URI Cooperative Extension

06/05/2026

Applications are now open for the Food Recovery for Rhode Island program at the University of Rhode Island. This community education program is offered through URI Cooperative Extension. The self-paced six-week online course includes field experiences that can be completed at participants’ convenience — and, for many, the experience kickstarts greater involvement in Rhode Island’s food system.

🍎Thirty-four percent of Rhode Island residents experienced food insecurity last year, and demand for food assistance has also increased. With the rising cost of food, more people than ever are interested in maximizing their groceries at home. Food also remains the largest component of Rhode Island’s single landfill, with harmful greenhouse gases released as it breaks down.

That is why this program is open to all who are interested, without any required experience in the food system!

🌱Learn more: https://www.uri.edu/news/2026/06/course-applications-now-open-for-fall-food-recovery-for-rhode-island-program-at-uri/
🌱Apply: https://web.uri.edu/foodrecovery

06/03/2026

URI's Thomas Mather joined host Michael Kosta on The Daily Show to discuss one of the nation's fastest-growing public health concerns: tickborne diseases.

Known as "The Tick Guy," Dr. Mather has spent decades helping people enjoy the outdoors while reducing their risk of tickborne diseases through research, education, and URI's nationally recognized TickEncounter initiative.

The program is part of URI Cooperative Extension, which translates research into practical, science-based tools and resources for the public. Dr. Mather's work reaches hundreds of thousands of people each year. Learn more: uri.edu/tickencounter/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X53d7YBtjoM&t=3s

Dr. Thomas Mather, a.k.a The TickGuy, talks to Michael Kosta about ...

06/03/2026

🍅 Meet the 2026 URI Master Gardener Plant of the Year: the Fourth of July Tomato!

This fast-growing, early-maturing tomato can produce delicious vine-ripened fruit in as little as seven weeks after transplanting, making it a great choice for both new and experienced gardeners. Even better, as an indeterminate variety, it will keep producing tomatoes throughout the growing season with proper care.

Thinking about adding one to your garden? Check out the article to learn why URI Master Gardeners selected this variety, growing tips, and a few favorite ways to enjoy your harvest.

URIMasterGardeners College of the Environment and Life Sciences RI Grown

KINGSTON, R.I. – June 2, 2026 – Although Independence Day is fast approaching, the University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension program says there’s still time to get plants in the ground and growing for later summer cook-outs and gatherings. URI Extension is putting a spotlight on tomatoe...

06/01/2026

Wait for it… 🥕

It’s finally June and you know what that means.
🎶 This is how we do it. 🎶

The summer month in Rhode Island everyone has been waiting for!

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

Check out the RI Planting Calendar at the link in our bio 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!

05/29/2026

Join the URI Cooperative Extension for a sensory learning experience at Barrington Farm School, where you’ll:

🌱 Explore the medicinal garden and learn how to grow and preserve a variety of herbs
🍃 Engage your senses: touch, smell, and experience the unique qualities of each plant
🍵 Taste refreshing, garden-grown iced herbal teas, each featuring distinct flavors and aromas
🌿 Take home fresh herbs to enjoy and use in your own kitchen or tea blends

We’ll also dive into sustainable living practices with a look at BFS’s composting systems:

♻️ Learn about three different composting methods (worms, aerated, and traditional)
🌾 Discover the benefits of compost tea for plant health
🪴 Take home a jug of freshly brewed compost tea for your own garden

This interactive experience is perfect for herb enthusiasts, gardeners, and anyone curious about natural wellness and sustainable living.

Cost: $20 per person. Free for FRRI grads. Proceeds benefit the Food Recovery for RI Scholarship Fund.

🌲Tickets:
https://www.givecampus.com/schools/UniversityofRhodeIslandFoundation/events/don-t-spill-the-tea-workshop
🫖Event link:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1E313Ggenp/

05/28/2026

Here are just a few of the many free gardening workshops we’re offering this June 🌱
We’re bringing gardening education statewide, so you can learn right in your community. Join us for a free workshop and pick up practical, research-based tips for whatever you’re growing this season.
Free and open to all, thanks to the educational efforts of the URI Master Gardener Program.
📍 uri.edu/coopext/events

05/26/2026

Rhode Island’s food system is deeply connected, and URI alumni are continuing to strengthen those ties through community impact across the state.

Kaylie Hanisak ’25 (left) and Lauren Gardner ’25 (right) first met through their experiences with the URI Cooperative Extension Fellowships in 2024. Kaylie was an Agriculture and Food Systems Fellow and Lauren was an Energy Fellow.

This May, during Compost Month, Kaylie coordinated and delivered three hands-on sustainability lessons at Nathan Bishop Middle School through the Rhode Island School Recycling Project. There, she unexpectedly reunited with Lauren, now teaching at the school through Teach For America.

“Walking into the school and seeing Lauren again was such a full-circle moment,” says Kaylie. “It reminded me that education and food systems are deeply interconnected, and that community partnerships and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential to building stronger systems for all Rhode Islanders.”

Together, they taught Lauren's 20 students about composting, Rhode Island’s landfill challenges, and sustainable food systems before guiding a classroom microgreens planting activity.

Kaylie recently earned her master’s degree in Urban Education Policy at Brown University, a program that partners with Teach For America — making the reunion an even more meaningful full-circle moment!

05/20/2026

Happy World Bee Day 🐝

Bees and other pollinators play a critical role in healthy ecosystems and food production. Small changes at home can make a real difference.

A few ways to support pollinators in your yard this season:
🌼 Plant native flowering species
🌳 Add trees and shrubs that provide early-season pollen and nectar
🚫 Reduce or avoid pesticide use when possible
💧 Leave some natural habitat and water sources for beneficial insects

Swipe through to explore a few of these free resources from the URI Bee Lab and learn how you can help support pollinators in your own yard and community. 🐝

05/15/2026

Wait for it… 🥕

It’s mid-May and you know what that means.
🎶 This is how we do it. 🎶

The forecast is looking beautiful across Rhode Island this weekend and planting season is really starting to ramp up.

Whether you’re direct seeding, transplanting, or finally getting your hands back in the soil, there’s plenty to plant from now through June 1.

Check out the RI Planting Calendar at the link in our bio 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!