Fort Hill Farms in Thompson, Connecticut is the 2025 New England Green Pastures award winner for Connecticut. Led by Kies (Orr) and Jared LaVack, Fort Hill Farms exemplifies innovation, sustainability, and dedication to dairy excellence. As fourth-generation farmers, Kies and Jared have continued the Orr family legacy with a forward-thinking approach that blends tradition with […]
Author: Stacey Stearns
Solid Ground Offers Free Consultations for Farmers
Has this dryer season seen different disease and pest issues cropping up on the farm that you’re not sure what to do about? Are you curious about how to better utilize your small space into a productive farm business? Are you wondering if you could improve on your animal’s health by making some changes? Our […]
Save the Date: 7th Annual CT Trails Symposium
Save the date for the Connecticut Greenways Council’s 7th annual Connecticut Trail Symposium at Manchester Community College on October 3rd! The theme is Trail Community: breaking down barriers, enhancing accessibility, trail alliance development, mentorship, and more. Request for Proposals Open until September 1: If you have a topic of interest you’d like to present in a break-out presentation session or as […]
Applications Open for UConn’s 2026 Master Gardener Program
UConn Extension is now accepting applications for its 2026 Master Gardener Program, a comprehensive educational initiative that combines horticultural training with community service. Applications must be submitted by Friday, October 17, 2025, to the location where applicants wish to take classes—either a county Extension Center or the Bartlett Arboretum. The Litchfield County cohort offers a flexible option […]
Exploring Extension Pop Up Events
Extension offers various opportunities for UConn students, including applying classroom knowledge in the field in independent study and other experiential learning opportunities to fulfilling careers after graduation and maintaining connection to advance the mission of the university as volunteers and partners. Pop-up events were held in Storrs and at all four regional campuses: Avery Point, […]
Fresh, Local, and Thriving: Celebrate National Farmers Market Week with Us
From August 3–9, UConn Extension is proud to join communities across the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week—a time to recognize the vital role that farmers markets play in supporting local agriculture, strengthening community connections, and increasing access to fresh, nutritious food. Connecticut is home to over 100 farmers markets, each one a vibrant hub […]
USDA Assistance for Farmers
Creating a Farmers.gov Account Makes Receiving USDA Assistance Easy, Efficient Are you interested in working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to start or grow your farm or private forest operation, but don’t know where to start? Whether you’re looking to access capital or disaster assistance through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) or address natural resource concerns […]
Preparing for Heavy Rain: What Residents and Farmers Can Do
Connecticut is expecting a significant rain event beginning Thursday afternoon and continuing into Friday morning. While this may lead to localized flooding, there are proactive steps you can take to protect your home, farm, and community. At UConn Extension, we believe in the power of preparation and community resilience. Here’s how you can get ready: […]
Full Circle at Fodor Farm
This summer, the Growing Gardens, Growing Health program welcomed back a familiar face – not as a participant, but as a dedicated summer Extension intern. Now a college student pursing a degree in Exercise Science, this young man first came to Fodor Farm as an eight-year–old, eager to dig his hands into the soil and […]
Why Supporting Local Agriculture Matters – and How You Can Get Involved
Connecticut and New England’s local farms and farmers markets are more than just places to buy fresh produce, they’re the backbone of a resilient, nutritious, and community-driven food system. Our farmers and farmers’ market organizers explain the impact of local agriculture and how you can be part of it, including through the Eastern States Exposition […]
Survey for Backyard Poultry Flock Owners
Are you raising a backyard flock? This survey is for you! Since March 2024, 70 cases of avian influenza A(H5) (H5 bird flu) have occurred in humans in the United States, mostly among workers exposed to infected dairy cows and commercial poultry farms. However, cases have also occurred among people exposed to birds kept in […]
Mosquito Season Alert: CT Horse & Livestock Owners Advised to Guard Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Preventative Measures are Key to Protection The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) reminds the state’s horse and livestock community to take preventative measures to protect against mosquito-borne diseases this season, including West Nile virus (WNV) and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). While Connecticut has not had any reported human or horse cases this season, the […]
Survey: CT Native Perennial, Tree & Shrub Availability List
UConn is seeking your input on the impact of the Connecticut Native Perennial, Tree, & Shrub Availability List! We are seeking your feedback to explore the impacts of the resource as well as areas for improvement. This survey should take less than 5 minutes to complete and is anonymous. Complete the Survey at: https://uconn.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0dE8XrXCL2hCG6a Thank you for your input! The Connecticut Native […]
Farm Biosecurity Tip: Write Out a Biosecurity Plan
Farm Biosecurity Tip: Write out a biosecurity plan. Thinking about biosecurity is a great first step–developing a well-thought-out plan is next. Make sure that all family members, employees, and other personnel that interact with animals on your operation know how to follow the biosecurity plan, and have the resources and training to do so. Review […]
Meet Giulia Gambale
Giulia Gambale recently joined our team as the Master Gardener Coordinator for New Haven County. She is originally from Peabody, Massachusetts, has a bachelor of arts in communication, and became a certified UConn Extension Master Gardener in 2023. What is your area of interest and how did you get started with it? Definitely vegetables, fruits […]
UConn Equine Extension Deworming Education Survey
The UConn Equine Extension Program is conducting a study to gather insight into the current deworming practices used by horse owners and equine professionals. We invite you to participate in a brief, 10-minute survey to help our team assess knowledge and awareness of deworming practices within the horse industry. Your input will help us better […]
July 17: School IPM Workshop
UConn Extension invites school and municipal grounds professionals to the annual School & Municipal Turf/Grounds Workshop on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the UConn Turf Research Facility in Storrs, Connecticut. This full-day event delivers science-based presentations and hands-on learning designed to help professionals manage healthy, sustainable landscapes in schoolyards, parks, athletic fields, and other public […]
Farming is Hard. Really Hard.
By Jean Cardinale “Farming is hard work.” As a volunteer farmers’ market manager for 20 years, I said that phrase countless times. I knew from talking to farmers each season that they were dedicated to bringing their products to the public each week, no matter what challenges they faced, and that fueled my pursuit to […]
Level Up Your Life Skills with Breadwinner
Can You Be a Breadwinner? Find Out in This New Financial Literacy Game Balancing work, groceries, bills, and your family’s health is no easy task, especially when time and money are tight. Breadwinner, a free online game developed by UConn Extension, turns these real-world challenges into a fast-paced and engaging simulation for teens and young adults. […]
Staying Safe on the Farm: Heat, Fire, Machinery & Animal Care
Connecticut farmers work hard year-round, but summer brings risks that demand extra attention. At UConn Extension, we’re committed to helping you protect your family, farm crew, pets, and livestock from summer hazards. Working in Extreme Heat Human and animal health are both vulnerable to summer’s soaring temperatures. Heat stress can lead to serious illness in […]
Farm Biosecurity Tip: Follow Reporting Guidelines
Farm Biosecurity Tip: Follow reporting guidelines for sick and deceased animals. If you notice a wild animal that is exhibiting signs of illness (such as HPAI) or a group of deceased birds, report your observations to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Wildlife Division. The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (DoAg) State Veterinarian […]
Meet Jacqueline Crepeau
Jacqueline Crepeau joined our team this year as the Middlesex County Master Gardener Coordinator. She’s originally from Gainesville, Florida (Go Gators!) and is a lifelong learner. What is your area of interest? My primary area of interest is community-focused horticulture, particularly creating engaging and educational gardening spaces that foster collaboration, sustainability, and respect for the […]
Bug Week 2025: A Celebration of Insects Across Connecticut
Bug Week 2025 is Here – and It’s Buzzing with Excitement! From July 13–19, UConn Extension invites you to explore the incredible world of insects through hands-on events across Connecticut. Whether you’re curious about edible bugs, want to explore stream ecosystems, or just love creepy crawlies, there’s something for everyone. Event Highlights: July 14: Crunch into […]
Online Gardening Course Available
UConn Extension is excited to announce that the Fundamentals of Home Gardening online course, designed to help gardening enthusiasts of all levels cultivate thriving home gardens, is available for home gardeners who want to expand their knowledge and skills. The course is divided into four modules covering essential gardening topics: CORE – Water, Soils, and […]
Hit the Trails and Earn Badges with CT Trail Finder
Connecticut’s trails just got even more rewarding! UConn Extension, in collaboration with CT Trail Finder and UConn CLEAR (Center for Land Use Education and Research), invites you to lace up your hiking boots, get outside, and earn digital Trail Badges for your adventures. The CT Trail Finder is a free, interactive mapping site that helps […]
June 9: Compost Tour in Ridgefield
Our partners at the CT Compost Alliance are hosting Compost Tours again this year. Join us on June 9th in Ridgefield for the latest compost tour. These events highlight different composting operations, offering learning opportunities for both beginners and those with experience. The event at the Ridgefield Transfer Station on Monday, June 9th at 2:00 […]
Meet Rebecca Bleiman
Rebecca Bleiman recently joined our team as the Program Coordinator for the UConn Extension Master Gardeners in Lower Fairfield County at the Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford. Rebecca grew up in Princeton, New Jersey, graduated from Ithaca College, and completed the Master Gardener program in 2024. What is your area of interest? I retired from a […]
Save the Date – Northeast Greenhouse Conference and Expo
Save the Date – Northeast Greenhouse Conference and Expo November 12 & 13, 2025 DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown Hotel and Expo Center Please save the date for the largest greenhouse educational event and trade show in the Northeast! This fall, we will be back in downtown Manchester, New Hampshire within easy walking distance to […]
Defining Extension Programs at UConn: Smith-Lever Legislation
By Amy Harder, Associate Dean & Associate Director, UConn Extension Smith-Lever Funding UConn Extension provides nonformal education through the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs intentionally designed to address critical issues relevant to the people of Connecticut. Critical issues are determined on a five-year basis and outlined in the University of Connecticut Research and Extension […]
Understanding Bird Flu: What You Need to Know
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly referred to as bird flu, is making headlines again as it affects poultry populations across the United States. Whether you’re a backyard poultry keeper, a commercial producer, or a consumer concerned about food safety, it’s important to understand how this virus spreads and what you can do to minimize […]
May 31: Spring Gardening Event in Newtown
Join us for a Spring Gardening Event offered by the Fairfield County Agricultural Extension Council, Inc and the Horticulture Club of Newtown on Saturday, May 31st from 9:00am until 1:00pm at 45 Main Street in Newtown, in front of the Edmond Town Hall. The Fairfield County Agricultural Council, Inc (FCAEC), and UConn Extension Master Gardeners […]
Get Trusted Answers from Local Experts with UConn Extension
Have you ever stood in your garden wondering what’s wrong with a plant—or looked at a canning recipe and felt unsure if it’s truly safe? Maybe you’re a new landowner trying to make environmentally sound decisions, or simply want to grow better agricultural crops this season. Whatever your question, UConn Extension is here to help—with […]
PFAS Soil Testing Available for Connecticut Farms
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) is now accepting soil samples from Connecticut farms for a new program providing free analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of highly toxic chemicals. PFAS, which have been found on farms and in drinking water across the nation, can cause harmful health effects at extremely low […]
Residents: Surrender or Dispose of Unsolicited Packages of Seeds
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg), are urging residents to remain vigilant following reports of unsolicited seed packages arriving by mail. It is important to follow guidance from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to report and safely handle these suspicious seed shipments, which may pose environmental and […]
Livestock Summer Field Workshops
It’s that time of year again: Tri-State SARE Summer Field Workshops Join us for one, two, or all three! Wednesday, May 21 – Finicky Farm 9:30-12:30; 664 Millers Falls Rd. Northfield, MA 01360 We invite you to join us in touring this sheep and goat operation. Get a look at the grazing management, stockpiling and […]
Farm Biosecurity Tip: Wildlife
Farm Biosecurity Tip: Limit interactions with wildlife. Wildlife, such as deer, geese, ducks, and rodents, may be reservoirs for infectious diseases that could be detrimental to the health of your operation. Prevent interaction between these species and your stock by using fencing or poultry netting. Walk pastures and pens frequently to confirm that fencing is […]
Farm To Early Childhood Education
Join UConn Extension as they take a look at part of the wonderful work that has gone into getting food from local farms into our Early Childcare centers in Connecticut. We’ll look at the benefits to kids, educators, parents, and farmers, and hear their perspectives on what it’s like interacting with local food in their […]
Upcoming CLEAR Trainings
Our Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR) has several upcoming trainings: This Saturday, April 26, 2025 9:00 – 12:00 PM Workshop: Basic Training for Land Use Commissioners Presented by: Renata Bertotti, Land Use Educator UConn CLEAR’s Land Use Academy is holding an in-person training for land use commissioners on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at […]
Celebrate Earth Day by Supporting Extension During UConn Gives
Earth Day is a time to reflect, take action, and invest in the health of our planet—and our communities. At UConn Extension, every day is Earth Day as we work side-by-side with Connecticut residents to address the environmental challenges we face and build more resilient, sustainable systems. From teaching youth about pollinators and climate change, […]
Help us Reach All Communities During UConn Gives
Donate today to help ensure UConn Extension can continue to provide trusted knowledge and resources to residents across Connecticut. Through the Reaching All Communities with UConn Extension fund, we ensure that vital programs reach those who need them most. Make a Difference – Donate Today! Impact of your gift One way this fund helps Connecticut families is […]