2024 UConn 4-H Sheep Day Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Ratcliffe Hicks Arena – UConn Storrs, CT Designed for youth ages 7-18, parents/guardians, leaders and sheep enthusiasts. Each youth MUST have a chaperone on the premises. If a parent/guardian will not be accompanying a youth participant to UConn 4-H Sheep […]
CAES Bedding Plants Spring 2024 Program
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in coordination with UConn CAHNR Extension is putting on a bedding plants for Spring of 2024 program. The event takes place January 30, 2024 at the New Haven CAES location, running from 12:30- 3:30! There is an opportunity to get pesticide recertification credits (pending approval). Time Topic Speaker 12:30-1:30 […]
Crop Talk
We are pleased to share the December 2023 edition of Crop Talk! Access it via the following link to view the full publication:https://ipm.cahnr.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3216/2023/12/Crop-Talk-December-2023.pdf
Farm Risk Management Program 2023-2024 FREE Programs
UConn Extension is offering plenty of Farm Risk Management Programs in the upcoming 2024 year, and they are FREE! Options to Mitigate Farm Financial Losses When: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Where: CLiCK, 41 Club Rd, Windham, CT Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Crop Insurance Programs When: Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Where: Tolland County […]
Business of Farming Course
UConn Extension’s Solid Ground Program is now accepting applications for our new training “The Business of Farming.” What is it? This course will accommodate 15-18 participants for a 7-week learning opportunity that includes both virtual and in-person meetings (details below). It is designed to develop and strengthen the business and technical skills for beginning farmers with 0 – 3 years of experience. […]
UConn Extension’s Solid Ground Ag-Mechanics part 2
We’ve just about finished up our first round of Ag-Mechanics and we’re getting ready to start round 2! Again, these are small classes, so you’ll want to sign up fast because they fill up fast! The topics happening in the beginning of 2024 are Welding Using Metal Inert Gas Methods, Small Engine Maintenance & Repairs: 2-Stroke AND […]
2024 Produce Safety Rules Training Courses
The 2024 FSMA produce safety rule/ produce safety alliance approved grower training courses are here! Course Summary: The Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Training Course has been designed to provide a foundation of Good Agricultural Practices knowledge that includes emphasis on co-management of food safety and environmental management goals, while outlining the requirements of the […]
Did You Know: Cleaning New Haven Coastal Area
Summer may be over, but cleaning our coastal areas can be a yearlong project. On August 12 of 2023, volunteers spent two hours collecting over 110 pounds of trash in the Long Wharf Drive and the Long Wharf Nature Preserve in New Haven. the cleanup kicking off the 2023 #DontTrashLISound campaign led by Connecticut Sea […]
4-H Robotics Shines at The Big E
Our UConn 4-H members participate in the Big E, the world’s only multi-state fair, with their projects every September. It provides an opportunity to showcase their project and develop lifelong skills to serve them in their future careers and activities. The robotics program offers demonstrations in the New England Center, and shares information on STEM […]
Federal funds will enhance aquaculture education, kelp farming
Two federal grants totaling almost $600,000 will help launch two new initiatives considered crucial to the long-term viability of the state’s aquaculture industry. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Sea Grant program will provide a $398,896 grant to Connecticut Sea Grant for a two-year project to assess workforce development needs. The grant was one of […]
United Way’s Partnership with New London County 4-H
In 2022, United Way of Southeastern Connecticut launched, Your Voice Counts (YVC), to promote trust and civility in our community. The initiative aims to improve communication, critical thinking, and understanding among high school students, to contribute to a more positive community. United Way’s program pairs up community partners and volunteers with the high school students […]
Northeastern US Producer survey on agricultural water and floods
UConn Extension is seeking inputs from farmers on information regarding current irrigation and water testing practices. The survey focuses on agricultural water and flood impact on crop food safety in the Northeastern US. Your participation as a producer in this survey is valuable as it will help UConn Extension better understand the challenges and concerns […]
Wrack Lines explores the many facets of marine education
The new issue of Wrack Lines is now posted on the sea grant website! Learn about the inspiring journey of a mini sailboat, lessons from beaches and school aquariums and the unique geology of the Connecticut shoreline in their newest issue. More good reading can be found in articles about how the ocean literacy campaign and ocean […]
‘Seaweed Food Safety’ report examines federal, state regulations
The National Sea Grant Law Center has announced the release of a new seaweed food safety publication produced in partnership with New York Sea Grant and Connecticut Sea Grant as part of the National Seaweed Hub. “Seaweed Food Safety: Comparing Compliance with Preventive Controls for Human Food with Seafood HACCP” was developed to help the emerging […]
Garlic Cultivation in Connecticut
Garlic is a staple crop in the Northeast, but it can be difficult to know exactly when to plant and harvest garlic in this region. There are quite a few important guidelines during all stages of garlic cultivation.
Prepare Your Greenhouses for Weather Events
As the climate changes, nature seems to be getting more violent in recent years with increased numbers of hurricanes and record-breaking storms. The International Building Code has revised upward its wind and snow loading requirements for some areas of the U.S.
Happy Holidays from UConn Extension
Happy Holidays to our program participants, partners, and volunteers, from all of us at UConn Extension! Wishing you all the joy of the season. Extension is proud to serve all 169 towns and cities in Connecticut. We look forward to working with you again in the new year! Plans are underway for 2024 programs, visit s.uconn.edu/Extension to […]
2024 CNLA Winter Symposium
UConn Extension is looking forward to seeing everyone at the Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Association winter Symposium. This event is full of learning, and takes place on January 24th and 25th at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, CT. This is a great opportunity for networking, meeting exhibitors, attending educational programs, and seeing new products! […]
Trail Finder Website: More Trails, New Features
The Trail Finder website is the go-to website for finding trails across the state. Use the search options to find trails by location, activity (hike, bike, horse, etc.), distance and difficulty, accessibility, and features like waterfalls and nature trails. Trail Finder posts (both the information and map) are ALL approved by trail managers. Recently, the […]
Guide showcases geology, ecology, wildlife of CT shoreline
Connecticut Sea Grant and the Connecticut College Arboretum are pleased to announce the publication of Connecticut’s Sandy Shores: An Introduction to the Geology, Plants and Animals, a 130-page guidebook with dozens of color photos and illustrations along with explanatory text about the ecology, geology, common species and why Connecticut’s sandy beaches differ from many others along the […]
National Native American Heritage Month
National Native American Heritage Month is coming to a close. Here at UConn Extension, we celebrate throughout the year and continue supporting and learning from Connecticut’s Nations. Learn how UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is supporting Tribal communities with assistance from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and others. Learn more at https://ctnations.cahnr.uconn.edu/.
New Trail Census Data Portal
The CT Trails Program is excited to announce the launch of the new CT Trail Census Dashboard which includes yearly dashboards since 2017 and a new yearly comparison dashboard. Use the information to support trail reports, projects, fundraising, and more! The portal offers a map, list, and short description for all CT Trail Census infrared counters statewide selection tools to […]
Build Scientific Understanding of Genetic Engineering with High School Students
UConn Extension has made available a standards-based curriculum aimed at addressing the misunderstandings about genetically modified foods. This curriculum, aimed toward science and agriscience educators, provides information about the applications of genetic engineering in agriculture and other fields. Both a formal and non-formal curriculum are available. The non-formal curriculum is a great tool that could be […]
Interview with Anoushka Concepcion: Barriers to Seaweed Expansion
Anoushka Concepcion was interviewed by Chaya Gaberria on April 26, 2023. Interview edited by Carla Schubiger. “I would encourage everyone, specifically women and POC, to establish support systems early in their careers.” – Anoushka Please introduce yourself (briefly; name, position, what are you working on)? My name is Anoushka Concepcion, and I am an […]
Solid Ground DIY series- Farming in Small Spaces
Hey Farmers! If you’re thinking about growing in a small footprint, or want to look at different ways folks are growing in their small space in CT, this is the video series for you! We visited with farmers throughout the state that were growing on a quarter acre or less and took a look at […]
8 Essential “Always” of Holiday Food Safety
Article by Indu Upadhyaya, Ph.D., Assistant Extension Educator, Food Safety Read the updated fact sheet. Holiday gatherings bring families and friends together, to spread more joy and happiness. While the merriment begins around Thanksgiving and continues until the New Years’, the food during holiday buffets, the party trays, the turkey, and other delicacies remain the main […]
Online Course: Climate Smart Adaptation Strategies for CT Farmers
Climate Smart Adaptation Strategies for CT Farmers Join UConn Extension Solid Ground program in a new course that will help you understand the best practices for your farm in a changing climate. Course includes expert instructors in various fields implementing climate smart agriculture practices, tools under $2000 that are suggested for use, virtual field trips […]
Local Work Group Meetings in CT
The Connecticut Conservation Districts are gathering information about natural resource concerns from agricultural producers, private forest landowners, environmental organizations, and government agencies to help structure future Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Farm Bill programs.We invite you to participate in one of the five Local Work Group meetings. To register, please click on the link for […]
Meet Mike Gilman
Mike Gilman of Branford recently joined us as an Assistant Extension Educator with Connecticut Sea Grant, where he works with our aquaculture program. Mike received his bachelor of science from Albertus Magnus College and a master of science from Southern Connecticut State University. What is your area of interest? My main areas of interest are […]
Meet Heather Zidack
Heather Zidack (‘11 CAHNR, ’12 Neag) joined the UConn Home and Garden Education Center as an educational program assistant in September. Heather works with faculty and staff at UConn to provide educational resources and answer home and gardening questions for residents statewide. She earned her bachelor of science in ornamental horticulture and her master of […]
Climate Smart Adaptation Strategies for Beginner Famers
Hey Farmers! Looking for a new suite of tools and resources for you to use on your farms to help you make good decisions about the climate needs you are undoubtedly facing. We want to tell you about them! So JOIN US for an introduction to UConn Extension’s newest project to support beginning farmers as they shift […]
Solid Ground Ag Mechanics Series
It’s that time of year again where the Solid Ground Trainings are starting to get their gears rolling! Kicking off this season, is the popular Chainsaw Skills and Safety program directed toward women, our Beginning Welders Workshops, and an Intro to Carpentry! Each workshop cost $25 and includes lunch. See more info below! Title of class: Chainsaw Class Directed toward Women […]
Seaweed growers urged to pursue markets in plant-based foods
Story and photos by Judy Benson Carl Jorgensen, consultant to the Plant Based Foods Association and the Plant Based Foods Institute, talks about the potential of kelp in the plant-based food industry during the 8th Annual Connecticut Seaweed Stakeholders Meeting. Plant-based alternatives to meat, milk and other foods derived from animal products are the fastest […]
Long Island Sound School network applications sought
Interested in joining like-minded educators in protecting the Long Island Sound watershed and inspiring the next generation of stewards? Funded by EPA Long Island Sound Study and facilitated by Connecticut Sea Grant and Mercy University, the Long Island Sound (LIS) School network compels schools to make a commitment to the protection and conservation of local watersheds, Long Island Sound, and […]
New Podcast Episode: UConn 4-H Fairfield County
Our UConn 4-H program has a positive impact on youth every day, and one of our youth, volunteers, and educators from Fairfield County explain more in our latest podcast episode. Learn more and listen in at s.uconn.edu/fairfield-fair – and join us this weekend for their 4-H Fair at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.
Connecting Connecticut: Our Podcast Answers Your Questions
Have you ever asked yourself if it is safe to drink tap water? Or how do I store and handle cheese? Maybe you were wondering what is the best way to put mulch around my tree? All these questions and so many more can be answered looking no further than the UConn Extension program in […]
Fall Soil Testing Yields Spring Benefits
Fall is the perfect time of year to test your soil for gardens, agricultural fields, yards, or athletic fields. The UConn Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory tests for a variety of major and minor plant nutrients, lead and pH. Limestone and fertilizer recommendations are based on University research and field studies. Details on how to take […]
Youth Photography Scavenger Hunt at Meechooôk Farm
UConn Extension collaborated with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) Departments of Agriculture and Parks and Recreation to facilitate a youth photography scavenger hunt at Meechooôk Farm in July 2023. This activity is part of a larger shared commitment to youth development and improvements in agricultural literacy in the MPTN community. MPTN youth were provided […]
8 Essential “Always” of Holiday Food Safety
Good food safety practices are always welcome at holiday gatherings. These eight essential always of holiday food safety help consumers practice safe food practices at home to ensure
the health and safety of friends and family.
How can we Reduce Flood Risk in our Communities?
Flooding is a natural and cyclical phenomenon – whereby during storms water overflows onto the land from adjacent waterbodies – that humans have adapted to for millennia. This fact sheet provides a brief history and additional information for municipalities, residents, farmers, and agencies on preventing, preparing for, and recovering from flooding incidents.