If there’s something strange in your backyard – or flock, or water, or garden – who you’re gonna call? You could try Ghostbusters, but Connecticut residents might have better luck with a UConn Extension office. Part of a national network of Cooperative Extension Systems at land-grant universities across the country, Conn Extension reaches every community in the state to help real people solve real problems.

“It’s something UConn Extension is extremely good at and has been doing for over 100 years – empowering people with the information and training they need at the pace of innovation,” says Indrajeet Chaubey, dean of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR ) and director of UConn’s Cooperative Extension System.

Conn Extension’s reach is bolstered through extensive collaborations with state agencies, non-profit organizations, and municipalities to serve Connecticut communities. The collective strengths lead to innovative programs and more benefit for state residents.

“The key is that we all work in a complementary fashion,” says Mike O’Neill, senior associate dean for Extension and diversity in CAHNR. “We augment and enhance the services our partners provide, and this offers residents solutions and services to the challenges they face.”

Conn Extension’s partnerships aren’t just strong, they’re varied too, says O’Neill. In alignment with the needs of state residents and CAHNR’s research expertise, Conn Extension and their partners offer programing in agriculture and food, climate adaptation, enhancing health and well-being, and sustainable landscapes.