UConn Extension We are delighted to share that UConn Extension has received three national awards from the Association of Communication Excellence: Gold Award – Marketing – Budget Under $1000: Bug Week – Kara Bonsack and Stacey Stearns Silver Award – Marketing – Budget Over $1000: Ask UConn Extension – Kara Bonsack, Stacey Stearns, Mike Zaritheny and […]
Climate Adaptation & Resiliency
Advancing Adaptation and Resilience in a Changing Climate
Tour des Farms Annual Bike Ride Uplifts Local Farmers All Summer Long
Your Scenic Summer Ride Can Support Connecticut Farmers and Help Tackle Food Insecurity Statewide – Connecticut Resource Conservation and Development (CT RC&D) is a statewide nonprofit agriculture and environmental organization focused on sustainable Connecticut communities and rural prosperity. On July 1st, they’re launching the 3rd Annual Tour des Farms Fundraiser, a bicycle (2020 to include […]
Educator Spotlight: Cary Chadwick
Bringing Geospatial Science and Technology to Communities Cary Chadwick is an Associate Extension Educator focused on geospatial science and technology at the Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR), part of UConn Extension. She joined UConn in 2006. Cary coordinates the Geospatial Training Program (GTP) at CLEAR. The GTP provides hands-on training in geospatial […]
Bug Week Photo Contest Accepting Entries
UConn Extension, part of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR), is pleased to announce the 5th Annual Bug Week Photo Contest. Take your camera and find that special bug shot. All entries must be a photograph of a bug or insect in their natural habitat. There are three categories – Junior Amateur […]
Connecticut Trails Day 2020 Is..Every Day!
If gorgeous weather isn’t enough incentive to get you outdoors, gear up for a DIY Trails Day Experience – any day! Check out the over 200 trails and properties you can visit around the state, coordinated by the Connecticut Forest and Parks Association. Click HERE for info on enjoying the outdoors safely and responsibly during this health crisis. New to […]
Marsh migration research paved way for new NOAA fellow
Most visitors to Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, Conn., probably drive by the small stand of cedar trees along the main road without noticing the stark differences. One group presents healthy deep green funnels pointing skyward. Adjacent is another group partially bare of needles. A few feet away is a clump of standing dead […]
Invasive Crabs Threaten Connecticut’s Shores
Have you seen this crab before? This is a Chinese Mitten Crab – named for its fury, mitten-like claws. These crabs have started to appear in Connecticut’s shores raising concerns as they are an invasive species that can cause a lot of costly environmental damage. Want to learn more? Check out this article: Invasive Crabs Threaten […]
Connecting Towns and UConn Students
UConn received a $2.25 million grant from the National Science Foundation to expand and study a new public engagement program that combines teaching, service learning, and Extension outreach. The program is called the Environment Corps and focuses on using STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) skills to address important environmental issues like climate adaptation, brownfields […]
Meet Sydney Collins: NRCA Intern
Hello all! My name is Sydney Collins, and I am excited to announce my partnership with UConn Extension as a NRCA Intern for the Natural Resources Conservation Academy (NRCA) in Summer 2020. More about me, I am a rising sophomore at the University of Connecticut studying Environmental Science with a keen interest in Urban and Community Development. […]
Conservation Training Partnerships
Connecting Generations for Conservation The Cheshire Land Trust’s largest conservation property, Ives Farm, is a working 164-acre farm along the Quinnipiac River that includes picturesque public hiking trails through 80 acres of woodlands with mature stands of oak, mixed hardwoods, and old field cedars. In recent years, the trails became overgrown, impassable in spots and […]
Meet Meg Sanders: Environmental Education Intern
Hello everyone, my name is Meg Sanders, and I am a UConn Extension Environmental Education intern with the Natural Resources Conservation Academy for summer 2020. A little bit about myself, I am a sophomore at UConn studying environmental science with a minor in communication. I was an intern with UConn Extension during the summer of 2019 and […]
Celebrate National Pollinator Week!
This week highlights the crucial role of pollinators in our food supply, crop success and persistence of the plants we admire. Pollinator activity is needed for the reproduction of over 85% of the world’s flowering plants including over 1,200 crop plants. We can take time to learn more about pollinators and reflect on the need […]
Meet Neva Taylor: Extension Intern and Podcast Host
Hi! My name is Neva Taylor and I am one of the summer interns with the CT Trail Census and UConn CAHNR Extension. At UConn, I am a double major in Urban and Community Studies (UCS) and Sociology, and in the Master’s in Public Policy (MPP) fast track program. At UConn I am on the […]
Partner Testimonials
Partnerships are at the foundation of Extension’s work statewide in all 169 towns and cities of Connecticut. We integrate with agencies and non-profits in communities in a variety of ways. “Our partnerships strengthen Extension, and in turn increase our statewide impact. Our innovative collaborations allow Extension and our partners to reach respective goals together.” ~ […]
Thames River Quests are fun for anytime this summer
The Thames River Heritage Park and Connecticut Sea Grant are inviting people to solve a word puzzle while exploring historic sites in New London and Groton by completing one or more of the four Thames River Quests any time this summer. Those who complete the quests can enter a prize drawing for heritage park T-shirts […]
On the Trail Podcast
Did you know that the CT Trail Census is starting a podcast? Well they are! It is called “On the Trail” and each week they focus on a different path having to do with trails and nature in Connecticut. This week’s episode features an interview with Cary Chadwick, a geospatial educator, about how to find […]
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
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Updates from the Connecticut Institute of Water Resources
In a state like Connecticut where water seems plentiful, it is easy to take water for granted. As long as clean water comes out of the tap, water issues may not rise to the top of our list of concerns. Although we do have plentiful water for the most part, there are still many reasons […]
UConn Extension by the Numbers
Extension is a part of UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR). We have over 100 years of experience strengthening communities in Connecticut and beyond. Our educational specialists are ready to work with you and your community. Extension programs cover the full spectrum of topics aligned to the CAHNR strategic initiatives: • […]
NRCA Program Receives Award
Congratulations to our Natural Resources Conservation Academy on their 2020 Excellence in Conservation Org Award from the Connecticut Land Conservation Council! The NRCA team comprises faculty members in Natural Resources & the Environment, UConn Center for Land Use Education and Research, Extension, UConn CAHNR, UConn Neag School of Education, and NRCS!
Thank You, Volunteers!
Thank you, volunteers! It’s National Volunteer Week, and we want to thank all of our volunteers who help us provide programs in all 169 Connecticut municipalities. Last year, our volunteers donated 207,887 hours valued at $5.3 million to Extension programs, a 25% increase over 2018. Our volunteers shifted to virtual programming with us when COVID-19 […]
Common Garden Mistakes
Mistakes are a great learning tool, but they also can dampen any enthusiasm for a new project. When early mistakes compound problems further down the road, they can turn someone away from a pastime that offers great satisfaction, healthy activities and a renewed appreciation of the natural world around us. So, if you are just […]
Happy 50th Year of Earth Day
Happy Earth Day! Earth day is dedicated to raising awareness and support for environmental protection. This year it is a little different as there are no outdoor events. Luckily, you can still celebrate from home! Maggi Anstett, one of our UConn CAHNR students, suggests many ways you can demonstrate your support.
¿Hay Agujeros En Tus Árboles?
Por Joan Allen, Educador Asistente de Extensión de UConn En general, no son buenas noticias descubrir agujeros en la corteza de tus árboles. Las causas más comunes de agujeros en los árboles incluyen insectos y pájaros carpinteros. En el caso de los insectos, generalmente son las larvas las que se alimentan dentro del árbol, mientras […]
¿Puedo Regar Mis Vegetales Con El Agua De Un Barril De Lluvia?
Por Joan Allen Publicado originalmente por el Centro de Educación del Hogar y Jardín de UConn La colección de agua de lluvia en barriles a través de los techos de las casas está creciendo en popularidad debido a los beneficios ambientales y prácticos. Estos barriles pueden ayudar al entorno porque desvían el agua que puede […]