2024 UConn 4-H Sheep Day Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Ratcliffe Hicks Arena – UConn Storrs, CT Designed for youth ages 7-18, parents/guardians, leaders and sheep enthusiasts. Each youth MUST have a chaperone on the premises. If a parent/guardian will not be accompanying a youth participant to UConn 4-H Sheep […]
Author: Desch, Melanie
Connecticut Gardeners’ 2024 Calendar
The UConn Master Gardeners have assembled a calendar for Connecticut gardeners! There are tips through every month on how to plan and maintain your garden for fresh blooms and abundant vegetables. This year there is additional information on supporting beneficial insects in the landscape, with tips on using integrated pest management, creating habitat for beneficials, […]
Master Gardener Photo Contest
Help us build a Master Gardener Calendar, 2024, for release in Fall of 2023! If you are a gardener, farmer, or enjoy spending time outside then you probably have a collection of photos waiting to be shared with the world. Our calendar might be the perfect opportunity to showcase your vision of the plant world […]
The Big E, 4-H, and FFA
The Big E can be a transformational educational experience for youth involved in 4-H and/or the National FFA Organization. Learn more about the event in personal testimonials and impact statements in this video!
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
UConn Summer Riding: Community Polo Lessons 2023
Polo lesson registration is now open! Lessons are available to Intermediate or Advanced Level riders who can maintain control of their horse at the walk, trot and canter, and comfortable on different levels of horses. DATES Session 1: Jun 5 – 24 Session 2: Jun 26 – Jul 14 Session 3: Jul 17 – Aug […]
Payne named to Global Group of Ocean Literacy Experts
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has established an international Group of Experts on Ocean Literacy, with 20 members from diverse disciplines, stakeholder groups, geographical regions, and with a focus on gender balance. The group includes Connecticut Sea Grant Education Coordinator Diana Payne. UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC/UNESCO) selected for its new Group […]
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
Play Breadwinner and Learn about Financial Literacy
Are you interested in learning more about financial literacy? Want to practice budgeting and making sound financial decisions as an adult in Connecticut? Play Breadwinner! Breadwinner was created with the purpose of teaching others about how to manage your money in the Connecticut workforce. The hope is to get teenagers and young adults to practice […]
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 […]
WTNH Channel 8 airs story on CT shell recycling program
WTNH Channel 8 news broadcast a story about Connecticut Sea Grant’s shell recycling initiative on its April 19 show. CTSG’s Tessa Getchis, aquaculture extension specialist, and Michael Gilman, shell recycling coordinator, were interviewed for the piece, titled “Connecticut oyster recycling program reinvigorates reefs.” Watch the story here.
4-H Youth Survey
Are you a 4-H member who participated in 2023? Are you between the ages of 13 and 18? Do you want to share your experience? Please help us gather feedback on our programming by filling out the anonymous Annual Index Survey at s.uconn.edu/4-Hindex23
Summer Horseback Riding Classes with Animal Science Department
Are you looking for activities to get you outside this Summer? Do you want more riding instruction to grow your skillset? The UConn Animal Science department is offering horseback riding classes to the public this summer and there is something for everyone! Learn more at the following link: s.uconn.edu/summer-riding Lessons include Dressage, Hunt Seat, Polo, […]
Windham Extension Council Annual Meeting
Join us for a celebration of UConn Extension work with the Windham County Extension Council. Dr. Joe Emenheiser, our livestock Extension Educator, will conduct a demonstration on considerations of sheep management with sheep onsite. Topics will include basic handling, body condition scoring, general management, and more! Stay for local apple crisp and refreshments. Wednesday, May […]
Meat Science Program Merges Local Roots with Global Perspective
Connecticut may be best known as leaders in manufacturing and insurance, but one longstanding UConn program aims to help beef up the state’s meat industry. The meat science program in UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources teaches students about Connecticut’s unique industry profile while providing them with the skills to work anywhere. Established in the […]
SAFER CEA Conference April 13th and 14th
Registration is open! Join us on April 13th and 14th, 2023 for the SAFER Controlled Environment Agriculture conference! The Strategizing to Advance Future Extension and Research (SAFER) CEA conference aims to advance the science, knowledge and practice of food safety in the CEA produce industry. CEA industry stakeholders, regulatory partners and food safety research and […]
Jardin Para Principiantes
¿Quieres hacer un jardin pero no sabes cómo empezar? ¡UCONN Master Gardeners pueden ayudarte! Ofrecemos un taller “Jardin para Principiantes” el 14 de marzo del 2023. La presentación incluye como planificar tu jardin, la siembra, el mantenimiento, y la cosecha de sus vegetales, frutas o flores favoritos. También hablaremos de cómo hacer un jardin en […]
Job Openings at UConn Extension
Remember to check our jobs page with UConn Extension and consider the opportunity to join our team! There are several new faculty and staff openings encompassing varying backgrounds and specialties. The current open positions are below. Visiting Assistant Extension Educator – Long Island Sound Study (LISS) Outreach Coordinator Visiting Assistant Extension Educator – Nature-Based Approaches […]
Connecticut Saves Week
Connecticut Saves Week is February 27th through March 3rd, 2023! Each day includes a financial theme that Connecticut Saves will be promoting alongside America Saves. Monday, February 27: Saving Automatically, Tuesday, February 28: Saving for the Unexpected, Wednesday, March 1: Saving for Major Milestones, Thursday, March 2: Paying Down Debt is Saving Friday, March 3: […]
Seminarios Web para Trabajadores de la Industria de Invernaderos y Viveros Ornamentales – 2023
Le invitamos a atender a estos seminarios web (webinars) en español diseñados para trabajadores en invernaderos y viveros de producción de plantas ornamentales. El programa incluye ocho presentaciones/videos de 30 minutos cada una. Marzo 20: Saneamiento de superficies duras entre ciclos de cultivos en invernaderos que producen plantas ornamentales – Rosa Raudales Marzo 2: Control de malezas como […]
EFNEP Program Assistant (Educational Program Assistant 1), Educational outreach – Fairfield
Applications Closed Search #: 497240 Work type: Full-time Location: Fairfield County Extension Ctr Categories: Academic Programs and Services JOB SUMMARY The UConn Fairfield County Extension Center located in Bethel, CT is seeking applications for a full-time Program Assistant, Education Outreach. The Program Assistant will be responsible for promoting and carrying out community-based nutrition, outreach, and youth development programs […]
Outreach Assistant (Educational Program Assistant 2)
Outreach Assistant (Educational Program Assistant 2) APPLICATIONS CLOSED Search #: 497128 Work type: Part-time Location: Tolland County Extension Center Categories: Academic Programs and Services JOB SUMMARY UConn Extension is seeking a part-time Outreach Assistant (Education Program Assistant 2) who will coordinate the activities and provide support for the University’s farm-to-school outreach programming in partnership with the CT Farm […]
Black History Month Series: Faith
The theme for this week is Faith. The Black church has been a foundation of faith and resistance, as well as a spiritual center, place of worship, cultural and social center. Churches and other faith organizations also provided a safe haven for enslaved people, such as: 👉🏾Physical safety 👉🏾Food and clothing 👉🏾Encouragement, hope and […]
2023 FSMA Produce Safety Alliance Remote Grower Training Course
Register here: https://s.uconn.edu/fsmaproducesafety Date/Time of Event: Tuesday, March 7th, 2023, 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 8th, 2023, 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Contact Person Phone and Email: Indu Upadhyaya 860-786-8191 indu.upadhyaya@uconn.edu Instructors Indu Upadhyaya, Ph.D., Food Safety Specialist, UConn Cooperative Extension Diane Hirsch, MPH, Food Safety Specialist, UConn Jacqueline Kowalski, […]
2023 Spring Urban Agriculture Tour at Green Village Initiative
Save the Date for the upcoming Urban Ag Conservation Tour we will be co-hosting with partners on April 29, 2023, as part of our CT Soil Health Initiative with USDA NRCS. Hosted at Green Village Initiative’s Reservoir Community Farm in Bridgeport, learn about support for urban farms and organizations. Leaders in the industry will be […]
Job Opening Master Gardener (Educational Program Coordinator)
Master Gardener (Educational Program Coordinator) APPLY NOW Search #: 497171 Work type: Full-time Location: Other – please see posting for additional information Categories: Academic Programs and Services JOB SUMMARY This Master Gardener (Educational Program Coordinator) position ensures the effective and consistent function of the UConn Extension Master Gardener program in developing trained volunteers who can assist the general public […]
Black History Month – Week 2
The theme for this week is Activism. Food activism can be seen in many aspects of African American History. 👉🏾When the Transatlantic Slave Trade started, captured Africans braided seeds and grains into their hair to bring their foods with them as a way of survival. Rice, okra, peanuts, benne, watermelon are some examples of […]
Recognizing Diane Gawronski, UConn Master Gardener, for Receiving Haddam Historical Society Award
We love sharing the accomplishments of Master Gardeners! Diane Gawronski, MG Middlesex Class of 2022, was honored this year with an award by the Haddam Historical Society. See their full post below: “This year the Haddam Historical Society acknowledged garden volunteer Dr. Diane Gawronski, DMD with the Founders’ Day Award. Diane has been responsible for […]
Windham Well Testing Workshop
Register today for a well water workshop for residents in Windham, Coventry and Mansfield! Even if your well water tastes and smells fine, that doesn’t always mean its safe to drink. The workshop will run Sunday, February 12th, 2:30pm-4:00pm at Eastern Connecticut State University. At the end of the workshop there will be the opportunity […]
2023 Northeast Grazing Conference
Introducing the 2023 Northeast Grazing Conference – Virtual, January 20th and 21st, 2023 Registration page and more info: https://NEGrazingConference2023.eventbrite.com New this year, northeast grazing-focused organizations are collaborating – The New England Grazing Network, Maine Grass Farmers Network, Granite State Grazers, The Livestock Institute, Vermont Grass Farmers Association, and the hosts of Grassworks NY – to hold […]
Bedding Plants Spring 2023- In Person Workshop
RSVP today for the following program. Bedding Plants – Spring 2023! Litchfield County Extension Center, Torrington, CT January 18, 2023 1-3 pm. No charge. 2 pesticide credits. Light refreshments. Topics: Update on Insect and Mite Pests, Leanne Pundt, UConn Extension Recap 2022, Bedding Crop Diseases to Prepare for 2023 Yonghao Li Plant Information […]
2023 Tri-state Greenhouse IPM Workshops
Registration is now open for the virtual 2023 Tri-state Greenhouse IPM Workshops!: “The ABC’s of a Better Crop” REGISTER HERE: https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/index.php?eventid=728145& When – Where: Two, Online Zoom Sessions: Session 1: Thursday, January 19th 1:00 – 3:30pm Session 2: Thursday, January 26th 1:00 – 3:30pm Featured speakers include: Juang (JC) Chong, Clemson University, South […]
Master Gardener Calendar 2023
We are excited to present the 2023 UConn Master Gardener Calendar in Digital and Printable form. This calendar was compiled using photography and tips shared from Master Gardeners in New Haven County. The calendar includes information about our programming, resources for more information, insect highlights and the official Plant Hardiness Zone map of Connecticut and […]
Winter 2023 Ornamental and Turf Short Course
Wednesdays 5:30-7 pm, from January 11 – March 8, 2023 Click here to register today! More information at s.uconn.edu/ornamental-turf. Registration will remain open until Friday, January 6 Questions? Please contact Alyssa Siegel-Miles, alyssa.siegel-miles@uconn.edu Ornamental and Turf Online Short Course Description: UConn Extension offers an online Ornamental & Turf Short Course in the fall and winter, […]
Foundations of Shellfish Farming Training Course 2023
Registration: http://s.uconn.edu/shellfish Cost: $300 Foundations of Shellfish Farming is a training course for new and prospective farmers and those who simply seek to learn more about aquaculture practices and techniques. Topics that will be covered include: how to establish and operate a shellfish business; leasing and permitting requirements; considerations for gear, vessels, and facilities, shellfish biology, aquaculture techniques and best practices, and risks […]
CT Trail Finder and Avenza Maps Webinar
WEDNESDAY, December 7, 2022 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Trail Mapping for CT Trail Finder with Avenza Maps Cary Chadwick & Emily Wilson, UConn CLEAR Connecticut Trail Finder is a free, interactive mapping site designed to help Connecticut residents and visitors find publicly accessible hiking, walking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and paddling trails across […]
Can I make my own Sausage?
UConn EFNEP (Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program) answers this common question and more. In its most basic form, sausage is minced meat with salt and other seasoning. It may or may not be stuffed into casings, can be made as a raw or cooked product and comes in all sizes and shapes. In many […]
Husky Harvest Info Session- Regional Campus Food Pantry
SNAP-Ed Food Security recently teamed up with United Way to offer a info session for Stamford campus students and Husky Harvest clients. Husky Harvest is the name for the new regional campus food pantry program. Food insecurity is rising on many college campuses and Husky Harvest strives to provide students with resources while minimizing […]
Job Opening: Fairfield County Master Gardener Coordinator
Position Description 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 […]