#AskUConnExtension

Black History Month – Week 2

The theme for this week is Activism. Food activism can be seen in many aspects of African American History.   👉🏾When the Transatlantic Slave Trade started, captured Africans braided seeds and grains into their hair to bring their foods with them as a way of survival. Rice, okra, peanuts, benne, watermelon are some examples of […]

What is UConn Extension’s People People Empowering People (PEP) Program? #AskUConnExtension

UConn Extension People Empowering People (PEP) opens doors, brings people together, provides training, builds skills, and more for participants to follow their passion and make a difference. On this week’s #AskUConnExtension Showcase meet Sheri Amechi, and learn about her transformative experience and development as a community leader in Meriden, CT. UConn Extension’s People Empowering People (UConn […]

COVID-19 Vaccine Resources – #AskUConnExtension

For this week’s #AskUConnExtension Showcase, let’s do our part in keeping our community safe—get vaccinated today. Text: From UConn Extension, let’s all do our part to protect those we care about most. Visit the resources below to learn more about vaccine safety in our community: wecandothis.hhs.gov/ pages.extension.org/excite cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19

Controlling Black Knot – #AskUConnExtension

What is Black Knot? Black Knot, is a disease commonly found on plums and Prunus species. The fungus causes the plant to produce unusual galls which eventually grow to girdle twigs and branches, restricting water supply and killing portions of the canopy. It is spread to other plants via wind and water. Control Manage the disease […]

What is a 4-H Escape, and how can I sign up? – #AskUConnExtension

This week, we put the #AskUConnExtension Showcase spotlight on “4-H Escape,” a UConn 4-H program connecting and teaching students and campers across CT. To learn more and start your escape room journey, check out 4-h-escape.extension.uconn.edu Text: This summer, stay connected with 4-H and try your luck at one of their online escape rooms! UConn 4-H […]

Best Practices for Cooking and Storing Meats – #AskUConnExtension

On this week’s #AskUConnExtension Showcase, we answer your questions about food preparation and storage. Extension Educator Dr. Indu Upadhyaya demonstrates the tips and tricks of ideal internal meat temperatures, best practices for storage, and more. For more food-safe information, be sure to visit foodsafety.uconn.edu Text: Cooking meat can be a sensitive job. But, with some […]

What should I do if I hear Chainsaws in the UConn Forest? – #AskUConnExtension

Extension educator Thomas Worthley says, “The UConn Forest has a long history of human intervention.” On this week’s #AskUConnExtension Showcase, we show how Forest Managers preserve the natural landscapes and beauty of the UConn Forest as a key educational resource for students. Learn more about CT Forestry at s.uconn.edu/forestry Text: The UConn Forest, located around […]

CT Trail Finder – #AskUConnExtension

For our first installment of our #AskUConnExtension Showcase, we’re covering CT Trail Finder, a great new tool to help connect you to your next adventure. Perfect for walking, hiking, mountain biking, and exploring nature in our state, CT Trail Finder has got you covered with over 2,000 miles of trails to explore. Visit cttrailfinder.com for […]

What should I do if I hear chainsaws in the forest? – #AskUConnExtension

Tom Worthley, one of our Extension foresters, explains what you should do if you hear chainsaws in the UConn Forest or in a forest near your home. Have more questions?  Connect with one of our specialists today. Extension specialists are here to help you, your family, and your community. We have answers to your questions […]

ACE C & A Awards – UConn 2021

We would like to congratulate all of the UConn Extension team members who received awards from the Association for Communication Excellence (ACE)! Thank you for your hard work and continued efforts. All award recipients will be recognized at the ACE virtual conference in June.   Rising Star Award Recipient: Stacey Stearns C & A Awards […]

Grow With Us

Do you have a gardening question? Or insect to identify? UConn Extension Master Gardeners provide horticultural education and advice. Submit your question online or contact one of our offices. Our trained volunteers and staff will provide you with information. There is no charge for our services. We are here to serve the community. Learn more […]

How do I get a tick tested?

Ticks carry many diseases that affect humans and animals. The Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in the Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science at UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources offers tick testing. The steps to submit a tick are outlined in this video and you can visit https://bit.ly/UConnTickTesting to download the submission […]

Home With Chickens: Enhance Your Poultry Skills With Us

Chickens are increasing in popularity with many residents, and for good reason. Owning poultry provides a source of fresh eggs, and is fun. At some point, you may have questions while you are home with chickens UConn Extension, part of the UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources has a suite of resources for […]

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. […]

Where can we get healthy food? #AskUConnExtension

Where can we get healthy food? Dr. German Cutz, one of our Extension educators, discusses urban agriculture as one option as we use innovative technology and new methods to grow food for our families and communities. #AskUConnExtension Video: Mike Zaritheny

Holiday Eating Survival Guide

Choose: Lower calorie appetizers- vegetables, or fruit Avoid lots of cheese, and fried foods Smaller plates and tall skinny glasses Know your limits: Eat before you go to a party or out holiday shopping Make a healthy food for the party Have a plan for healthy eating… 5 small appetizers and 2 drinks 2 mixed […]

What do labels really mean? Organic, Natural, Cage-Free…

What do labels really mean? Organic, Natural, Cage-Free, Grass-Fed, Pasture-Raised and Local You have probably seen these terms on food labels and in the news, but what do they really mean?  And how important is buying organic and natural foods when it comes to healthy eating.  Some terms are helpful and others are misleading. So, […]

Heart Healthy Cooking Oils

This article will review the health and cooking properties of oils available in markets. With so many cooking oils to choose from, it can be confusing which ones are heart-healthy and which ones are not. Cooking oils include plant, animal or synthetic fats used in frying, baking and other types of cooking. Oils are also […]

Expiration, Use-By and Sell-By dates: What do they really mean?

Often people open up their refrigerators, cupboards and cabinets to find foods that are beyond their sell- buy and use- buy dates. While it is always better to be safe than sorry, the following guidelines and information should help to take the guesswork out of determining whether or not your food is safe to eat. […]

Have your Soil Tested for Macro & 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 […]