The Trail Finder website is the go-to website for finding trails across the state. Use the search options to find trails by location, activity (hike, bike, horse, etc.), distance and difficulty, accessibility, and features like waterfalls and nature trails.
Trail Finder posts (both the information and map) are ALL approved by trail managers. Recently, the trails team has been working with the Regional Water Authority (RWA), folks in Woodbridge, the Sharon Land Trust, the Northwest CT Land Conservancy, and others.
Interested in the many benefits of having your trails and your information on Trail Finder? Learn more at add your trails and contact us at
Many of our communities are affected by the statewide flooding from the Connecticut River after heavy rains in New York and Vermont. Flooding conditions continued after more rain arrived. 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.
Agricultural Producers
Agricultural lands in central and northwestern Connecticut have flooded. The examples below are courtesy of farms along the Connecticut River.
Soil and Water Testing
Soil testing can help determine the extent of damage and any soil remediation needed. Visit our soil lab online for more information.
Water testing is also advised in some situations. Visit our website for more resources on how to get water tested in Connecticut.
State and Federal Reporting
In an effort to better understand the scope of the situation, we are asking producers to share estimated losses with us through our online reporting tool. This data will be shared with USDA Farm Service Agency and UConn Extension. By filling out this information it will assist these entities in determining if a disaster declaration can be obtained. Your farm name and contact information is not required, but if you would like to be contacted, please share that.
If you have not done so, please also contact your local Farm Service Agency county office to report your damages as well as your insurance agent to report impacts for covered crops. USDA disaster assistance information can be found on farmers.gov, including USDA resources specifically for producers impacted by flooding. For FSA programs eligibility, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center.
Photo: Overbrook Farm
Photo: Joe Wojnilo
South Windsor fields. Photo: Bonnie Burr
Photo: Overbrook Farm
Photo: Joe Wojnilo
South Windsor fields. Photo: Bonnie Burr
Photo: Overbrook Farm
Photo: Overbrook Farm
Photo: Overbrook Farm
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.
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.
Food Safety
Flooding sometimes impacts homes and gardens too. We have the following resources to help in those situations:
Soil testing can help determine the extent of damage and any soil remediation needed. Visit our soil lab online for more information.
Water testing is also advised in some situations. Visit our website for more resources on how to get water tested in Connecticut.
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:
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 Guidewas 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 homethat offers even more than before.
Can the particles in the air currently from the Canadian wildfires get into the soil and then into our food being grown locally?
Smoke and ash from current Canadian wildfires have raised questions about the safety of produce growing on farms and gardens in Connecticut and beyond. While the number 1 concern from wildfire smoke is human health, chemicals found in the smoke don’t just stay in the air and can deposit onto plants and soils.
From a food safety perspective, there is generally low concern about the chemicals present on soils and produce. A study conducted in California examined 200 samples of greens (collard greens, lettuces, kale, and chard) that were exposed to wildfire smoke and ash. The study found no detectable levels of lead, arsenic, mercury, or chromium in any of the samples. However, it is still important to practice basic food safety measures, such as washing hands before handling produce and thoroughly washing produce before consumption.
When the smoke is light to moderate, it can actually enhance crop growth by diffusing light into the plant canopy. However, severe smoke that blocks sunlight can negatively impact photosynthesis and hinder plant growth and development.
Toxic gases present in smoke, such as nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone, can enter plants through their stomata and cause damage to plant tissues. Ozone, in particular, can burn or oxidize tissues in sensitive plants like cucumber, watermelons, beans, and potatoes. Exposure to wildfire smoke can affect the flavor of certain crops like wine grapes, giving them a smoky taste. The reduced photosynthesis and presence of toxic gases can increase plant stress and delay the physiological processes, resulting in delayed growth and harvest. Pollinator activity is also reduced due to smoke there by having a potential issue with crop pollination.
Smoke from wildfires can also have indirect effects on agriculture, creating a ripple effect throughout the farming process. The health concerns of farm workers due to the presence of smoke can hinder various farm activities, including crop scouting, fertilization, spraying, and other essential tasks. These disruptions have the potential to adversely impact crop production and overall agricultural output. Pollinator activity is also reduced due to smoke there by having a potential issue with crop pollination.
The Empire State Building in New York City with wildfire smoke. Photo: Ahmer Kalam
Wildfire smoke can damage your lungs, heart, eyes, nose, throat and immune system. Smoke can enter homes and contaminate indoor air. Protect yourself by staying indoors and taking steps to reduce indoor air pollution. Here are tips on how to protect the air in your home.
Why is smoke harmful?
In a wildfire, the major contributor to smoke is fine particulate matter. Of particular concern are the
smallest particles, known as PM2.5. These particles are invisible to the eye. Because they are so small, they can travel deep into the lungs and be absorbed into the body. Larger particles, called PM10, are usually visible in the form of ash. When inhaled, small bits are trapped high in the lungs and typically can be coughed out. However, they can still cause irritation.
Who is at risk?
People sensitive to wildfire smoke include:
Children younger than 18
Adults 65 or older
Pregnant women
People with chronic health conditions such as heart or lung disease, asthma or diabetes
Anyone who is seriously ill
Outdoor workers
People of low socioeconomic status, including those who are homeless and those who have limited access to medical care
How does smoke enter homes?
Outdoor air can enter your home in several ways:
Open windows and doors
Bathroom or kitchen fans that vent to the outdoors
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems with a fresh air intake
Small openings, joints and cracks, including those around closed windows and doors
Improve indoor air quality
Take steps to protect the air quality in your home and stay inside.
Keep smoke out of your home
Close windows and doors, but don’t block or tamper with
Minimize use of exhaust fans or range hoods that don’t vent outside.
If your window air conditioner or HVAC system has a fresh air option, turn it off or close the
As of January 1, 2023, Sesame is now required to be labeled as an allergen on packaged foods, including dietary supplements. This has been the culmination of efforts for years among food allergy advocates. Sesame is now the country’s ninth major allergen, affecting approximately 1.6 million people (about the population of West Virginia) in the United States. Cases of Sesame allergy, some quite severe, have been rising in recent years along with a growing number of foods that contain the ingredient. Dr. Michael Pistiner, Director of Food Allergy, Education and Prevention at Mass General Hospital for Children believes one reason for the rise in sesame allergies is due to more people in the United States eating sesame- containing products (2019).
Sesame can be found in obvious places like sesame seeds on bagels. But it is also an ingredient in many foods from ice cream, hummus to protein bars and can be added to sauces, dips and salad dressings and hidden in spices and flavorings. Because it is in a lot of foods as hidden ingredients, it is very hard to avoid.
The Food Allergy, Safety, Treatment, Education and Reasearch (FASTER) Act became law in April 2021, requiring sesame to be listed on packaged foods beginning January 1, 2023.
This federal law establishing Sesame labeling by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require food products that were already on their way to the store or in stock before 2023 to list sesame as an allergen. So, unlabeled packaged foods will still be on store shelves in the near future. However, the new federal law did go into effect on January 1, adding sesame to the list of allergens that must appear on food labels if present in the product. Unfortunately, the new labeling requirements are so strict that it costs less to add sesame to food products than to try and keep it out of those foods not meant to contain it. Some of the companies adding sesame to foods that didn’t contain it before include Olive Garden, Wendys, and Chick-fil-A and bread makers that stock grocery shelves and serve schools. Bakers, especially, find it simpler and less expensive to add sesame to a food – than to try and keep it away from other foods or equipment with sesame.
Although these actions don’t violate the law, the FDA does not support them. These moves have the unintended effect of the law making it more difficult for sesame allergic customers to find foods that are safe for them to consume. Sesame labeling has been required for years in Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. So, labeling can be done. It is of interest how many companies in the United States will comply with the new labeling law or simply add sesame to their list of ingredients to avoid the law.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle may be difficulty when you are worried about the affordability of healthy foods and creating nutritious meals. UConn EFNEP,UConn Healthy Family CT, and SNAP-Ed are dedicated to helping you and your family achieve health goals. Scan the QR code to learn more or visit communitynutrition.cahnr.uconn.edu
Stigma exists across all age groups for those struggling with mental health. Navigation of the
teen years in everyday situations can create angst and uncomfortable feelings that are difficult
to express. According to the CDC, rates of depression and anxiety climb significantly during the
ages of 12-17. Suicide is the second leading cause of death of youths in the United States.
AgriSafe offers Invest in Your Health Trainer Exchange, where educators can be certified to train
on the AgriSafe modules. AgriSafe provides the course instruction and training materials. Under
their open share platform, once certified, educators would be free to use the training materials
in their classroom or out of school settings.
Friday, January 27, 2:00-3:30pm, Middlesex County Extension Center
Saturday, January 28, 1:30-2:30 pm, virtual
Monday, January 30, 6-7:30pm, Litchfield County Extension Center
Invest in Your Health: Cultivating a Healthy Mind
Train the Trainer Workshop
Lisa Ford, MA, LADC, LPC
Lisa has served on the board of Connecticut Association for
Addiction Professionals (CAAP), the state chapter of the
National Association of Alcohol and Drug Counselors
(NAADAC) as communications chairperson. She is a member
of NAMI and NAADAC.
A partnership between UConn and local tribes led to the development of Meechooôk Farm and other programs that strengthen the tribal community, their land-base, and self-sufficiency. Learn more about the project by reading this article.
Financial support for this work was provided by the USDA NIFA Federally-Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP Awards 2017-41580-26950 and 2022-41580-37944).
Our UConn Extension Master Gardeners will be at the 1st Annual Gather New Haven Festival on Sunday, September 18th, celebrating health, wellness, and nature. Stop by and visit us to learn more about the program, ask your plant and horticulture questions, or pick up an application for our 2023 class.
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The First Annual Gather New Haven Festival is scheduled for Sunday, September 18, 2022, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM in
Degale Field / Goffe Street Park
in the Dixwell neighborhood of New Haven, CT.
The Gather New Haven Festival (Festival) is a celebration and full day of activities focusing on improving community wellbeing through connections with health, wellness, and nature. The Festival considers our communities’ physical, psychological, social, and environmental health concerns. It seeks to inform and excite community members on how they can live healthier lives through fun and enriching activities centered on the natural world’s resources.
The Festival amplifies the promotion of the benefits involved with spending more time outdoors, fitness, dietary health, food access, community gardening, entrepreneurship, and access to health care resources.
By bringing together an array of resources, speakers, performers, specialists, and vendors, the Gather New Haven Festival will convey a call to action encouraging New Haven’s citizens to work towards being amongst the healthiest cities in Connecticut.
Do you need some tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle? Do you have a project that you are passionate about, but haven’t shown it off? Are you looking for a place to both learn and enjoy what you learn about? My name is Genesis Rosario and I’m the Summer 2022 Intern for UConn Extension’s 4-H New Haven County office working with Margaret Grillo, where the fundamentals of living healthy are exhibited through creative and interactive workshops. Being held both virtually and in-person, there are Healthy Living workshops being offered throughout New Haven county where the youthful community, alongside their adult chaperones, are welcome to attend. From learning how to identify mold in the house to learning how to be safe in the kitchen, these workshops will introduce all participants to information that is valuable for staying healthy in their everyday lives. Have a specific interest in cooking healthy recipes in the kitchen? There are even 4-H cooking workshops that have a step-by-step process of cooking your favorite meals with substitutes of certain ingredients to maintain an effective diet-based meal. Participants of all ages are welcome to attend the 4-H cooking workshops.
4-H is an organization that emphasizes the importance of living healthy while bringing insight on topics that can impact the community of all ages. Nonetheless, every year 4-H hosts a fantastic 4 H-fair for community members to show off their best interests and hobbies, while still being able to attend and learn about healthy living through local workshops. These projects can suit anyone! Projects exhibited at the fair range from raising livestock to showing off home art crafts. The 4-H fair has a variety of entertaining and inclusive attractions that serve as a way to incorporate education and genuine interest for a project on a personal level. Come join the fun!
The Trail Finder website is the go-to website for finding trails across the state. Use the search options to find trails by location, activity (hike, bike, horse, etc.), distance and difficulty, accessibility, and features like waterfalls and nature trails.
