If you see something, say something. The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) seriously threatens Connecticut agriculture and other plants we enjoy. Help the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station control the SLF by reporting and eliminating this invasive pest. Learn more at s.uconn.edu/lanternfly
Ask UConn Extension: What to do with Jumping Worms
Asian jumping worms are a problem. Most efforts at this time are about reducing the spread. The eggs of these worms can travel on shoes and gardening tools and plant material, so proper sanitation is a big key. Avoid plant swaps. More tips and tricks: s.uconn.edu/jumpingworms
Bonnie Kegler: Empowering Youth with UConn 4-H
Bonnie Kegler (’88 CAHNR, ’90 NEAG) joined UConn Extension and the 4-H program in Windham County as an assistant extension educator in July, after an award-winning teaching career at Killingly High School in the agricultural education program.
“I want youth in the UConn 4-H program to have a sense of accomplishment on any level, whether it’s receiving a ribbon at the 4-H fair, being recognized for their contributions, or being in a peer group among other people with similar interests,” she says.
Bonnie was an agricultural education student at E.O. Smith High School and wanted to be a veterinary technician. She went to Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas; at the time, their vet tech program was the second highest rated in the country. She only intended to stay two years but discovered the livestock judging team.
“It changed my life, I didn’t even know they had one,” Bonnie says. “I love decision making with the information you have, and the confidence that comes with making that decision and living with the consequences.” She ended up coaching the team her senior year at Sul Ross, a significant recognition for her livestock evaluation and teaching skills.
After graduating, she got a job at a veterinary practice in West Texas, it was the only practice for 100-miles, so they treated all animals. Bonnie recalls taking a metal coffee can with rocks out to the barn section of the clinic to feed or treat animals, shaking the can along the way to scare the rattle snakes, who slithered out of the barn.
Bonnie returned to Connecticut in 1985, and pursued a masters degree in animal science, also coaching the livestock judging team at UConn, and then earned a teaching certificate from the Neag School of Education.
She loves education and animals, so it was a natural fit to teach agricultural education in the high school setting. Bonnie was always involved with 4-H through her own children too and adds that she loves watching the relationship and learning process between kids and animals.
“Watching youth find out something they didn’t know or get better at something excites me,” she says. “They want to improve, those ‘aha’ moments and watching growth, or having someone get recognized for something they’re passionate about, and helping kids understand how much they are capable of accomplishing. Seeing youth understand that what they know and the skills they have is the coolest thing, and it carries over to adult education too.”
Connecticut has a lot to offer, and Bonnie enjoys living in Mansfield with her husband, and spending time on the shoreline. She also raises and shows Hampshire sheep, and participates in dog agility with Tucker, her Corgi.
Her positive impact is already being felt by youth in Windham County, she led her first 4-H Fair shortly after joining Extension in July and is currently recruiting youth and adult volunteers for the program. Bonnie is also working on statewide agricultural and food literacy programs to educate residents. All her work with UConn 4-H is united in the effort to empower youth to make a positive impact and reach their full potential.
“Youth need to hear from someone that believes they have the ability to do something. I see things in kids where they weren’t sure they would be good, and I give them a different way to look at it,” Bonnie concludes. “I help them understand that what they know is valuable. If they’re willing to learn there isn’t anything they can’t do.”
Visit s.uconn.edu/4-H to learn more about the UConn 4-H program, enroll your youth member, or become a volunteer.
CT IWR Newsletter
Both our water supply and quality are important and the Connecticut Institute of Water Resources works across the state to promote research related to water resources and provide information. Read the latest newsletter issue at https://ctiwr.uconn.edu/resident-resources/newsletters/
Meet Joanna Woodward
Joanna Woodward recently joined UConn Extension as the Master Gardener Coordinator for Tolland County. Prior to joining Extension, she spent 30 years in corporate IT working in training and help desk services, project management, library and information services, and then technology adoption and education. Joanna emigrated from the United Kingdom almost 20 years ago and earned her bachelor in science in Technical Management.
What is your area of interest?
Since retiring and completing the Master Gardeners program, I have an interest in native plants and landscape design with a view to supporting wildlife in our gardens. I maintain my interest in technology adoption and education which began in the early 90’s training secretaries how to use word processors. I was lucky to be around at a time when technology was being introduced into the workplace for the first time.
What excites you the most about working with UConn Extension?
I’m looking forward to engaging with each of the Tolland County Master Gardeners, with the team of Master Gardener Coordinators and looking to collaboration opportunities with other Extension programs. The 2024 program will be online in Tolland so I’m excited to use my previous experience as a technology educator to engage with the new interns.
What is one thing you hope people will learn from you and your work?
I hope the new Master Gardeners enjoy their gardening learning experience and become even more curious about the natural world through the program.
What is your favorite thing to do in Connecticut?
I enjoy walking with my dog in the Connecticut state parks.
What are some of your hobbies and other interests?
I am a Master Gardener volunteer at the Connecticut Audubon Society Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center in Old Lyme and at Camp Harkness in Waterford. I belong to the local garden club and manage their website. I have recently purchased a Cannon DSLR camera and am learning about nature photography. I am a member of two book clubs, one in the U.S. and one in the U.K. and listen to audio books and subscribe to gardening podcasts. I love watching British TV programs (Gardeners World included of course) which keep me connected to my family back at home. My family here consists of my husband, three grown up children, two moggy cats and a cockerpoo.
Ask UConn Extension: When do I prune my hydrangea?
If the shrub blooms in spring, then prune immediately after bloom period next year. If you prune it now, flower buds will be lost. If it blooms in summer, prune now or in the spring. Endless Summer hydrangea macrophylla blooms on current season growth and old wood, pruning will still result in some flower loss, but pruning can be done now if you can’t wait.
Answered by the UConn Home & Garden Education Center
Stewarding Connecticut’s Coastline with Maggie Cozens
Maggie Cozens joined Connecticut Sea Grant and UConn Extension as the Long Island Sound Study outreach coordinator this summer. Her role focuses on encouraging people to care about Long Island Sound and help steward it. The Environmental Protection Agency funds the Long Island Sound Study. It is a partnership with New York Sea Grant, and NEIWPCC, an interstate commission focused on water quality.
“I’m hoping that people will learn they can be empowered participants in stewarding their landscapes, and that they can work with their communities to ensure the integrity of local ecosystems. We can all be active agents stewarding the coastline and watershed,” Maggie reflects on the new role.
She grew up in Newtown, Connecticut, and earned her bachelor of science degree from Appalachian State University in North Carolina and a master of science in environmental science from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington.
“I try to involve lots of different voices in environmental conversations. People often want to be active champions of the natural world but don’t always know how. There is a strong sense of place in coastal Connecticut, and I’m excited to tap into it.”
During her undergraduate program, Maggie had the opportunity to participate in a semester with the Sea Education Association She sailed from Cape Cod to Ireland, and it was her first time sailing. The tall ship world is connected, and that experience was the catalyst for additional marine science opportunities.
Maggie’s interests always focus on watershed health and marine science. She spent a year as an AmeriCorps volunteer at New England Science and Sailing in southeastern Connecticut. After graduate school, she lived on board a schooner and taught marine science and whale biology to middle school students. She then went on to coordinate environmental education and direct a summer ecology camp at Great Hollow Nature Preserve in New Fairfield, CT.
“These experiences stoked a love of field science, environmental education, and outreach. I have been fortunate to participate in a lot of different opportunities within environmental science, conservation, and education,” she says.
She worked for Maine Coastal Heritage Trust before joining UConn and is glad to be back in Connecticut. “Connecticut contains some of my favorite places to hike; the Connecticut landscape has such an interesting legacy, and you can see it every time you’re outside. There is a wonderful diversity of flora, fauna, and communities. Of the states I’ve had the pleasure of living in, Connecticut never fails to surprise me with its often-overlooked natural beauty and nuance. It is interesting to be outside in this state.
Visit seagrant.uconn.edu to learn more about Maggie and her stewardship work with the Long Island Sound Study.
Land Use Commissioner Training Opportunities
As we are approaching the January 1, 2024 deadline to complete the initial four (4) required credits of the land use commissioner training under the CGS Sec. 8-4c, I am excited to share a number of upcoming opportunities for our commissioners to obtain the required credits. I am listing the most immediate opportunities below and providing a link to our CT Land Use Commissioner Training Calendar CT Land Use Commissioner Training (google.com) where you can find training information and registration links (when available). Feel free to share the link to the calendar with your commissioners.
September 21, 2023: Land Use Commissioner Training – CRCOG (1.5 credits-virtual)
The Capital Region Connecticut Council of Governments (CRCOG) will host the CLEAR Land Use Academy – Basic Training, Legal Requirements and Procedures, Roles and Responsibilities, which provides 1.5 hours of credit toward the state required land use commissioner training. Presented by Renata Bertotti, AICP, Assistant Extension Educator in LU Planning and Climate Resilience, UConn CLEAR & CAHNR Department of Extension. Session will be presented online over ZOOM, be open to all and start at 7:00 p.m.
September 28, 2023: Land Use Commissioner Training – SCCOG (1.5 credits – in-person)
The Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG) will host the CLEAR Land Use Academy – Basic Training, Fundamentals of Reading Plans, which provides 1.5 hours of credit toward the state required land use commissioner training. Presented by Renata Bertotti, AICP, Assistant Extension Educator in LU Planning and Climate Resilience, UConn CLEAR & CAHNR Department of Extension. This session assists commissioners with developing plan reading skills including understanding scale, topography, hydrology and stormwater. Participants learn to translate what is on the plans to what it will look like on the ground. The in-person session will start at 6:30 p.m. at 5 Connecticut Avenue, Norwich, CT 06360. The attendance is limited, future sessions may be held if there is interest.
September 30, 2023: Land Use Commissioner Training – NVCOG (4 credits – in person)
The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments will host the CLEAR Land Use Academy Basic Training – The Legal Requirements & Procedures, Roles & Responsibilities and The Fundamentals of Reading Plans which will cover three (3) credits of the required CGS Sec. 8-4c training. Presented by Renata Bertotti, AICP, Assistant Extension Educator in LU Planning and Climate Resilience, UConn CLEAR & CAHNR Department of Extension. At the same event, Jocelyn Ayer, Director of the Litchfield County Center for Housing Opportunity, will present a session on Fair and Affordable Housing Policies, which will cover one (1) credit on Fair and Affordable Housing Policies as required by State Statute. Registration details for this in-person event will be provided in September.
October 12, 2023: Land Use Commissioner Training – SCRCOG (4 credits – in person)
The South Central Regional Council of Governments will host the CLEAR Land Use Academy Basic Training – The Legal Requirements & Procedures, Roles & Responsibilities and The Fundamentals of Reading Plans which will cover three (3) credits of the required CGS Sec. 8-4c training. Presented by Renata Bertotti, AICP, Assistant Extension Educator in LU Planning and Climate Resilience, UConn CLEAR & CAHNR Department of Extension. At the same event, David Fink, former Policy Director at Partnership for Strong Communities and SCRCOG Regional Housing Consultant, will present a session on Fair and Affordable Housing Policies which will cover one (1) credit on Fair and Affordable Housing Policies as required by State Statute. This will be an in-person event conducted at location TBD, from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., and the attendance will be limited. Session will be recorded.
October 28, 2023: Land Use Commissioner Training – UConn CLEAR @ Middlesex County Extension (4 credits – in person)
The UConn Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR) will be running an all-day Land Use Academy on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the UConn Middlesex County Extension Center located at 1066 Saybrook Road, Haddam, CT, 06438. This will be an in-person event at which the four (4) credits of the required CGS Sec. 8-4c training will be provided. Renata Bertotti will present the Land Use Academy Basic Training – The Legal Requirements & Procedures, Roles & Responsibilities and The Fundamentals of Reading Plans, which will cover three (3) credits of the required CGS Sec. 8-4c training, and Mark Branse, a distinguished attorney from Halloran Sage, will present a session on Fair and Affordable Housing Policies which will cover one (1) credit on Fair and Affordable Housing Policies as required by the State Statute. We plan on recording this session and posting it on CLEAR website for those who cannot attend. The Academy will begin at 9:00 a.m. Registration will be available here soon: https://clear.uconn.edu/lua/
November 16, 2023: Land Use Commissioner Training @CRCOG (1.5 credits – virtual)
The Capital Region Connecticut Council of Governments will host the CLEAR Land Use Academy – Basic Training, Fundamentals of Reading Plans, which provides 1.5 hours of credit toward the state required land use commissioner training. Presented by Renata Bertotti, AICP, Assistant Extension Educator in LU Planning and Climate Resilience, UConn CLEAR & CAHNR Department of Extension. This session assists commissioners with developing plan reading skills including understanding scale, topography, hydrology and stormwater. Participants learn to translate what is on the plans to what it will look like on the ground. Session will be presented online over ZOOM, be open to all and start at 7:00 p.m.
Contact Renata.bertotti@uconn.edu for more information on any of these trainings.
Flooding and Hurricane Resources
Continuing rain and extreme weather events, including impacts from hurricanes, are saturating our Connecticut communities. UConn Extension has the following resources to support agricultural producers, consumers, residents, and others affected. You can also sign up for mobile weather alerts by visiting weather.gov and CT Alerts. Anyone in a Disaster area can use the Ready.gov disaster recovery resources.
Ask a Question
UConn Extension provides answers you can trust. Our educators can also connect with agricultural producers, residents, and businesses individually. Ask us a question.
Residents
Our team offers the following advice on extreme flooding:
Recommendations include: avoid areas with extreme flooding, as little as six inches of water can cause problems, do not drive through flooded water, check weather forecasts, and sign up for mobile alerts.
Flooding and erosion also cause issues on beach properties. Our Sea Grant program has a checklist for coastal hazards.
There are emergency preparedness resources for all residents available at our Adapt CT program. Coastal homeowners and businesses can also use resources specifically made for their situation.
Flood Damage in Your Home
The saturated soil means that incoming rain may cause more problems in your home. Visit http://s.uconn.edu/prevent-flood-damage for resources.
Water, Septic, and Soil Testing
Water testing is also advised in some situations. Visit our website for more resources on how to get water tested in Connecticut.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has information for handling private wells and septic systems after a flood:
Soil testing can help determine the extent of damage and any soil remediation needed. Visit our soil lab online for more information.
Food Safety
Flooding sometimes impacts homes and gardens too. We have the following resources to help in those situations:
- Residential gardening (including vegetables) after flooding
- The safety of food and water after a flood (including well/drinking water)
- Fruit and vegetable food safety from flooded areas
- Food safety after a power outage (in the event that a power outage accompanies a flood)
Agricultural Producers
Water and Soil Testing
Water testing is also advised in some situations. Visit our website for more resources on how to get water tested in Connecticut.
Soil testing can help determine the extent of damage and any soil remediation needed. Visit our soil lab online for more information.
Food Safety
UConn Extension is part of the Produce Safety Alliance, and there are guidelines for flooded farms. We also recommend reviewing our farm worker training video series (y en Español) as the principles will help guide farm recovery after a flood.
Equine
Equine owners also need to be cognizant of disaster preparation, especially floods, and we have specific recommendations for these situations as well as on preparing for equine disasters.
Municipalities
We have programs to help municipalities with stormwater and flooding, including the MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems) and the Adapt CT program for climate adaptation, including flooding in coastal and other communities. There are also fact sheets available:
Governmental Resources
Many state and national organizations have programs and resources that can help with extreme flooding:
- USDA RMA (Risk Management) Emergency Loss Procedures
- USDA Rural Development Programs
- USDA Disaster Resistance
- USDA NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection
Resources from Other Extension Systems
From the National Healthy Homes Project
Putting People First is the focus so they will protect their health during the cleanup and restoration process.
Thanks to the National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) and Enterprise Community Partners, A Field Guide for Flooded Home Cleanup (also available in Spanish) has received a makeover. The widely-used guide was first developed nearly 15 years ago to teach safe mold removal practices in hurricane-damaged homes.
In addition, NCHH has a free online training course to educate homeowners and contractors in mold removal safety.
The Rebuild Healthy Homes Guide was developed to help homeowners, volunteers, and other workers to restore damaged homes in a way that puts people first. It includes how-to methods, tips, and improvement ideas for safe restoration that result in not just a livable dwelling, but a healthy home that offers even more than before.
Today: Sweet as Honey Event in Hartford
Today: Join us for the Sweet as Honey event at Hispanic Health Council in Hartford – a free community event with snacks and activities starting at 4:30 PM. We’ll discuss nature, climate change and you’ll take home a sample jar of honey.
Location: 590 Park Street in Hartford
Register online at s.uconn.edu/hhc – walk-ins also accepted.