“Pocket parks” promise climate resiliency on a small scale. Are they working? | Published in California Agriculture By Caroline D. Champlin. UCCE specialist Monica Palta and UC Irvine colleagues to study value of small-scale green spaces.

Can small green spaces make a big difference?

The latest edition of @calagucanr.bsky.social features research by #UCCE specialist Monica Palta + #UCIrvine. They explore how “pocket parks” may boost climate resilience in urban communities.

Read more: californiaagriculture.org/article/1560...

We are proud to announce the completion of our 2025 Annual Report!

Swipe through this post to read about everything we accomplished this year! To learn more, the 2025 Fire Network Annual Report can be accessed through the link in our bio.

#UCANR #Firenetwork #UCCE

#UCCE has been partnering with the local school district in #AmadorCounty to launch a school farm. The goal is to provide locally grown produce to K–12 cafeterias while providing students with hands-on learning. Ceremony TODAY in Jackson from 4–6 p.m.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE8T...

Free webinars to highlight wildfire recovery resources, latest research | Green Blog Topics for the February webinar series include water contamination, soil contamination and remediation, backyard chicken/livestock safety, and rebuilding and structure loss.

Join the @ucanrfirenetwork.bsky.social, UC Cooperative Extension, and @ucanrwater.bsky.social to explore current research on #wildfire impacts and soil contamination in both rural and urban communities.

Register ➡️ bit.ly/3LJEhx6

#UCCE #LAFires

Breakthroughs found for preventing hull split in pistachios | Food Blog UC Davis scientists are seeking solutions to hull split for California’s $2-billion-a-year pistachio industry. New research reveals how the hull is built and how cell walls in certain layers break dow...

Breakthroughs in preventing pistachio hull split.
@ucdavisplants.bsky.social researchers uncovered how pectin & cell walls change during ripening, causing cracks that invite pests. #UCCE advisor Phoebe Gordon helped with field-based studies. bit.ly/3YW3hV7

Our VP, Glenda Humiston & #UCCE specialist Samuel Sandoval visit an #agave farm ahead of the #BAWG launch. Hosted by @UC_AlianzaMX with Mexico’s SECIHTI and UC Berkeley’s BFI, this binational effort unites UC & Mexican experts to advance research, policy, and sustainable ag.

Don't land on naughty list of holiday food wasters | Food Blog To reduce food waste at home, Yu Meng recommends starting with meal planning and making a shopping list so you buy only what you need.

Don’t land on the naughty list of holiday food wasters.
The average U.S. household wastes nearly 32% of the food it buys, costing families $$$ each year. A #UCCE advisor shares simple tips for planning, saving leftovers, donating, and composting.

https://bit.ly/4q2jBzp

Congrats to Augustin Aguilar of #UCCE Elkus Ranch, honored with the @SanMateoRCD Nature Champion Award! His leadership in building an Aerobic Static Pile compost system is transforming farm waste into healthy soil—saving labor, boosting compost quality.
➡️ bit.ly/492fIDl

Purple #SweetPotatoes are making their way onto more #Thanksgiving tables.

#UCCE farm advisor Scott Stoddard is teaming up with breeders to test and develop new varieties suited for #CA growers.
@uofcalifornia.bsky.social @ucdavis.bsky.social @lsuagcenter.bsky.social
bit.ly/4aawRwH

Wilson brings science to California’s high-priority crops | Employee Spotlights Based at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center near Fresno, UC Cooperative Extension specialist Houston Wilson and his team develop integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for som...

.@ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social's Breakthroughs magazine spotlights Houston Wilson, #UCCE specialist & founding director of the UC Organic Agriculture Institute.
From counting aphids as an undergrad to leading IPM research for CA’s top crops, Wilson is shaping the future of ag. 🔗 bit.ly/4aal6Gv

Poultry industry pushes back after report shows salmonella is widespread in grocery store chicken A new report shows that salmonella is widespread in packaged ground turkey and chicken. The report is based on USDA inspection reports.

Hundreds of #Salmonella strains exist, but only about 30 can be lethal to humans. #UCCE specialist Maurice Pitesky says knowing the serotype is key to real food-safety insight. @latimes.com @ucdavisvetmed.bsky.social

🔗 www.latimes.com/science/stor...

Tribal teachers, UCCE advisors open doors for next Native scientists | UC Agriculture and Natural Resources Young people from the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians and Hopland Band participated in a two-day program with talks by UC scientists and teachers of traditional knowledge.

Tribal teachers & #UCCE advisors are opening doors for the next generation of Native scientists. At Hopland REC, youth explored #STEM careers & reconnected with ancestral lands — blending cultural knowledge with science.
#STEM #NativeYouth
bit.ly/4nPihyV

🌾 Happy #NationalFarmersDay!
We’re grateful for the small-scale & diversified farmers who feed our communities & care for the land.
#UCCE Small Farms connects growers to UC research & support — helping farms thrive.
Resources: bit.ly/4q7pbko
#ThankAFarmer #SmallFarms

Asesor de UCCE ofrece información única para hacer más eficiente el riego de aguacates | UC Agriculture and Natural Resources Resultados de un estudio en huertos del sur de California ayuda a los productores a ahorrar agua y dinero

🥑 El asesor Ali Montazar de UC ANR/UCCE muestra que los aguacateros de CA pueden ahorrar agua y reducir costos usando nuevos coeficientes de cultivo.
💧 Investigación clave en manejo del riego.

bit.ly/4n35JmX

#UCANR #UCCE #Agua #Avocados #AgTech

Fresno Farmer harvests sweet jujube fruit gaining popularity A sweet, football-shaped fruit called jujube is gaining traction in the Central Valley and beyond.

#UCCE Advisor Michael Yang says #jujube is becoming more popular, especially among Asian communities. About 100 acres are now grown in Fresno County.
abc30.com/post/fresno-farmer-harve...

Celebration Corner | UC Agriculture and Natural Resources UC Cooperative Extension advisors brought home awards from the 2025 National Association of Agricultural Agents Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference.

#UCCE advisors earn honors at the NACAA Conference
Tracey Schohr – Achievement Award
Joy Hollingsworth – Photo Finalist
David Haviland – Distinguished Service
Michael Rethwisch – Applied Research Poster
Hung Doan & Philip Waisen – honors
ucanr.edu/blog/anr-employee-news/article/celebration-corner-20

Disasters Block Local Food Access. One Groundbreaking Group Has a Solution. The North Coast Emergency Food System Partnership connects emergency and food professionals after fires, floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes.

To strengthen disaster food distribution, Julia Van Soelen Kim, #UCCE North Bay food systems advisor, launched the North Coast Emergency Food System Partnership—linking emergency management with local food system leaders. @civileats.com

bit.ly/4oTIhd8

Photo | Taking a trip out into the field Emily Jane Freed, the area director for University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources’ UC Cooperation Extension, visits strawberry grower Rod Koda at Koda’s strawberry farm on Sa…

New #UCCE Area Director Emily Jane Freed visits strawberry grower Rod Koda in Watsonville 🍓
She’s focused on connecting research to farms to support sustainability & amplify the benefits of good science. Listen to the @scsentinel.bsky.social story here: www.santacruzsentinel.com/2025/08/25/p...

Parts of #California will experience a #HeatWave this week. Stay safe with these tips from #UCCE experts.

✅ Stay hydrated
🏠 Keep cool indoors
🕒 Avoid outdoor activity during peak heat
🧓 Check on vulnerable neighbors

▶️ ucanr.edu/site/disasters-happen/fact-sheets

#HeatSafety #ExtremeHeat #CAwx

Regenerative agriculture community charts way forward | UC Agriculture and Natural Resources UC ANR and UC Merced hosted a symposium, ‘Regenerative Agriculture: The way forward,’ on July 1, 2025, to bring together stakeholders to discuss regenerative agriculture in the San Joaquin Valley.

More than 100 growers, experts & students gathered at @ucmerced.bsky.social for UC ANR’s “Regenerative Agriculture: The Way Forward” symposium, charting solutions & opportunities for the San Joaquin Valley. #RegenerativeAg #UCANR #ucmerced #UCCE
bit.ly/4mokd0p

New UC research suggests that #agricultural producers can play critical roles in #wildfire risk management and response. @calagucanr.bsky.social

#UCCE #UCCooperativeExtension
bit.ly/4mw3PL4
📸: Tracy Schohr

The Future of California’s Climate-Smart Farming Programs Can the state’s regenerative agriculture programs—and its fight against climate change—continue without stronger local support?

In the face of drought, Lilian Thaoxaochay of GT Florists and #UCCE small farms community educator nearly lost it all—until two state grants helped cut water use, boost soil health & build resilience.

“It was the lifeline we needed,” Thaoxaochay says. 🌱
civileats.com/2025/05/05/t...

After 28 years with @UCDavisPlants, Steve Fennimore, #UCCE weed specialist, retires—but not from innovation. He’s diving into a new chapter exploring chemical-free soil prep for strawberries. His advice to the next generation: “Take risks.”
➡️ bit.ly/4lZf2UE

New director to elevate UC Cooperative Extension impact on Central Coast | UC Agriculture and Natural Resources Emily Jane Freed began as UC Cooperative Extension area director for Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties in June. She brings experience in agriculture issues, logistics and emergency services...

Join us in welcoming Emily Jane Freed as the new UC Cooperative Extension director for Monterey, San Benito & Santa Cruz. With deep roots in sustainable ag, she’s ready to support local growers and communities alongside UCCE advisors. 🌱 #UCCE #AgCommunity
bit.ly/4lTvIfY

We welcome new experts in soil health, small farms, groundwater, and youth development. They bring vital skills to support #California’s communities.

Meet them → bit.ly/4o13xxq
#UCCE #CaliforniaAg #SoilHealth #YouthDev
bit.ly/4o13xxq

In memoriam: Ken Tate | UC Agriculture and Natural Resources Kenneth W. Tate, UC Cooperative Extension specialist and professor in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, died unexpectedly on June 5, 2025.

The sudden passing of Ken Tate, a #UCCE specialist,
@ucdavisplants.bsky.social professor, and excellent colleague, deeply saddens us. Ken had a gift for connecting people and science. He leaves behind a legacy of impact, friendship, and heart.
Learn more about him ➡️
bit.ly/44Cz5km

Art show celebrates cool contributions of LA trees | UC Agriculture and Natural Resources Shade equity is the inspiration for a new art exhibition at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge called “Roots of Cool: A Celebration of Trees and Shade in a Warming World.”

Shade equity takes center stage at "Roots of Cool," an interactive art exhibit at Descanso Gardens
(July 12–Oct 12, curated by #UCCE water equity and adaptation policy specialist, Edith de Guzman.

Explore how trees shape justice, history & hope in a warming #LA.

bit.ly/3TkkKUh

After decades of service and impact, Lynn Schmitt-McQuitty retires as a transformative leader in California 4-H and #UCCE. 🌱💚 From Wisconsin to statewide director in CA, her dedication helped shape generations of youth.
bit.ly/4l7pqcy
#4H #UCANR #YouthDevelopment

How is SGMA affecting growers’ planting and drilling decisions? | UC Agriculture and Natural Resources By Ellen Bruno and Nick Hagerty

Ten years after the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act: Are growers changing what they plant or how they drill, knowing water use must decline by 2040? #UCCE and UC Davis ARE analyzed the data.

#SGMA #CAwater #Ag
bit.ly/45Ftegf

Summer Gardening: Tomatoes, Zucchini and Climate Change | KQED We talk about the summer garden, take your questions, and hear what’s thriving in your plot.

Listen to Allyson Greenlon, #UCCE urban #ag coordinator in #AlamedaCounty on @kqedforum.bsky.social as she discusses the #BayArea's unique summer weather and how it impacts #gardening in the region.

bit.ly/4nwdcMf