Series

Climate Change in Our Backyard

When you think of climate change, what comes to mind? Rather than drawing upon images of far-flung regions, just look out the window and you will likely see something resulting from our changing climate. This series aims to draw attention to some of the rapid transitions happening locally, and explore the many ways UConn students and researchers are investigating and responding to environmental trends around us.

A saltmarsh sparrow nest at high tide. (Photo by Jenna Mielcarek)

Rapid Change – A Tale of Two Species

Climate change is creating winners and losers. UConn researchers are studying two Connecticut examples.

Swallowtail butterfly on a buttonbush blossom. (Getty Images)

Changing the Landscape – Invasive Plants

Plant science professor Jessica Lubell on invasive plant species and her work to identify native species as alternatives for landscaping purposes.

A gray tree frog calling. (Kurt Schwenk/UConn Photo)

Nature and Knowledge at Our Doorstep

Students exposed to nature, some for the first time, soon become fascinated and eager to learn more.

Percentages of Connecticut's land surface in 2015. (Graphic by Maxine Marcy for UConn)

Preserving Green Spaces in Connecticut’s Changing Landscape

Smart land use management is critical in order to preserve open space, says extension educator Chester Arnold. 'It isn’t something we can go back and fix later on.'

Researcher John Volin discusses the history of the state’s forests, and current threats from climate change, blights, and invasive species. (Yesenia Carrero/UConn Illustration)

Connecticut’s Forests Today a Far Cry from Towering Giants of Old

'We tend to look at deforestation in areas like the tropics, but we should also look at what is happening in our own backyard,' says researcher John Volin.

A female deer and her fawn are captured on camera by UConn researchers, part of a project to gather abundance data on the state's deer population. (Jennifer Kilburn/UConn Photo)

Camera Traps, Citizen Science, Help Track State’s Animal Populations

In order to conserve the species that are here, we have to know more about what we have. UConn researchers are collecting data on animals and birds in the state.

John Volin, vice provost for academic affairs and professor of natural resources and the environment, stands near a bioretention swale outside behind McHugh Hall on July 11, 2018. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

Working Toward Sustainable Solutions

Introducing a new series about UConn environmental research, vice provost John Volin says the political focus on climate change often overshadows important issues of environment and sustainability.