From Soil to Science

From Soil to Science is the blog of UC Cooperative Extension across Marin, Napa, and Sonoma counties. Through stories, research updates, educational resources, and community partnerships, the blog highlights how University of California research and expertise are being translated into practical, science-based solutions for local communities. Topics include sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, wildfire resilience, food systems, youth development, community health, and other issues shaping the North Bay.

UC Cooperative Extension advisors, educators, staff, and volunteers live and work in the communities they serve, collaborating with farmers, land managers, agencies, community organizations, and residents to address local and regional priorities. From Soil to Science shares the people, partnerships, and programs connecting local issues with the research and innovation of the University of California—and helping build thriving communities, resilient ecosystems, and a sustainable future across the North Bay.

Primary Image
PPE: personal protective equipment

PPE in short supply for farm work during the COVID-19 crisis

April 23, 2020
By Pamela S Kan-Rice, Whitney B Brim-Deforest
While most Californians are staying home to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, California farmers, farmworkers and other agricultural professionals are out in the fields and packing houses working to produce food.
View Article
Primary Image
IMG 3932

4-H Families Sew Masks for their Community

April 16, 2020
4-H families have been working hard sewing cotton masks for nurses, essential workers, and friends and family! Now that home sewn fabric masks are required in Sonoma County, and N95 masks are reserved for first responders, we are busy sewing up a storm.
View Article
Primary Image
Materials used, cutting the face sheild

4-Hers 3D Print Face Shields to Help with Shortages

April 13, 2020
By Steven Worker
Golden Hills 4-H club volunteer project leader, Jemetha Cosgrove, and her two children, aged 12 and 7, repurposed their 3D printing equipment part of a 4-H AgTech project to make face shields to help in the COVID-19 pandemic.
View Article