Health

Enhancing health and well-being locally, nationally, and globally

Farm Risk Management Program 2023-2024 FREE Programs

UConn Extension is offering plenty of Farm Risk Management Programs in the upcoming 2024 year, and they are FREE!  Options to Mitigate Farm Financial Losses  When: Tuesday, January 16, 2024  Where: CLiCK, 41 Club Rd, Windham, CT  Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.   Crop Insurance Programs  When: Tuesday, January 23, 2024  Where: Tolland County […]

2024 Produce Safety Rules Training Courses

The 2024 FSMA produce safety rule/ produce safety alliance approved grower training courses are here!   Course Summary: The Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Training Course has been designed to provide a foundation of Good Agricultural Practices knowledge that includes emphasis on co-management of food safety and environmental management goals, while outlining the requirements of the […]

‘Seaweed Food Safety’ report examines federal, state regulations

The National Sea Grant Law Center has announced the release of a new seaweed food safety publication produced in partnership with New York Sea Grant and Connecticut Sea Grant as part of the National Seaweed Hub. “Seaweed Food Safety: Comparing Compliance with Preventive Controls for Human Food with Seafood HACCP” was developed to help the emerging […]

Annual Vegetable and Small Fruit Growers Conference

We are pleased to announce that our annual Vegetable & Small Fruit Growers’ Conference will be held at the UConn Storrs Campus on January 9, 2024. For details, please see the registration information and agenda below. Register online at: s.uconn.edu/ctvfcregistration To pay by check visit: s.uconn.edu/ctvfconference or email tolland@uconn.edu Trade Show Exhibitor Registration: s.uconn.edu/ctvfctradeshow For any further questions email tolland@uconn.edu or […]

Trail Finder Website: More Trails, New Features

The Trail Finder website is the go-to website for finding trails across the state. Use the search options to find trails by location, activity (hike, bike, horse, etc.), distance and difficulty, accessibility, and features like waterfalls and nature trails. Trail Finder posts (both the information and map) are ALL approved by trail managers. Recently, the […]

New Trail Census Data Portal

The CT Trails Program is excited to announce the launch of the new CT Trail Census Dashboard which includes yearly dashboards since 2017 and a new yearly comparison dashboard. Use the information to support trail reports, projects, fundraising, and more! The portal offers a map, list, and short description for all CT Trail Census infrared counters statewide selection tools to […]

8 Essential “Always” of Holiday Food Safety

Article by Indu Upadhyaya, Ph.D., Assistant Extension Educator, Food Safety Holiday gatherings bring families and friends together, to spread more joy and happiness. While the merriment begins around Thanksgiving and continues until the New Years’, the food during holiday buffets, the party trays, the turkey, and other delicacies remain the main attraction of gathering. But be […]

Protect Humans and Animals from Mosquitoes

The presence of mosquitoes carrying Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) on the rise in Connecticut, according to surveillance program from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and testing from UConn’s Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL) in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. Protect both humans and livestock with these steps: http://s.uconn.edu/eeev

Meet Brenda Sanchez

Brenda Sanchez recently joined our team as an Outreach Nutrition Education Assistant with the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in our Bethel office in Fairfield County. She joins us from experiences working in the medical field and with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, where she spent 11 years as a peer […]

Meet Hannah Morillo-Galindo

Hannah Morillo-Galindo recently joined UConn Extension as an Educational Program Assistant for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program in our North Haven office. She is originally from Lexington, Kentucky and graduated in May 2023 with a degree in nutrition from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. She’s looking forward to connecting with the […]

Job Opening: Evaluation Specialist

We’re hiring an Extension Evaluation Specialist. Join our team and advance the field of program evaluation by designing and testing methods that lead to improved capacity to measure outcomes of UConn Extension programs. The Specialist designs and delivers education programs and non-credit courses for UConn Extension faculty, staff, and administrators to increase their capacity to […]

Stress Management Resources for Farmers

Farming is stressful, and there are resources to help navigate those challenges. Becca Toms from our Solid Ground program talked with two of our farmers – Dishaun Harris: Root Life, New Haven and Yoko Takemura: Assawaga Farm, Putnam – about the different stresses they face farming in Connecticut and some of the practices they have […]

Eli Moskowitz – Summer Intern Spotlight

My name is Eli Moskowitz, and I am from Cheshire, Connecticut. I am a rising junior at UConn as a Nutritional Sciences major with a sports nutrition minor. I am currently in the Didactic Program in Dietetics. My goal after graduation is to be a Registered Dietitian and to help the public and address their […]

Flooding Resources

Updated on July 24, 2023 Many of our communities are affected by the statewide flooding from the Connecticut River after heavy rains in New York and Vermont. Flooding conditions continued after more rain arrived. UConn Extension has the following resources to support agricultural producers, consumers, residents, and others affected. You can also sign up for […]

Can the wildfire particles get into the soil and our food?

Can the particles in the air currently from the Canadian wildfires get into the soil and then into our food being grown locally? Smoke and ash from current Canadian wildfires have raised questions about the safety of produce growing on farms and gardens in Connecticut and beyond. While the number 1 concern from wildfire smoke […]

WTNH Channel 8 airs story on CT shell recycling program

WTNH Channel 8 news broadcast a story about Connecticut Sea Grant’s shell recycling initiative on its April 19 show. CTSG’s Tessa Getchis, aquaculture extension specialist, and Michael Gilman, shell recycling coordinator, were interviewed for the piece, titled “Connecticut oyster recycling program reinvigorates reefs.” Watch the story here.

Summer Horseback Riding Classes with Animal Science Department

Are you looking for activities to get you outside this Summer? Do you want more riding instruction to grow your skillset? The UConn Animal Science department is offering horseback riding classes to the public this summer and there is something for everyone! Learn more at the following link: s.uconn.edu/summer-riding Lessons include Dressage, Hunt Seat, Polo, […]

Advancing Environmental & Climate Justice in CT

Romina Flores Diaz, a political science student at UConn Hartford, and Mayra Rodríguez González, our urban and community forestry assistant extension educator, advanced UConn CAHNR’s strategic vision through their collaborative research on Resilient Cities, Racism, and Equity. At the Undergraduate Research Conference in Storrs, Romina presented an evidence-based approach to achieve environmental and climate justice […]

Free One-on-One Consultations for CT Farmers

Hey Farmers!  For those of you that are growing commercially, aka are a farm businesses, it’s time for you to sign up for a FREE consultations with some of the experts in the state surrounding a wide variety of topics! Check it out here: https://newfarms.uconn.edu/consultations/ These are free one on one consultations for Connecticut Farmers, with specialists in certain fields of […]

Sesame in the News

Article by Sharon Gray MPH, RD  As of January 1, 2023, Sesame is now required to be labeled as an allergen on packaged foods, including dietary supplements. This has been the culmination of efforts for years among food allergy advocates. Sesame is now the country’s ninth major allergen, affecting approximately 1.6 million people (about the population […]

Free Poultry Seminar with UConn Extension

Improving Poultry Production Using Natural Interventions Wednesday, April 26, 2023 10:00-2:00 Tolland County Extension Center 24 Hyde Avenue, Vernon, CT 06066 Join UConn Extension and a team of experts for an informative presentation and discussion on poultry health and disease, the use of various additives in poultry production, and related topics. Click here to register! […]

AED & CPR Training for UConn Extension Volunteers in New London County

Recognizing the need to improve emergency preparedness among UConn Extension volunteers, the New London County Agricultural Extension Council, Inc. sponsored an AED & CPR training for 15 participants on March 22, 2023. This training was open to UConn Extension Master Gardeners and Composters, 4-H volunteers, and Extension Council members in New London County. Instructors from […]

Water Webinar March 30, 2023

Are you drowning with questions about agricultural water? Join us for our water webinar on March 30! Topics include compliance dates, new assessment tools, and harvest/post-harvest water. Speakers: Indu Upadhyaya, Food Safety Extension Specialist Diane Wright Hirsch, Emeritus Faculty Food Safety Click/tap here or on the flyer above to register!

UConn Extension Internship Application Deadline Extended

The application deadline for our summer internships has been extended to March 26th.  Get paid while learning and working in a career-oriented role. We offer internships in the following disciplines: Food Health Nutrition Sustainability Research Agribusiness Youth Education Community Development Marketing Click here to view internship descriptions. Most of these roles are for an average […]

From This Land: Honoring Native Foods of Winter

Along with Narragansett artist, farmer and educator, Dawn M. Spears, Put Local On Your Tray is pleased to announce a new campaign series called, “From This Land: Honoring Native Foods“. The first installment of the series looks at native foods of winter, including maple syrup! You can find more information about artist Dawn M. Spears, […]

Highlights of Extension

Our 2022 Highlights of Extension report shows how UConn Extension continues innovating to meet audiences and partners around the issues identified in the strategic initiatives set forth by the UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. Youth programs, water quality, and geospatial education are all part of the sustainable landscapes and climate portfolios and […]

Hungry or Full?

Waiting too long to eat between meals or overeating at meals can make you question whether or not you are hungry or full. Not drinking enough water  throughout the day can also contribute to feeling hungry.   We’ve put together 5 tips to help you recognize whether your body is telling you that it needs […]

GMO Training for Science/Agriscience Educators

Agriscience and Secondary Science educators: Apply now for a research study providing 30-hours of professional development training at the UConn Storrs campus about genetically modified organisms (GMOs), receive training in a new curriculum and increase your laboratory skills to expand student understanding. Compensation of $600 will be provided to participants. Visit s.uconn.edu/applygmo to learn more!

Support Extension During UConn Gives

Extension program participants everywhere know that we are committed to providing an exceptional experience. During UConn Gives, a 36-hour giving initiative on March 8-9, program participants, faculty, staff, and friends worldwide come together to give back and celebrate what they care about at UConn Extension. Please join us in supporting our Extension programs – $5 […]

Apply to Become a Summer Intern with Extension

UConn Undergraduate Students: Apply for one of our summer internships. We have 18 opportunities available throughout the state. Learn more and apply at https://s.uconn.edu/interns Get paid and gain valuable in-the-field experience in your chosen discipline at an in-state Extension office location. Food Health Nutrition Sustainability Research Agribusiness Youth Education Community Development Marketing Learn where Extension […]

Jardin Para Principiantes

¿Quieres hacer un jardin pero no sabes cómo empezar? ¡UCONN Master Gardeners pueden ayudarte! Ofrecemos un taller “Jardin para Principiantes” el 14 de marzo del 2023. La presentación incluye como planificar tu jardin, la siembra, el mantenimiento, y la cosecha de sus vegetales, frutas o flores favoritos. También hablaremos de cómo hacer un jardin en […]

Getting to the Root Videos & Farmer Panels

From UConn Solid Ground: In 2022 we kicked off a new video series with the goal of raising the visibility of some of the many entrepreneurs among the new farmer community. Last year we learned about Cut Flower Farming at Eddy Farm and Niche Livestock Farming at BOTL farm. These videos as well as the […]

EFNEP Program Assistant (Educational Program Assistant 1), Educational outreach – Fairfield

Applications Closed Search #: 497240 Work type: Full-time Location: Fairfield County Extension Ctr Categories: Academic Programs and Services JOB SUMMARY   The UConn Fairfield County Extension Center located in Bethel, CT is seeking applications for a full-time Program Assistant, Education Outreach. The Program Assistant will be responsible for promoting and carrying out community-based nutrition, outreach, and youth development programs […]

Outreach Assistant (Educational Program Assistant 2)

Outreach Assistant (Educational Program Assistant 2) APPLICATIONS CLOSED Search #: 497128 Work type: Part-time Location: Tolland County Extension Center Categories: Academic Programs and Services JOB SUMMARY UConn Extension is seeking a part-time Outreach Assistant (Education Program Assistant 2) who will coordinate the activities and provide support for the University’s farm-to-school outreach programming in partnership with the CT Farm […]

Carrot Recipes

Did you know carrots are packed with Vitamin A?  This vitamin is a key nutrient for healthy eyes! Carrots can be a great and healthy addition to any meal. Put Local On Your Tray has complied a list of carrot recipes to increase their use in school meals. View the recipes here: putlocalonyourtray.uconn.edu/carrots-2

CT NOFA Winter Conference – workshop previews

CT NOFA is proud to present our 41st Winter Conference, to be held the second week of March, kicking off on Monday, March 6th, 2023 with a week of live virtual workshops and concluding on March 11th with an in-person gathering and celebration at Wesleyan University. We’ll be offering a variety of live virtual workshops on farming, […]