Meet Sara Tomis: New London County 4- H Intern

Greetings! My name is Sara Tomis and I am working as an intern for the New London County 4-H Office. I am majoring in Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) at the University of Connecticut, and I intend to pursue a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Education upon the completion of my undergraduate degree. I aspire to […]

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

National Hand Washing Week

As part of Marc Cournoyer’s involvement with the Healthy Homes Partnership, he created a poster contest to recognize national hand washing awareness week which runs from Dec. 2-8.  Some of the kids from the Windham Heights 4-H club created posters to educate the public on the importance of hand washing. Marc is a UConn Extension […]

Hazardous Household Products

Are there hazardous household products in your home? Visit the Healthy Homes Partnership for more information on keeping your home safe.

Keep Pests Out!

Is your home free from pests? Visit the Healthy Homes Partnership for more information on keeping them out of your home.

Is Mold Causing You Health Problems?

Does your home have a mold problem? Visit the Healthy Homes Partnership for more information on keeping your home safe.

Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer? Visit the Healthy Homes Partnership for more information on keeping your home safe.

Asthma and Allergies

Are asthma and allergies a problem in your home? Visit the Healthy Homes Partnership for more information on keeping your home safe.

Meet German Cutz

Dr. German Cutz is an Associate Extension Educator for Sustainable Families and Communities with a statewide appointment for UConn Extension. Dr. Cutz develops, conducts, and evaluates Extension outreach education programs. He is fully bilingual (English and Spanish) with more than 20 years experience working in community development in both developing and developed countries. In addition, […]

New Program Leaders

UConn Extension has four major program areas: 4-H youth development, agriculture and food systems, family and community development, and land use and water. Each of these areas has an Extension educator that serves a two-year term as program leader. New program leaders were recently announced for the Family and Community Development and 4-H teams. German […]

Another Award for Susie and Jerome

The book, Susie and Jerome Learn About a Healthy Home, has won the Healthy Homes Communication Star Award for best print medium, awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control (OHHLHC) and its partners (including Rebuilding Together, HGTV, and DIY Network) at the National Healthy […]

The Nutritional Benefits of Nut & Seed Butters: A Consumer’s Guide

During the last decade, plant-based butters (nut and seed) have become more popular. In addition to peanut butter, there are numerous options from which to choose. Nut and seed butters have expanded in production, in part to provide options for people who are allergic to peanuts or tree nuts and offer new options.  This fact sheet provides a review of the nutritional benefits of various options.

Managing Botrytis on Bedding Plants

Bedding plants comprise an important segment of the Connecticut greenhouse industry, worth close to $350 million annually. These crops, which include pansy, geranium, bedding impatiens, New Guinea impatiens, snapdragon, coleus, and others are popular with home gardeners and in beautiful landscapes, and are sold in retail and wholesale outlets throughout the region. This fact sheet covers the identification of gray mold and its cause, and the impact and management of Botrytis cinerea in bedding plants. 

Online Gardening Course Available

UConn Extension is excited to announce that the Fundamentals of Home Gardening online course, designed to help gardening enthusiasts of all levels cultivate thriving home gardens, is available for home gardeners who want to expand their knowledge and skills. The course is divided into four modules covering essential gardening topics: CORE – Water, Soils, and […]

The Amazing Power of Microgreens: Easy to Grow and a Superfood

Microgreens are becoming more popular because they are easy to grow, provide flavor to dishes, and are packed with nutrients. Experiment with different types of microgreens to find a flavor that’s appealing. Microgreens are a budget-friendly and fun way to increase vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to improve health. 

What do Labels Really Mean? Organic, Natural, Cage-Free, Grass-Fed, Pasture-Raised and Local

Organic, Natural, Cage Free, Grass Fed, Pasture-Raised and Local are terms on food labels and used in the news, but what do they really mean?  And how important is it to buy organic and natural foods when it comes to healthy eating?  Some terms are helpful, and others are misleading. This fact sheet reviews some of these terms and the meaning behind them. 

Developing a Biosecurity Plan for Your Livestock or Poultry Operation

A biosecurity plan is a proactive protocol for maintaining the health of animals and people that interact with production or hobby enterprises. The goal of biosecurity is to prevent the introduction and spread of disease-causing pathogens within and between groups of animals and humans. The factsheet integrates a ‘One Health’ approach and is intended for use by livestock operation managers, hobbyists, and others that work closely with poultry and livestock species. The best practices included in this resource may apply to any of the following: chickens, ducks, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and other domestic livestock.  

Yogurt, Kefir and Other Choices at the Supermarket

Yogurt is one of the most popular dairy products among Americans. The yogurt section in the supermarket continues to expand, and the many choices can be confusing.  Nutritionally, yogurt is a good source of protein, calcium, and potassium. Most yogurts contain added sweeteners; however, it is usually sucrose, artificial flavors, and colors. Kefir is another fermented dairy product made by adding bacterial and yeast cultures to milk. Let’s look at some yogurt and kefir options in the dairy aisle.

Climate Smart Adaptation Strategies for Beginning Farmers Course

2025 Online Climate Smart Adaptation Strategies for Beginning Farmers Course UConn Extension is coordinating two offerings of a Climate Smart Adaptation Strategies Course, beginning on February 3rd, 2025, and March 5th, 2025. This is an online course (with an optional in-person graduation) designed for new and beginning farmers in Connecticut who have 1-10 years of […]

Pasta Alternatives

Pasta is one food that many Americans use as a daily, weeknight and weekend, staple. It is easy to prepare and well-liked by everyone, including kids. A decade ago, the only options were regular and whole wheat. Now options abound and the choices can be confusing to consumers. Which pastas are the most nutritious? Pasta has often been maligned because of its carbohydrate content. Many fad and Keto diets recommend avoiding traditional white pasta, due to the refined grains and carbohydrate content. However, pasta remains a key component of many healthy eating patterns.

The Health Benefits of Chickpeas

Americans have dramatically increased the use of chickpeas in their diets, over the past few years, particularly in the form of hummus. Chickpeas have so many nutritional and health benefits – adding them to the diet is a big nutritional boost. They are inexpensive and versatile to add to many dishes. This article looks at chickpeas and their health benefits.

UConn EFNEP Food Demonstration with CitySeed Farmers Market at Dixwell Q-House 

UConn Extension’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) recently re-established connections with the CitySeed Farmer’s Market at the New Haven Dixwell Q-House to provide healthy recipe ideas. This year, CitySeed completed its 20th Anniversary of providing Connecticut farm produce to New Haven residents. EFNEP nutrition educators offer ideas about how to prepare farm market […]

Apple Picking with the Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program

As the air begins to get colder and fall crops become ready to harvest, apple picking is a great way to learn about food systems, support local agriculture, and engage in healthy eating behaviors. On October 15th, 2024, twenty youth and child development professionals from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) traveled to Holmberg Orchards […]

Second Annual Climate Resiliency Day with UConn Extension

On June 29th, 2024, the Fairfield County UConn Extension Office hosted its second annual Climate Resiliency Day at Danbury Farmer’s Market. This day is dedicated to educating the public on how they can stay safe during extreme weather events and support a healthy environment from home. Several notable programs participated, including the UConn Extension Master […]

Olivia Routhier: Intern Spotlight

Olivia Routhier, our community nutrition intern this summer, and a dietetics major in UConn CAHNR shares her experiences: This past summer, I have had the pleasure of working with Heather Peracchio, RDN at Fairfield County UConn Extension on a variety of programs ranging from summer school programs to senior center lessons to farmer’s market nutrition […]

Sowing the Seeds of Coaching with the Master Gardeners

The Fairfield County Master Gardeners had a successful collaboration and a fun and productive day of teaching and gardening when they recently hosted the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Connecticut Charter Chapter at their Demonstration Garden at the Fairfield County Extension Center in Bethel. This event was held during ICF’s annual International Coaching Week (ICW) in […]

Jumping Worms

While most earthworms are not native to the United States., many earthworm species provide benefits to urban soils (those in landscapes, lawns and forests) by helping to improve the porousness of the soil, which improves drainage and aeration. Concern has grown over the last decade over several worm species, predominantly of the Amynthas spp., that are reported to cause soil damage, significantly changing its texture and composition. ‘Jumping worms’ is the common name for several similar-looking species.

Cracking the Code: Your Essential Guide to Egg Safety

Eggs can be a delicious protein diet staple when used in salads and sandwiches, or when used for their binding function in baking and holding together ground meats. However, consumers in general do not associate this protein-rich food with biological, food safety hazards.  Eggs CAN carry harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, and when improperly handled or prepared can cause foodborne illness.

New Game from UConn Extension Helps Youth Discover Biotechnology

Youth may not aspire to careers that they can’t visualize or fully comprehend. A new biotechnology game created by UConn Extension, in cooperation with the Learning Games Laboratory at New Mexico State University, allows youth to imagine and explore career opportunities in a biotechnology lab. The game, Dr. Eugene’s Biotechnology Lab, is now available at […]

Alternative “Lawn” Options for New England Landscapes

Lawns are an integral component of the home landscape. Turf areas contribute recreational space and offer a focus of the landscape design. Grasses also sequester carbon and provide an efficient carbon sink.

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 […]

8 Essential “Always” of Holiday Food Safety

Good food safety practices are always welcome at holiday gatherings. These eight essential always of holiday food safety help consumers practice safe food practices at home to ensure
the health and safety of friends and family.

Defining Extension Programs at the University of Connecticut: Smith-Lever Legislation and Funding Requirements

This document is the first in a series that will identify the types of Extension programs at UConn based on their legislative mandates and funding requirements.

Chloride is Crucial for Crops!

Article by Haiying Tao, PhD, UConn Assistant Professor, Soil Fertility & Health While we all are aware that the big three, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are needed for healthy plants, many of us don’t give much thought to the dozen or so trace elements that while needed in tiny quantities are also […]

Shell recycling initiative being introduced in Connecticut

Article by Connecticut Sea Grant Empty oyster and clam shells from Long Island Sound shouldn’t be treated like trash. They are vital components of healthy habitat for shellfish and other marine life, and need to be returned to their watery home instead of being hauled away with other garbage. That’s the message shell recycling advocates […]

Q&A with Dr. Mayra Rodríguez – Urban Community Forestry Educator

Dr. Mayra Rodríguez joined UConn Extension in August 2022 as our Urban Community Forestry educator. We sat down for a Q&A with her about her Extension program and interests. How did you get interested and involved in forestry? I’ve been told that my path to forestry is a bit unconventional, but I think this just […]

Eat Smart, Live Strong with Heather Peracchio

Registered Dietitian and Assistant Extension Educator Heather Peracchio delivered the USDA Eat Smart, Live Strong session on Tuesday December 13th at Butter Brook Senior and Disabled Housing in New Milford, CT.  Seniors learned about eating fruits and vegetables and moving more throughout the winter. Seniors taste-tested a delicious one pot minestrone soup and received a […]

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 […]

Extension Recognizes Program Volunteers

Volunteers are the heart of UConn Extension Master Gardener Program, UConn CLIR program, and our UConn 4-H program. We were honored to recognize a few of them for their contributions at an event on June 16, 2022. In total, our volunteers donated 156,597 hours (the equivalent of 6,524 days) to our programs in 2021. Thank […]

Sustainable Landscape Tips

Question: What are important considerations for plant selection when designing a sustainable landscape?  Answer: Proper plant selection is the most important step in designing a sustainable landscape. “Right plant, right place” is the fundamental principle for the environmentally sound management of landscapes. Plants should be selected for not only aesthetic value, but also because they […]