URI Cooperative Extension

URI Cooperative Extension It emphasizes taking knowledge gained through research and education and bringing it directly to the people to create positive changes.

Cooperative Extension provides non-formal education and learning opportunities to people throughout the United States — to farmers and other residents of rural communities as well as to people living in urban areas. All universities engage in research and teaching, but the nation’s more than 100 land-grant colleges and universities have a third, critical mission — extension. The University of Rhod

e Island is one of these land-grant institutions, and through Cooperative Extension in RI, we bring vital, practical information to agricultural producers, small business owners,communities, consumers, families, and young people. We pride ourselves on our role in translating science for practical application, and are always looking to identify emerging research questions to which we find answers and encourage application of science and technology to improve agricultural, environmental, economic and social conditions.

Meet some of our 2026 Extension Fellows! 🌱Through our URI Extension Fellows Programs, undergraduate and graduate student...
08/19/2026

Meet some of our 2026 Extension Fellows! 🌱

Through our URI Extension Fellows Programs, undergraduate and graduate students gain hands-on experience in critical issues including energy, agriculture and food systems, and environmental management through work on projects that make a difference across Rhode Island.

On August 11th, 2026: 2025 Agriculture and Food System Fellow David LeClair presented the new climate change exhibit for...
08/18/2026

On August 11th, 2026: 2025 Agriculture and Food System Fellow David LeClair presented the new climate change exhibit for the Audubon Society of Rhode Island's Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol as part of the Environmental Education practicum course.

David says, "This is a great experience for anyone interested in working with environmental organizations in the community. It's a hands-on opportunity to share your passion for nature through teaching. My goal with this exhibit was to approach climate change through a lens of empathy, hope, and actionable steps, and make difficult scientific topics accessible for the nature center's visitors of all ages. I combined my love of traditional illustration, storytelling, and Rhode Island's unique ecology and native species to bring this exhibit to life. I learned a lot through my Ag & Food Systems fellowship at CoopExt about how to make scientific information digestible and engaging. Those skills helped me tremendously during this project."

Way to go, David! 🌱☀️

08/17/2026

At URI’s Agronomy Farm, researchers are putting snapdragon and dahlia varieties to the test as part of a two-year cut flower trial. They’re tracking everything from bloom timing and stem length to vase life and the number of marketable stems per plant.

The goal? Give Southern New England growers practical, research-based information to help them choose varieties that perform well on their farms — and strengthen our region’s growing cut flower industry.

🌸 Dahlias will take center stage at our next Cut Flower Open House on August 19th from 5-7 p.m. at the URI Agronomy Farm!

🔗 Details: https://www.uri.edu/news/2026/08/uri-cut-flower-trial-august-open-house-to-welcome-growers-put-spotlight-on-summer-blooms/

This project is supported by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management through the USDA–RI DEM Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

Corn can stay fresh for a long time. Did you know that? 🌽 Nothing says summer like fresh corn on the cob! With the righ...
08/17/2026

Corn can stay fresh for a long time. Did you know that? 🌽

Nothing says summer like fresh corn on the cob! With the right storage, you can enjoy sweet, crisp corn while helping reduce food waste.

Storage tips:
Fresh corn stays at its best for 2–3 days with the husk on and 1–2 days once husked.

Keep corn in its husks and store it in the warmer section of your refrigerator. If the corn has already been husked, wrap the ears in damp cloths and place them in an airtight container to help retain moisture.

If the husks are dry, browned, or slightly slimy, and you’re thinking the corn has gone bad, you may be mistaken. The corn inside may still be perfectly good. By peeling back the husk, check the kernels before deciding to toss them. You could be saving perfectly edible corn from going to waste!

Changes in how you store and use your produce can help reduce food waste, save money, and keep nutritious food on your plate instead of in the landfill.

For more food storage info go to: savethefood.com/storage

What does URI’s land- and sea-grant mission look like in action?State legislators and municipal leaders recently came to...
08/17/2026

What does URI’s land- and sea-grant mission look like in action?

State legislators and municipal leaders recently came to campus to find out.

At URI’s inaugural Land- and Sea-Grant Showcase, faculty and staff shared how University research, URI Cooperative Extension programs, and other resources are helping communities across the state address challenges from coastal resilience and emergency preparedness to invasive species, mosquito management, geospatial mapping, and workforce development.

The event offered a closer look at the many ways URI expertise is serving Rhode Islanders and sparked new conversations about how the University can partner with communities across the state.

Because a public research university isn’t just about what happens on campus. It’s about putting knowledge to work for the people and places we serve.

🔗 Read more: https://www.uri.edu/news/2026/08/local-legislators-and-town-officials-visit-uri-to-learn-about-environmental-and-science-research-in-action/

📸: Catherine Scott

Wait for it… 🥕It's mid-August! Can you believe it? You know what that means.🎶 This is how we do it. 🎶Whether you’re dire...
08/14/2026

Wait for it… 🥕

It's mid-August! Can you believe it? You know what that means.
🎶 This is how we do it. 🎶

Whether you’re direct seeding, transplanting, or finally getting your hands back in the soil, there’s plenty to plant from now through August 31st.

Check out the RI Planting Calendar for what to plant this month or visit: uri.edu/coopext/services

URI Master Gardener volunteers are here to help, too. Reach out to our Gardening and Environmental Hotline (swipe right 👉) if you have questions!

Our course applications are closing in 2 days! Have you applied to help change the world with us?Our course = online le...
08/07/2026

Our course applications are closing in 2 days! Have you applied to help change the world with us?

Our course = online learning + hands-on field sessions, designed for everyone from working professionals to retirees. You'll choose between evening, weekend and daytime options for your field sessions. Our program aims to connect participants with local organizations to rescue surplus food, help others stretch their food, and create more compost.

You’ll gain skills in harvesting, saving $ at the grocery store, food rescue, food storage, canning, pickling, dehydrating, freezing, composting, community engagement, and networking opportunities with professionals from various food system sectors.

Want to make a positive impact on the local food system, learn, and build relationships? Click on the application link in our bio to sign up for our Fall URI Food Recovery Course! Applications are open until August 9, 2026. Scholarships available. 🔗 in bio!

Join our community! Open to all Rhode Islanders 18+. Also open to nearby residents willing to volunteer here!

We are a program of translating research-based solutions into practical knowledge.

Meet a few members of the Cooperative Extension team... baby edition 🍼The faces behind Extension programs, trainings, yo...
08/06/2026

Meet a few members of the Cooperative Extension team... baby edition 🍼
The faces behind Extension programs, trainings, youth and professional development, outreach, research, and more were once babies too. ☺️
Happy

Wait for it… 🥕Happy August! You know what that means.🎶 This is how we do it. 🎶Whether you’re direct seeding, transplanti...
07/31/2026

Wait for it… 🥕

Happy August! You know what that means.
🎶 This is how we do it. 🎶

Whether you’re direct seeding, transplanting, or finally getting your hands back in the soil, there’s plenty to plant from now through August 15th.

Check out the RI Planting Calendar for what to plant this month or visit: uri.edu/coopext/services

URI Master Gardener volunteers are here to help, too. Reach out to our Gardening and Environmental Hotline if you have questions!

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