Jumping worms. Crazy worms. Snake worms. These nicknames apply to invasive earthworms of the genus Amynthas found in the United States. These Asian worms have been in the U.S. for years but have recently been in the spotlight due to the damage they can cause. Globalization, commerce, and development have contributed to their spread. There are extremely few native earthworm species in […]
Enrolling Now: People Empowering People Communities
Our communities need leaders, and empowered people create positive action. We are registering community members for our in person and online People Empowering People (PEP) Communities Facilitator Training now. Learn more at https://pep.extension.uconn.edu/.
Part-time Jobs: Master Gardener County Coordinator Positions
We have two part-time jobs open for Master Gardener County Coordinators, one in Tolland County (Vernon office) and one in New London County (Norwich office). Position descriptions and application information are below. Position Description: Master Gardener County Coordinator – Tolland County (We also have a position open in New London County – see below for […]
Sweet Potato Tater Tot Recipe
UConn Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program has made an easy-to-follow video on how to make sweet potato tater tots. They are yummy and nutritious!
CT Sea Grant publishes guidebook on Long Island Sound
In the early 1990s Connecticut Sea Grant published popular guidebooks of Long Island Sound called Living Treasures: The Plants and Animals of Long Island Sound and Tesoros Vivientes: Las plantas y animales del Long Island Sound. Accompanying the books, the Sea Grant educators also developed slide presentations, which provide a great overview of the plants and animals that live […]
Job Openings in Farmington and Bethel
We’re hiring! Extension has two positions open: Assistant/Associate Cooperative Extension Educator (UConn 4-H educator based in our Bethel office) Educational Program Assistant 1, Hartford County Extension (75% part-time position located in Hartford). Apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs/. Educational Program Assistant (75% Position) JOB SUMMARY The UConn Extension Center located in Farmington, CT is seeking applications […]
Extension EFNEP Programming Positively Impacts Participants
Our Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) shifted during the pandemic, just as everyone did. Last summer I had the opportunity to work with Bristol and New Britain HRA programs teaching their summer youth employment program. Their Program Director asked me to create a five-week virtual class, with 16 hours’ worth of work per […]
Key questions about environmental contaminants to be addressed by CTSG, partners
Connecticut Sea Grant, in partnership with the New Hampshire and North Carolina Sea Grant programs, has been awarded an $850,000 federal grant to help unravel the complex problem of contaminants of emerging concern, or CECs, in coastal and freshwater environments. CECs are residues of products commonly used by people and businesses, including pharmaceuticals, personal care […]
Cooking Citrus Vegetables with UConn EFNEP
Citrus vegetables are a healthy meal choice. Make some with us using the easy-to-follow recipe: https://www.myplate.gov/recipes/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/citrus-vegetables Heather Peracchio and Juliana Restrepo Marin walk us through the recipe for this delicious meal.
Water Testing for Homeowners
When was the last time you had your well water tested? The Connecticut Department of Public Health has certified testing locations throughout the state. Visit ctiwr.uconn.edu/residents for locations and other resources. If you have “city water”, your supplier is required to test your water on a regular basis (check your water company website or call […]
UConn 4-H’er Selected as Runner Up for National 4-H Award
National 4-H Council announced that Olivia Hall of Litchfield County is a runner up for the 2022 4-H Youth in Action Award for Healthy Living. Hall is recognized nationally for her commitment to addressing food insecurity in her community and surrounding areas. Already aware of the food insecurity issues in her community, Hall noticed how […]
Help Contain the Spread of the Spotted Lanternfly in Connecticut
The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is continuing its move through Connecticut. It has been found in Orange and Milford, Connecticut. It is important that everyone help spread the word about this invasive pest. Many farms in Connecticut have visitors that travel from areas where SLF populations are established in Connecticut and outside Connecticut. What can you […]
September Checklist for Connecticut Gardeners
Written by Colleen Amster and Arianna Ege, UConn Extension Master Gardener Volunteers September is a good time for Connecticut gardeners to begin the fall cleanup and assessment process. It is also a good time to shop for trees, shrubs, and bulbs, and prepare for next year’s growing season. Here is a helpful list to get […]
USDA Encourages Ag Producers, Residents to Prepare for Tropical Storm
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses in the path of tropical storms that USDA has programs that provide assistance in the wake of disasters. USDA staff in the regional, state and county offices stand ready and are eager to help. USDA partnered with FEMA and other disaster-focused organizations […]
Unpeeled: The Case Files of Maya McCluen Game is Available
Navigating the grocery store aisle is challenging for many consumers—especially those who want to buy the most nutritious food and stay within their budget. The University of Connecticut (UConn) Extension New Technologies in Agricultural Extension (NTAE) team developed an interactive learning activity (or game), Unpeeled: The Case Studies of Maya McCluen. Our team sought to clarify […]
UConn Native Plants and Pollinators conference
The third biennial Native Plants and Pollinators conference will be held Friday, November 5, 2021, beginning at 9 a.m., virtually via Zoom. Register at s.uconn.edu/NPPC2021Register! Early Registration $30.00, by Thursday, September 30, 2021 $35.00, after September 30, 2021 Students, $15.00 with valid school ID Join us for 4 hours of presentations featuring current science-based research and […]
Making Waldorf Salad with Angie Surowiecki from UConn EFNEP
Angie Surowiecki from our UConn Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) walks us through making a Waldorf salad. The directions and ingredients can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vbf_KFbBL9Y
Simple Stuffed Peppers with UConn EFNEP
Ready to make simple stuffed peppers with us? The recipe is available at: https://www.myplate.gov/recipes/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/simple-stuffed-peppers. Heather Peracchio and Juliana Restrepo Marin walk us through the recipe for these peppers!
Everyone’s Earth: Voices of National Leadership in Anti-Racism in the Outdoors
UConn Extension has been collaborating with partners at Cornell and UW Madison to host “Everyone’s Earth: Voices of National Leadership in Anti-Racism in the Outdoors”. This is a collaborative national event held on September 30 from 12:30 – 2 PM that will feature a panel discussion with three national leaders in outdoor equity. Join us […]
Apply to Become a UConn Extension Master Gardener
2022 classes will include hybrid and virtual options Fall is a great time to plan for next year’s gardening activities! Apply now for the 2022 UConn Extension Master Gardener Program. Classes will be held in New Haven, Norwich, Tolland, Torrington, and Stamford. The deadline for applications is Friday, October 18, 2021. “The program provides the […]
“Right Trees for the Right Time” workshop offered
Forest resources managers, land trust members and land owners are invited to a free workshop, “Right Trees for the Right Time,” focusing on New England forests. Organizations are encouraged to gather a team of two to four core participants who can participation in all four sessions of the workshop. The three-part workshop, on Oct. 1, 8 and […]
Zucchini Stir Fry with UConn EFNEP
Enjoy zucchini from your garden or farmer’s market bounty with this quick and easy vegetable side dish. Heather Peracchio and Juliana Restrepo Marin walk us through the recipe for this delicious and healthy dish.
September Gardening Tips
Gardening Tips for September Mid to late September is a great time to add accent plants, like vivid mums and starry asters, that will provide autumn colors in the landscape. Use them along with cool-colored ornamental cabbages and kales to replace bedraggled annuals in containers as well. Lawns can be renovated or repaired between late […]
Fall 2021 Paid Student Internship with CT Trail Finder
Supervisor contact: This internship will be co-supervised by Laura Brown, Community & Economic Development Educator – New Haven County Extension Center, Contact- Laura Brown: Cell 608-886-0655 laura.brown@uconn.edu and Kimberly Bradley, CT Trail Census/Trail Finder Coordinator Cell 860-581-3130 Kimberly.bradley@uconn.edu Office location: Remote. Weekly online meetings (computer required) will be required. Background: The CT Trail Finder http://cttrailfinder.com/ […]
Tackling Food & Justice, Youth Style!
On Wednesday, August 18th, The CT Farm to School Collaborative partnered with The CT Youth Food Program Alliance to host a virtual event, for youth, by youth! The virtual event included a career panel, and mini-workshops, that were hosted by the following Youth MCs, Sayaada Arouna of Grow Hartford Youth Program, Melyssa Cristino of Grow Windham, […]
Birch Mill Farm – Connecticut Dairy Farm of the Year 2021
New England Green Pastures Connecticut Dairy Farm of the Year 2021 We are delighted to announce that Katlyn and Tim Kinsella of Birch Mill Farm have been selected as the 2021 New England Green Pastures Connecticut Outstanding Farm. Birch Mill Farm is located in Falls Village in the bucolic northwest corner of Connecticut. They are […]
USDA Issues Statewide Farmland Disaster Declaration
Governor Ned Lamont announced late yesterday that farmers statewide will be able to apply for emergency disaster loans due to production loss based upon severe weather caused by Tropical Storm Elsa. Farmers have eight (8) months from yesterday’s date to apply for federal assistance. Please contact your local FSA office to discuss emergency assistance that […]
UConn People Empowering People (PEP) Communities
Our communities need leaders and empowered individuals create positive action. UConn PEP Communities helps individuals build on their unique strengths and life experiences. Learn more at pep.extension.uconn.edu
2022 Long Island Sound Research Conference Announced
The 2022 Long Island Sound Research Conference will take place in Bridgeport on May 25, 2022. Oral presentations and posters across disciplines in natural and social sciences that contribute to the four themes of the Long Island Sound Study CCMP are welcome. These are: Clean waters and healthy watershed Thriving habitats and abundant wildlife Sustainable […]
Recover From Tropical Storm Henri
We understand that there will be a lot of cleanup required when Tropical Storm Henri recedes. Our friends at LSU AgCenter have curated the following resources in response to hurricanes and severe weather in their area. These can help you as you use a generator, recover, and clean up from the storm. Storm Recovery Guide Storm […]
Prepare for Hurricane Henri
Hurricane Henri is approaching, and our UConn Extension Disaster Education Network encourages you to prepare with an emergency supply kit and other measures. Visit https://eden.uconn.edu/ for more information.
Online Course: Let’s Talk GMOs
Are you confused or do you have questions about GMOs? Do you feel inadequate when discussing GMOs? Are you given opposing information of GMOs and not sure what is right? Do you wonder how the misinformation about GMOs spreads like a wildfire? UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is offering an online course, […]
What is UConn Extension’s People People Empowering People (PEP) Program? #AskUConnExtension
UConn Extension People Empowering People (PEP) opens doors, brings people together, provides training, builds skills, and more for participants to follow their passion and make a difference. On this week’s #AskUConnExtension Showcase meet Sheri Amechi, and learn about her transformative experience and development as a community leader in Meriden, CT. UConn Extension’s People Empowering People (UConn […]
#DoOneThing theme of 2021 #DontTrashLISound campaign
The Connecticut Sea Grant program, joined by volunteers from Save the Sound, the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk and other groups, will launch the fifth annual #DontTrashLISound campaign with a cleanup at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport on Aug. 16. This year’s campaign, run by the Connecticut and New York Sea Grant programs with support […]
Catch Up on the Latest Trail News with the CT Trails Program
Last month the Connecticut Trails Extension team launched The Connecticut Trails Blog on the Connecticut Trails Website! This blog will serve as a place where Connecticut Trails faculty, staff, and partners will discuss the things that are important to them, work-related and in the broader, global community. They are very excited to share with you […]
UConn Extension Welcomes Dr. Nick Goltz
Nick Goltz was recently hired to direct the UConn Plant Diagnostic Lab. Dr. Goltz moved to Connecticut shortly after graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in Plant Medicine (https://dpm.ifas.ufl.edu). In addition to the plant health experience gained through his degree, Dr. Goltz prepared for this position by working at the UF Plant […]
Urban Farmer Trainings in Hartford
Urban Farmers and Hartford area Friends! Get ready for Urban Farmer Trainings in Hartford! August 21st and August 28th At Keney Park Sustainability Project and KNOX Inc 9:00am to 4:00pm Join the I Got Next Farmers (Lauren Little Edutainment, Samad Garden Initiative, Micro2Life and Derrick Bedward) as they cover topics such as Community Farming Soil […]
COVID-19 Vaccine Resources – #AskUConnExtension
For this week’s #AskUConnExtension Showcase, let’s do our part in keeping our community safe—get vaccinated today. Text: From UConn Extension, let’s all do our part to protect those we care about most. Visit the resources below to learn more about vaccine safety in our community: wecandothis.hhs.gov/ pages.extension.org/excite cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19
Controlling Black Knot – #AskUConnExtension
What is Black Knot? Black Knot, is a disease commonly found on plums and Prunus species. The fungus causes the plant to produce unusual galls which eventually grow to girdle twigs and branches, restricting water supply and killing portions of the canopy. It is spread to other plants via wind and water. Control Manage the disease […]
What is a 4-H Escape, and how can I sign up? – #AskUConnExtension
This week, we put the #AskUConnExtension Showcase spotlight on “4-H Escape,” a UConn 4-H program connecting and teaching students and campers across CT. To learn more and start your escape room journey, check out 4-h-escape.extension.uconn.edu Text: This summer, stay connected with 4-H and try your luck at one of their online escape rooms! UConn 4-H […]