- Author: Tammy Majcherek
Since arriving here, Niamh has been very busy writing and forging partnerships with local pest management professionals forming the Southern California Urban Wildlife Management Council, along with providing numerous consultations regarding pests such as gophers, coyotes, rats, and moles to name a few.
Niamh's infectious personality and quick wit has made her a favorite among the local talk circuit and a lovable member of the Orange County UCCE family.
If you get a chance, and haven't already, stop by and give a warm welcome to the 'Rat Whacker'.
- Author: Tammy Majcherek
Bill Frost, UCANR Vice-President, along with Will Harrison, OCFB President, and Darren Haver, Center and County Director, shoveled the first granules of dirt. On hand to witness the momentous occasion were Charlie Peltzer, Peltzer Farms - OCFB Board; Kenny Watkins, California Farm Bureau Federation 1st Vice President; Terry Cook, Village Nursery - OCFB Board; Mark Lopez, OC Produce - OCFB Board; Rick Mack, Crop Protection Services - OCFB Board; Chris Greer, UCANR Vice-Provost; and invited guests.
Attendees enjoyed the beautiful evening feasting on the delicious steak barbecue which included roasted potatoes harvested from a OC Farm Bureau sponsored field day for local youth at South Coast REC.
Proceeds from the event will help fund educational programs sponsored in partnership with OC Farm Bureau at South Coast REC's new ag-urban center.
- Author: Tammy Majcherek
A group of 109 gathered for a casual lunch to celebrate the twenty-eight years of service that Dr. John Kabashima, Environmental Horticulture Advisor for Orange County, has dedicated to the UC ANR Cooperative Extension. Attendees included colleagues – researchers, advisors, staff, and business contacts; along with many of the UCCE Master Gardener - Orange County volunteers.
The festivities included a looping picture collage of his career, speeches, and a barbeque lunch hosted by Darren Haver, Center and County Director, and cooked by UC ANR South Coast REC staff.
In addition to many administrative and academic accomplishments, John's active career has included cutting edge research on invasive species such as the red imported fire ant, the glassy winged sharp shooter, and the polyphagus shot hole borer to new name a few, in the Southern California area and beyond.
Luckily for those of us who work with him, retirement will not last long for John who will retain emeritus status conducting further research on the invasive species that plague Southern California and beyond.
- Author: Tammy Majcherek
Managing the rodent population on 200 acres of open ag fields is not easy task for Center staff, especially when surrounding areas have been developed, or are in the process of being developed. The question is always asked what is the best method? Well, one is to let mother nature take her course.
Holding the recently shed skin of a Gopher Snake, Pituophis catenifer, Chris explained that while it is similar in appearance and posturing to a rattlesnake, it is harmless. One significant difference to distinguish them apart is that the gopher snake will always lack the rattle. These snakes are very helpful since they are attracted to rodents which can destroy crops, landscape plantings, and can potentially spread disease.
Due to the drought, you may see more and more wildlife such as this in your nearby surroundings seeking food and water - especially in the morning and evenings during the summer. Please do not panic, they are a very important part of the ecosystem and will typically not hurt you if you give them space and let them be on their way.
For more information gopher and rattle snakes, check out UC ANR publications or visit the California Herps site
pnrattlesnakes
- Author: Tammy Majcherek
Joined by industry participants such as the Almond Board, California Department of Food and Agriculture, California Milk Advisory Board, FFA & 4-H, California Cattleman's Association, and the Dairy Council of California, UC ANR and others gathered at the State Capital in Sacramento to showcase the many contributions of agriculture in honor of National Ag Day as done across the country.
Creating a buzz through the crowd were the various fruits on display generously provided by the RECs – cotton samples and neatly packaged wheat berries (recipes included), oranges, raisins, and avocados. Appreciating the morning and/or afternoon snack, visitors were especially fascinated by the spectacle of unusual avocados and the rare atamoyas from the South Coast REC collection giving way to wonderful conversations not only about the research and extension being done at the various Centers throughout the state but also how we are caretakers of our natural resources and strive to improve the lives of Californians.
A fun and educational day was had by all!