Sarah Bodenstein joined UConn Extension a few months ago as the regional aquaculture liaison for Connecticut Sea Grant and NOAA’s Milford Lab. Though she has only been here a short time, Sarah has already begun connecting with Connecticut’s shellfish farmers and immersing herself in the traditions, history, and challenges of the aquaculture industry along Long Island Sound. Originally from Chicago, Sarah […]
Author: Stacey Stearns
From Fairways to Fields: Meet Maureen Kahiu
UConn Extension is thrilled to welcome Maureen Kahiu, who joined us in August 2025 as an Assistant Extension Educator of Turfgrass and Weed Ecology. In just a few months, Maureen has already started building connections across Connecticut’s turfgrass industry, helping professionals manage weeds and promote healthier, more resilient turf. Maureen grew up in Nairobi, Kenya, […]
Northeast Agricultural Networks Summit to Focus on Building Stronger Farmer Networks
UConn Extension is excited to announce the agenda for the upcoming 2025 Northeast Agricultural Networks Summit, a one-day mini-conference focused on the role entrepreneurial networks play in supporting farmers and agribusinesses, and strategies to foster network development across the region. The summit is Monday, December 8 in Portland, Maine. The morning will include two Spark […]
Building Healthy Soils: Meet Dr. Avishesh Neupane
UConn Extension is pleased to introduce Dr. Avishesh Neupane, who joined us in August 2025 as Assistant Extension Professor and Director of the UConn Plant & Soil Health Center. In just a few months, Dr. Neupane has been busy connecting with growers, developing new decision tools, and preparing for the launch of the George Leigh […]
One Health Day
Today is One Health Day and we recognize the importance of our interconnectedness. UConn Extension uses the One Health framework to optimize the collective health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment. Our program helps community members understand and co-create community-based solutions to modern One Health challenges, such as disease that impact humans and animals, […]
World Food Day 2025: From Farm to Family — Strengthening Connecticut’s Food Systems and Community Health
Every year on October 16, World Food Day reminds us that food is more than a meal — it’s a story that begins in the soil and extends to every community table. At UConn Extension, we see that story every day. Our work starts with Connecticut’s farmers, supporting them with science-based research and resources that help them grow nutritious food, strengthen local economies, and […]
Livestock Breeder Directory
Help us build this resource: List your farm today on The Livestock Breeder Directory! Having trouble finding a producer with a certain breed or species you’re looking for? This new Livestock Breeder Directory is your resource for connecting with livestock producers and breeders across Connecticut. Whether you’re sourcing high-quality cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, or camelids, this directory […]
Pollinator Conservation with Fairfield County Master Gardeners
By Sandi Wilson, Fairfield County Master Gardener Coordinator All across Fairfield County, UConn Master Gardeners are buzzing about the importance of pollinators and the need to protect and encourage them in our backyards and beyond. From giving talks on the importance of native pollinators at schools and libraries, designing and installing pollinator gardens, and encouraging […]
4-H Capitol Connections
By Matthew Syrotiak, UConn Extension UConn 4-H is cultivating the next generation of informed and engaged residents by introducing youth to civic engagement through hands-on experiences at the Connecticut State Capitol. One of the most impactful opportunities is Ag Day at the Capitol, where 4-H members meet with legislators, share their stories, and learn how public […]
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with UConn Extension
Each year from September 15 to October 15, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. At UConn Extension, we join in this celebration by highlighting the connections between food, family, and community that enrich the […]
Now is the Time: Hurricane Preparedness Checklist
Hurricane Gabrielle is making headlines — we all need to take a moment to ensure our homes, families, and plans are ready for this or any other extreme weather event. Here’s a checklist from our UConn Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) to help you prepare: Build or refresh your emergency supply kit: water (1 gal/person/day […]
Prioritizing Safety During National Farm Safety and Health Week
National Farm Safety and Health Week serves as an important reminder that safety on the farm is everyone’s responsibility. Harvest season, in particular, brings long days, heavy workloads, and extra hazards. Whether you are operating machinery in the fields, moving livestock, or sharing the road with farm equipment, it’s essential to take extra care. Have […]
Job Opening: Program Assistant in Farmington
Public Service Technician (Program Assistant) UConn Extension- Farmington, CT The Department of Extension at the University of Connecticut is seeking a temporary program assistant (40 hours a week) to deliver and coordinate 4-H educational programs primarily in Hartford County. This position is funded by the Advancing 4-H Careers in Food and Agriculture via Biotechnology and […]
Ornamental & Turf Short Course Fall 2025
Registration is now open for the Fall 2025 Online Ornamental & Turf Short Course! The course runs October 1–December 10, 2025, with weekly live online sessions held on Wednesdays from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Registration Cost: $400 (includes the Pesticide Applicator Core Manual, Ornamental & Turf Category Manual, and printed course materials). This short course provides an in-depth review of the material needed […]
4-H Celebrates National Farmers Market Week at Monroe Farmers Market
By Emily Picard With strong agricultural roots, UConn Extension and UConn 4-H Fairfield County made sure National Farmers Market Week (August 3–9) didn’t go unnoticed. This annual celebration highlights the essential role farmers’ markets play in strengthening communities, supporting local economies, and connecting residents with fresh, local food. The Monroe Farmers Market is more than […]
Fort Hill Farms: 2025 New England Green Pastures Award Winner
Fort Hill Farms in Thompson, Connecticut is the 2025 New England Green Pastures award winner for Connecticut. Led by Kies (Orr) and Jared LaVack, Fort Hill Farms exemplifies innovation, sustainability, and dedication to dairy excellence. As fourth-generation farmers, Kies and Jared have continued the Orr family legacy with a forward-thinking approach that blends tradition with […]
Solid Ground Offers Free Consultations for Farmers
Has this dryer season seen different disease and pest issues cropping up on the farm that you’re not sure what to do about? Are you curious about how to better utilize your small space into a productive farm business? Are you wondering if you could improve on your animal’s health by making some changes? Our […]
Save the Date: 7th Annual CT Trails Symposium
Save the date for the Connecticut Greenways Council’s 7th annual Connecticut Trail Symposium at Manchester Community College on October 3rd! The theme is Trail Community: breaking down barriers, enhancing accessibility, trail alliance development, mentorship, and more. Request for Proposals Open until September 1: If you have a topic of interest you’d like to present in a break-out presentation session or as […]
Applications Open for UConn’s 2026 Master Gardener Program
UConn Extension is now accepting applications for its 2026 Master Gardener Program, a comprehensive educational initiative that combines horticultural training with community service. Applications must be submitted by Friday, October 17, 2025, to the location where applicants wish to take classes—either a county Extension Center or the Bartlett Arboretum. The Litchfield County cohort offers a flexible option […]
Exploring Extension Pop Up Events
Extension offers various opportunities for UConn students, including applying classroom knowledge in the field in independent study and other experiential learning opportunities to fulfilling careers after graduation and maintaining connection to advance the mission of the university as volunteers and partners. Pop-up events were held in Storrs and at all four regional campuses: Avery Point, […]
Fresh, Local, and Thriving: Celebrate National Farmers Market Week with Us
From August 3–9, UConn Extension is proud to join communities across the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week—a time to recognize the vital role that farmers markets play in supporting local agriculture, strengthening community connections, and increasing access to fresh, nutritious food. Connecticut is home to over 100 farmers markets, each one a vibrant hub […]
USDA Assistance for Farmers
Creating a Farmers.gov Account Makes Receiving USDA Assistance Easy, Efficient Are you interested in working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to start or grow your farm or private forest operation, but don’t know where to start? Whether you’re looking to access capital or disaster assistance through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) or address natural resource concerns […]
Preparing for Heavy Rain: What Residents and Farmers Can Do
Connecticut is expecting a significant rain event beginning Thursday afternoon and continuing into Friday morning. While this may lead to localized flooding, there are proactive steps you can take to protect your home, farm, and community. At UConn Extension, we believe in the power of preparation and community resilience. Here’s how you can get ready: […]
Full Circle at Fodor Farm
This summer, the Growing Gardens, Growing Health program welcomed back a familiar face – not as a participant, but as a dedicated summer Extension intern. Now a college student pursing a degree in Exercise Science, this young man first came to Fodor Farm as an eight-year–old, eager to dig his hands into the soil and […]
Why Supporting Local Agriculture Matters – and How You Can Get Involved
Connecticut and New England’s local farms and farmers markets are more than just places to buy fresh produce, they’re the backbone of a resilient, nutritious, and community-driven food system. Our farmers and farmers’ market organizers explain the impact of local agriculture and how you can be part of it, including through the Eastern States Exposition […]
Survey for Backyard Poultry Flock Owners
Are you raising a backyard flock? This survey is for you! Since March 2024, 70 cases of avian influenza A(H5) (H5 bird flu) have occurred in humans in the United States, mostly among workers exposed to infected dairy cows and commercial poultry farms. However, cases have also occurred among people exposed to birds kept in […]
Mosquito Season Alert: CT Horse & Livestock Owners Advised to Guard Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Preventative Measures are Key to Protection The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) reminds the state’s horse and livestock community to take preventative measures to protect against mosquito-borne diseases this season, including West Nile virus (WNV) and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). While Connecticut has not had any reported human or horse cases this season, the […]
Survey: CT Native Perennial, Tree & Shrub Availability List
UConn is seeking your input on the impact of the Connecticut Native Perennial, Tree, & Shrub Availability List! We are seeking your feedback to explore the impacts of the resource as well as areas for improvement. This survey should take less than 5 minutes to complete and is anonymous. Complete the Survey at: https://uconn.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0dE8XrXCL2hCG6a Thank you for your input! The Connecticut Native […]
Farm Biosecurity Tip: Write Out a Biosecurity Plan
Farm Biosecurity Tip: Write out a biosecurity plan. Thinking about biosecurity is a great first step–developing a well-thought-out plan is next. Make sure that all family members, employees, and other personnel that interact with animals on your operation know how to follow the biosecurity plan, and have the resources and training to do so. Review […]
Meet Giulia Gambale
Giulia Gambale recently joined our team as the Master Gardener Coordinator for New Haven County. She is originally from Peabody, Massachusetts, has a bachelor of arts in communication, and became a certified UConn Extension Master Gardener in 2023. What is your area of interest and how did you get started with it? Definitely vegetables, fruits […]
UConn Equine Extension Deworming Education Survey
The UConn Equine Extension Program is conducting a study to gather insight into the current deworming practices used by horse owners and equine professionals. We invite you to participate in a brief, 10-minute survey to help our team assess knowledge and awareness of deworming practices within the horse industry. Your input will help us better […]
July 17: School IPM Workshop
UConn Extension invites school and municipal grounds professionals to the annual School & Municipal Turf/Grounds Workshop on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the UConn Turf Research Facility in Storrs, Connecticut. This full-day event delivers science-based presentations and hands-on learning designed to help professionals manage healthy, sustainable landscapes in schoolyards, parks, athletic fields, and other public […]
Farming is Hard. Really Hard.
By Jean Cardinale “Farming is hard work.” As a volunteer farmers’ market manager for 20 years, I said that phrase countless times. I knew from talking to farmers each season that they were dedicated to bringing their products to the public each week, no matter what challenges they faced, and that fueled my pursuit to […]
Level Up Your Life Skills with Breadwinner
Can You Be a Breadwinner? Find Out in This New Financial Literacy Game Balancing work, groceries, bills, and your family’s health is no easy task, especially when time and money are tight. Breadwinner, a free online game developed by UConn Extension, turns these real-world challenges into a fast-paced and engaging simulation for teens and young adults. […]
Staying Safe on the Farm: Heat, Fire, Machinery & Animal Care
Connecticut farmers work hard year-round, but summer brings risks that demand extra attention. At UConn Extension, we’re committed to helping you protect your family, farm crew, pets, and livestock from summer hazards. Working in Extreme Heat Human and animal health are both vulnerable to summer’s soaring temperatures. Heat stress can lead to serious illness in […]
Farm Biosecurity Tip: Follow Reporting Guidelines
Farm Biosecurity Tip: Follow reporting guidelines for sick and deceased animals. If you notice a wild animal that is exhibiting signs of illness (such as HPAI) or a group of deceased birds, report your observations to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Wildlife Division. The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (DoAg) State Veterinarian […]
Meet Jacqueline Crepeau
Jacqueline Crepeau joined our team this year as the Middlesex County Master Gardener Coordinator. She’s originally from Gainesville, Florida (Go Gators!) and is a lifelong learner. What is your area of interest? My primary area of interest is community-focused horticulture, particularly creating engaging and educational gardening spaces that foster collaboration, sustainability, and respect for the […]
Bug Week 2025: A Celebration of Insects Across Connecticut
Bug Week 2025 is Here – and It’s Buzzing with Excitement! From July 13–19, UConn Extension invites you to explore the incredible world of insects through hands-on events across Connecticut. Whether you’re curious about edible bugs, want to explore stream ecosystems, or just love creepy crawlies, there’s something for everyone. Event Highlights: July 14: Crunch into […]
Online Gardening Course Available
UConn Extension is excited to announce that the Fundamentals of Home Gardening online course, designed to help gardening enthusiasts of all levels cultivate thriving home gardens, is available for home gardeners who want to expand their knowledge and skills. The course is divided into four modules covering essential gardening topics: CORE – Water, Soils, and […]
Hit the Trails and Earn Badges with CT Trail Finder
Connecticut’s trails just got even more rewarding! UConn Extension, in collaboration with CT Trail Finder and UConn CLEAR (Center for Land Use Education and Research), invites you to lace up your hiking boots, get outside, and earn digital Trail Badges for your adventures. The CT Trail Finder is a free, interactive mapping site that helps […]