Connecticut Environmental Conditions Online (CT ECO)
CT ECO is a mapping website that contains environmental and natural resource geographic information for Connecticut. The site encourages, supports, and promotes informed land use and development decisions in Connecticut by providing local, state and federal agencies, and the general public with convenient access to the most up-to-date and complete natural resource information available statewide.
CT ECO’s interactive map viewers contain, among other things, Connecticut’s environmental and natural resources such as protected open space, farmland soils, wetland soils, aquifer protection areas, water quality classifications, and drainage basins. Each can be viewed separately or in conjunction with other environmental and natural resource information. In addition, CT ECO includes many high-resolution aerial imagery datasets as well as statewide elevation and topical viewers like stormwater management, aquaculture, and the Long Island Sound Blue Plan.
Services available include map viewers, a pdf map catalog, map and image services, informational guides about map layers, and data download. CT ECO is the collaborative work of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and our Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR).
Connecticut Institute of Water Resources (CT IWR)
CT IWR’s mission is to collaborate with and serve all colleges and universities in the state to resolve state and regional water related problems and provide a strong connection between water resource managers and the academic community, in addition to sharing the results of water resources research and other information with the general public.
The second responsibility is to cooperate closely with other colleges and universities in Connecticut that have demonstrated capabilities for research information dissemination, and graduate training in order to develop a statewide program designed to resolve state and regional water and related land problems.
Services available include water resources for residents, newsletters, seminars, research updates, and additional information. CT IWR is located within UConn’s Department of Natural Resources and the Environment.
Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL)
CVMDL is on the front lines of diagnostic testing and extension outreach to keep animals healthy and people safe. Clients include those within the state, region, and across the country. The laboratory offers diagnostic testing and pathology services, including bacterial and fungal culture, molecular diagnostics, tick testing, necropsy, biopsy, disease surveillance, and mastitis testing.
CVMDL is accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians – the only veterinary diagnostic laboratory in New England with this accreditation. This certifies our quality and competence through a rigorous Quality Management System.
Home & Garden Education Center
The UConn Home & Garden Education Center accepts requests for assistance or information on horticultural topics and garden and household pests from individuals throughout Connecticut, as well as solicitations from out-of-state and, occasionally, international clients. Inquiries come from both commercial and residential sources. The Center is the Northeast Regional First Responder to the Extension Foundation’s ‘Ask the Expert’ questions.
Our services include answering gardening questions via phone and email, a monthly horticultural email newsletter, fact sheets, and articles.
Master Gardener Program
The UConn Extension Master Gardener Program is an educational outreach program consists of horticulture training and outreach to the community at large. Master Gardeners are enthusiastic, willing to learn and share their knowledge and training with others. What sets them apart from other home gardeners is their special horticultural training. In exchange for this training, Master Gardeners commit time as volunteers working through their local UConn Extension Center and the Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford to provide horticultural-related information to the community.
Our services include Master Gardener certification, Advanced Master Gardener certification, Garden Master classes (open to anyone), signature projects in Connecticut communities, school garden resources, and horticultural advice.
Plant Diagnostic Laboratory
The UConn Plant Diagnostic Laboratory diagnoses plant problems including diseases, insect pests and abiotic causes. Techniques used for diagnosis include visual inspection, digital images, microscopy, incubation, baiting, culture, nematode services, and serological tests. When needed, soil or tissue analysis is recommended through the UConn Soil Testing Laboratory to supplement these analyses.
The lab is a member of the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN). NPDN works to prevent the introduction and spread of non-native plant pests and pathogens that have the potential to cause significant damage to plants in agriculture, the green industry, landscapes and natural settings. NPDN-affiliated diagnosticians and others receive training and information on pest and pathogen identification and pest alerts.
Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory
The Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory has been serving the farmers, greenhouse growers and residents of Connecticut for over 70 years. Our first objective is to provide an inexpensive means for both agricultural producers and homeowners to test their soil fertility and receive environmentally sound limestone and fertilizer recommendations. The second major objective of the laboratory is education. Through our analyses as well as outreach efforts, clients and the public are being informed about wise soil management and fertility practices.
Our services include soil analysis, nitrogen testing, green house media, and plant analysis. We process about 14,000 soil samples annually for major and minor plant nutrients, lead, and pH. Test results provide limestone and fertilizer recommendations based on university research and field studies.
Turf Diagnostic Laboratory
The UConn Turfgrass Disease Diagnostic Center serves golf courses, athletic field, and landscape turfgrass professionals throughout New England.
Turfgrass disease epidemics have the potential to severely impact widespread turf areas, compromising the functional utility of the area. Proper identification of biotic or abiotic causes of turf decline is essential to implementing effective control and remediation strategies.
Our service provides rapid diagnosis (≤ 24 hours of receiving samples) in a written report including color photos and recommendations. 89% of patrons report that recommendations are “Extremely Effective” or “Very Effective” in helping affected turfgrasses recover.