Green Blog

Sunlight shining through grove of cottonwoods

The Green Blog shares news and information related to forestry/wildfire, sustainability, climate, environmental stewardship and other green topics.

Clouds are overhead as dusk falls, with low sunlight reflecting off the surface of curving river.

Drought is back! And so is Water Talk

April 1, 2021

By Pamela S Kan-Rice

The Water Talk podcast returns Friday, April 2, for its second season. This year's podcast will include a focus on the water issue on many minds at the end of a relatively dry rainy season: drought.

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UCCE orchard and vineyard systems advisor Kari Arnold demonstrates proper tree planting. (Photo: Anne Schellman)

No need to amend soil when planting new trees or perennials

March 29, 2021

By Jeannette Warnert

Gardeners who follow conventional wisdom and nursery recommendations to mix organic amendments into the soil when planting new trees or perennials in their landscapes are making a mistake, according to UC Cooperative Extension environmental horticulture experts.

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Dead and dying coffeeberry (Frangula californica) shrubs are clearly visible in a failing restoration in a coastal scrub site in San Mateo County, dominated by shrubs with occasional small groups of trees. Phytophthora crassamura and P. megasperma were both isolated directly from symptomatic tissue and from the rhizosphere (i.e. soil and fine roots) of diseased plants. Photo by Laura Sims.

Phytophthora invasions linked to ecological restorations

March 22, 2021

By Pamela S Kan-Rice

Biological invasions are one of the three main causes for biodiversity loss globally, together with urbanization and climate change. Not unlike animals and plants, microbes can become invasive in non-native ecosystems.

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Trees beautify and cool a boulevard in Palm Springs. (Photo: Pixabay)

Lush urban forests can help communities face climate change

March 17, 2021

By Jeannette Warnert

Urban trees are much more than lovely greenery and stately landscape features. Scientists believe trees are a key tool for combating climate change and living with warming temperatures in California.

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With everyone wearing face masks, the four people stand on dusty soil among dozens of three-bladed windmills, under a cloudless blue sky.

UC Climate Stewards take action to protect communities

February 25, 2021

By Pamela S Kan-Rice

Water availability, food production and biodiversity are being affected by climate change. There are actions individuals can take to protect their communities.

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