Dangers of Glyphosate
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is one of the most commonly used herbicides in the world by commercial gardeners. It is found to be highly toxic and can cause many short-term and long-term health effects. Notably, research has linked long-term exposure to glyphosate to Parkinson’s Disease.
To help educate those in the farming and gardening industries about this toxic chemical, Drugwatch.com has created a comprehensive guide. It covers things like what it is used for, symptoms, and side effects. Also included is a second guide regarding non-toxic alternatives, please take a look at these links.
https://www.drugwatch.com/roundup/glyphosate/
https://www.drugwatch.com/roundup/alternatives/
Gardeners beware! There are more dangerous ticks around. Click HERE for an update.
Past Programs
Fall Farm Talk
Webinar with Mary Concklin & Kip Kolesinskas
Connecticut’s climate is changing! We will explore the impacts and consider adaptation strategies in this year’s virtual event. Kip Kolesinskas, Consulting Conservation Scientist, will first provide an overview of our climate trends and how these trends can impact farms and gardens. Then Mary Concklin, Visiting UConn Extension Educator, Fruit Crops Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Coordinator and farmer, will provide actual examples of how she is managing the climate impacts on her diverse produce farm, Raspberry Knoll Farm, in Windham, CT.
The Return of the Species
Lee Buttala Auer Farm, Bloomfield CT
In a horticultural and agricultural universe where hybrids and vegetative propagation have become commonplace, the biodiversity of many species is being bottlenecked even by those with the best of intentions.
Citing examples he has learned from writing about seed saving in relation to his work on the preservation of heirloom vegetables at Seed Savers Exchange, Buttala sets forward a simple approach to how we can all contribute to biodiversity in our own backyards. Learn to preserve the biodiversity of the plant kingdom, one seed at a time.
Advocating for Trees and Forests
Webinar with Eric Hammerling
Freshwater Systems: Research Update
David Arscott, ED Stroud Water Research Center
Stroud Water Research Center (Avondale, PA) conducts stream and watershed research to advance our knowledge and stewardship for restoring and protecting freshwater systems. In this presentation, Dr. Arscott will share an overview of some of the many threats to water quality and highlight several Stroud Center research, education and restoration projects. Topics and projects highlighted will include: implementing best management practices in rural landscapes and building healthier soils to reduce agricultural nutrient- and sediment-runoff; building watershed resilience towards the anticipated impacts of climate change; understanding and managing contaminants of emerging concern like polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and neonicotinoids; and improving our understanding of water quality impacts related to new and emerging agricultural crops like hemp production.
Hartford's Green Path Forward
Sarah Bronin, Moderator Panel Discussion
Hartford is among many cities taking a leadership role in combating climate change and environmental degradation by placing sustainability front and center in its policy and planning decisions. It’s Climate Action Plan. provides a roadmap to a cleaner environment that the city hopes will lead to improved public health outcomes, economic advancement, and greater social equity. By integrating diverse perspectives representing an array of interests, Hartford has created a citywide, community-based network focused on climate stewardship to help push forward its initiatives. During this panel discussion, Bronin, Cherolis, Kambli and Virgo will discuss the city’s ongoing sustainability efforts and plans for a green future.