Conserving Water by Eliminating Outdoor Irrigation

By Dr. Mike Dietz

The one thing that people don’t want to hear is outdoor irrigation for watering lawns, and that is a waste, in my opinion. If you’re an agricultural producer or are growing a garden, that’s one thing, we need food, but if you are throwing that water on a green lawn, it’s just an absolute waste.

That’s an area where we can make a difference. It is very tied into neighborhoods and trying to keep up with your neighbors with the idea that everybody’s got this nice, lush green lawn. You can’t be the one slacker that has the brown lawn. Trying to crack that is tough because it’s a real social issue too.

For homeowners, rain barrels are good, but obviously, if you’re trying to water a bigger area, it is not as practical. For more information visit ctiwr.uconn.edu

Applications for the CEE-Change Fellowship Are Now Open

ee360+ and Cedar Tree Foundation are excited to launch the 2023 CEE-Change Fellowship to scale up their impact as they work to create a more equitable and sustainable future. Become a Civics and Environmental Education (CEE)-Change Fellow to strengthen your community through a community-based environmental education action project. Gain access to opportunities for leadership training, technical assistance, and professional development, and join a growing network of community leaders. The 2023 Fellowship program will include a special focus on climate change and education.
Applications are now open and due May 15, 2023.
Professionals of all ages are encouraged to apply.
Visit the North American Association for Environmental Education’s website to apply at naaee.org/programs/cee-change-fellowship. EE Change Fellowship: Graphic with windmills, a person stretching, a woman watering a plant over, and a QR code over a teal background
This initiative is funded by Cedar Tree Foundation and ee360+, a cooperative agreement between NAAEE, U.S. EPA, and partner organizations.

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 4-H is hiring Associate Extension Educators!

4-H logoThe Department of Extension is seeking applicants for three full-time (11-month), non-tenure track Assistant/Associate Extension Educators. One position will target Food and Agricultural Literacy, one on Environmental Literacy, and the other will focus on Healthy Lifestyles Literacy. These three vacant positions are not specifically designated to an assigned location. Final placement will be negotiable, with one educator primarily based in each of the following locations: (a) the Fairfield County Extension Office in Bethel, (b) the New Haven County Extension Office in North Haven, and (c)the Windham County Extension Office in Brooklyn.

See the full position description by visiting s.uconn.edu/4-hjobs2023

Applications will only be accepted through Academic Jobs Online academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/24541

Screening of applicants will continue until the position is filled.

UConn Extension Internship Application Deadline Extended

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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 18-20 hours per week over the 10 week summer period with some requiring a bit of weekend and/or evening hours, although these circumstances vary by position. Some of these positions for employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to intern with us this summer!

Click here to apply.

 

From This Land: Honoring Native Foods of Winter

Put Local On Your Tray Native Foods Banner

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, Tray’s goal with the campaign, and many resources for educators including online readings, maps, recipes, and downloadable handouts (original materials created by UConn Extension’s Put Local On Your Tray and Dawn M. Spears).

Click Here

Poultry Workshop

Are you interested in learning how to enhance your poultry skills? Our Extension educators are hosting a Poultry Workshop to help you achieve your poultry goals.

The workshop will be held on Wednesday April 26th, from 10 am – 2pm at the Tolland Agricultural Center (TAC),
24 Hyde Avenue Vernon, CT 06066.  For more information contact Heather Goodman at heather.goodman@uconn.edu

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Highlights of Extension

collage of pages from Extension highlights publication

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 featured throughout this issue. In agriculture, we continue partnering with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, innovating aquaculture production in the state, and serving new and beginning farmers.

The work of our financial literacy program is needed now more than ever and aligns with our other health programming. All programs center diversity, equity, inclusion and justice, and this work is ongoing. UConn Extension educators and volunteers continue to improve the lives of residents in all 169 cities and towns. Extension is steadfast in our commitment and will continue evolving alongside those we serve.

We invite you to explore the progress made over the past year and join us in future programs.

Read our report online at s.uconn.edu/highlights

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 food or not. Check in with yourself during the day and ask, “Why am I hungry?” 
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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!
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