b'Ask UConn ExtensionWhat resources are available for commercial hemp producers? You have questions.Answered by Shuresh Ghimire|hemp.cahnr.uconn.eduConnecticut is a small, diverse stateThe UConn Hemp Extension andat USDA NRCS and CT RC&D. The Outreach Program assists commercialconference covered healthy soils practices, with urban and rural spaces. Wehemp producers by providing informationlocal policy and regulations, Connecticut understand that because we live andon production techniques and pestfield trial results, as well as innovative pro-work here. Extension specialists aremanagement. The program emphasizesduction markets. The event was a valuable here to help you, your family, and yourhealthy soils, balanced plant nutrition,resource for local producers and farmers community.pest identification, and preventativewho are seeking connections in the state We have answers to your questionsmanagement strategies. The program offersas well as knowledge about local issues and training and field visits for hemp growers.opportunities. ranging from livestock to farm businessWe have organized several meetings forAdditional information about our Hemp and regulations; climate resilience tohemp growers, including a workshop inExtension and Outreach, as well as research finding community training opportuni- 2019, and the 2020 Connecticut Hemp ties; gardening to wildlife management;I want to explore Connecticut trails; howConference in February with our partnersbeing done in CAHNR is available at: fitness to nutrition; and more. do I find them? hemp.cahnr.uconn.edu.HEAnswered by Laura Brown and Charles Tracy|cttrails.uconn.eduConnecticuts bounty of naturalinvested millions of dollars in trail areas, and the multi-use trails andinfrastructure. How do I become a Master Gardener? hiking trails to explore them, areThe Connecticut Trail Census, aAnswered by Sarah Bailey |mastergardener.uconn.eduamong of the states greatest assetsstatewide trail data collection program, for encouraging physical activity andis launching its fourth year. The Connect with one of our recreation. The Department of EnergyCensus is a collaborative program withThe UConn Extension Master Gardenerare dedicated to hands-on training in the professionals today.and Environmental Protection esti- several statewide partners. ThroughProgram is part of UConn Extension.extension offices where students are super-mates that there are over 2,000 milesthis program, community-based vol- The program started in 1978 and consistsvised in researching and determining the We are ready to answer your questions. of multi-use trails within Connecticutunteers collect data on how the statesof horticulture training and an outreachanswers to a broad range of horticultural Submit a question online:State Parks and Forests alone, and themost popular multi-use trails are beingcomponent that focuses on the communityquestions, including insect and plant iden-bit.ly/AskUConnExtensionstates famed Blue-Blazed Hiking Trailsused. The project is also currentlyat large. tification, diagnosing plant diseases and System, managed by the Connecticutdeveloping plans for a statewide trailTo become a Certified Master Gardenerproviding sound horticultural recommen-Q & A Video Gallery:Forest and Park Association includesfinder website. Resources about theyou must complete a sixteen week coursedations. Students devote the remaining bit.ly/AskUConnExtension-videos more than 825 miles of volunteer-Census and Trails Research are avail- that meets once a week, starting in Januarythirty hours to organized community Email us: extension@uconn.edu managed hiking trails.able at cttrailcensus.uconn.edu andand running through April. outreach projects. Answering the growing demandcttrails.uconn.edu. HE Students receivetraining in subjectsThe Master Gardener program also Extension Specialists Directory:from the young workforce for alter- including botany, plant pathology, soils,offers Garden Master Classes. For Certified extension.uconn.edu natives to car-based transportation asState Park and Trail interactive map:entomology, pesticide safety, integratedMaster Gardeners they provide continuing Call us: 860-486-9228well as the potential improvementshttp://bit.ly/CTInteractiveMap pest management (IPM), ornamentaleducation as part of the Advanced Master (we will direct you to the right specialist). to public health and communityBlue Blazed Trails interactive map:plants, vegetables, tree and small fruits, turfGardener certification process.quality of life, Connecticut hashttp://bit.ly/BlueBlazed grass, weeds, environmental factors affectingThese classes are also open to the general plant growth, and diagnostictechniques forpublic. Anyone with an interest in garden-the home gardener. ing and horticulture is welcome! More Following formal classroom instructioninformation on the program and classes is the Master Gardener student completes aavailable at mastergardener.uconn.edu. HE60-hour internship program. Thirty hours 18 2019 HIGHLIGHTS OF EXTENSION 2019 HIGHLIGHTS OF EXTENSION 19'