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 […]
Author: Stacey Stearns
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 […]
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
Farm Business Planning Webniar
Join us for a Farm Business Planning Webinar on November 29th at 12 PM. We’ll cover the components of a business plan and an online tool you can use. Register at https://s.uconn.edu/farmbusinessplanning
Enrolling in 4-H Using Z Suite
The new 4-H year began on October 1st, and here at UConn 4-H we use the Z Suite enrollment system. It helps our educators and staff serve over 17,000 youth and 4,000 volunteers annually. We offer a how-to video on how to use Z Suite to add a new youth or volunteer to UConn 4-H […]
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: Dr. Joe Emenheiser
Meet Dr. Joe Emenheiser, our diversified livestock Extension educator (with a joint appointment in the Department of Animal Science). His Extension duties focus on livestock industry development and meat quality improvement.
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 […]
Sheep Producer Survey
Do you own sheep in Connecticut? Fill out this survey (https://s.uconn.edu/sheepsurvey) from Extension and the UConn Department of Animal Science to help us design and develop useful resources and programs for Connecticut sheep producers.
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 […]
September Gardening Tips
Gardening Tips for September Mid to late September is a great time to add accent plants, like vivid mums and starry asters, that will provide autumn colors in the landscape. Use them along with cool-colored ornamental cabbages and kales to replace bedraggled annuals in containers as well. Lawns can be renovated or repaired between late […]
Fall 2021 Paid Student Internship with CT Trail Finder
Supervisor contact: This internship will be co-supervised by Laura Brown, Community & Economic Development Educator – New Haven County Extension Center, Contact- Laura Brown: Cell 608-886-0655 laura.brown@uconn.edu and Kimberly Bradley, CT Trail Census/Trail Finder Coordinator Cell 860-581-3130 Kimberly.bradley@uconn.edu Office location: Remote. Weekly online meetings (computer required) will be required. Background: The CT Trail Finder http://cttrailfinder.com/ […]
Tackling Food & Justice, Youth Style!
On Wednesday, August 18th, The CT Farm to School Collaborative partnered with The CT Youth Food Program Alliance to host a virtual event, for youth, by youth! The virtual event included a career panel, and mini-workshops, that were hosted by the following Youth MCs, Sayaada Arouna of Grow Hartford Youth Program, Melyssa Cristino of Grow Windham, […]
Birch Mill Farm – Connecticut Dairy Farm of the Year 2021
New England Green Pastures Connecticut Dairy Farm of the Year 2021 We are delighted to announce that Katlyn and Tim Kinsella of Birch Mill Farm have been selected as the 2021 New England Green Pastures Connecticut Outstanding Farm. Birch Mill Farm is located in Falls Village in the bucolic northwest corner of Connecticut. They are […]
USDA Issues Statewide Farmland Disaster Declaration
Governor Ned Lamont announced late yesterday that farmers statewide will be able to apply for emergency disaster loans due to production loss based upon severe weather caused by Tropical Storm Elsa. Farmers have eight (8) months from yesterday’s date to apply for federal assistance. Please contact your local FSA office to discuss emergency assistance that […]
Recover From Tropical Storm Henri
We understand that there will be a lot of cleanup required when Tropical Storm Henri recedes. Our friends at LSU AgCenter have curated the following resources in response to hurricanes and severe weather in their area. These can help you as you use a generator, recover, and clean up from the storm. Storm Recovery Guide Storm […]
Prepare for Hurricane Henri
Hurricane Henri is approaching, and our UConn Extension Disaster Education Network encourages you to prepare with an emergency supply kit and other measures. Visit https://eden.uconn.edu/ for more information.
Online Course: Let’s Talk GMOs
Are you confused or do you have questions about GMOs? Do you feel inadequate when discussing GMOs? Are you given opposing information of GMOs and not sure what is right? Do you wonder how the misinformation about GMOs spreads like a wildfire? UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is offering an online course, […]
New Normal with Extension Programs
Extension educators rose to the challenge and virtually shared our programs and educational outreach over the past year and a half. While we will continue incorporating virtual educational opportunities, we are eager to resume in-person programs as well. A few of our educators share what the new normal with Extension will be for their programs. […]