University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources celebrates 100 years of UC Cooperative Extension researchers and educators living and working in communities to solve economic, agricultural, natural resource, youth development, and nutrition issues.

On Wednesday, January 29th, UCCE Ventura will host a special celebration. The event will feature Ventura County Farm Advisors as we look back, celebrate the present and envision the UCCE of the future. Rose Hayden-Smith will provide the historical backdrop while Oleg Daugovish, Ben Faber, and Jim Downer will touch on pertinent topics such as cropping systems, water issues, environmental horticulture-exotic pests. Guest speakers will round out the program. A panel comprised of local farmers, community, UC, and education professionals will entertain questions as they look towards the future.

The Centennial Event will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott in Oxnard. Program details are attached.

As 2013 comes to a close, we reflect on our accomplishments and look towards the New Year, new projects and work ahead. It goes without saying that Hansen has great staff and even more amazing volunteers that dedicate countless hours and play a vital role in education outreach. We thank all our wonderful volunteers and look forward to their return in the spring as we launch another season of ag education.

They say many hands make work light. And, as our programs grow in size and scope, so grows our need for volunteers. We are on the look-out for additional dedicated individuals who have a passion for agriculture and enjoy working with youth of all ages. Two Volunteer Informational Meetings in the Small Barn are set for 2014. Wednesday, January 15th, 3:30-4:30pm or Thursday, January 16th from 10-11 a.m. Those interested may contact the office at 805-525-9293 ext. 206. Walk-ins are welcome too.

Happy Holidays!

October 31^st marked the end of another successful youth education season. Over 2300 youth (and 357 adults) participated this fall in 4-H Farm Field Trip and Classroom Outreach programs.

From tending the gardens to propagating seedlings for schools to delivering much of the education, volunteers devote hundreds of hours to make these programs possible and ensure that Ventura County youth have a better understanding of agriculture and where their food comes from. As is customary, HAREC staff celebrated their efforts with a Volunteer Appreciation luncheon in the Small Barn. Education Outreach Coordinator as well as Chris Smith, the new CE and HAREC Director, offered words of gratitude for their contributions. Volunteers enjoyed a relaxing lunch, visting with staff, and reading hand written thank yous from many of the program participants.

With the fall education season behind them, volunteers will relish a well deserved winter hiatus. We look forward to their return in spring.

Pumpkin Pumpkin, a beloved children’s book by Jeanne Titherington came to life on October 11^th and 18^th. HAREC hosted Kindergarteners for a new fall field trip experience. They came in cars and busses ready to enjoy the literature based journey of a pumpkin from seed to pie.

Herbi, our seed puppet, kicked off the program explaining the parts of the plant and what plants need to grow. A reading of Titherington’s book, sensory table and raised beds filled with a variety of winter squashes, cooking demonstration and sampling of Pumpkin Pie Dip were some of the activities.  Parents eager to find easy, healthy, kid-friendly snack ideas welcomed colorful take-home recipe cards and the nutrition message—winter squashes are an excellent and versatile seasonal choice that fits nicely into MyPlate providing plenty of Vitamin A and Fiber and can help meet the goal of making half your plate fruits and vegetables.

After a hayride tour of the REC and stop at the mini pumpkin patch, the morning ended with plenty of physical activity—running up, down, and the through the hay pyramid and maze. Clutching their small orange orbs, students left with big smiles. Teachers appreciated how much learning……and fun was packed into a couple of hours.