Dr. Steve Kenton. With […]
¡Sí Se Puede! Empowering Families with Monica Jimenez
As a child, Monica Jimenez would have fun pretending to be a teacher. In high school, her interests shifted from teaching to law. Soon after beginning law school she realized that path was not for her. She then found her true passion, Special Education. Monica graduated from La Universidad de Azuay in Ecuador with a […]
¡Sí Se Puede! Empoderando Familias con Monica Jimenez
De niña Monica Jimenez jugaba a ser maestra. En la escuela secundaria, sus intereses pasaron de educación a la abogacía. Poco después de comenzar la escuela de leyes, se dio cuenta de que ese camino no era para ella. Luego encontró su verdadera pasión, la Educación Especial. En 1996, Monica se graduó de La Universidad […]
Elevating Voices with UConn PEP
UConn PEP Goes Online Our communities are stronger when all voices are elevated and included. UConn Extension’s People Empowering People (UConn PEP) program elevates voices by empowering individuals through community-based parent leadership training. People Empowering People builds on the unique strengths and life experiences of the participants. The program emphasizes the connection between individuals and […]
Local Food and Agriculture
Connecting Farmers and Consumers in the Northeast Corner Local food and agriculture took a spotlight in 2020 as residents avoided grocery stores and sought out contactless and close to home food options during the unfolding of COVID-19. Coincidentally, just months earlier, UConn Extension launched a new federally funded project to increase direct-to-consumer sales for farm […]