Connecticut shellfish farmers who endured severe sales losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic are being offered the chance to earn income by working on a unique project to rehabilitate the state’s natural shellfish beds. The project, developed by Connecticut Sea Grant and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, will employ shellfish farmers with vessels normally used […]
Author: Stacey Stearns
UConn PEP: Empowering Communities
The UConn People Empowering People Program is an innovative personal and family development program with a strong community focus. Created by Cheryl Czuba, UConn Extension Educator, and coordinated by Cathleen T. Love, Ph.D, UConn Professor of Extension, The UConn PEP program has graduated over one thousand people in over fifteen years. The UConn PEP program […]
Green Farms Academy At UConn Environmental Action Day
Climate Change Challenge Winner Spotlight: Greens Farms Academy We were fortunate enough to have Greens Farms Academy’s Middle School Green Team attend our Environmental Action day event. Here is a short video about their experience at the summit: Find more at: https://www.gfacademy.org/about/gfa-blog/single-post-gfa-blog/~board/sustainability-2019/post/cross-divisional-climate-action-planning
The Great Spring Smoothie Slurp!
SLURP your way into Summer With Put Local on Your Tray and New England Dairy! Spring is the perfect time to SOURCE, SERVE, and CELEBRATE local. Popular spring harvests includes our dark leafy greens like Kale, our colorful fruits like Strawberries and, of course, we can’t forget our local Dairy products, which are in season […]
Summer Environmental Education Academy
Connecticut educators are invited to participate in FE3: Facilitating Excellence in Environmental Education, Climate Simulation Workshop and Resources professional development program from July 14 to 16. To meet changing health directives this workshop will be offered electronically from a.m. to 3 p.m. A flier for the Summer Environmental Education Academy can be found here. This series […]
UConn 4-H Activity Calendar- June 2020
UConn 4-H has created an activity calendar for youth for the month of June. Participate in STEM-related activities with us all month long! The PDF is available at: UConn 4-H activity calendar-June 2020
CT, NY Sea Grants to Create Plan for LIS Debris Reduction
Abandoned boats, broken lobster traps, discarded tires and all types of other trash aren’t just eyesores on Long Island Sound’s beaches, coves and channels. They’re also hazards to wildlife that can impede navigation and threaten human safety and health. To address this problem, Connecticut and New York Sea Grant programs will initiate a Marine Debris […]
A Message to the CAHNR Community
Dear Friends and Colleagues – The events of the past few weeks have brought sadness and outrage to communities across our nation. The senseless killing of black men and women demonstrates that as a nation, we need to make further and strong progress toward our aspirations of a diverse and inclusive society. The College of […]
UConn Equine Extension Webinars with Dr. Jenifer Nadeau
Interested in learning more about trail etiquette, horse health, farm management practices, and even the history of the horse in North America? Luckily, the UConn Equine Extension Webinar series with Dr. Jenifer Nadeau begins this Wednesday and we would love for you to join us! To access meeting links please visit: https://animalscience.cahnr.uconn.edu/uconn-equine-extension-program/
What is a Virus?
A virus has a very simple makeup. It is just a piece of DNA or RNA, a protein coat, and in some cases a fatty (lipid) layer. The protein coat provides protection for the piece of genetic information (DNA or RNA), and can code for different functions when the virus infects a host organism. Viruses […]
UConn Extension Hand Sanitizer Distribution
The CT Department of Agriculture secured a limited amount of free hand sanitizer from FEMA through a donation from Exxon. The CT Department of Agriculture has been working to distribute to farmers markets via the Hartford Regional Market. They have given part of the donation to UConn Extension to disperse to on-farm markets/CSA’s and PYO operations. It is on […]
Cows’ Milk Alternatives – What you need to know about plant–based milk alternative options
People choosing plant-based drinks in place of cows’ milk has surged over the past eight to ten years. The popularity has fueled increases in sales and there are many options to choose from in grocery and health food stores. The biggest reason many people choose plant-based drinks is that they don’t tolerate dairy or want […]
Healthy Family Connecticut
Interested in more nutrition information for you and your family? The Healthy Family Connecticut website from the UConn Department of Allied Health Sciences offers many science-based and nutrition resources for you and your family to stay healthy that are offered in both English and Spanish. Resources are offered for Parents of Toddlers, Preschool Aged Children, […]
Wethersfield Residents Grow With UConn PEP Program
Around the state, organizations have found a way to continue UConn Extension’s Parent Leadership Training, part of our People Empowering People (UConn PEP) program. With technology, determination and creativity PEP facilitators are keeping their parent leaders connected and informed during this difficult time by offering the UConn PEP program via Zoom. One such program is being run by […]
Caring for Electronics
KEEPING DEVICES CLEAN Electronics may carry germs that pose risks to your health. Minimize your health risks by following these practices: Before cleaning any device, wash your hands. Apply clean water and soap to your hands. Scrub the back and front of your hands, in between your fingers, and underneath your fingernails for 20 […]
5 Tips For Trail Etiquette
With the recent pandemic, you may find yourselves utilizing more local trails than ever before. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while you take your adventures outdoors! This message is brought to you by the UConn Extension PATHS team – People Active on Trails for Health and Sustainability. We are an interdisciplinary […]
May Wildflowers
Why are wildflowers the most beautiful of flowers? Perhaps it is because they are untamed by mankind and often appear when one is not even looking for them. In spring, one of the pleasures of getting out on nature trails or trekking through the woods is coming across some of Connecticut’s spring blooming wildflowers. These […]
Plant Diagnostic Lab Offers Hot Water Seed Treatment
Our Plant Diagnostic Laboratory now offers hot water seed treatment. What is it? Watch Abby Beissinger, our plant diagnostician, explain how hot water seed treatment works and can help you. Hot water seed treatment is supported in part by a UConn CAHNR Innovation in Extension Programming Award and a grant from the New England Vegetable […]
Is Your State Reopening? Know the Rules!
Teen-Adult Power = BIG Collective Environmental & Community Impacts!
When we think of environmental education (EE), we might think of connecting youth to nature, increasing student academic achievement, and developing the next generation of environmental stewards. These are all excellent and proven benefits of EE. But EE that specifically empowers youth and adults towards environmental action in their community can also lead to direct environmental […]
UConn Extension has Stress Management Resources for Ag Producers
UConn Extension has Stress Management Resources for Agricultural Producers Article by MacKenzie White We understand many of our Connecticut farms and families have been dealing with stress long before this pandemic took place. May is National Mental Health Month, although it may seem like there is nothing to celebrate, reaching out to someone could […]
Cold Weather and Finding Old Friends in the Garden
These are some crazy times lately. Snow in the second week of May just adds to the disruptions in our lives right now. Folks are looking to their yard and gardens to bring stability to the upheaval in their lives, and snow and cold weather does not ease the mind. However, mother nature has a […]
No-till Vegetable Production
No-till vegetable production: soil health, weed control, and crop yields Article by Shuresh Ghimire, Extension Vegetable Specialist, UConn Extension Building healthy soils, integrating cover crops, and managing weeds are key elements of vegetable farms. The use of no-till and cover crops provide a wealth of soil benefits thereby improving the productivity of the farming systems. […]
Seafood survey could help further increase in demand
With national data showing Americans have been eating more fish and shellfish during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new report on a survey of Connecticut residents’ seafood consumption habits and preferences offers timely information seafood dealers can use to help make the increase permanent. The final report on the Connecticut Seafood Survey, a project to better understand […]
UConn 4-H and Partners Move Over 78,000 Pounds of Dairy Products
UConn 4-H and Partners Move Over 78,000 Pounds of Dairy Products to Support Connecticut Communities UConn 4-H, the youth development program of Extension in the UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources has moved 78,894 pounds of dairy products to date – the equivalent of six full-size elephants – during Operation Community Impact. 4-H […]
UConn 4-H Verification and Lease Guidelines for 2020
UConn 4-H Verification and Lease Guidelines for 2020 In recognition of the increased challenges associated with completing verification and lease forms during this social distancing period, UConn 4-H has revised the guidelines for the 2020 4-H Fair Season. Dairy, Beef and Horse Deadline for submission is now May 15 (grace period with late fee till […]
Early Garden Arrivals
Spring 2020 generally arrived on time in Connecticut, but with some hesitation. A few bright, warm days have been sprinkled between cool or rainy, windy days and some localized snow showers. Those warm days brought out the rakes, pruners, shovel, and a pop-up yard bag to clear the debris that accumulated since the fall clean […]
Highlights of Extension
UConn Extension has collaborated with our partners, communities and stakeholders for over 100 years. We are proud to serve all 169 cities and towns in Connecticut. The worldwide pandemic involving COVID-19 (coronavirus) has produced unprecedented challenges in the UConn community and around the world. Our services continue during this challenging time. All of our educators […]
Family and Food Resources from UConn EFNEP
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) helps families learn about healthy eating, shopping on a budget, cooking and physical activity. EFNEP staff strive to empower participants, providing knowledge and skills to improve the health of all family members. Participants learn through doing, with cooking, physical activity and supportive discussions about nutrition and healthy habits. EFNEP […]
Hurricane Preparedness Week
Hurricane Preparedness Week is coming to a close, but our Healthy Homes Partnership reminds us that #hurricaneprep can happen anytime. What actions can you take to keep your home safe? Image: Georgia Ready.gov
‘Gardening for Good’ show features Sea Grant’s Preston
Listen and learn about sustainable gardening in “Gardening for Good,” the new monthly radio show hosted by Judy Preston, the Long Island Sound outreach coordinator for Connecticut Sea Grant. It airs at 10 a.m. on Fridays on iWCRV Internet radio: http://icrvradio.com/programs/program/298 The common theme is sustainable gardening, with emphasis on water quality and connecting the watershed […]
Communities Feed Kids
There are amazing stories from across Connecticut about the efforts being made to feed our communities. Responding to COVID-19 requires generosity and ingenuity. We recognize, more than ever, it is clear the roles schools play and the necessity of school meal programs to connect and serve healthy and local food with our communities. Put local […]
Supporting Connecticut’s Shellfish Industry During COVID-19
SUPPORTING CONNECTICUT’S SHELLFISH INDUSTRY DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC Phased Response to Rehabilitate Natural Beds (HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is collaborating with state and federal partners on the development of a phased response to support shellfish farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The innovative program will enable shellfish farmers to contribute to the rehabilitation of […]
Department of Agriculture Soliciting Wholesale Product Availability
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is soliciting farmers to identify product availability from May through December 2020 in response to the demand for accessible local food in light of COVID-19. This information may be used to facilitate the Farmer to Families Foodbox Program, wholesale supply chains, and other COVID-19 response efforts. As Connecticut addresses the […]
Garden Centers are Open Statewide
Is it time to get outside and work on your garden? Or are you looking for the perfect gift for mom this weekend? There are garden centers with curbside pickup and online ordering available throughout the state. Find a garden center near you and the services offered at: https://greenhouse.uconn.edu/2020gardencenters/ And, don’t be alarmed […]
Home With Chickens: Enhance Your Poultry Skills With Us
Chickens are increasing in popularity with many residents, and for good reason. Owning poultry provides a source of fresh eggs, and is fun. At some point, you may have questions while you are home with chickens UConn Extension, part of the UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources has a suite of resources for […]
Operation Community Impact: 4-H Helps Distribute Milk Statewide
UConn 4-H, the youth development program of Extension in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is organizing Operation Community Impact. This afternoon, 4-H members and volunteers are working with community partners and the UConn Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) to deliver 7,200 half-gallons of milk donated by Dairy Farmers of […]
Making Minestrone Soup at Home
What’s for dinner? If you’re looking for a new recipe, try this minestrone soup recipe with Heather Peracchio, one of our Extension educators from the UConn Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program.
Headphone Etiquette on the Trail
Headphone etiquette on the trail: With the world situation changing daily, more people have been finding their way out to trails. Some it maybe their 1 st time riding or walking trails. There are still some rules and etiquette that need to be followed. Most of us enjoy listening to music, podcasts or audiobooks to […]
Clean Your Kitchen, Fruits and Vegetables
Heather Peracchio, one of our Extension educators with the UConn Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, shares tips on how to clean your kitchen, fruits and vegetables.