Ag Disaster Recovery Program
Connecticut producers continue to face challenges from severe weather events, including flooding, excessive rainfall, drought, and other climate-related impacts. The Connecticut Agricultural Disaster Recovery Program helps eligible agricultural producers recover from weather-related losses and strengthen the long-term resilience of their operations.
The program provides financial assistance to help farms recover, rebuild, and continue serving communities throughout the state. UConn Extension encourages eligible agricultural producers to review program requirements and submit applications before the deadline of October 7, 2026.
As extreme weather becomes more frequent, programs like this play an important role in supporting Connecticut agriculture and preserving the state's food system.
Celebrating National Recognition for 4-H Volunteers
Three exceptional UConn 4-H volunteers have earned national recognition for their dedication to youth development and decades of service
to Connecticut communities. June Zoppa was selected as a 2026 National 4-H Hall of Fame Laureate, while Patricia Miele Bianchi received the National Salute to Excellence Lifetime Volunteer Award and Sam Spain was honored as the National Salute to Excellence Volunteer of the Year.
Together, these volunteers represent more than a century of service to Connecticut 4-H through leadership, mentoring, education, county fairs, camps, and innovative programming. Their efforts have helped countless young people develop confidence, leadership skills, and a commitment to community service. Sam Spain's work expanding robotics opportunities has introduced hundreds of youth to STEM experiences, while June Zoppa and Patricia Miele Bianchi have devoted decades to strengthening Hartford County 4-H and supporting generations of young people and volunteers.
UConn 4-H serves more than 29,000 youth annually across Connecticut, and the program's success is made possible by dedicated volunteers who give their time, talents, and expertise to help young people thrive. These national awards highlight the extraordinary impact volunteers have on Connecticut's future leaders.
Environmental Projects Create Lasting Impact
Students across Connecticut are creating meaningful change in their communities through the Natural Resources Conservation Academy (NRCA) Conservation Ambassador Program. The 10-month program engages high school students in hands-on field experiences, mentorship, and community-based environmental action projects.
Projects from this year's cohort addressed issues ranging from food waste reduction and food insecurity to biodiversity education and community conservation. Students gained valuable leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills while developing solutions tailored to local needs.
Administered through UConn Extension and the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, NRCA helps students connect scientific knowledge with real-world action. By empowering young people to identify challenges and develop solutions, the program is helping cultivate the next generation of environmental leaders.
Preparing Connecticut Communities for Future Coastal Hazards
Connecticut's shoreline communities face increasing challenges from coastal flooding, storm surge, sea level rise, and severe storms.
Through research, education, planning tools, and partnerships, UConn Extension, Connecticut Sea Grant, and CLEAR are helping communities prepare for the future.
Extension specialists work with local officials, residents, and organizations to develop practical strategies that improve resilience, reduce risk, and support informed decision-making. From flood preparedness resources to community planning initiatives, these efforts help safeguard homes, businesses, natural resources, and public infrastructure.
As Connecticut residents continue to experience changing weather patterns, research-based information and community partnerships remain critical tools for adaptation and preparedness.
National 4-H Week: Invest in Connecticut's Future
October 4-10 is National 4-H Week, a time to celebrate the young people, volunteers, and supporters who make 4-H possible. Through hands-on learning experiences in STEM, leadership, healthy living, and workforce development, UConn 4-H helps thousands of Connecticut youth build the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Gifts to the 4-H program support leadership opportunities, statewide events, volunteer training, educational resources, and experiences that prepare youth to become the next generation of leaders.
Support Connecticut youth during National 4-H Week.