Adapt CT, an outreach partnership of Connecticut Sea Grant and the Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR), has been awarded a $2,978 grant to fund a student intern to work on a video about climate change in Connecticut. The video is intended primarily for municipal commission members. The grant is one of 14 […]
Author: Stacey Stearns
CT Trail Census Releases COVID-19 Trail Impact Report
UConn Extension is pleased to release the latest data on how several of the state’s most popular multi-use trails are being impacted by COVID-19. The new report documents trail use during March 2020 at 13 sites on multi-use trails in Connecticut, and compares use with the same period in 2019, as one indication of the […]
CDC Resources for COVID-19
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is the best source of information on health-related information related to COVID-19. Here are a few of their recent posts that you might be interested in: Running Essential Errands Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19 SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2020 (NEW) Cloth […]
Economic Assistance Programs for Agriculture & Businesses
Economic Assistance Programs Paycheck Protection Program The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses. Applications can be submitted starting today. Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as […]
New Guidance on Essential Employee Safety
New Guidance from State on Essential Employee Safety Just released guidance from State of Connecticut on health recommendations for essential employees. In addition to already widely available social distancing and sanitary recommendations, highlights are as follows: Control and monitor external visitors on work site Discourage carpooling Increase physical space between employees and customers (drive throughs, […]
Online Education Resources from Connecticut Sea Grant
Connecticut Sea Grant is encouraging teachers and parents to check out the many online educational resources available that can be used for virtual and at-home lessons about Long Island Sound and the larger marine environment. These can be found on the educational publications section of the CT Sea Grant website. In addition to online resources, a […]
Pruning Guide
Check out this handy pruning guide and refresher from our Sustainable Landscaping and Nursery IPM Educators. This was written for professionals, and is also applicable to home gardeners just getting started with the basics of pruning. It includes links to other resources for continued learning as well! bit.ly/Pruning_UConn PRUNING TIPS AND RULES OF THUMB – […]
Focus on Nutrition
March was National Nutrition Month, but we should be mindful of our nutrition year round! In addition to maintaining a balanced diet, it’s also important to stay hydrated, especially when incorporating physical activity in your daily routine. Utilizing local trails and paths in your area is a great way to get out and soak up […]
Job Opening: Tolland County Master Gardener Coordinator
The UConn Extension Master Gardener Program is seeking applications for the position of Master Gardener Tolland County Program Coordinator. 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. https://bit.ly/TollandMG
CLEAR Mini-webinar Series
In a small attempt at lessening the pain of social distancing, CLEAR has been hosting a “mini-webinar” series since late March. There are two 30-minute webinars per week, on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. So far, we’ve held 5 and had almost 500 people in attendance. The webinars are also taped and posted on the website. […]
CARES Resources for Small Businesses
Senator Murphy suggests if business or nonprofit owners/CEOs have questions about what they qualify for or help with the applications, they can reach out to any of these offices for assistance: SBA CT Office Website: https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/ct/hartford 860-240-4700 Interim SBA CARES rule Small Business Owner Guide to the CARES Act, providing info on SBA major programs and initiatives […]
Social Distancing on Trails
Recommendations for Social Distancing on Trails Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to trails — wash hands, carry hand sanitizer, do not use trails if you have symptoms, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, etc. Observe at all times CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from other […]
COVID-19 and Pets
A message from CDC: There is no reason at this time to think that any animals, including pets, in the United States might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus that causes COVID-19. To date, CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United […]
4-H Youth Program Offers Virtual Activities and Programs
Calling all youth! UConn 4-H is excited to announce a suite of virtual activities and programs for youth. Our 4-H youth educators have shifted their programming online to help youth adapt to the current situation, and continue their involvement with 4-H. The UConn 4-H Challenges are two separate contests – a food art challenge and […]
CT Farm to School Collaborative Welcomes Nyree Hodges
We are thrilled to introduce Nyree Hodges, our new Project Coordinator of the CT Farm To School Collaborative. She will be our point person for all future steps on the CT Farm to School Action Plan. Here’s a little bit about Nyree: Nyree brings several years of experience as a non-formal educator/teacher in environmental education, […]
Ask UConn Extension Your Questions
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. We are still delivering the […]
Wethersfield Continues to Offer 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 […]
4-H Photo Contest Results Are In!
Our 4-H photo contest results are in! Congratulations to our winners. View all entries at bit.ly/4-H_Photos – we have some exceptional photographers in our UConn 4-H program.
Guidance for Equine Businesses
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Guidance for Horseback Riding Schools and Stables / Boarding Stables Source: Connecticut Department of Agriculture HARTFORD, CT – In addition to implementing the Stay Home, Stay Safe protocols effective on March 23, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. through April 22, 2020; Governor Lamont’s Executive Order 7H required the Department of Economic and Community Development […]
Agriculture Producer Survey Request
Agricultural Producers: Please take this five minute survey on the impacts of COVID-19 on your business. The Governor of Connecticut issued a “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order except for essential businesses on March 23, 2020. The Commissioner of Agriculture clarified, per Executive Order 7H, that agriculture businesses are considered “essential businesses”. This anonymous survey will […]
Recipe: Peanut Butter Power Balls
A snack you can make with your children. (Un bocadillo que puedes hacer con tus hijos.) Stay home and enjoy (a quedarse en casa y a disfrutar) Peanut Butter Power Balls Ingredients 1- Cup oatmeal 1- Cup peanut butter (any nut butter) ½- cup honey ½- cup nonfat dry milk (optional) ½- cup raisins ½- […]
Food Safety and COVID-19
March 26, 2020 Update The following information has been compiled for the general public and for those who come under essential businesses in Connecticut. FDA resources: FDA has recently stated that food supply is safe among COVID-19 and there are no current disruptions in the supply chain. Consumers should be confident in the safety of their food. […]
Support for the Aquaculture Industry
Sales revenue for Connecticut aquaculture producers fell an average of 93 percent in February and March compared to the same period in 2019, and 70 percent of the workforce employed in shellfish, seaweed and finfish farming operations have been laid off due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These are some of the findings of […]
Farmer Relief Fund from American Farmland Trust
The American Farmland Trust Farmer Relief Fund will award farmers with cash grants of up to $1000 each to help them weather the current storm of market disruptions caused by the #coronavirus crisis. Initially eligible applicants include any small and mid-sized direct-market producers. The application will be simple and easy to complete. For complete information go to the AFT […]
Soil Testing Lab is Open
In light of agriculture (including community gardening) being designated as essential, the UConn Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory will remain open utilizing best practices; social distancing and disinfecting are a high priority. No one will be allowed in the lab but essential personnel. Any soil tests need to be mailed or left in the drop box […]
Tips for Parents and Caregivers of Children: Children and COVID-19
Tips to keep children healthy while school’s out Children are not at higher risk Based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, adults make up most of the known cases to date. You can learn more […]
Children Home From School: Advice for Parents
Children and their friends Limit Social Interactions: The key to slowing the spread of COVID-19 is to limit social interactions as much as possible. Parents should minimize play dates, and if held, parents should keep the groups small. Advise older children to hang out in a small group and to meet up outside rather than inside. […]
COVID-19: Nationwide Child Nutrition Waivers
COVID-19: Nationwide Child Nutrition Waivers The Families First Coronavirus Response Act gives the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) the authority to issue nationwide waivers to ensure access to meals through the child nutrition programs as communities respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and to issue waivers to increase cost. In order for a state to use a nationwide […]
Stay Healthy and Safe in Your Home Using CDC Guidelines
We are all doing our best to stay safe and healthy during COVID-19. We recommend using these guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help keep you, your family, and home healthy and safe. Know the difference between cleaning and disinfecting! “Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities […]
Take a Fun, Educational Beach Walk and Share Your Finds
Beachcombing along the Connecticut coast can be a fun and healthy educational activity for families eager to get out outdoors while the COVID-19 virus keeps children home from school. Among the many publications available from its website, Connecticut Sea Grant is calling attention to Living Treasures: The Plants and Animals of Long Island Sound, […]
Aquaculture Farmers: Local Health Dept. & District Contact Info
If you are considering direct sales via farm stands or markets, we previously sent the guidance and it is also at:http://aquaculture.uconn.edu. An important step in the approval process is to contact your local health department or district. Contact information is below. Keep in mind that these folks are very busy right now. Be persistent; be […]
Executive Order 7H – Essential Businesses
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EXECUTIVE ORDER 7H – ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES (HARTFORD, CT) – On March 20, 2020, The Governor issued Executive Order 7H, directing all businesses and nonprofit entities in the State of Connecticut to utilize, to the maximum extent possible, any telecommuting or work from home procedures that they can safely employ. That order […]
5 Ways to Keep Kids Engaged and Learning at Home
Article by Kittrina Thompson for National 4-H As communities across America experience the impact of school closures it can be stressful for parents and families to find resources available to maintain a sense of normalcy and make sure kids don’t get off track in their daily development. And while some schools are implementing a virtual […]
Virtual Town Hall for CT Farmers on Monday, March 23rd
Connecticut Farm Bureau Association Hosting a Virtual Town Hall Meeting for Connecticut Farmers on COVID-19 Monday, March 23, 2020 7:00 pm ZOOM Video-conference/Teleconference Up-to-date information on COVID-19 Emergency and its impact on Connecticut farms Opportunity to ask questions. Opportunity to raise concerns, address problems, share strategies and resources, and provide feedback. Agenda: Newest guidance and […]
Managing Stress – You and Your Families
In this challenging time, we need to take care of each other and especially ourselves. Self-care is important to our physical and mental health. We all deserve self-care, especially now. Please consider these resources. The first is a video on managing stress during a pandemic. It was worth the 17 minutes to hear tips on […]
Free Environmental Webinar Series from UConn CLEAR
The UConn Center for Land Use Education and Research is offering free webinars. Here is the schedule for the next three weeks: WEDNESDAY MARCH 25, 2020 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM UConn Environment Corps: Harnessing Student Power to Help Towns Chet Arnold, CLEAR Director THURSDAY MARCH 26, 2020 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM Emergency […]
Master Gardeners – COVID-19 Update
In the 40 years of the UConn Extension Master Gardener program, we have never faced anything quite this … unknown. This isn’t a flood, or hurricane, with a clear finish. This pandemic is an onslaught: health, finances, social interactions, and daily routines are all impacted. What doesn’t change is the incredible value of gardening; of […]
Food Safety Resources for Farmers
As we understand more about the novel coronavirus causing COVID-19 worldwide, we are constantly updating information and resources to help guide the fruit and vegetable farming community in Connecticut. Please use this resource document with links to information relevant to CT farmers. It can be easier to adapt to a constantly changing scenario if there […]
Important Resources for Aquaculture Farmers
March 19, 2020 COVID AND SEAFOOD SAFETY – By the National Fisheries Institute, includes responses to specific questions, as well as four simple talking points. REGULATORY INFO FOR DIRECT SALES Get the information you need to make direct sales in your community. NEED HELP GETTING WORD OUT VIA SOCIAL MEDIA? Are you trying to make sales […]
Information for Nursery & Landscape Professionals
For additional resources visit our COVID-19 page. The novel coronavirus is causing disruption not only to our industry, but globally. An industry entrenched in tradition is having to find new ways to close deals without a handshake. I am working on personally reaching out to you, our members, to stay current on how you are […]