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.

 

We had a lot of fun here at the Center last Thursday. UCCE 4-H Orange County, partnering with Anaheim Family YMCA Anaheim Acheives, hosted students from Western High School in Anaheim. While here, the youth learned about the Center's research projects and how we continually find ways to minimize our water use, saving water in the landscapes, the local watershed, and the funnest part of all - how to make a water filter.

Going through a complete design process (Identify the problem, brainstorm, choose an idea, design the product, test the product, show the results, redesign if needed, etc.) the teens learned about engineering and water quality.

Using two-liter soda bottles and miscellaneous household items, the teens were asked to design and make a filter that would extract the impurities from the muddled water that was available.

They really enjoyed the hands-on activity and were bound and determined to produce clear water. 

After two or three tries, the groups were fairly successful  producing cleaner water.