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Article written by Stacey Sterns, UConn Extension

In the densely populated Northeast, urban agriculture is becoming essential for creating resilient, sustainable food systems. Through innovative research, community engagement, and educational outreach, regional universities are making strides to support urban agriculture initiatives that address food security, environmental sustainability, and economic development. This focus aligns with the goals of the Northeast Agenda, which emphasizes resilient and equitable food systems that connect urban centers with local, fresh, and accessible food.

Challenges and Opportunities in Urban Agriculture

Urban agriculture in the Northeast faces several challenges, including limited access to arable land, zoning restrictions, and the impacts of climate change on crop viability. With high land prices and intense competition for space in urban areas, aspiring farmers struggle to secure suitable plots for growing food. Climate change adds another layer of complexity, affecting growing seasons and increasing the need for controlled-environment solutions.v

Despite these obstacles, urban agriculture presents a unique opportunity to address food deserts, reduce “food miles,” and create green spaces in urban environments. By bringing food production closer to population centers, urban agriculture not only provides access to fresh produce but also creates jobs, strengthens community ties, and encourages healthier eating habits. Universities across the Northeast are leading initiatives that advance urban agriculture through research, community programming, and new technologies.

University-Led Innovations in Urban Agriculture

University of Connecticut (UConn) Extension: Empowering Communities Through Urban Agriculture

UConn Extension is a leader in connecting community members to sustainable food systems through urban agriculture education and support programs. UConn’s initiatives focus on educating local residents, particularly in underserved communities, about urban gardening and sustainable growing practices. Through programs like the Urban Farmer Training, UConn equips participants with skills in organic gardening, pest management, and crop selection, which help establish a foundational knowledge of urban food production.

Additionally, UConn Extension collaborates with community gardens and food cooperatives to enhance food access and offer workshops that address nutrition education. These efforts not only increase food security but also empower individuals to contribute to their local food systems, promoting a sense of community ownership and resilience.

Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences: Advancing Controlled-Environment Agriculture

Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has been instrumental in researching and promoting controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) technologies that address urban agriculture’s unique spatial and climatic challenges. Located in New York State, Cornell is ideally situated to serve the needs of urban farmers across the Northeast. Its research on vertical farming, hydroponics, and other CEA methods supports the production of fresh produce year-round, regardless of outdoor weather conditions.

Cornell’s work has helped establish best practices for optimizing water use, light, and nutrients in indoor growing environments. These innovations are particularly relevant for urban areas with limited green space, where CEA offers a viable solution for increasing food production within a small footprint. Cornell also partners with technology companies to explore advancements in sensors, automation, and resource management, making it a hub for cutting-edge urban agriculture research and development.

University of New Hampshire (UNH): Training the Next Generation of Urban Agriculture Professionals

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) has developed a strong focus on sustainable urban agriculture, particularly in workforce development and community outreach. UNH Extension offers training programs that prepare young professionals for careers in urban agriculture by teaching them sustainable farming practices, food system economics, and the environmental impacts of food production. These programs address the aging agricultural workforce, ensuring that urban agriculture will continue to grow with a skilled and knowledgeable workforce.

Additionally, UNH’s research initiatives explore sustainable practices in crop rotation, soil health, and waste reduction within urban farming contexts. Through collaborations with local businesses and nonprofits, UNH helps small-scale urban farmers develop effective business models and connect with local markets, fostering a robust, locally focused food system in New Hampshire and beyond.

Regional Collaboration for a Resilient Food System

These universities exemplify the Northeast region’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and resilient food system. By collaborating on research, sharing resources, and aligning their Extension programs with the needs of their communities, Northeast land-grant institutions are building a stronger urban agriculture network. This regional collaboration amplifies each institution’s impact, helping more people access fresh, local food while promoting economic growth and environmental stewardship.

As these universities continue to innovate and connect with their communities, urban agriculture in the Northeast is positioned to become a model for other regions seeking to balance food production with environmental sustainability. By sharing expertise, data, and best practices, universities like UConn, Cornell, and UNH are breaking down the barriers to urban farming and leading the way in creating vibrant, healthy, and resilient communities.

Looking Ahead

Urban agriculture is not just about growing food; it’s about fostering a sense of community, empowering local residents, and building a food system that can withstand the challenges of the future. With support from the UConn, Cornell University, and the University of New Hampshire, among other Northeast land-grant universities, urban agriculture is transforming the Northeast’s urban landscape. As these institutions continue their work, they are not only supporting the Northeast Agenda’s goals but also shaping a sustainable future for cities and towns across the region.

Article by Stacey Stearns, UConn Extension

Amber Guillemette, an Eastern Connecticut resident, couldn’t understand why she was tired and achy all the time in the mid-2000s. As a younger, fit person, it just didn’t make sense. But she easily explained away her symptoms by the increased stress at school.

Then, a routine doctor visit and blood test turned up Lyme disease – a vector-borne disease transmitted by ticks — and treatments began, along with ongoing medical challenges that she is still facing 17 years later.

“As a sophomore in high school, my entire life changed from a single tick bite, one I did not even witness,” Guillemette says. “It caused anxiety along with several food allergies that have followed me into my adulthood. I spent two months with a PICC [peripherally inserted central catheter] line and spent nearly all my time outside of school sleeping. That is when I was healthy enough to go to school.” 

It’s a cautionary tale, and one that’s become more common as the incidence of vector-borne diseases steadily increases in the Northeastern United States.

Many people recall that finding ticks during their childhood was a rare occurrence, and activities such as playing in the grass, which previous generations enjoyed, are now seldom pursued by today’s youth. Multiple environmental factors, including climate change, are contributing to the rise in vector-borne diseases, including Lyme, throughout the Northeast region.

Land-grant universities in the Northeast have research and extension missions, and these are working cooperatively on multiple fronts to address the growing problem of vector-borne diseases, whether its Lyme Disease, West Nile Virus, Avian Influenza, or one of the many others targeting our region.

An Escalating Problem

Historically, vector-borne diseases were associated with tropical and subtropical areas, where the vectors – living organisms that carry and transmit the disease – could thrive. Many agencies and organizations, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization, and the Departments of Health, are all working to combat the health and safety concerns caused by vector-borne diseases. Land-grant university research and extension educational outreach are integral in helping inform these agencies and sharing their science-based resources as well, both with members of the medical profession and residents.

Climate change is an exacerbating factor, enabling an increasing number of these insects, including ticks and mosquitoes, to thrive in regions where they were not previously found, including the Northeastern part of the United States.

Other vectors include blackflies, fleas, lice, and sandflies, in addition to ticks and mosquitoes. They feed on the blood of a human or animal host, and in the process, transfer infectious pathogens. Increasing vector populations, along with the increasing geography of where they reside, are taking a bite out of human health and safety, along with that of domestic and wild animals.

Lyme, Connecticut, has an infamous history because of its association with the disease. In 1975, a group of adults and children in the area experienced arthritis-like symptoms, similar to those Guillemette described. It took physicians and researchers several years to determine the exact cause, but by 1977, it was traced back to the black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis ­– known simply as the Lyme or Deer tick by many today.

Today, the CDC map shows that Lyme is rampant in the Northeastern United States, with growing incidences in the upper Midwest and areas of concern across the nation. By far, the highest number of cases is right here in our Northeast backyards. Variables including the expansion of the black-legged tick habitat, a longer tick season – partly due to climate change – and higher numbers of people spending time outdoors, mean that cases will continue rising.

Science-Based Solutions

The bite that vector-borne diseases take out of human and animal health and safety can seem daunting, but this is where research and extension from the land-grant universities in the Northeast are helping with science-based solutions.

The Northeast Agricultural Experiment Stations and Cooperative Extension System has multiple research and educational outreach programs to monitor, mitigate, and prevent vector-borne diseases. The initial step after identifying a disease is monitoring. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory at UConn, the UMASS tick testing resources, and the New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, among others, all offer tick testing and disease surveillance. These services assist researchers and health officials in comprehending the prevalence of the issue, tracking its spread, and devising potential mitigation and prevention strategies.

Researchers use this and other data to inform their work. For example, researchers at the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences use surveillance, analysis, and historical data to identify high-risk areas, look for ecological trends, and use all the data to create predictive models that asses tick-borne disease risk. This information is then shared with Penn State Extension and departments of health who develop educational outreach to help residents prevent disease.

Oddly enough, not everyone bit by a tick carrying Lyme disease contract the disease. Researchers at the University of Delaware are researching competition among strains and the patterns of human infection.

Funding for the research and extension initiatives included here is from the individual universities, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and other sources, including the CDC.

References

• https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Epidemiology-and-Emerging-Infections/A-Brief-History-of-Lyme-Disease-in-Connecticut
• https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/vector-borne-diseases
• https://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/pubs/VECTOR-BORNE-DISEASE-Final_508.pdf
• https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dvbd/index.html
• https://www.vdci.net/blog/lyme-disease-3-reasons-it-is-on-the-rise-in-the-northeast/#:~:text=Reasons%20contributing%20to%20the%20seasonal,and%20increased%20human%20exposure%20seasonally.
• https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/datasurveillance/lyme-disease-maps.html

Introduction

Land-grant universities in the Northeast are driving innovation in sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate adaptation. Through research, Extension education, and community engagement, institutions such as Cornell University, the University of Vermont, Pennsylvania State University, and the University of Connecticut are fostering resilient food systems while enhancing environmental sustainability. Their work supports farmers, strengthens local food networks, and develops climate-smart agricultural practices essential for the region’s future.

Cornell University: Advancing Soil Health and Sustainable Farming

Cornell University is leading efforts to improve soil health and promote regenerative farming techniques. Research and Extension programs focus on soil testing, precision nutrient management, and cover cropping strategies that enhance soil fertility while reducing environmental impact. By adopting these science-based practices, farmers across the Northeast are improving water retention, reducing runoff, and increasing resilience to extreme weather conditions. Cornell’s work ensures that agriculture in the region remains productive and environmentally sustainable.

University of Vermont: Strengthening Local Food Systems and Community Resilience

The University of Vermont is making significant strides in strengthening regional food systems by supporting small and mid-sized farms, local markets, and farm-to-school initiatives. By enhancing direct connections between producers and consumers, these programs create economic opportunities for farmers while improving food access for communities. UVM’s work in urban agriculture and cooperative food distribution models is helping to build a more resilient regional food network.

Pennsylvania State University: Enhancing Climate Smart Agriculture

Pennsylvania State University is at the forefront of research on climate smart agriculture. Scientists and Extension specialists are developing innovative strategies to help farmers, breeding climate-resilient crops, improving water management practices, and integrating precision agriculture technologies. Penn State’s research on controlled environment agriculture and renewable energy solutions is helping farmers increase efficiency while reducing their carbon footprint.

University of Connecticut: Innovating for a Sustainable Future

The University of Connecticut (UConn) is pioneering advancements in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) to help farmers produce more food using fewer resources. Through research on precision irrigation, energy-efficient greenhouses, and integrated pest management (IPM), UConn is helping farmers optimize production while reducing water and energy use. These innovations not only support year-round food production but also contribute to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system in the Northeast.

Conclusion

Cornell University, the University of Vermont, Pennsylvania State University, and the University of Connecticut exemplify the Northeast’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems. Their research-driven solutions and Extension efforts align with the Northeast Agenda’s vision of a regenerative, livable, and vibrant future. Continued investment in these initiatives will be essential for ensuring a sustainable and resilient food system in the face of climate, economic, and social challenges.

Article by Stacey Stearns, UConn Extension

Ensuring a Future for Pollinators and Agriculture in the Northeast

Pollinators are the unsung heroes of our food system, ensuring the production of fruits, vegetables, and countless other crops. Yet, habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide exposure are threatening their survival. Across the Northeast, Land-grant universities are leading innovative research and outreach efforts to protect these critical species, supporting both biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.

Pennsylvania: Penn State’s Innovative Approach to Pollinator Health

At Pennsylvania State University, researchers are leading efforts to protect pollinators through cutting-edge science and community-driven solutions. Penn State’s Center for Pollinator Research is at the forefront of studying bee health, examining factors such as habitat loss, disease, pesticides, and resilience. Their research has been instrumental in identifying best practices for maintaining robust pollinator populations while supporting agricultural productivity.

One of Penn State’s key initiatives includes Bee Monitoring Programs, which engage citizen scientists and beekeepers in tracking pollinator populations across the state. Additionally, their Extension programs provide hands-on training for farmers, landowners, and gardeners on how to create pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Delaware: Sustainable Landscaping for Pollinator Habitat

The University of Delaware is championing sustainable landscaping techniques to create pollinator-friendly environments in urban and suburban spaces. Their research has shown that homeowners, businesses, and municipalities can support pollinator populations by planting native flowers, reducing pesticide use, and maintaining diverse green spaces. Through Extension programs, Delaware researchers are empowering communities to take action, reinforcing the Northeast Agenda’s focus on environmental and community health.

Maryland: Strengthening Bee Populations Through Education and Extension

The University of Maryland is taking a proactive approach to supporting beekeepers and farmers through hands-on education. Their programs provide training on pollinator health, pest management, and best practices for maintaining thriving bee colonies. By connecting research to real-world application, Maryland’s efforts ensure that pollinators remain a cornerstone of the region’s agricultural success, reflecting the Northeast Agenda’s commitment to science literacy and sustainable food systems.

Connecticut: UConn’s Research and Extension to Protect Pollinators

At the University of Connecticut and Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, scientists and Extension specialists are working to safeguard pollinators through research, education, and community engagement. UConn Extension’s Bug Week initiative and the Connecticut Bee Atlas provide vital resources for beekeepers, gardeners, and farmers to understand pollinator health and habitat conservation. Researchers at UConn are also studying the impact of pesticides, disease, and habitat loss on bee populations, helping to inform best practices for protecting these essential species. UConn Extension programs encourage residents to plant native wildflowers, create pollinator-friendly gardens, and reduce pesticide use.

New York: Cornell’s High-Tech Approach to Pollinator Conservation

Cornell University researchers are using cutting-edge technology to address pollinator health. Their work includes developing precision agriculture tools that monitor pollinator activity and habitat quality. By leveraging data-driven insights, farmers can optimize planting strategies to support pollinators while maximizing crop yields. Cornell’s efforts align with the Northeast Agenda’s mission to build resilient food systems that integrate sustainability with agricultural productivity.

Regional Collaboration for Lasting Change

The Northeast’s Land-grant universities are working together to ensure pollinators thrive. From high-tech monitoring to community-driven conservation, these institutions are protecting the species that sustain our food supply and ecosystems. Their efforts align with the Northeast Agenda’s mission of promoting environmental resilience, sustainable agriculture, and science-based solutions for the region’s most pressing challenges.

Connect with your local Extension program and learn how you can make a difference supporting pollinators in your own backyard.

Article by Stacey Stearns, UConn Extension

Across the Northeast’s many landscapes—stretching from coastal watersheds to forested hillsides—land-grant institutions are leading collaborative efforts to protect natural resources and promote environmental resilience. Through science-based conservation, innovative land management, and community partnerships, these universities are fulfilling their shared mission to ensure a regenerative, livable, and vibrant region for all.

Restoring Riparian Zones and Waterways in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, researchers and Extension professionals are tackling erosion and habitat loss by restoring riparian zones—critical buffers between land and water. The team installed over 500 feet of erosion-control materials and native vegetation, leading to visibly reduced erosion and improved wildlife habitat. The initiative included community engagement, offering workshops and volunteer planting events that deepened local investment in river health.

This work not only benefits fish and wildlife but also contributes to cleaner waterways and greater resilience against stormwater runoff—challenges intensified by variable weather. It directly reflects the Northeast Agenda’s call to lead adaptation and mitigation while promoting environmental health.

Forest Stewardship for Healthy Ecosystems in Rhode Island

The University of Rhode Island’s effort to build forest stewardship capacity exemplifies long-term sustainability planning. The initiative offered forest landowners an extensive educational series on wildlife habitat, invasive species, and environmental resilience, helping them develop tailored management plans.

The result? Hundreds of acres of forestland are now under active stewardship, ensuring healthy forest ecosystems and mitigating carbon emissions. By empowering local landowners to act as stewards, this project supports the Northeast Agenda’s commitment to vibrant communities and working lands.

Community-Led Shoreline Protection in Connecticut

In Connecticut, researchers responded to growing community concern about erosion and flooding along coastal areas by testing and demonstrating innovative “living shoreline” methods. With funding from NOAA and the Long Island Sound Study, the project deployed marsh plantings, coir logs, and oyster shell breakwaters to reduce wave energy and rebuild habitat.

This approach not only stabilizes shorelines but also enhances biodiversity and supports water quality. Local municipalities and community organizations are now adopting these practices, showcasing the power of community-academic collaboration.

Preserving Working Lands through Easement Stewardship in Vermont

At the University of Vermont, land conservation is getting a technology-powered upgrade. Staff supported a large land trust in improving its stewardship of 600 conservation easements across 13 counties—representing over 160,000 acres of farmland, forest, and wetlands.

By integrating drone imagery, GIS analysis, and streamlined digital monitoring tools, the team enhanced the land trust’s ability to protect environmental resources. This work embodies the Northeast Agenda’s emphasis on innovation and sustainable land use.

Rehabilitating Soil and Wetlands in West Virginia

West Virginia State University is applying phytoremediation—plant-based remediation—to improve soil and water quality in abandoned mine lands. Using switchgrass and other native plants, researchers are rehabilitating degraded areas while sequestering carbon and improving soil fertility.

The project includes a strong Extension component, with community members and students involved in environmental monitoring and planting. This inclusive model advances both ecosystem health and environmental literacy, a core Northeast Agenda priority.

Managing Water and Building Capacity in Maine

The University of Maine is ensuring that rural towns have the tools and training to manage local water resources wisely. Through one-on-one consultations, workshops, and hands-on assessments, the program helped communities create actionable plans to protect water quality and reduce pollution.

This work is particularly critical in Maine’s headwater regions, where upstream interventions safeguard downstream health. As part of a broader Northeast strategy, it showcases how Extension partnerships strengthen environmental decision-making at the local level.

Shared Vision, Regional Impact

From coasts to forests, each of these projects reflects the Northeast Agenda’s priorities: collaborative action, sustainable land and water use, and resilient communities. While the landscapes and communities differ, the shared vision is clear, environmental stewardship is a cornerstone of regional vitality.

As the Northeast faces growing environmental challenges, the region’s Land-grant institutions are stepping up with evidence-based solutions and a commitment to shared prosperity. These efforts, rooted in the Land-grant mission, show what’s possible when research, education, and extension align for the common good.

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