Best Management Practices for Farm Websites

Why Build a Website for your Agricultural Business Websites are an important tool to have for your agricultural business. A website provides an online presence and establishes your credibility as a business. Building a website might seem to be a daunting task but this document is here to provide best management practices for building, designing, […]

Winter Gift Guide to Northeastern Connecticut Farmers

Honey, Maple Syrup, Cheese, and more! Show your appreciation for your family, friends, and small businesses all at once by shopping locally this holiday season. Check out this winter gift guide to find the perfect gifts and local farms near you. To open the guide click here.  

Diverse perspectives explored in new issue of Wrack Lines

Learn about bringing more diversity to the sciences, environmental justice, the Shoreline Greenway Trail, a new diversity fellowship and the unique career of Bob Pomeroy with fish and fishermen across the globe in the Fall-Winter 2020-21 issue of Wrack Lines magazine. With the theme of “Diverse Perspectives in the Environment We Share,” the issue highlights the contributions of […]

Bedding Plants 2021 Webinar Series for Greenhouse Growers

UConn Extension Offers Bedding Plants 2021 Webinar Series for Greenhouse Growers A three-part webinar series on plant growth regulators, pests, and diseases on ornamental plants in greenhouses. Presentations are for commercial greenhouse growers (wholesale and retail) producing ornamental spring bedding plants, specialty annuals and herbaceous perennials.  One pesticide recertification credit has been approved for each […]

Wethersfield PEP: Growing Community and Expanding Opportunities in 2021

Article by Jeanine Berasi Wethersfield PEP is our community name for the UConn Extension People Empowering People Certification Program facilitated here in our beautiful town. Overall, PEP is a 10-week information and action driven course with a community service component as designated by UConn Extension. Upon graduation participants receive official certification through UConn Extension. PEP […]

Mackenzie and Alyson’s Volunteer Experience with the Coordinated Program Dietetics

Mackenzie Lane and Alyson Gaylord, Coordinated Program Dietetics students in the Department of Allied Health Sciences in the UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources volunteered with Foodshare at Rentschler Field in East Hartford. The experience is part of the dietetic education program. Watch to learn more about the food distribution center and how […]

4-H Volunteer Spotlight – Elaine Brodeur, Litchfield County 4-H Program

The Bethlehem Busy Stitchers 4-H club is very fortunate to have Elaine Brodeur as their club leader.  Elaine’s daughter will tell you that Elaine needs 4-H as an excuse to own eight sewing machines and a stash of fabric and sewing supplies to rival any JOANN store. But Elaine goes on to explain, “I love […]

Natural Disaster Designation for Connecticut Counties

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a natural disaster designation for counties in Connecticut. At the request of Governor Lamont, farm operators who experienced damage and losses caused by Tropical Storm Isaias from August 4-5, 2020 are eligible for assistance from the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Click here to read the full designation letter. More […]

Build Your Network Grow Our Future Expands

Once the grueling work of summer comes to an end for farmers throughout the state, there are often opportunities for them to network, build skills, and seek out resources for their farms during the colder months. For Beginning Farmers, one of these opportunities is just around the corner. On December 12th from 2-4pm, the New […]

UConn 4-H in 40: Surviving the Holidays

UConn 4-H presents 4-H in 40 A Series of Virtual Workshops for Adults the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm.  These workshops are open to any interested adults- volunteers, 4-H leaders, parents, and community members. The opportunity to register will continue through the year. Each presentation is 20-30 minutes long, followed by 10-20 minutes […]

Webinar Series for Greenhouse Growers on Vegetable Seedling Production

UConn Extension Offers Vegetable Seedling & Transplant Production in Greenhouses Webinar Series for Greenhouse Growers A webinar series for growers producing vegetables and herbs as seedlings or transplants in heated greenhouses. Topics include transplant uniformity, root-zone management, organic fertilizers, disease & pest control. One pesticide recertification credit has been approved for three of five one-hour […]

Meet the UConn 4-H Legends

Meet the UConn 4-H Legends, a soccer playing 4-H club in Danbury, CT that’s been in existence for about three years.  This 35-member club, composed of boys and girls, has several projects:  sports, nutrition, leadership and community service. Although they do a variety of things, they are at the soccer field 3 times a week, […]

Ebony Horsewomen: Empowering Hartford for Over 36 Years

Ebony Horsewomen, Incorporated is a non-profit equestrian facility in the North End of Hartford that has been empowering Hartford, Bloomfield, and Windsor residents through equine programs for over 36 years. Patricia “Pat” Kelly is the program founder and CEO. The programs offered by Ebony Horsewomen include youth development, mental health, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. An […]

As seas rise, communities can turn retreat into opportunity

Kristin Walker, project engineer for the USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service, explains on Oct. 22 how the former home site is now being planted with native species to create a flood plain habitat. Story and photos by Judy Benson Retreat isn’t defeat. It’s deliberately stepping back to make a better future. “Retreat is very difficult, […]

UConn Extension: Committed to a Sustainable Future 

Connecticut has faced challenges related to sustainable landscapes, food and agriculture, health, and the climate for generations. As problems are solved, new issues arise. UConn Extension educators work in all 169 cities and towns of Connecticut to help solve the problems that our residents, communities, and state face. Connecting people with agriculture, the natural environment, […]

Finding the Right Livestock Fence with Dr. Joe Emenheiser

Fences are built to keep some animals in, and other animals out! For centuries they have allowed us to domesticate livestock and build permanent settlements. UConn’s new Statewide Livestock Extension Educator, Dr. Joe Emenheiser discusses how you can find the right fence for your animals and what to consider when planning for fencing! Learn more […]

Trails 101 Video Series Helps New Users Enjoy CT Trails

This time of the year, Connecticut residents are heading outside to enjoy the cool fall temperatures and beautiful New England scenery. Connecticut offers a wealth of outdoor spaces from city parks to rural area trail systems where people can engage in all types of activities such as hiking, biking, and nature watching while adhering to […]

Food Safety Tips For Your Holiday Turkey

The holidays are a time to enjoy your family and friends— Avoid putting a damper on the holiday fun because of unsafe food handling and cooking practices. Follow these tips to play it safe this holiday season: http://bit.ly/Turkey_FoodSafety. Los días festivos son días para disfrutar en familia y con amistades— Evite poner un amortiguador a la […]

Diego Marks: Engineering His Future

The Goshen Fairgrounds in Litchfield County stretches out in an expanse of open space, rings, and buildings that host the annual fair and other events. On Sunday, September 27th vehicles towing tractors slowly started arriving for the first annual Litchfield County 4-H Garden Tractor Pull. UConn 4-H, Extension’s youth development program in the College of […]

Chilling Injury Affects Turf Across Region

John Inguagiato, Ph.D. and Vickie Wallace, UConn Michelle DaCosta, Ph.D. UMass Turf managers and homeowners have been puzzled by the sudden appearance of unusual tan, blighted patches that showed up last week between Tuesday and Friday (Nov. 3 – 6). Reports have been widespread throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. The symptoms appear as round […]

What has changed on your trails as a result of COVID-19?

Our Connecticut Trail Census has launched a survey to understand the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on trails and trail management. The survey is intended for trail managers of non-motorized trails in Connecticut takes about 10 minutes to complete. Please take a few moments to respond to the survey. The survey will remain open until Wednesday, […]

Job Opening: Director of Communications

Job Opening: The College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) at the University of Connecticut is seeking a full-time Director of Communications. Reporting to the Dean, the incumbent in this position will provide vision, leadership, and direction to support CAHNR’s communication and marketing strategies and promote its brand and reputation. The Communications Director must […]

Cleaning and Disinfecting High Touch Surfaces

Many surfaces inside your home are frequently touched by household members throughout the day. These are called ‘High Touch Surfaces.” You can limit the transmission of dirt, bacteria, and viruses by following a daily routine. COVID-19, which is caused by a virus, requires cleaning and disinfecting practices to make your home a healthier place. High […]

Watch out for Spotted Lanternflies

Watch out for Spotted Lanternflies in your yard! Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive and destructive insect that has been found in Connecticut over the past three years. It was reported in West Haven and Greenwich. The insect has the potential to severely impact Connecticut’s farm crops, particularly apples, grapes, and hops, as well as […]

Extension Team Developing Game to Help Consumers Understand Food Labels

The Extension Foundation selected a team from UConn Extension in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources for the New Technologies in Agricultural Extension catalyst program. Team members are working with wrap-around services from eXtension to develop an interactive learning experience for consumers on navigating food labels in grocery store aisles. Conflicting information causes […]

CEDAS Receives Excellence in Economic Development Award from the International Economic Development Council

Connecticut Economic Development Association (CEDAS) won a Bronze Rank for its Best Practices in Land Use and Economic Development Certification Program, a project in the category of Innovation Programs and Initiatives of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).  The honor was presented at an awards ceremony during the IEDC Annual Conference.  CEDAS is Connecticut’s economic […]

Job Opening: UConn Extension Master Gardener Coordinator-Lower Fairfield County

The UConn Extension Master Gardener Program is seeking applications for the position of Master Gardener Program Coordinator for Lower Fairfield County, based at the Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens in Stamford, CT. This is a 16-hour-per-week position and is a temporary, six-month appointment. Renewal is optional pending coordinator review and availability of program funding. Responsibilities include […]

Shellfish farmers stay afloat with innovation, financial aid

Story and photos by Judy Benson Connecticut shellfish farmers endured the precipitous sales losses that nearly shut their businesses down during the early days of the pandemic last spring. Now, as their normally slow winter season approaches, oyster growers like Dave Hopp, Steve Plant and Larry Fernandez are preparing to weather what could be even […]