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 […]
Education
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.
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. […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
CT Trail Census 2019 Data Reports & New Projects in 2020
The University of Connecticut (UConn) Extension is pleased to release the latest data on how several of the state’s most popular multi-use trails are being used, and to announce new initiatives the Connecticut Trail Census program is launching in its fourth year. “Connecticut’s trails are among the state’s most scenic and enduring assets,” observed Charles […]
Hemp Outreach and Research Initiatives at CAHNR
The UConn CAHNR Hemp Research and Outreach team has members from Extension and the UConn Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture. We have a suite of resources available for commercial growers. Our recent workshop was full, and the presentations and other resources are at https://hemp.cahnr.uconn.edu/.
Things to Do While School is Closed
It is time to get creative to find some constructive ways to fill our time. It won’t take long before the board games have been played, the favorite TV shows have been watched and everyone in the house is starting to get cabin fever. In an effort to help you stay focused on something other […]
Considerations for Fruit and Vegetable Growers Related to Coronavirus
Considerations for Fruit and Vegetable Growers Related to Coronavirus & COVID-19 The situation with current COVID-19 pandemic is escalating unpredictably and as we are monitoring the virus spread in CT, here are some tips for farmers to practice safe food production. This information is adapted from a blog post by Chris Callahan from University of Vermont. Considerations […]
Plant and Seedling Sales
Spring Plant Sale! Pre-orders are open for the 19th Annual New Haven County Extension Resource Council, Inc. Spring Plant Sale! The sale includes a variety of annual flowers and vegetables, hanging baskets, and herbs. All proceeds Benefit UConn Extension Programs in New Haven County and orders must be placed by April 15 at noon prepaid by […]
Infection Prevention Action Steps
Our UConn 4-H team developed the following fact sheet for 4-H youth during public health emergencies. The action steps can be used by any family, group, or organization. During any public health emergency, it is important that we all take a little extra time to increase sanitary practices at 4–H gatherings. Not only will this […]
Live Stream of Chicks Hatching with 4-H
New London County 4-H is excited to be incubating chicken eggs at the Extension Center. Their goal was to set up the 4-H Egg Cam so our Mahan School 4-H STEAM Club could watch the chicks hatching. BUT… YouTube changed their live stream policy and a channel cannot live stream unless it has at least 1000 […]
New CTSG Undergraduate Research Fellowship Opportunity for Summer
NEW CTSG Undergraduate research fellowship opportunity for summer 2020 The Connecticut Sea Grant Undergraduate Research Fellowship seeks to broaden participation of underrepresented/underserved students in marine and coastal professions by providing early career experience, training and mentorship to the next generation of scientists, decision makers and marine industry professionals. The program will do so by funding […]
Bears will be waking up when warm weather hits
Black bears will be coming out of hibernation as the weather warms. Their populations have been growing and more bears means increased sightings and potential conflicts with humans. Reduce reasons for them to come into your yard by removing bird feeders and bring in garbage cans promptly. Follow the link for for more information: https://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2723&q=325968&deepNav_GID=1655&inf_contact_key=dd6ecf34fdb3772eccef218e16130b43
Litchfield County 4-H to Hold Food Insecurity Awareness Forum
Litchfield County 4-H is pleased to announce plans to hold their Food Insecurity Awareness Forum on Wednesday, March 25, at 7 pm, at the Litchfield Community Center in Litchfield. The forum will feature an educational panel discussion including several local and state experts on the subject of food insecurity in Litchfield County and a call […]
Join us for a Farmer Focus Group Tomorrow
Invite to Farmer Focus Group Do you struggle with getting all the work done on your farm? Do you have challenges attracting and retaining employees? Are you interested in working with other farmers to design solutions to labor challenges? If so, consider attending the farmer focus group, Exploring Novel Approaches to Farm Labor, at the CT NOFA Winter Conference in […]
Register for UConn 4-H Goat Day
UConn 4-H Goat Day is on Saturday, April 4, 2020 from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM in the Ratcliffe Hicks Arena on the UConn-Storrs campus. This event is designed for youth ages 7-18, parents, leaders and adult goat enthusiasts from around New England. UConn 4-H Goat Day features various workshops held throughout the day such […]
Litchfield County 4-H Names Public Speaking Winners
The Litchfield County 4-H held their first annual County Public Speaking Contest recently with 12 talented 4-H members from throughout the county competing for the chance to represent the county at the State 4-H Public Speaking Contest at UConn in March. Ages of the participants ranged from 7 to 17 years old, and they chose […]
Have Your Soil Tested for Macro and Micro Nutrients
Send your soil sample in for testing now. Our standard nutrient analysis includes pH, macro- and micro nutrients, a lead scan and as long as we know what you are growing, the results will contain limestone and fertilizer recommendations. The cost is $12/sample. You are welcome to come to the lab with your ‘one cup […]
MS4 Work from UConn CLEAR Featured
The latest issue of Interstate Waters from New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) arrived, and the MS4 support program for communities from the UConn Center for Land Use Education and Research are the cover story. Read the full issue: http://bit.ly/InterstateWaters #UConnImpact #UConnExtension
Is your water safe to drink?
Posted on December 23, 2019 by Michael Dietz If you are like most people, as long as water comes out of the tap, you don’t give it much thought. If your water is supplied by a water company, stringent testing is required by law, and you will periodically receive results of the testing. If you […]
February is Heart Health Month
February is National Heart Health Month! Did you know that walking is one of the simplest ways to get active and stay active? With each step, you improve your mental and physical health. Research has shown that simply being outdoors can help brighten your mood, and relieve stress. And walking can have a significant impact […]
Do I cut the bare hydrangea sticks or not?
Posted by uconnladybug under Gardening During the winter, my hydrangea looks dead. It has lost all of its leaves, as it should, but I am now left with a bunch of bare sticks. Normally when you see this, the urge is to cut them back to the ground. DON’T prune them now. Those dead looking […]
Rooting for Root Vegetables
We’re rooting for winter with root recipes from our Put Local On Your Tray program. Visit https://putlocalonyourtray.uconn.edu/root-recipes/ to find some warm, filling and nutritious ideas for how to cook carrots, parsnips, beets, radish, or another root vegetable.
Granby 4-H Members Reaching Their Community and Beyond
Our Granby 4-H Robotics club is part of UConn 4-H Hartford County, and the only VEX Robotics team in New England. They are reaching out to their community and beyond with their 4-H projects. Watch the video to see the team in action.
Why We Need Local Food in our Schools
Who wants local food in schools, and why? We’re partnering with 81 school districts in Connecticut through our Put Local On Your Tray program, and helping them to source local food from Connecticut farms. This short video explains the importance of local food in our schools: https://youtu.be/v9QrMjryulY #UConnImpact
What is that Brown Bug in my House?
What is that brown bug in my house? “Those are stink bugs, Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs to be exact. They come into homes in the fall to spend the winter in a resting state. They come in through attic vents, cracks and crevices, down chimneys and can crawl under siding making their way inside. […]