Written By Marissa DiBella Connecticut offers a wealth of outdoor spaces from city parks to rural area trail systems where people can engage in all types of activities such as hiking, biking, and nature watching while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Spending time outdoors is a great way to get exercise, reduce stress, and can […]
2021 NACDEP Member Services Webinar
NACDEP WEBINAR WEDNESDAY SESSION TO LOOK AT BEST PRACTICES IN LAND USE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The presentation for January is “Best Practices in Land Use and Economic Development – A Program for Municipal Accreditation.” It will be presented by Laura Brown, an Associate Professor, Community & Economic Development Educator with the University of Connecticut Department of Extension […]
Rooting for Winter – Put Local on Your Tray
Are you root-ing for winter? Winter roots include carrots, beets, potatoes, and more! Click here for ideas on how to incorporate these delicious roots into your meals. Put Local on Your Tray’s “Root-ing for Winter” campaign is working towards connecting schools with local farmers to increase the incorporation of local root vegetables in school meals. Click […]
What is Extension – New Video Released
UConn Extension connects thousands of people across Connecticut and beyond each year, with the research and resources of the University of Connecticut’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. We are comprised of more than 100 educators and a vast network of volunteers. UConn Extension works collaboratively to build more resilient communities through educational initiatives […]
Cleaning and Disinfecting High Touch Surfaces
Cleaning and disinfecting high touch surfaces is more important than ever. We curated a variety of resources to help you keep your high touch surfaces clean and protecting your health. Click here to view.
Farm Flavor Magazine Features Extension Programs
In the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, farmers urgently needed access to the newest information on government compliance, health protocols, federal aid and more. UConn Extension put together its own website for COVID-19-related information for both farmers and consumers on production, distribution and processing. UConn Extension also responded by organizing an initiative that enlisted […]
CTSG-led Project Looks to Help Unlock Potential of Seaweed
Story and photos by Judy Benson Connecticut Sea Grant will lead a three-year, multi-state initiative to create the economic and business framework needed to spur the fledgling domestic kelp industry into the mainstream. Supported by a $766,650 federal grant announced today, the project will involve nine East and West Coast states where nascent seaweed aquaculture […]
Eat SMART in the New Year!
Written by UConn registered dietitian-nutritionist Donna Zigmont, RDN, CD-N Source: Free goal setting clip art Every January, millions of Americans make New Year’s resolutions to make positive changes in their lives. After a very difficult 2020 due to COVID-19, we are hopeful that 2021 will be more promising for all of us. Many of […]
County Connections: UConn 4-H Teen Council’s Quarterly Newsletter
In an effort to enhance the UConn 4-H program, members have gotten together to form the UConn 4-H Teen Council. The Council consists of active members in UConn 4-H between the ages of 14 and 18, with no more than 2 members from each county in the state. Check out UConn 4-H Teen Council’s Quarterly Newsletter, […]
Chicken Vegetable Soup with Kale Recipe
Chicken Vegetable Soup with Kale is a protein-packed recipe that will warm you up and fill you up. Heather Peracchio and Juliana Restrepo Marin walk us through the recipe for this delicious soup.
CTSG, Avalonia project looks to prepare forest for the future
By Judy Benson Stonington – Battered by coastal storms and infestations of wooly adelgids, gypsy moth, winter moth and emerald ash borer, sections of the 200-acre Hoffman Evergreen Preserve will now serve as a living lab and demonstration site for how land managers can help forests adapt to climate change. “We want to increase the resilience […]
UConn 4-H & EFNEP: Positioning All Youth for Success
“Talent is everywhere, Opportunity is not.” UConn 4-H UConn EFNEP
Local 4-H Families Deliver More Milk to Families in Need
Our UConn 4-H Litchfield County and UConn 4-H New London County programs continued their grassroots efforts to help local families in need this week. This effort builds upon several dairy donations that have gone to food pantries statewide over the past few months since the pandemic started back in March. Over 144,000 pounds of dairy […]
Best Management Practices for Farm Websites
Why Build a Website for your Agricultural Business Websites are an important tool to have for your agricultural business. A website provides an online presence and establishes your credibility as a business. Building a website might seem to be a daunting task but this document is here to provide best management practices for building, designing, […]
UConn’s Coordinated Dietetics Master’s Program
Are you interested in the Coordinated Dietetics Master’s Program in the Department of Allied Health Sciences at UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources? Learn more about what is involved in the program.
Diverse perspectives explored in new issue of Wrack Lines
Learn about bringing more diversity to the sciences, environmental justice, the Shoreline Greenway Trail, a new diversity fellowship and the unique career of Bob Pomeroy with fish and fishermen across the globe in the Fall-Winter 2020-21 issue of Wrack Lines magazine. With the theme of “Diverse Perspectives in the Environment We Share,” the issue highlights the contributions of […]
Holiday Greetings
Happy holidays from your friends at UConn Extension. We are committed to a sustainable future. Thank you for your partnership in creating transformational programming for Extension participants and stakeholders in all 169 municipalities of Connecticut.
Tips to Control Bed Bugs
Don’t welcome bed bugs into your home! Their bites can result in a number of health impacts including skin rashes, psychological effects, and allergic symptoms. Don’t panic, here are some helpful tips if you find these little vampires in your bedroom: Start with corners and edges of an open wall, dig things out of cracks […]
Wethersfield PEP: Growing Community and Expanding Opportunities in 2021
Article by Jeanine Berasi Wethersfield PEP is our community name for the UConn Extension People Empowering People Certification Program facilitated here in our beautiful town. Overall, PEP is a 10-week information and action driven course with a community service component as designated by UConn Extension. Upon graduation participants receive official certification through UConn Extension. PEP […]
Mackenzie and Alyson’s Volunteer Experience with the Coordinated Program Dietetics
Mackenzie Lane and Alyson Gaylord, Coordinated Program Dietetics students in the Department of Allied Health Sciences in the UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources volunteered with Foodshare at Rentschler Field in East Hartford. The experience is part of the dietetic education program. Watch to learn more about the food distribution center and how […]
4-H Volunteer Spotlight – Elaine Brodeur, Litchfield County 4-H Program
The Bethlehem Busy Stitchers 4-H club is very fortunate to have Elaine Brodeur as their club leader. Elaine’s daughter will tell you that Elaine needs 4-H as an excuse to own eight sewing machines and a stash of fabric and sewing supplies to rival any JOANN store. But Elaine goes on to explain, “I love […]
Build Your Network Grow Our Future Expands
Once the grueling work of summer comes to an end for farmers throughout the state, there are often opportunities for them to network, build skills, and seek out resources for their farms during the colder months. For Beginning Farmers, one of these opportunities is just around the corner. On December 12th from 2-4pm, the New […]
UConn 4-H in 40: Surviving the Holidays
UConn 4-H presents 4-H in 40 A Series of Virtual Workshops for Adults the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm. These workshops are open to any interested adults- volunteers, 4-H leaders, parents, and community members. The opportunity to register will continue through the year. Each presentation is 20-30 minutes long, followed by 10-20 minutes […]
Air Layering Plants Tutorial for Beginners with Carl Johnson
Interested in learning how to air layer plants? Carl Johnson, a horticulture intern, created this tutorial demonstrating how to air layer using a simple technique that can be done by plant people of all skill levels.
Webinar Series for Greenhouse Growers on Vegetable Seedling Production
UConn Extension Offers Vegetable Seedling & Transplant Production in Greenhouses Webinar Series for Greenhouse Growers A webinar series for growers producing vegetables and herbs as seedlings or transplants in heated greenhouses. Topics include transplant uniformity, root-zone management, organic fertilizers, disease & pest control. One pesticide recertification credit has been approved for three of five one-hour […]
Meet the UConn 4-H Legends
Meet the UConn 4-H Legends, a soccer playing 4-H club in Danbury, CT that’s been in existence for about three years. This 35-member club, composed of boys and girls, has several projects: sports, nutrition, leadership and community service. Although they do a variety of things, they are at the soccer field 3 times a week, […]
How do Covid-19 tests work?
Are you curious about the difference between antigen tests, PCR tests, and serologic tests for COVID-19? Do you want to learn about the science behind viral testing, and how tests can help us bring an end to the current pandemic? Watch SciToons’ new video “How Do COVID-19 Tests Work?” to learn more!
That 4-H Feeling
We are scientists, inventors and engineers. We believe in learning by doing. We create positive changes in our communities. We believe we are stronger as a community. We believe in the power of UConn 4-H to transform lives. Join us by finding a UConn 4-H program in your community. 4-H.uconn.edu
Nurturing Compassion: The Fairfield Garden for Food Banks
Rising unemployment in the pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity for many individuals. In response to our pledge of “hands to larger service,” 4-Hers have joined with members of the Fairfield community to grow produce for local food banks. As a Fairfield County 4-H senior with interests in natural sciences and community service, I was excited […]
Ebony Horsewomen: Empowering Hartford for Over 36 Years
Ebony Horsewomen, Incorporated is a non-profit equestrian facility in the North End of Hartford that has been empowering Hartford, Bloomfield, and Windsor residents through equine programs for over 36 years. Patricia “Pat” Kelly is the program founder and CEO. The programs offered by Ebony Horsewomen include youth development, mental health, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. An […]
As seas rise, communities can turn retreat into opportunity
Kristin Walker, project engineer for the USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service, explains on Oct. 22 how the former home site is now being planted with native species to create a flood plain habitat. Story and photos by Judy Benson Retreat isn’t defeat. It’s deliberately stepping back to make a better future. “Retreat is very difficult, […]
Finding the Right Livestock Fence with Dr. Joe Emenheiser
Fences are built to keep some animals in, and other animals out! For centuries they have allowed us to domesticate livestock and build permanent settlements. UConn’s new Statewide Livestock Extension Educator, Dr. Joe Emenheiser discusses how you can find the right fence for your animals and what to consider when planning for fencing! Learn more […]
Trails 101 Video Series Helps New Users Enjoy CT Trails
This time of the year, Connecticut residents are heading outside to enjoy the cool fall temperatures and beautiful New England scenery. Connecticut offers a wealth of outdoor spaces from city parks to rural area trail systems where people can engage in all types of activities such as hiking, biking, and nature watching while adhering to […]
Food Safety Tips For Your Holiday Turkey
The holidays are a time to enjoy your family and friends— Avoid putting a damper on the holiday fun because of unsafe food handling and cooking practices. Follow these tips to play it safe this holiday season: http://bit.ly/Turkey_FoodSafety. Los días festivos son días para disfrutar en familia y con amistades— Evite poner un amortiguador a la […]
Diego Marks: Engineering His Future
The Goshen Fairgrounds in Litchfield County stretches out in an expanse of open space, rings, and buildings that host the annual fair and other events. On Sunday, September 27th vehicles towing tractors slowly started arriving for the first annual Litchfield County 4-H Garden Tractor Pull. UConn 4-H, Extension’s youth development program in the College of […]
Chilling Injury Affects Turf Across Region
John Inguagiato, Ph.D. and Vickie Wallace, UConn Michelle DaCosta, Ph.D. UMass Turf managers and homeowners have been puzzled by the sudden appearance of unusual tan, blighted patches that showed up last week between Tuesday and Friday (Nov. 3 – 6). Reports have been widespread throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. The symptoms appear as round […]
What has changed on your trails as a result of COVID-19?
Our Connecticut Trail Census has launched a survey to understand the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on trails and trail management. The survey is intended for trail managers of non-motorized trails in Connecticut takes about 10 minutes to complete. Please take a few moments to respond to the survey. The survey will remain open until Wednesday, […]
Watch out for Spotted Lanternflies
Watch out for Spotted Lanternflies in your yard! Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive and destructive insect that has been found in Connecticut over the past three years. It was reported in West Haven and Greenwich. The insect has the potential to severely impact Connecticut’s farm crops, particularly apples, grapes, and hops, as well as […]
Extension Team Developing Game to Help Consumers Understand Food Labels
The Extension Foundation selected a team from UConn Extension in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources for the New Technologies in Agricultural Extension catalyst program. Team members are working with wrap-around services from eXtension to develop an interactive learning experience for consumers on navigating food labels in grocery store aisles. Conflicting information causes […]
CEDAS Receives Excellence in Economic Development Award from the International Economic Development Council
Connecticut Economic Development Association (CEDAS) won a Bronze Rank for its Best Practices in Land Use and Economic Development Certification Program, a project in the category of Innovation Programs and Initiatives of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The honor was presented at an awards ceremony during the IEDC Annual Conference. CEDAS is Connecticut’s economic […]