Several special events are planned for Earth Day (April 22) at the University of Connecticut’s Avery Point campus, including audiovisual artwork projected on campus buildings and an original puppet show. Events will begin at 6:30 p.m. with music recorded by the five-person Connecticut-based group Hitch and Giddyup sponsored by the Avery Point EcoHusky club. At 7 p.m., […]
‘Completely Connecticut Agriculture’ Explores the Creativity and Resilience of Connecticut Farmers
It’s easy to take our food supply for granted while strolling through the abundant aisles of a grocery store. We do not often consider how our food gets to the store or where it comes from. A group of students in UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) is bridging the communication gap […]
June Zoppa Wins the Northeast 4-H Lifetime Volunteer Award
UConn 4-H has selected June Zoppa, a 46-year volunteer of the UConn 4-H Program as the Connecticut nominee for the National 4-H Lifetime Volunteer Award. She won the Northeast 4-H Lifetime Volunteer Award and now moves on to compete nationally. June Zoppa is an integral part of the 4-H community in Hartford County Connecticut. She […]
Rachael Manzer Wins the Northeast Region 4-H Volunteer of the Year Award
Rachael Manzer, a five-year volunteer with UConn’s Granby 4-H Club of Granby, a UConn 4-H Alum, and former NASA astronaut teacher, won the Northeast Region 4-H Volunteer of the Year after being selected by UConn. Hartford County 4-H Extension Educator, Jen Cushman notes, “Rachael’s dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of 4-H […]
A Guide to Planting Along the Connecticut Coast
Juliana Barrett, Ph.D. and Kiernan Sellars, 2021 This 35-page guide lists native trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials and vines that are appropriate for planting in Connecticut’s coastal zone. It includes a map of that ecoregion and characteristics of each species, such as tolerance to salt water and salt spray, light and soil requirements as well as […]
Learn Gardening Fundamentals in New Online Course
Interested in how plants grow? Do you want a healthy, productive, and sustainable landscape for your home? UConn Extension now offers the Fundamentals of Home Gardening, an asynchronous online series of classes covering a wide variety of gardening topics. These classes explore the foundation of good gardening practices, and help explain the “why” of successful […]
Sea Grant, DOE, NOAA Fisheries partner to invest $1M+ to support research for the co-existence of ocean energy with Northeast fishing and coastal communities
The Northeast Sea Grant Consortium, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind Energy Technologies Office and Water Power Technologies Office, and NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center, announces a research funding opportunity to improve understanding of offshore renewable energy interactions with fishing and coastal communities to optimize ocean co-use. This unique funding partnership will […]
The Low Down on Selecting Tomatoes
Vegetable gardening is very popular these days, and even more so since the COVID outbreak. Anyone new to this hobby is quick to hear some terms being thrown around when describing different types of vegetables. Knowing the meaning of these terms gives prospective gardeners some key information that helps them pick varieties of vegetables most […]
Mars Base Camp 4-H STEM Club Teaches Youth Skills for Future Careers
Life transformative education begins at a young age for UConn 4-H members. The 4-H project experiences provide a foundation of knowledge and instill enthusiasm for lifelong learning. A group of youth participating in the UConn 4-H Mars Base Camp STEM Club are learning about science, technology, engineering and math while launching rockets and building rovers. […]
Pick-Your-Own Revisited
Last year we held a virtual discussion on how to deal with Pick-your-own in the age of COVID. This year we will revisit this topic with several growers sharing what they did that worked, maybe didn’t work as well as expected or at all, will keep this year, or will drop because it may not […]
Getchis recognized with award for pandemic response efforts
Connecticut Sea Grant Aquaculture Extension Specialist Tessa Getchis will receive a Service Excellence Award in the University of Connecticut chapter of the American Association of University Professors’ 2021 UConn-AAUP Excellence Awards. The awards have been given annually since 1997 in six categories, and this year focused specifically on responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Getchis, who […]
Compost Sale
Spring 2021 UConn Compost Sale Details Pick-up date: Friday, April 16th 1-4 PM and Saturday, April 17th 10 AM – 3 PM Rain date(s): Friday, April 23rd and/or Saturday, April 24th $25 per yard. Customers must purchase a minimum of ½ yard. Payment must be made online by credit/debit card only. *Payments must be received […]
UConn EFNEP Celebrates National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month! This past year has proven that nutrition and health are more important to all of us than ever. The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is UConn Extension’s outreach nutrition program in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR). Since EFNEP’s inception as a USDA demonstration program […]
Bug Month
Bugs are crucial components of many ecosystems. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the significant role they play in maintaining our environment. The UConn Extension Bug Month program provides educational resources and activities to help expand knowledge about insects. The program will host its 6th annual Bug Month virtually in July. You can learn more […]
All Paws In – Join Us for UConn Gives
In a time of extraordinary circumstances, UConn has adapted by seeking new opportunities and new ways to keep UConn Nation connected in a socially distant world. Through all the change and uncertainty, there has been one constant—our commitment to providing an exceptional education to our program participants. During this year’s UConn Gives, a 36-hour giving initiative, […]
4-H Members Share Project at National Agriscience Summit
UConn 4-H Litchfield County was one of seven 4-H groups in the country to be selected to create and submit a five to seven minute video to be made available to participants at the 2021 National 4-H Agriscience Summit held earlier this month. The video highlights the county’s Community Action Plan entitled Operation Community Impact, […]
LIS Blue Plan now in hands of CT Legislature
The Long Island Sound Blue Plan, a marine spatial plan for what many consider the state’s most valuable natural resource, has been voted out of the state Legislature’s Environment Committee and awaits a vote in the full House and Senate. Read about the plan and why many believe it should be approved in articles by […]
Eat & Move as I Like
Tweens and teens can learn about healthy eating choices and have fun with the game Eat and Move as I Like. This game was created by the SNAP-Ed program of UConn’s Allied Health Sciences. Check it out at http://bit.ly/EatAndMoveAsILike
Amid pandemic challenges, recreational shellfishing thrived
By Judy Benson While the pandemic curtailed many favorite activities, recreational shellfishing remained popular and even surged in many shoreline towns last year. “Clamming is a very COVID-friendly activity,” said Peter Harris, chairman of the Waterford-East Lyme Shellfish Commission. “You’re outside, you have a nice long rake so you stay socially distanced, and you get […]
Energy Saving Tips
Energy Saver Tip: Power Strip “Use a power strip as a central “turn off” point when you are done using equipment. Even when turned off, electronic and IT equipment often use a small amount of electricity. U.S. households spend approximately $100 per year to power devices while they are in a low power mode, roughly […]
Virtual Connecticut Master Gardener Association Symposium
On Saturday, March 20th starting at 9:00 am, Connecticut Master Gardeners, guests and the public will have the opportunity to hear national and regional experts talk about “Gardening Any Time, Any Place” by virtually attending the Connecticut Master Gardener Association (CMGA) 28th annual garden symposium. Registration and information about the virtual event is available […]
Connecticut Trail Census Welcomes New Graduate Assistant
UConn Extension is excited to welcome Eniola Fasola as Connecticut Trail Census‘s newest graduate assistant. Eniola obtained her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Economics at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and the University of Connecticut, respectively. Currently, she is doing her Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics at The University of Connecticut. Eniola will be […]
Extension Impacts – 2020
Extension is a part of UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR). We have over 100 years of experience strengthening communities in Connecticut and beyond. Extension programs cover the full spectrum of topics aligned with CAHNR’s strategic initiatives: Ensuring a vibrant and sustainable agricultural industry and food supply Enhancing health and well-being locally, […]
CT Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Member Spotlight: Heather Peracchio MS, RDN, CD-N
Heather Peracchio MS, RDN, CD-N Do you have a current/past position with the CT AND Board? I have been many positions on the CT AND board but currently I am the Food Security and Sustainability Co-Chair. What inspired you to become a RDN? My first year at UConn I found the course ‘The Science […]
Making Maple Syrup in Your Own Back Yard CLEAR Webinar
As winter winds down, and you’re considering outdoor, low-risk activities, making a small batch of maple syrup at home with your family might be a fun and healthy choice. This webinar will provide all the essential information you’ll need to get started, from identifying which of your trees might be sugar maples, to tapping, boiling […]
Healing and Empowerment Through a Connection with a Horse
A group of young Black men confidently guide their horses through the streets of Hartford’s North End. They smile and wave to friends and residents as they ride through the neighborhood. But this isn’t a chance encounter. They are members of the Junior Mounted Patrol Unit at Ebony Horsewomen, Incorporated, a non-profit equestrian and therapeutic […]
Connecting Connecticut: A New Podcast from UConn Extension
Land-grant universities have provided communities, organizations, farmers and individuals with practical knowledge rooted in research through the Cooperative Extension System since the passage of the Smith-Lever Act in 1914. Over the last 107 years a lot has changed with our Extension systems. The program has expanded beyond its agricultural production origin to encompass a […]
Indoor Air Quality Interactive Tour
Indoor air quality is important to a healthy home, especially during these cold winter months! Use this interactive home tour to identify ways to protect your indoor air quality. This tour is also available in Spanish! http://bit.ly/IAQTour
2021 UConn 4-H Volunteer Award Winners
Volunteers are at the heart of UConn Extension and are an essential part of UConn 4-H! We are grateful for each and every one of you who show a dedication to service, leadership, and above all community! Our 2021 UConn 4-H Volunteer Award Winners are: 4-H Alumni Award – Elaine Brodeur, Litchfield County Meritorious Service […]
National Heart Health Month
February is National Heart Health month! Hiking provides all of the classic health benefits you get from most cardio exercises. It improves blood pressure, lowers your risk of heart disease, decreases cholesterol, and helps control your weight. There is nothing better than getting some fresh air in Winter if you feel cooped up. Hiking is […]
Winter Weather Kit
Are you prepared for winter storms? Prepare a severe winter weather kit today! You should include: “A flashlight and extra batteries. Battery-powered NOAA weather radio and portable radio to receive emergency information. Extra food and water. High-energy food, such as dried fruit or candy, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration is best. Extra medicine […]
Create a Greenhouse Cabinet
Create a controlled environment anywhere in your home with a few easy modifications to a simple cabinet. Carl Johnson, our horticulture intern, walks us through the process.
Seeking to Contract an Urban Farmer Trainer
UConn Extension is actively seeking to contract with an expert to coordinate and lead learning events over 3 years (2021-2024) for urban farmers in Bridgeport, Hartford, and New Haven. By deepening skills through knowledge sharing and immersive day-long events, our vision is to build a network of urban farmers and urban agriculture service providers within […]
UConn Research Participation Opportunity
The University of Connecticut, Department of Nutritional Sciences is looking for volunteers to take part in a research study. The purpose of this study is to find out how the daily intake of 2 eggs in combination with a plant-based diet impacts risk for heart disease in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Participants will be asked […]
4-H Member Initiates Process to Select a State Dog
Connecticut has numerous mascots, our state flower the Mountain Laurel, our state bird the American Robin, and even our state shellfish the Eastern Oyster. However, in 2019 when Litchfield County 4-H member Olivia H. was studying for the Big-E 4-H Dog Program general knowledge test she realized that several dog breeds were also State Dogs. […]
Seeing Your Breath: Using Science to Choose the Proper Mask
Do you know which face covering is the best at preventing the spread of the coronavirus? In this video, the Exploratorium collaborated with Stanford researchers to observe temperature differences in the air with different face coverings to help you pick the best one. Spanish
25th season of Coastal Perspective Lectures Announced
Skip Finley The 25th season of the Coastal Perspectives Lectures will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 9 with a presentation by author and historian Skip Finley titled, “A Voyage of Discovery with Skip Finley.” This annual lecture series spans the breadth of human interactions with coastal waters, including speakers from the natural and social […]
Mitchell Elementary School Receives UConn 4-H Tower Garden
A good side of the Coronavirus Pandemic, people want to eat and live locally. As we are becoming more and more aware of our neighboring farms, farmers, and small businesses a push to be local seems to have swept the nation. That is no different in Connecticut where Litchfield County UConn 4-H Extension Educator Bill […]
La Dieta Sin Gluten. ¿Es para mí?
Artículo por Sherry Gray, MPH, RD, CD-N Article also available in English. Click here to view. La etiqueta alimentaria sin gluten está en muchos alimentos en la tienda de comestibles y es popular seguir una dieta sin gluten. Se estima que más del 30% de la población de América del Norte ha adoptado un estilo […]
The Gluten Free Diet. Is it for Me?
Written by Sharon Gray, MPH, RD, CD-N El artículo también está disponible en Español. Haga clic aquí para ver. Gluten free labeling is on many foods in the grocery store and following the gluten free diet is popular. It is estimated that over 30% of the North American population has embraced a gluten-free lifestyle. But […]