Sustainable Environment

Getting ahead of new plant pathogens
The last two years have witnessed confirmation of a number of new Phytophthora species (similar to the agent the causes Sudden Oak Death) in California. Our Forest Health Team, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Station and the Phytophthora Working Group, organized the Sixth Sudden Oak Death Science Symposium around these emerging pathogens. More than 160 participants from around the World participated in presentations and discussions on how to prevent the spread of these pathogens. This included details about native plant nursery management and ecological restoration design needed from both of these industries to protect California plant communities and ecosystems.

Our programs such as Forest Health, Environmental Horticulture, Marin Master Gardeners and their Garden Walks program, and Watershed Management contain a primary focus of supporting the long-term health of Marin's environment. Enjoy learning about some key impacts from 2016.

A real saving in water
What does 23,000,000 gallons of water equal? It is the equivalent of the water used for one average Californian if they could live 420 years. It would provide a years’ worth of water for up to 352 California households. It also is the amount of water the UC Marin Master Gardener Marin-Friendly Garden Walk program has conserved. In partnership with the Marin Municipal Water District, Master Gardener garden walkers have delivered 1,428 individual home consultations over the life of the program resulting in real water conservation every year through proper plant selection, watering, and sprinkler system management. Sign up for a consultation and learn more online on the Marin-Friendly Garden Walk website.

Fish & Wildlife Commission supports 15 organizations doing environmental education and restoration projects
Ins 2016, the Marin County Fish & Wildlife Commission recommended that the Board of Supervisors fund 15 projects totaling $46,380 on restoration and education about wildlife and fisheries in Marin County. Award recipients included: All One Ocean; Audubon Canyon Ranch; California Department of Fish and Wildlife; Friends of Willow Creek; Friends of Novato Creek Watershed; Gallinas Watershed Council & Miller Creek Watershed Stewards; Marin Audubon Center; Mill Valley Stream Keepers; North Bay Trout Unlimited; Point Reyes Station Dance Palace Community Center; Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary; Students and Teachers Restoring our Watersheds; Tiburon Salmon Institute; Tomales Bay Library Association; and Wildcare. Read more about these projects in the Commission's Annual Newsletter.

Our Forest Health Educator Janice Alexander produced this PSA on the spread of plant pathogens as part of a video series on invasives and preventing their spread.

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Return to the UCCE Marin County 2016 Annual Report homepage or view the UCCE Marin website