Agriculture Economics Students from Pitzer College in Claremont visited South Coast REC to learn about how UC ANR research affects sustainable agricultural and food justice.

Prior to a field tour, Dr. John Kabashima, UC Emeritus, discussed all that the UC ANR system has to offer from campuses, research, RECs and Ag Experiment Stations, to Cooperative Extension programs, not to mention faculty, staff, and volunteers too.

Following the presentation, the students toured the Center learning about the various types of research that is currently, and has been done at the South Coast REC, and how it relates to sustainable food security on a global scale, not just locally. The students were particularly interested in how long it takes some varieties to go from conception to market and all of the breeding steps in between, nematode studies being done on South African cow peas, and whether or not organic fruits and vegetables really make a difference nutritionally.

 

Looking back at old photos of South Coast REC it is amazing to see how much has changed on site and within the surrounding community. Where there were once open fields, orange groves, or even plant nurseries, we are now neighbors to several planned communities, or neighborhoods. What hasn't changed is our continued mission reaching out to the

public. Yes, the focus may be a little different, none the less we are here, extending the long arm of University of California research based information to educate the public - professional and novice alike.

Over 1,200 from all over Southern California and Ireland, yes, Ireland, attended the annual Urban Landscape & Garden Education Expo held on September 24th at the South Coast REC which focuses on water quality and water conservation while showcasing the REC and the Cooperative Extension Programs. 

During the expo, there was plenty to do for both kids and adults while enjoying their time at the Center, guests were able to sit in on a presentation or two to learn how you go about removing turf, or maybe find out about new water-wise plant varieties, or about new irrigation products. If not engaged with one of the speakers, they might even talk to one of the many exhibitors on hand, catch a 'hands-on demonstration', or taste the wonderful fruits of the season grown at South Coast REC courtesy of the REC's extension program and project researchers.

One of the most popular exhibits is the "Dr.s Are In", continuous wall-to-wall people patiently waiting their turn to talk with experts regarding vertebrate pests, weeds, irrigation issues, insects and diseases. The kids had a great time painting pumpkins, playing seed games, building sail boats, visiting the OC Fire Authority table, and if lucky enough - were treated to a shaved ice delight to cool down.

It was truly a great day - smiling faces everywhere you turned. If you didn't make it this year, be sure to save the date for next year - September 30, 2017!

A big change has taken place at the UC ANR South Coast REC - the new building which has been a collaborative effort between the Orange County Farm Bureau and the Center, arrived last week just in time for the Annual OC Farm Bureau Steak Fry.

Over 100 attendees representing the Farm Bureau and other organizations were on hand to witness the ribbon cutting on this landmark moment. Traveling from Northern California, UC ANR VIPs included Glenda Humiston, Chris Greer, Lisa Fischer, Wendy Powers, and Bill Frost.

 

Beautiful weather, good food, great company, and a truly promising vision for the future of South Coast REC made this an unforgettable evening.

Catching up with old friends and new.

A special thanks to the event sponsors, those listed and not listed.

UC ANR Vice President Glenda Humiston welcomes and thanks the patrons of this event.

Enjoying the occasion...

 

 

Hosted by Ramiro Lobo and UCCE – San Diego, South Coast REC staff assisted with the annual Pitahaya Field Day. Approximately 64 Attendees were treated to field presentations, and tasting of cut fruit, dried fruit, homemade ice cream, and fresh juice.

This water conserving fruit is perfect for small places. Be sure to catch Dr. Lobo talk about pitahaya and blueberries during the upcoming Urban Landscape and Garden Education Expo being held at the UC ANR South Coast REC on September 24th. 

 

Dr. Niamh Quinn discusses rodent traps.

Jose Fernandez De Soto explains irrigation methods used on the pitahaya at South Coast REC.

Dr. Ramiro Lobo shows onlookers how to gather pollen from the beautiful pitahaya flower.