Author: Stacey Stearns

Umekia “Mickey” Taylor: Educator Spotlight

Merging Fitness and Nutrition to Create Healthy Lifestyles  Umekia “Mickey” Taylor ’83 (CAHNR) merges fitness and nutrition to help people create healthy lifestyles. She is a community nutrition extension educator and the supervisor for Extension’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in New Haven County. “UConn Extension’s nutrition outreach education is valuable because we […]

Celebrating Black History Month, The Paradigm Shift

Have your ever wondered about the history of Black History Month? Dr. Carter G. Woodson is credited with bringing to the forefront the importance of teaching about Black History, Culture and Life. Carter G. Woodson, was the son of former slaves, and as a child, worked as a sharecropper, a miner and other odd jobs […]

Dr. Jeantyl Norze Joins Extension as Evaluation Specialist

Dr. Jeantyl Norze joined Extension as our Evaluation Specialist in January of 2022. “I am very excited to join the UConn CAHNR Extension and hopeful about my contributions to help advance the land grant mission of the university. CAHNR Extension has an amazing dynamic team who is knowledgeable and open to new ideas that help […]

Urban Agriculture Webinar – January 19th

Join us on January 19th at 7 PM for a webinar on Urban Agriculture Opportunities in Connecticut. Dean Indrajeet Chaubey from the UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, and Extension educators Jacqueline Kowalski and Jiff Martin are presenting along with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, USDA, and the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. Full details and […]

Job Openings with Extension and CAHNR

We are hiring! Extension and the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources currently have several open positions. The list of positions is below, as well as the link to the job description and details on how to apply. Associate Dean for Extension and Diversity 4-H Youth Development Food and Agricultural Literacy- Assistant/Associate Cooperative Extension […]

Snow Removal Tips

Photo and Article: West Virginia Extension Stay safe from slips and strains by following these recommendations for safe and effective snow removal. Shovel all sidewalks adjacent to your property to the bare pavement. This includes any sidewalks outside your fence lines and to the sides/rear of your property. Clear a path at least 36 inches […]

Job Opening: 4-H Educator – Food and Agricultural Literacy

Extension is seeking applicants for a full-time (11-month), non-tenure track Assistant/Associate Extension Educator, primarily based at the Fairfield County Extension Office in Bethel, CT.  Extension Educators are community-based faculty who make a difference in communities by connecting community needs with university resources. Position level/rank will be commensurate with experience working with Extension.  The anticipated start […]

Funding Available for Connecticut Farmers

Farmers: If you are looking for a little help to get access to capital for your farm/market garden, or want some funds to contribute to conservation of natural resources, climate resilience, climate adaptation, or climate mitigation strategies OR help in increasing production and availability of CT Grown products UConn Extension’s Solid Ground program is making […]

Cooking with Marissa Cardona and Umekia Taylor

This is the time of year when we celebrate traditions with family and friends, and create new traditions. Marissa Perez Cardona and Umekia Taylor from our UConn Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program- EFNEP celebrated Hispanic Heritage and discussed Latin culinary traditions and how we can incorporate these vibrant flavors into our meals throughout […]

New Sea Grant Staff to Work on Climate Initiatives

If experience really is the best teacher, Deborah Abibou and Alicia Tyson have been to some of the prime places to learn about community resilience work. Those include locations facing some of the biggest challenges from sea level rise, intensifying storms and other climate change effects: Puerto Rico, Louisiana, Peru and Costa Rica. Now, they’re […]

Job Opening: Educational Program Assistant

The University of Connecticut is seeking applicants for a full-time position as Educational Program Assistant 1. The ideal candidate is a dynamic and engaged individual with a strong interest in finding horticultural solutions and a passion for communicating with the public. This position has 80% effort in support of the Home and Garden Education Center […]

Job Opening: Temporary University Specialist – Poultry Extension

Temporary University SpecialistDepartment of ExtensionTolland County Office UConn Extension at the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is looking to hire a Temporary University Specialist. The position would report to Dr. Indu Upadhyaya whom manages the coordination of a USDA-SAS grant. The candidate will assist with carrying out Poultry Extension Programs with respect to […]

Job Opening: Educational Program Assistant in Brooklyn

Educational Program Assistant 1, Windham County Extension APPLY NOW  – Search #: 495903 Apply here: https://jobs.hr.uconn.edu/cw/en-us/job/495903/educational-program-assistant-1-windham-county-extension Work type: Part-timeLocation: Windham County Extension CenterCategories: Academic Programs and Services JOB SUMMARY The UConn Extension Center located in Brooklyn CT is seeking applications for one Educational Program Assistant 1, part-time position (50%).  The position is responsible for supporting and helping implement high-quality, comprehensive, […]

2022 Vegetable Production Certificate Course

We’re offering a Vegetable Production Certificate Course, beginning on January 20, 2022. It is a fully online course for new and beginning farmers who have 0-3 years of vegetable growing experience or no formal training in agriculture. The participants will learn answers to the basic questions about farm business planning, planning and preparing for vegetable […]

Job: Associate Dean for Extension and Diversity

The College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) at the University of Connecticut (UConn) invites applications for the position of Associate Dean for Extension and Diversity with appointment as Full Professor with tenure in a CAHNR Department related to the candidate’s academic discipline. We are seeking an inspirational, dynamic, and visionary individual to provide […]

Support for Extension

Thank you! Your support helped us co-create solutions to the critical issues facing Connecticut in 2021. We are committed to providing transformational learning experiences to all our audiences. Extension continues to adapt and collaborate to find solutions for the human, environmental, and agricultural issues that our state faces. You can support Extension at: s.uconn.edu/givetoextension

Celebrate Native American History with Recipes

November is Native American History month and our UConn Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) recommends adding some Native American recipes to your menu. We have the Blueberry Slump and Three Sisters recipes in English and Spanish. In Native American folklore, blueberries are called “star berries’ because the blossom at the end of […]

USDA Ready to Help Connecticut Farmers and Ranchers Recover from Extreme Weather

USDA Ready to Help Connecticut Farmers and Ranchers Recover from Extreme Weather TOLLAND, Connecticut, November 15, 2021 — Recent extreme weather conditions have impacted farmers in Connecticut. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), has disaster assistance programs available to help agricultural producers recover after natural disasters, including flooding and wind events. […]

Faces of Extension: Jen Cushman

Meet Jen Cushman, our UConn 4-H Hartford County educator and co-state program leader. “The best part of being a 4-H Educator is providing opportunities for 4-H youth to grow personally and in their project(s). I am fortunate to work with dedicated 4-H volunteers who mentor youth and prepare them to be thriving adults,” Jen says.

UConn PEP Communities Welcomes New Facilitators

An update from our People Empowering People Communities program: Last week, seven people participated in facilitator training. They will bring the UConn PEP Program to their communities. They will provide this 15-session personal, family, and civic leadership development program for people in their communities encouraging them as they move forward on their leadership journeys. Congratulations […]

Faces of Extension: Dr. Mike Dietz

Meet Dr. Mike Dietz! He is one of our Extension educators with the UConn Center for Land Use and Research and has a joint appointment with Natural Resources & the Environment. “I love being able to teach people about the importance of water; it is something we all take for granted until the tap shuts […]

4-H Bugs Summer Activity

Article by Sara Tomis ’22 (CAHNR) This summer, UConn 4-H New London County completed their first in-person program since early spring, 2020. The program focused on entomology and STEM and was facilitated through Preston Parks and Recreation summer camp. Students ranging from 4 to 12 years in age participated in a variety of activities designed […]

Faces of Extension: Bill Davenport

Meet Bill Davenport, our UConn 4-H Litchfield County Educator. “After growing up as an active UConn 4-H member, my ultimate career goal was to become a UConn 4-H Educator so I could help provide 4-H youth with the life-changing experiences, skills and friendships I received from my own 4-H experience. I am thrilled to finally […]

Job Opening: Public Service Specialist

Public Service Specialist UConn Extension, Hartford County The UConn Department of Extension welcomes applications for an experienced part-time professional to coordinate and assist with implementing professional development and creating educational resources on genetic engineering. This is a temporary position that reports to the Associate Extension Educator. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Plan and implement professional development experiences […]

What is a Jumping Worm?

Jumping worms. Crazy worms. Snake worms. These nicknames apply to invasive earthworms of the genus Amynthas found in the United States. These Asian worms have been in the U.S. for years but have recently been in the spotlight due to the damage they can cause. Globalization, commerce, and development have contributed to their spread. There are extremely few native earthworm species in […]

Enrolling Now: People Empowering People Communities

Our communities need leaders, and empowered people create positive action. We are registering community members for our in person and online People Empowering People (PEP) Communities Facilitator Training now. Learn more at https://pep.extension.uconn.edu/.

Part-time Jobs: Master Gardener County Coordinator Positions

We have two part-time jobs open for Master Gardener County Coordinators, one in Tolland County (Vernon office) and one in New London County (Norwich office). Position descriptions and application information are below. Position Description: Master Gardener County Coordinator – Tolland County  (We also have a position open in New London County – see below for […]

Job Openings in Farmington and Bethel

We’re hiring! Extension has two positions open: Assistant/Associate Cooperative Extension Educator (UConn 4-H educator based in our Bethel office) Educational Program Assistant 1, Hartford County Extension (75% part-time position located in Hartford).   Apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs/. Educational Program Assistant (75% Position) JOB SUMMARY The UConn Extension Center located in Farmington, CT is seeking applications […]

Extension EFNEP Programming Positively Impacts Participants

Our Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) shifted during the pandemic, just as everyone did. Last summer I had the opportunity to work with Bristol and New Britain HRA programs teaching their summer youth employment program. Their Program Director asked me to create a five-week virtual class, with 16 hours’ worth of work per […]

Water Testing for Homeowners

When was the last time you had your well water tested? The Connecticut Department of Public Health has certified testing locations throughout the state. Visit ctiwr.uconn.edu/residents for locations and other resources. If you have “city water”, your supplier is required to test your water on a regular basis (check your water company website or call […]

UConn 4-H’er Selected as Runner Up for National 4-H Award

National 4-H Council announced that Olivia Hall of Litchfield County is a runner up for the 2022 4-H Youth in Action Award for Healthy Living. Hall is recognized nationally for her commitment to addressing food insecurity in her community and surrounding areas. Already aware of the food insecurity issues in her community, Hall noticed how […]

Help Contain the Spread of the Spotted Lanternfly in Connecticut

The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is continuing its move through Connecticut. It has been found in Orange and Milford, Connecticut. It is important that everyone help spread the word about this invasive pest. Many farms in Connecticut have visitors that travel from areas where SLF populations are established in Connecticut and outside Connecticut. What can you […]

September Checklist for Connecticut Gardeners

Written by Colleen Amster and Arianna Ege, UConn Extension Master Gardener Volunteers September is a good time for Connecticut gardeners to begin the fall cleanup and assessment process. It is also a good time to shop for trees, shrubs, and bulbs, and prepare for next year’s growing season. Here is a helpful list to get […]

Unpeeled: The Case Files of Maya McCluen Game is Available

Navigating the grocery store aisle is challenging for many consumers—especially those who want to buy the most nutritious food and stay within their budget. The University of Connecticut (UConn) Extension New Technologies in Agricultural Extension (NTAE) team developed an interactive learning activity (or game), Unpeeled: The Case Studies of Maya McCluen. Our team sought to clarify […]

Apply to Become a UConn Extension Master Gardener

2022 classes will include hybrid and virtual options Fall is a great time to plan for next year’s gardening activities! Apply now for the 2022 UConn Extension Master Gardener Program. Classes will be held in New Haven, Norwich, Tolland, Torrington, and Stamford. The deadline for applications is Friday, October 18, 2021. “The program provides the […]