Gardens

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 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

Today: Matching Gifts for our Master Gardeners

master gardener volunteers in front of a gardenIt’s the final day of UConn Gives! Yesterday was a great day as we reached the halfway mark towards our $20,000 goal. So many of you stepped up and donated to the Master Gardener program – Thank you to all who have donated thus far!

But now it’s the home stretch and we’re hoping to finish as the group with the most donors. If we do, the Master Gardener program receives an additional $5,000 from the UConn Foundation AND an additional $500 from our college’s dean, Indrajeet Chaubey.

We finished yesterday in first place, but keeping the top spot is not guaranteed.

If you have already donated, thank you! If you haven’t, please consider a modest donation that will add to our donor tally. Your $5 or $10 donation could be the one that puts an additional $5,500 in our account. Generous folks like you who understand the good that Master Gardeners do in our communities can make the difference in this campaign.

Your gift will support the program by providing financial resources, meaning we can concentrate on what we do best – gardening and teaching. As a primarily self-funded program, any amount is appreciated – and, whether it’s $5, $25 or $100, your donation gets us closer to the $5,500 bonus!

Please help us grow our future – go to https://givingday.uconn.edu./o/university-of-connecticut-32/i/uconn-gives-2023/s/uconn-extension-master-gardeners-muw11dlx8 before 7 PM TODAY. Thank you!

Why Support Extension During UConn Gives

It’s UConn Gives, a 36-hour giving initiative that brings UConn Nation together to support and celebrate what they care about at UConn. We are asking you to support our Extension programs during this event. Matt Syrotiak and Stacey Stearns share information about the 4-H and Master Gardener programs, and why your support of $5 can help these programs grow and expand:

https://youtu.be/xedJje7h0Fg

https://youtu.be/VjiUH4VkOtU

Support these programs at s.uconn.edu/givetogardeners and https://s.uconn.edu/give4-H23.

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

Getting to the Root Videos & Farmer Panels

From UConn Solid Ground:

In 2022 we kicked off a new video series with the goal of raising the visibility of some of the many entrepreneurs among the new farmer community. Last year we learned about Cut Flower Farming at Eddy Farm and Niche Livestock Farming at BOTL farm. These videos as well as the farmer panels we recorded are available at: https://newfarms.uconn.edu/video-series/

In 2023, we are pleased to add two new videos. Join us in watching the release of our next two releases focused on:

1) Ethnic & Specialty Crops at Mahara Farm via zoom @ noon on 3/9

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/getting-to-the-root-ethnic-and-specialty-crops-tickets-558917516337

 

2) Added Value Products with Park City Harvest (in person) @ 9:45 on 3/11

Register at https://ctnofa.org/winter-conference/2023-conference/ (must be a registrant at the CT NOFA conference).

 

We are extra grateful to Daniel Recinos for his professional videography work.

Become a FoodCorps Service Member

About FoodCorps

FoodCorps partners with schools and communities to nourish kids’ health, education, and sense of belonging so that every child, in every school, experiences the joy and power of food. Our AmeriCorps members serve alongside educators and school nutrition leaders to provide kids with nourishing meals, food education, and culturally affirming experiences with food that celebrate and nurture the whole child. Building on this direct service, FoodCorps advocates for policy change, grows networks, and develops leaders in service of every kid’s health and wellbeing. Our goal is that by 2030, every child will have access to food education and nourishing food in school!

What We’re Looking For

  • Commitment to building a healthier future for school children
  • Demonstrated leadership aptitude and effective communication skills
  • Motivation and commitment to serve full-time directly in a community
  • Self determination in the face of challenges and solutions-oriented creativity
  • Respect for diversity of opinion, experience, and background
  • Display a growth mindset by willing to grow through coaching and implementation of feedback
  • Knowledge of the culture, history, and/or language of the communities we serve
  • Desire to gain hands-on experience in food education

To be considered for a FoodCorps service member position, you must:

  • Be 18 years or older by the start of your service term
  • Be a legal, permanent resident of the United States
  • Hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent at the start of service
  • Individual service positions differ by location. There may be additional requirements, such as language proficiencies and access to a vehicle, depending on the site to which you apply.

What You’ll Do

Our AmeriCorps members work alongside educators to provide kids in K-8 schools with food education and culturally affirming experiences with food that celebrate and nurture the whole child. Although they do this in a variety of ways depending on local partner goals, below are the foundational activities that all Food Education members complete:

Essential Functions

  • Teach hands-on food education and lead taste tests to nourish student’s sense of excitement about eating fruits and vegetables and trying new foods.
  • Grow nourishing food with students, teachers, and families to create dynamic educational gardens where kids can get their hands dirty while learning about food.
  • Build a school-wide movement around nourishing food by building strong, collaborative relationships with teachers, families, and school administrators.
  • Participate in FoodCorps training around teaching, gardening, family engagement, and anti-racism in service.
  • Complete FoodCorps reporting and evaluation to help us measure local and national impact and improve programming.

Non-Essential Functions

  • Publicize FoodCorps-related projects and success stories through press engagements, blog writing, social media posts, newsletters, etc.
  • Collaborate with community partners to raise money to support local FoodCorps-related projects (when allowable).

Apply today!

Application deadline is March 27th.

Click here for more details.

foodcorp flyer 2023foodcorp flyer 2023