INNOVATION IN EXTENSION: University of Connecticut

The following describes an innovative person.

Region: Northeast

Contact information for this innovator: Jiff Martin
Job title / position: Extension Educator

Contact number: 860-870-6932

Email address: Jiff.Martin@uconn.edu

Brief description of innovator as provided in online survey: Jiff's innovation is how she links her work on locally produced food and her work with new and beginning farmers with the broader food system movement across Connecticut. Jeff has developed a "bucket list" toolbox for new and beginning farmers. This list helps farmers identify strategies for economic and environmental sustainability. She also is leading a movement across the state to achieve 10% locally purchased agricultural products. Finally, Jiff is coordinating a group of 16 FoodCorps fellows in CT. These fellows promote better nutrition in schools across the state.


The following describes an innovation.

Region: Northeast

Main contact information for this innovation: Joel Stocker

Main contact job title / position: Extension Educator

Main contact number: 860-345-5233

Main contact email address:  joel.stocker@uconn.edu

Innovation name: Drone technology for mapping

Brief description of innovation as provided in online survey: We have an extension educator who is using a hexacopter to map endangered species habitat on Great Gull Island in the Long Island Sound. Beginning this spring, he will be partnering with another educator to map nutrient management practices on farmland in CT.


The following describes an innovation.

Region: Northeast

Main contact information for this innovation: David Dickson

Main contact job title / position: Extension Educator

Main contact number: 860-345-5228

Main contact email address:  david.dickson@uconn.edu

Innovation name: Rain Garden APP

Brief description of innovation as provided in online survey: This APP was developed by UConn to provide landscape companies, communities, and residential homeowners with the tools needed to develop and install a rain garden. The APP is currently being adapted for regional/national application.


The following describes an innovation.

Region: Northeast

Main contact information for this innovation: Jude Boucher

Main contact job title / position: Extension Educator

Main contact number: 860-875-3331

Main contact email address:  Jude.Boucher@uconn.edu

Innovation name: Deep Zone Tillage

Brief description of innovation as provided in online survey: Use of deep zone tillage increases the resiliency of local farmers to variable climate and improves both economic and environmental sustainability.