Climate

Advancing Adaptation and Resilience in a Changing Climate

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.

UConn Extension Internship Application Deadline Extended

woman with UConn shirt smiling, and navy blue & green text over a green background

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.

 

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

9 Projects Focus on LIS Marshes, Water Quality, Public Beaches

wetlands with blue sky and clouds

Long Island Sound water quality, salt marsh and public beach characteristics will be examined by marine and social scientists in nine research projects awarded funding by the Connecticut and New York Sea Grant programs (CTSG and NYSG respectively) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Long Island Sound Study (LISS) Research Grant Program.

These new projects, which seek information that can be used to improve the conditions of the estuary for humans and wildlife, are being supported by $4.2 million in federal funds. That will be supplemented with matching funds of $2.1 million, for a total research package of more than $6.3 million.

The projects will be conducted over two years beginning this spring. The results will build on the substantial body of research funded through the LISS Research Grant Program administered by CTSG and NYSG since 2008 which has contributed to improved understanding and management of this nationally recognized estuary. Cumulatively, this represents the largest research investment in the Sound, which has been designated an estuary of national significance and one of the most valuable natural resources for both states.

Click here to learn more about the projects.

 

Support Extension During UConn Gives

UConn Gives logo 2023

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 is an immense help and unlocks matching gifts too.

master gardener volunteers in front of a garden

Extension Master Gardeners

Extension Master Gardeners share their knowledge and their passion for horticulture and the environment throughout Connecticut. Using the knowledge and the skills gained in the training portion of the program, Master Gardeners provide research-based information and assistance through classes, clinics, workshops, and community outreach projects, More than 9,000 participants have assisted and encouraged homeowners, schools, municipalities, and many other community groups.

Give to the Master Gardeners: s.uconn.edu/givetogardeners

master gardener volunteers in front of a garden

UConn 4-H

The 4-H Centennial Fund provides unique leadership, civic education and workforce preparedness opportunities through state, regional and national 4-H events. UConn 4-H reaches over 18,000 youth each year with exciting learning opportunities.

three images of youth in forest

Youth Environmental Changemakers

Your generous gift will enable high school students from underserved Connecticut communities to get paid while participating in our award-winning 9-month environmental education program! The Conservation Ambassador Program (CAP) includes a one-week action-packed, hands-on field experience at the Storrs campus, followed by a local environmental action project tailored to the student's interests and community needs.
Give to Youth Environmental Changemakers: s.uconn.edu/changemakers
woman running tests in laboratory

Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

CVMDL is dedicated to improving and developing state-of-the-art diagnostics for the protection and monitoring of animal health not only in Connecticut but across the United States. As part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) and as the only Nationally Accredited laboratory in New England, CVMDL is at the forefront of disease surveillance. Advances in testing will ensure enhanced safety for our pets, our food supply, and people.
Give to the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL): s.uconn.edu/give-cvmdl
Joe and Zhai in the meat lab

Animal Science Meat Laboratory

The UConn Meat Science Laboratory was built for college teaching and commercial service of slaughtering, processing, and meat packaging in the 1950s and has been primarily used for teaching and research since the 1990’s. The funds raised by UConn Gives will contribute to equipment repair and small upgrades in the UConn Meat Science Laboratory.
Give to the Meat Lab: s.uconn.edu/give-meat-lab

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

photos of three of the summer interns

Learn where Extension offices are located across the state here so you can apply to an internship that is close to where you will be living this summer.

Get paid while learning and working in a career-oriented role. 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.

UConn Extension is the premiere public engagement program at the University of Connecticut. Extension has eight offices in strategic locations statewide as well as the Sea Grant office at the Avery Point campus and the administrative office on the Storrs campus. Extension programs cover the full spectrum of topics related to food, health and sustainability. Programs delivered by Extension reach individuals, communities, and businesses in each of the 169 municipalities across the state. Extension has approximately 100 faculty and staff in the Department of Extension with another 20 faculty and staff with partial Extension appointments in the academic departments of the UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources.

Internship Timeline

Applications due: March 26, 2023

Selected Interns Notified: by April 10, 2023

Internship starts: May 8, 2023 or later

Learn more and apply online.

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 un espacio limitado o en macetas.  ¡No se lo pierdan!

¿Cuándo?:  Martes, el 14 de marzo, 5:30pm-7:30pm

¿Donde?: Willimantic Public Library, 905 Main St, Willimantic

 

Flyer with information about upcoming Master Gardener event for spanish speakers at willimantic public library

2023 CT Farm Energy Workshops

February 1 3:30-5PM at the Audubon Center, 218 Day Road Pomfret Center, CT 06259

February 9 3-4:00PM (part of Climate Smart Ag Meeting) UConn Litchfield County Extension Center, 843 University Drive, Torrington, CT 06790

February 16 6-7:30PM at the UConn Middlesex County Extension Center, 1066 Saybrook Road, Haddam, CT 06438

Visit www.ctfarmenergy.org to register for free!

Climate Smart Agriculture

Interested in making your farm more resilient? Concerned about climate change? Join us at the Litchfield County Extension Center on February 9 to learn about ways to enable your operation to be sustainable. Dinner provided! For more information and to register, visit: https://nwcd.org/events/

For special accommodations, please contact info@nwcd.org

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

Mayra RodriguezDr. 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 proves that we all can experience the field in different ways. I grew up in the San Juan metropolitan region of Puerto Rico. Although I had little interactions with local natural spaces, I used to love seeing what my grandmother would grow in the backyard of her small city house. She would often tell me what each vegetable and herb could be used for, from cooking to medicinal home remedies.

Once in university, I joined our ESA SEEDS chapter and was in charge of maintaining our urban community garden as well as holding numerous public workshops. In the meantime I did several internships where I learned about natural resource management as well as work with a local community-led nonprofit organization to promote conservation in urban areas. After graduating with my Bachelor’s in Biology, I enrolled in a PhD program in Forestry and Natural Resources at Purdue University. From there, onwards, I’ve supported local groups, agencies and organizations in grounding natural resource planning in equity.

Tell us about your course work and career before coming to UConn?

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a PhD in Forestry and Natural Resources. I did my undergrad at the University of Puerto Rico in Bayamón and my graduate degree at Purdue University. During undergrad, most of my coursework was unrelated to my current field of work but I did take courses in Ecology and Plant Biology. As graduate students, we were expected to take a course in Extension. This was my first formal introduction to the Cooperative Extension System in general.

Prior to working with Extension at UConn, I was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Vermont. There, I supported the Spatial Analysis Laboratory and their tree canopy assessments, working with many city agencies throughout the United States.

What is the most challenging part about your field?

Forestry is a male and white dominated field. So far, the most challenging part has been dealing with what means to be a Hispanic woman in forestry.

Because of the nature of my work (which centers on environmental justice and working closely with underserved communities), it can also be challenging to convey the importance of equity in planning, management and decision making. Sometimes, our privilege blinds us from how others experience the world.

And the most rewarding?

The most rewarding part of my work is seeing positive change take place as its related to inclusive and equity-based practices in urban forestry.

What are your goals for your new position with Extension?

The goal of my extension programs is to create an inclusive atmosphere where we can ensure that deliverables from forestry and environmental efforts are in alignment with the priorities of communities who have been historically excluded from planning, research, and extension.

What will success look like for Extension?

Extension has many wonderful programs. I think I will call myself successful if I can bridge the gap that exist in our efforts in reaching underserved or historically marginalized populations.

How can we all (residents in Connecticut) make a positive impact on environmental justice?

At an individual level, by being conscious of how our decisions towards the environment (as basic as they may be) not only impact us but others as well. In our communities, we can support local groups, organizations and/or initiatives that strive to dismantle structures of racism and discrimination impacting the fair and equitable access to nature and its benefits for all.

What is one thing you want everyone to know about forestry/the environment?

That we all deserve quality of life, which means we all deserve access to clean air and water, healthy forests, ecosystem services, etc. However, this is also tied to having other needs met such as housing, food, and employment. Pursuing environmental goals do not have to occur in exclusion of providing access to these basic goods.