UConn Extension and the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture are proud to announce our newest team member, Abby Beissinger. Abby has accepted the position of Plant Diagnostician in the UConn Plant Diagnostic Laboratory. Her first official day was May 28, 2019. Abby attended the University of Wisconsin and received a B.A. in Anthropology […]
Author: Stacey Stearns
4-H in Vernon Afterschool Program
The 4-H in Vernon Afterschool Program was started in 2014 as a partnership between UConn Extension Tolland County 4-H and UConn Community Outreach (CO) Program. The 4-H in Vernon Afterschool Program is an enrichment opportunity where UConn CO student volunteers work with local area elementary school students in a fun and informal education setting, engaging […]
Join us for a Garden Party
Please join the UConn Extension Master Gardener Program for an exclusive Garden Party, hosted by Master Gardener Susan Saint James. Saturday, June 15, 2019 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Susan Saint James Home* Litchfield, CT Speaking program includes: Susan Saint James Dean Indrajeet Chaubey of UConn CAHNR Amy Chesmer, CAHNR ‘94 Tickets: Individual – $100 ($60 tax-deductible) […]
CT ECO: Growing with UConn Extension
CT ECO is a website that provides access to many of Connecticut’s statewide geospatial data layers in different formats including over 9000 pdf maps, 10 map viewers (and counting), 138 data services and in some cases, data download. The website contains 18 aerial imagery datasets, the most recent having 3 inch pixels (wow!), statewide elevation […]
Personal Safety on the Trail
All trail users should follow basic tips for personal safety. These tips can also be adapted to other situations. 1. Be aware of your surroundings and other people on the trails and in parking lots. Do not wear head- phones or earbuds. 2. Park in well-lit areas and lock the doors of your vehicle, and […]
Strawberry Season in Connecticut!
By Diane Wright Hirsch Senior Extension Educator, Food Safety One of the best things about early summer in Connecticut is strawberry season. It just makes no sense to buy California berries at the supermarket in June or July. I once saw a post on a local farm’s Facebook page where a customer shared a […]
Got Geese?
Got Geese? If you’re trying to keep Canada Geese away from your pond, Pamm Cooper from our UConn Home & Garden Education Center has some strategies for you: “The best way to try and dissuade Canada geese from becoming residents of your property is to make sure water edges of ponds or shorelines are […]
When did GMO become a dirty word?
Do you know someone with diabetes? While most people may associate GMOs with food products, their use actually began in the medical field with insulin. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved GMO insulin for use in October of 1982 after rigorous testing, clinical trials, and review. Prior to that, diabetics used insulin obtained from the pancreas […]
The American Chestnut Tree: A GMO Story
American Chestnut Trees once dominated our landscape. Then, a blight wiped most of them out. Researchers are using science to try and discover a way to revive these majestic trees. Watch the video to learn more. Funding for this animation is from the UConn Extension Bull Innovation Fund and Northeast AgEnhancement.
Extension Educators Recognized
Last week we recognized several of our educators for their contributions to Extension. Sarah Bailey received the Doris Lane Award. Tom Worthley received the Arland Meade Communications Award. Longevity Awards: Diane Wright Hirsch, Richard Meinert, Umekia Taylor and Pamela Gray. Thank you all for your service to Extension!
Trail Use: Leave No Trace
Connecticut has a wealth of trails for us to enjoy, from state parks and forests to local land trusts. As you’re out there enjoying the trails, it’s key to practice the principles of Leave No Trace. The seven principles of the Leave No Trace program are: 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare 2. Travel and Camp […]
Beware of Volcano Mulch
In three short decades, volcano mulch has become one of the greatest threats to newly planted and young trees and shrubs. If unchecked, the significant monetary and human investment in greenscapes will result in more and more dead and dying trees. Volcano mulch is the over-mulching of plant material, notably trees and shrubs. Mulch plays […]
Plant Sales on May 18th
Gardeners: Join us for a plant sale on Saturday, May 18th. We have one on each side of the state: Bethel and Brooklyn. We’ll be at the Windham County Extension Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, May 18th from 9 AM until 2 PM. The plant sale at the Fairfield County Extension Center in Bethel is […]
The best time to submit a soil sample
Article by Joseph Croze As most of you are probably already familiar with, the University of Connecticut is home to the UConn Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory. This lab is staffed by Dawn Pettinelli, the manager, and myself, the technician. We also have a few part time and student employees throughout the year that help with […]
Food Safety Webinar for Farmers and Processors
Webinar: Food Safety During Planning & Construction of Food Facilities: A Road Map Date and Time: May 16, 2019 at 9:00 AM EST Description: This FREE webinar will feature a panel of industry specialists from the Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC), VIS Construction Consultants (VIS) and Neagley & Chase Construction (NCC), who will […]
4-H Robotics Team Receives Creativity Award
In April, the Power Surge 4-H Robotics team from Fairfield County was in Maine for a FIRST Robotics Competition. Here is a recap of their competition: “Things went well in Maine, but we got knocked out in the quarterfinals on our third match for best two out of three.We were scoring “Hatch” pieces well with […]
Internship Available – Fall 2019
Community & Economic Development Paid Internship Summer – Fall 2019 – Connecticut Economic Development Association Best Practices Program The Connecticut Economic Development Association (CEDAS) is seeking an intern to assist with all aspects of implementation of a new community Best Practices program pilot. The intern will be involved program’s implementation and will work closely with […]
Trail Etiquette 101
Headed out on the trails? Trail safety and etiquette is vital on our trails for all users, including bicyclists, hikers, and equestrians. Be courteous to other trail users. Here are some simple steps to follow. What does “Yield” mean? Yielding means slow down, establish communication, be prepared to stop if necessary, and pass in a […]
Private Well Water Testing
Private wells provide water to 820,000 people in Connecticut, approximately 23% of the population’s water supply comes from private wells according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health. These wells are not regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, although Local Health Departments do have the authority over the proper siting and construction of private wells. […]
Is Your Well Water Contaminated?
Is your well water contaminated with road salt? Dr. Mike Dietz of the Connecticut Institute of Water Resources talked to NBC Connecticut last week about how we can reduce contamination. “‘This is a worldwide problem. It’s a really big problem in the United States because the amount of salt that we’ve been applying has been […]
Reflecting on an Extension Internship
By Kelly Finn Coming out of my 2017 marketing internship with UConn Extension, I possessed a newfound quality of discipline and relationship-building that I had honed over the three month experience with Stacey Stearns. Almost two years later, I have been able to employ such skills in my current experience as a Boren Scholar in […]
GMO 2.0: Science, Society and the Future
GMO 2.0: Science, Society and the Future Wednesday, April 24th 7 PM, UConn Student Union Theater, Storrs, CT Finding understandable science-based information on GMOs is challenging for the public. Our project goal is to bridge the information gap surrounding GMOs with farmers and the general public. Moderator: Dean Indrajeet Chaubey, UConn CAHNR Speakers: Paul Vincelli, […]
It’s Spring – Head Outside!
Finally the weather is getting warmer and we can wake up from our winter hibernation. With milder temperatures, heading outside is a great plan. We are fortunate to live in Connecticut and have access to many beautiful parks, beaches and trails. Here are some moderate to vigorous activities to get us started in the right […]
Join UConn for a Panel Presentation on GMOs
UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is offering two events on the science of GMOs next week that we welcome you to attend. GMO 2.0: Science, Society and the Future is on Wednesday, April 24th in the UConn Student Union Theater on the Storrs Campus at 7 PM. The panel features four experts that have research […]
Poultry Care Video Series
Do you own chickens? Our poultry care video series with retired Extension Educator Dr. Mike Darre can answer your questions. There are 10 videos, topic include: how to hold your birds, how to inspect your birds, determining if your chicken is a good layer, watering systems, nest boxes, feeding, housing and heating, bird litter, housing, […]
Ten Tips for the April Gardener
Ten Tips for the April Gardener Click on highlighted links for additional information. Prune old, leggy growth from heather (which flowers on new growth in late summer) but prune heath (which sets its flower buds in late spring) just enough to shape it in the early spring. Start dahlia tubers in pots indoors in a cool spot. Pinch back […]
Join Us for #UConnGives
UConn Gives is BACK for year two. And we need your help to grow our programs, and continue serving Connecticut communities. Put your paws in by supporting UConn 4-H, the UConn Extension Master Gardener Program, the 4-H Sports and Nutrition program, or the Natural Resources Conservation Academy on March 27-28, 2019. All four of these […]
Take the Climate Change Challenge with UConn Extension
Connecticut Environmental Action Day (CEAD) is a one-day conference that seeks to inspire students to take the #ClimateChangeChallenge and then post their actions using #ExtendtheChange to encourage friends and families to do the same. CEAD is sponsored by UConn Extension with our partners from UConn’s Department of Marketing, Department of Anthropology, and UConn PIRG. The goals […]
National Nutrition Month; a time to celebrate school food!
When you think “local food” do you also think “school food”? You should. About 25% of food served by Hartford Public Schools is local. This helps the local economy, and bolsters hometown pride. Lonnie Burt, Senior Director of Child Nutrition for Hartford Public Schools explains that, “Purchasing local products is important on so many levels; […]
National Nutrition Month – Smooth Chai Latte
Do you practice yoga? Do you have a favorite herbal tea? As part of #NNM, self-care is a big part of “being well” and making sure you’re taking care of the [mental] part of you. Helping yourself to wind down may lower stress levels- even if it’s that morning cup of tea that you absolutely […]
Connecticut Dairy Seminar
There is still time to register for this year’s Connecticut Dairy Conference, which will be held on March 20, 2019, at the Doubletree Hotel, Bradley. We have a full day of presentations on timely topics. Our afternoon speakers and topics are included below in this update. In addition, we are offering a special opportunity for those […]
We Want You to Volunteer with UConn 4-H
Do you enjoy working with children? Want to share your time and talents with young people in the community? Like to have fun, learn new skills and make a difference? Then being a 4-H volunteer is for you! 4-H volunteers play a significant role in helping youth to reach their potential. As a volunteer, you […]
Real Farmers – Real Risks: Interview with Raspberry Knoll Farms
Raspberry Knoll Farm in North Windham is one of Connecticut’s premier pick-your-own operations, featuring a wide variety of berries, herbs, veggies, and flowers. Located in the Northeastern region of the state, this family owned farm attracts droves of patrons throughout the growing season, starting in June with strawberries and going all the way through till […]
National Nutrition Month – Recipe of the Week
Did you know that buying frozen fruits and vegetables versus fresh have extra benefits? Frozen fruits and vegetables may be less expensive and can stretch your food dollars when fresh produce is not “in season” in your area. Frozen fruits and vegetables are frozen at the peak of their ripeness so their nutrients are available […]
4-H First Robotics Experience
By Alexis Nadeau, Alyssa Newell, Emmit Starkweather Innovation is a modernly essential pillar to human development and growth into the future. It is this innovative thinking that the organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology or FIRST seeks to harness within adolescents and young adults. Focusing on the fields of STEM — science, […]
GMO Working Group Hosting April Events
The CAHNR GMO Working Group is hosting GMO 2.0: Science, Society and the Future, a panel presentation on Wednesday, April 24th at 7 PM in the Student Union Theater. Please save the date and make plans to join us. The event is free and anyone is welcome to attend. The panel is moderated by Dean Indrajeet Chaubey. Speakers include: […]
Saving for the Unexpected
In Celebration of America Saves Week and Connecticut Saves Week February 25th through March 2nd, 2019 Have you ever been taken by surprise by an expense such as a car or home repair, a refrigerator that needs to be replaced immediately, or school expenses? Often we need to act quickly so that we can get […]
Take the Connecticut Saves Pledge!
CT Saves Campaign February 24- March 2nd Take the Connecticut Saves Pledge by texting “CTSaves” to 877877 or pledging online at www.ConnecticutSaves.org. Save with a plan. Did you know savers with a plan are twice as likely to save successfully for things like retirement and their (or their children’s) education? Save the easy way…automatically. Never miss a beat when […]
Mental Health & Farm Stress
Farming is both a risky and dangerous business. From the hazardous nature of the seemingly regular day-to-day tasks to the volatile and unforgiving markets on which many farms rely for income, farmers have no shortage of stress. Add in unpredictable weather and crop yields and you have the makings of what the USDA, OSHA, and […]
Support 4-H Through Your Local Tractor Supply and JOANN Stores
Tractor Supply and JOANN stores across the country are supporting 4-H this spring through their Clovers for Kids and Paper Clover campaigns. From March 1st to April 30th JOANN Stores nationwide will ask their customers to donate towards the 4-H Program through their Clovers for Kids Campaign which is in its second year of operation. Both $1 […]