Managing Spotted Lanternflies
This destructive, invasive insect poses a threat to Delaware's agricultural economy.
Welcome to UD Cooperative Extension
In 1869, the University of Delaware (UD) College of Agriculture and Natural Resources was established as the state’s land-grant university with a mission consisting of three elements: teaching, research and “extension”.
Cooperative Extension fulfills the third part of this mission: bringing knowledge to the people of Delaware. Today, we offer university knowledge, research and resources — just for you! You have questions.
We have expert answers. From nutrition , Master Naturalist , Master Gardeners to 4-H youth clubs and programs that support local agriculture — UD Cooperative Extension has something for everyone!
Make a DIFFerence
Getting involved with UD Cooperative Extension is an excellent way to support and improve your Delaware community. Whether you're volunteering as a 4-H Adult Leader or donating to supporting an Extension Scholar, your local Master Gardener program, UD Cooperative Extension is grateful to have your involvement!
AGENTS FOR CHANGE
Each year, impact statements summarize the accomplishments of our educational efforts! The latest impact statements are available in both text and infographic formats.
Trending Stories
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Peep into learning
June 25, 2025 | Written by Michele WalfredDelaware’s 4-H Embryology Program brings baby chicks all across Delaware classrooms, libraries, afterschool programs and other locations as part of an emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). The program has delighted thousands of students for years, imprinting upon young minds a memorable experience of nature and science. The impact is powerful, reaching 42,000 participants in the past five years. -
Lose the lawn, for Earth’s sake
June 20, 2025 | Written By Kathleen M. Doyle Kent County Master GardenerLawns are the most irrigated “crop” in the U.S, covering approximately 40 million acres of land — twice as much as our national parks. They provide no nourishment to any species (except Japanese beetles), and they degrade the soil and watershed due to their shallow roots and the chemicals property owners use to kill weeds and insects and to maintain the color. While patches of lawn are useful for children and pets, most homeowners blanket their property with turf. The impact of this monoculture of lawn devastates the environment. -
Drought Damage, Disease, or Both?
June 11, 2025 | Written by: Tracy Wootten, Sussex County Horticulture Agent and Jill Pollok, UD Plant Diagnostician with Delaware Cooperative ExtensionMany on Delmarva are seeing damage to trees and shrubs from the severe drought we experienced in 2024. Evergreens used for windbreaks and screening on poultry farms are no exception. Jill Pollok, University of Delaware Plant Diagnostician, shares items that we can expect in 2025 after the drought: -
Message to Farmers: You are not alone
June 06, 2025 | Article and photos by Michele WalfredLinking Aquaculture and Agriculture to RIsk Management Resources In 1977, on his family farm in Sussex County, Don Clifton, 19, discovered his younger brother David, 16, had suffered a fatal agricultural accident with a silage wagon. Clifton faced the unimaginable task of delivering that news to his father. Clifton now serves as Delaware’s Secretary of Agriculture and recalled that life-changing moment before a large audience attending Delaware’s first Aquaculture and Agriculture Health and Vitality Forum.
Additional information: Office Locations & Staff Directory | Civil Rights Statements | Annual Impact Statements
Areas of impact
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