Urban forestry is about more than planting trees—it’s about empowering people, improving neighborhoods, and creating long-term environmental and social benefits. In our new Voices for Change documentary, UConn Extension educator Mayra Rodriguez shares how communitydriven forestry initiatives help create healthier, more resilient urban spaces across Connecticut. Her story highlights the power of partnership, local leadership, […]
Sustainable Landscapes
Designing sustainable landscapes across urban-rural interfaces
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: […]
Get Trusted Answers from Local Experts with UConn Extension
Have you ever stood in your garden wondering what’s wrong with a plant—or looked at a canning recipe and felt unsure if it’s truly safe? Maybe you’re a new landowner trying to make environmentally sound decisions, or simply want to grow better agricultural crops this season. Whatever your question, UConn Extension is here to help—with […]
Meet Qian (Rachel) Lei-Parent
Qian (Rachel) Lei-Parent recently joined our Middlesex County Extension Center and UConn Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR) as an assistant extension geospatial educator. Qian has both of her B.S and M.S in Land Resources Management from Wuhan University, China. She received her Ph.D in natural resources from University of Connecticut focusing on […]
We’re Having a Brush Fire Season – Please be Aware
By Tom Worthley Once again in today’s weather forecast, no significant precipitation is anticipated for the next week or so. Warm temperatures and breezy conditions will prevail. We have experienced such conditions before and we tend to go about our daily activities without giving it much thought. Notable now, however, as opposed to other times […]
Managing Water Use at Home During Drought in Connecticut
Despite the fact that we get about 48 inches of precipitation annually, we still can experience periods that are classified as drought here. Although it can be said that drought is part of our natural cycle here in Connecticut, higher global temperatures have impacted our precipitation patterns. Over the last century, our annual precipitation totals […]
Second Annual Climate Resiliency Day with UConn Extension
On June 29th, 2024, the Fairfield County UConn Extension Office hosted its second annual Climate Resiliency Day at Danbury Farmer’s Market. This day is dedicated to educating the public on how they can stay safe during extreme weather events and support a healthy environment from home. Several notable programs participated, including the UConn Extension Master […]
Coastal Flooding Preparedness
Connecticut Sea Grant and UConn Extension have a new project to help older underserved residents of New London, Stamford and West Haven be better prepared for flooding and other weather emergencies. This past week’s flooding in western Connecticut demonstrated how critical preparedness and community resilience projects are. More information on the new project is at https://seagrant.uconn.edu/?p=12147 […]
Meet Lauren Kurtz
Lauren Kurtz joined UConn Extension as an Invasive Species Outreach Specialist. She’s originally from Frankfort, Illinois, and earned her undergraduate degrees in environmental studies and geography from Western Michigan University, before coming to UConn for her masters and PhD in horticulture and plant breeding in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture. Lauren is […]
Pollinator Week
Happy Pollinator Week! We have resources to help you support pollinators in your yard and outdoor spaces: http://s.uconn.edu/pollinators – we’ll be celebrating them again in July for our annual Bug Week activities too (http://bugs.uconn.edu).
Ask UConn Extension: White Pine Needle Disease Update
We are receiving reports of a rapid yellowing/browning and needle loss on all age and size of white pine trees in various parts of the state, in both the woods and along the roadsides. Tom Worthley, one of our Extension foresters states that we are observing a complex combination of needle fungi commonly referred to […]
Invasive Plant Factsheet: Hydrilla, water thyme
Many infestations of hydrilla begin near boat launches. Even plant fragments can survive moist conditions for several days. This fact sheet should be of interest to those boating throughout the state, well as natural resource managers.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Stewarding Connecticut’s Coastline with Maggie Cozens
Maggie Cozens joined Connecticut Sea Grant and UConn Extension as the Long Island Sound Study outreach coordinator this summer. Her role focuses on encouraging people to care about Long Island Sound and help steward it. The Environmental Protection Agency funds the Long Island Sound Study. It is a partnership with New York Sea Grant, and […]
Prepare for Additional Rain
We’re experiencing heavy rain again this afternoon, & expected into the evening, in part from #HurricaneLee effects. Prepare for flooding with our resources at https://s.uconn.edu/flooding
Ask UConn Extension: What’s Wrong With the Maple Trees?
This year people are noticing that maple leaves appear wilted or browned and heavy leaf drops are premature in many cases. UConn Extension educator and forestry expert, Tom Worthley, says that this “maple leaf phenomenon is a foliar fungus from the anthracnose group. During summers with high humidity and lots of rainfall these fungi can […]
Extension Internship Leads to Career Focus for Samuel Kocurek
Undergraduate education during the pandemic was uncharted territory for everyone. Samuel Kocurek ’23 (CLAS) turned to nature during the pandemic, and this, along with other opportunities, including a summer 2022 internship with UConn Extension, led to his career focus. Kocurek started with general education classes, and joined Eco-House, declaring a dual degree in environmental science […]
Did You Know? Ants
While ants can be a nuisance, they are actually considered beneficial predators when they are in places where they are not disrupting plant growth. They prefer sandy, dry soils and that is probably why they are in this area. Compost is not an effective means of killing ants, but if a sandy soil is amended […]
Did You Know? Asparagus
Asparagus should not be harvested the first two years after planting. The third year, harvest is limited to 2 weeks. After that, it is safe to harvest for 4-8 weeks, then allow ferns to develop. Some people opt not to harvest the 3rd year, but it can be done. -Pamm Cooper
Did You Know? Crabapples
If a crabapple fails to produce fruit, but does have flowers, then either flowers were not pollinated or the tree has other issues and is stressed, and will then abort fruit. Crabapple trees in shade also tend to produce little to no fruit. -Pamm Cooper
Japanese Knotweed Management
Japanese knotweed, Polygonum cuspidatum, is an aggressive invasive plant that grows vigorously along roadsides, wetland habitat, and utility rights of way. It may take years to control as new growth from rhizomes occurs even if the original plants are killed. Cutting back repeatedly is helpful, but works better when an herbicide is applied to open […]
Native Plants for Riparian Corridors in CT Guide Available
The Native Plants for Riparian Corridors in CT guide from Connecticut Sea Grant is now available! The guide includes native trees, shrubs, ferns, grasses, sedges, reeds and herbaceous plants that can grow and thrive along bodies of water. Download the guide at seagrant.uconn.edu/?p=10305
Shell recycling initiative being introduced in Connecticut
Article by Connecticut Sea Grant Empty oyster and clam shells from Long Island Sound shouldn’t be treated like trash. They are vital components of healthy habitat for shellfish and other marine life, and need to be returned to their watery home instead of being hauled away with other garbage. That’s the message shell recycling advocates […]
Deploying Sugar Kelp Seed String
The collapse of the lobster fishery in the late 1990s forced many lobstering families to find alternative ways to make a living on the water. While many transitioned into shellfish aquaculture, one lobsterman was interested in adding a new crop into his business: sugar kelp. DJ King (King Lobsters) cultivates shellfish and sugar kelp on […]
Q&A with Dr. Mayra Rodríguez – Urban Community Forestry Educator
Dr. Mayra Rodríguez joined UConn Extension in August 2022 as our Urban Community Forestry educator. We sat down for a Q&A with her about her Extension program and interests. How did you get interested and involved in forestry? I’ve been told that my path to forestry is a bit unconventional, but I think this just […]
Respecting Our Roots with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
A partnership between UConn and local tribes led to the development of Meechooôk Farm and other programs that strengthen the tribal community, their land-base, and self-sufficiency. Learn more about the project by reading this article. Financial support for this work was provided by the USDA NIFA Federally-Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP Awards 2017-41580-26950 and 2022-41580-37944). […]
10 Ways to Volunteer with UConn 4-H
No matter how much time you have, volunteering with UConn 4-H makes a difference by helping youth explore and discover the skills they need to lead for a lifetime. There are lots of ways to get involved! Please note, your volunteer experience and/or opportunities may be happening virtually or in-person. Contact UConn 4-H for more […]
Forest Silviculture Research and Extension in Action
Our forests are one of our most vital environmental, economic, and recreational resources, and we are fortunate to have abundant access to these wonderful spaces right here in Connecticut! The UConn Forest Crew works with Professor Tom Worthley in the UConn Forest and across the state to apply silvicultural practices, conduct maintenance work, and gather […]
Top 10 Cool Season Tips to Get You the Best Yard
Clean up Gently In the spring, remove any large debris from the lawn that may have the potential to smother and kill your grass as it starts to resume growth in the spring. Once excess debris is removed, rake your lawn to remove any dead grass. Get Rid of Bare Spots Reseed any bare patches […]
Transformative Life Experiences with Environmental Education
UConn’s Natural Resources Conservation Academy (NRCA) offers several educational programs for both children and adults, including the Conservation Ambassador Program, Conservation Partnership program, and Teacher Professional Learning program. Environmental education is a crucial part of working towards a more sustainable world. The first step in making positive environmental changes both locally and worldwide is making […]
Managing Bentgrass in Home Lawns
We’re frequently asked about Bentgrass. It’s the grass that looks dead when everything else is green, has the puffy appearance, and is squishy when you step on it. Pamm Cooper from our UConn Home & Garden Education Center explains what bentgrass is and how you can manage it in your lawn.
Green Snow Pro: Best Practices for Salt Application
The scientific studies continue to pile up, and confirm the same thing: road salt is causing lots of problems in our streams, lakes and groundwater. The majority of salt applied is sodium chloride, also known as rock salt. In the absence of a new “miracle” deicer, salt will continue to be the most cost-effective product […]
UConn Forest Providing Educational, Environmental Benefits
The UConn Forest is vital for teaching, research, and extension work. It also provides wildlife habitat, watershed protection and popular recreational hiking trails. The Department of Natural Resources and the Environment (NRE) manages the forest. Proactive management sustains and enhances the many benefits the forest provides. Thomas Worthley is an Associate Extension Professor with joint […]
Multi-Faceted Approach to Nitrogen Management
We have a multi-faceted approach to nitrogen management in Connecticut that addresses land use issues, agricultural production, and water quality. Extension faculty from the Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR) are working on several applied research projects in support of better nitrogen (N) management. They are collaborating with the University of Rhode Island […]
Cultivation Tips for School Grounds Managers
Dr. Jason Henderson and Vickie Wallace of our Turfgrass Extension program provide research-based health tips for cultivation and managing school grounds in this first video of our new series.
Fenwick Living Shoreline
The Hepburn Preserve is a 4-acre beach, dune and brackish tidal wetland habitat owned by the Lynde Point Land Trust, located in the Borough of Fenwick in Old Saybrook. Storm events have caused serious erosion of the area when strong winds and waves hit the shoreline, compounded by shoreline changes due to nearby seawalls and […]