Connecticut Sea Grant’s Fiscal Year 2020 Annual Report is now available. With photos, graphics, and summaries of many projects and initiatives, it’s a great way to get a quick overview of Connecticut Sea Grant‘s programs. It is available here.
2020
COVID-19 Trail Impact Report: April-May 2020
CONNECTICUT TRAIL CENSUS RELEASES
COVID-19 TRAIL IMPACT REPORT FOR APRIL-MAY 2020
We are pleased to release the latest data on how several of the state’s most popular multi-use trails are being impacted by COVID-19. The new report documents trail use during April-May 2020 at 12 sites on multi-use trails in Connecticut, and compares use with the same period in 2019, as one indication of the changes in trail use occurring simultaneously with the outbreak of COVID-19. “The trend of increased trail use occurring simultaneously with the March outbreak of COVID-19 is continuing,” observed Charles Tracy, Coordinator for the Trail Census, “The Trail Census team wanted to share these initial findings as soon as the data was available.” Overall, three quarters of the trails participating in this study recorded an increase of greater than 50%, compared to April-May 2019.
The report released today is part of an ongoing trail research project conducted by the Connecticut Trail Census. Other Trail Census projects include “On the Trail” a new weekly podcast; organizing a multi-state conference on bicycle and pedestrian data collection; a new data visualization portal; and work on creating a statewide trails website.
The Connecticut Trail Census is a statewide volunteer-based data collection and education program. The program collects information about trail use through trail use counts recorded by infrared counters and user intercept surveys administered by trained volunteers. The goal is to develop an accurate picture of who uses trails in Connecticut, and to advance and inform new trail policy, design and construction throughout the state.
Initiated in 2017 as a partnership between UConn Extension, Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments, Connecticut Greenways Council, and local trails advocacy organizations, the Trail Census has expanded to over 20 data collection sites on trails across the state. The program receives funding from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Recreational Trails Program. For more information, visit www.cttrailcensus.uconn.edu
Thames River Quests are fun for anytime this summer
The Thames River Heritage Park and Connecticut Sea Grant are inviting people to solve a word puzzle while exploring historic sites in New London and Groton by completing one or more of the four Thames River Quests any time this summer.
Those who complete the quests can enter a prize drawing for heritage park T-shirts and water taxi tickets.
The quests have been offered as part of Connecticut Trails Day events on the first weekend in June in 2018 and 2019. This year, instead of group gatherings, Trails Day hosts are promoting activities that can be done at any time.
“The quests offer families a safe and affordable opportunity to enjoy being outdoors on a pursuit that is both fun and educational,” said Marian Galbraith, president of the Thames River Heritage Park Board of Directors.
The Thames River Quests are treasure-hunt style tours of four park sites: Fort Trumbull State Park and the downtown Waterfront Park in New London; and Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park and Thames Street in Groton.
Participants follow clues to solve a word puzzle that leads to a special location where the quest ends. At the ending spot, people are asked to take a photo and email it to: info@thamesriverheritagepark.org to be entered into the drawing. Winners will be randomly selected throughout the summer.
Photos of the winners will be posted on the Thames River Heritage Park’s Facebook page. In addition to the Thames River Heritage Park and Connecticut Sea Grant, the Thames River Quest is also sponsored by The Day Publishing Co.
Directions for the four quests can be found at: https://www.thamesriverheritagepark.org/quests/
“We enjoy partnering with the Thames River Heritage Park and The Day to highlight the maritime heritage and history of the Thames River region through this interactive quest,” said Nancy Balcom, associate director of Connecticut Sea Grant.
Original Post:
https://seagrant.uconn.edu/2020/05/21/thames-river-quests-are-fun-for-anytime-this-summer/
UConn 4-H Verification and Lease Guidelines for 2020
UConn 4-H Verification and Lease Guidelines for 2020
In recognition of the increased challenges associated with completing verification and lease forms
during this social distancing period, UConn 4-H has revised the guidelines for the 2020 4-H Fair Season.
Dairy, Beef and Horse Deadline for submission is now May 15 (grace period with late fee till May 30)
All other Animals – codeadline June 15 (grace period with late fee till June 30)
*4-H members will be eligible for ESE 4-H Dog, Sheep and Goats provided their animals are
verified by June 30 th .
In lieu of a wet signature on a verification form a 4-H leader can send an email to the county office
confirming the project verification.
In lieu of wet signature on the lease form, the owners of project animals to be leased must agree to
lease terms with the 4-H member (and parent/guardian), and a copy of the lease terms, including animal
information must be sent to the county office to go on file.
All parent and Youth signatures MUST appear on the 2020 verification forms and lease (if applicable).
Scanned forms, photos of forms and hard copy forms will be accepted for 2020.