To the Editor:

I am writing to lend my support to the continued presence of UConn and the Fairfield County Agricultural Extension Service and its partners at 67 Stony Hill Rd in Bethel.

The Extension Service is a part of UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. This Extension Service is one of 11 sites in Connecticut and has been at its current location for over 60 years. There is a strong tradition at this site for 4-H Programs, nutrition, volunteerism, horticulture, urban gardens and master gardeners.

Extension services were developed with the goals of improving communities and providing educational opportunities that serve thousands of residents in our state. This Extension Service site has been doing those things very well for a very long time. UConn was served an eviction notice in February by the Stony Hill Preserve, owners of the property.

To date, no new location has been found and the presence of this great, centrally located, well-known service in our county is in jeopardy. Let’s take a minute to wonder why this is happening and take one small action to help Connecticut continue to be a beautiful place to live.

Please consider signing the online petition to support the legacy and intention for UConn Extension Services at this site.

Chris Cunningham

Newtown