Affiliates

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), established in 1875, is the first agricultural experiment station in the United States.  Their mission is to develop, advance, and disseminate scientific knowledge, improve agricultural productivity and environmental quality, protect plants, and enhance human health and well-being through research for the benefit of Connecticut residents and the nation.  Seeking solutions across a variety of disciplines for the benefit of urban, suburban, and rural communities, Station scientists remain committed to “Putting Science to Work for Society”, a motto as relevant today as it was at the founding in 1875. Today, CAES employs approximately 92 full time Scientists, Technicians, and Support Staff. The Station hires approximately 50 Summer Research Assistants to assist Station Scientists in their laboratories between May 1 and October 31 each year.

Each year, CAES hosts Plant Science Day at Lockwood Farm in Hamden CT.  It is attended by farmers, landscape professionals, students and the public.  There is a keynote speaker each year, new science is presented, Experimentation Associates are honored and there are pop up talks and demonstrations around the property.

The Federation has an information booth at the event along with many other environmental and plant focused non-profit organizations including several of the Federation’s Affiliates.

The 116^th Annual Plant Science Day is scheduled for August 5, 2026. The Samuel Johnson Memorial Lecture will be Charlie Nardozzi, speaking about “Growing a Continuous Vegetable Garden.” Research presented will include “Management of Hydrilla,” “Vaccinating Crops Against Viruses,” and fungal pathogens in farms, forests and the natural world. Technical demonstrations on “Summer Problems of Lilac” and “Understanding Honey Bee Swarms” are also being offered.

If you have never attended a Plant Science Day, please consider a club field trip!  There are picnic tables available and food trucks along with many knowledgeable folks ready to answer your garden questions.  Can’t join in person on August 5? Visit the CAES website for helpful information about many garden and crop challenges. And if you go, please stop by the Federation’s table under the tent and say hello to our board members on hand to share the good work our member clubs are doing!

More Information: https://tinyurl.com/4ucya3dh

CAES 116th Plant Science Day

Wednesday, August 5, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Lockwood Farm.  890 Evergreen Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518

Free and open to the public.  Rain or shine! No pets, please. Service animals only.

Each affiliate has a specific niche and competency in the sphere of gardening. We encourage our members to learn more about what they offer to advance knowledge of all things gardening. Click any one of the names below to learn more about that organization.