- Author: Mimi Enright
Did you know that a low water garden in Sonoma County on average uses a third of the water that a lawn requires? For example, a 1,000 square foot water-wise garden uses 5,000 to 10,000 gallons per year, while the same size lawn uses more than 22,000 gallons per year. It's been a dry year; and helping educate Sonoma County homeowners on water conservation practices addresses the importance of reducing residential landscape water usage.
Master Gardeners are trained in water management, irrigation systems, site assessment, low-water use plants and sustainable gardening practices. The primary objective is to help home gardeners remove lawns and install drought tolerant plants that do well in Sonoma County. Garden Sense consultants are available to make a home visit to any Sonoma County residence to discuss how a homeowner can easily conserve water (and save money) by creating a climate-appropriate garden that is healthy, environmentally sound, and most of all – beautiful. More information is available on the Sonoma County Master Gardener's web site at Garden Sense.
- Author: Lisa Bell
The day included UCCE experts on Forest Ecology, SOD and wildfire behavior, the status of SOD in Sonoma County, local landowner experiences with SOD management, and a private researcher who just completed a manual on managing sudden oak death. A member of the Kashia Band of the Pomo Indians described their forest management approach to SOD. Attendees learned about the complexity of redwood forest ecology; how forest fire is enhanced by standing-dead trees killed by SOD; how to manage California bay laurel trees and poison oak to lower the chance of disease spread; and that tanoak tree injection with control materials does not work. It was a practical seminar that stimulated discussion and updated land managers on what works and what doesn't work in SOD management.
Contact: Lisa Bell, Sonoma County SOD Program Coordinator, lisa.bell@sonoma-county.org
- Author: Karen Giovannini
Hi! My name is Emily Eakins, I am a member of the Forestville 4-H club and Sonoma County's 2014-2015 All-Star. This year as the Sonoma County All-Star, I am looking forward to cultivating the All-Star program as well as building relationships and working together with the community.
Being the only All-Star I am looking forward to the challenges in the year ahead. My team and I, made up of the CCC and 4-H Office staff and 4-H Foundation members, are focusing on leadership, record books, and community relations.
My advisers and I have come up with a new position in our county, the Junior Ambassador, to assist the acting All-Star and learn about becoming an All-Star themselves. In the Jr. All-Star Ambassador program, youth will be able to get a glimpse of what it is like to be an All-Star. They will take on tasks that will be great learning experiences for their roles as leaders in their 4-H clubs and in our community.
Questions about the All-Star program, contact: Judy Ludovise Judy.Ludovise@sonoma-county.org
- Author: Karen Giovannini
Farming produce is allowed in most zones throughout the County without any permits, however depending on what you want to do with the produce, you may need a permit or two. And you always want to practice California Small Farm Food Safety Guidelines.
- Visit Produce Farm Marketing to answer such questions as:
- What can I sell from a farm stand on my property?
- How can I sell produce at the Farmers Market?
- How do I become Organic Certified?
- And more!
- Author: Karen Giovannini
Nine members of the UCCE Sonoma office, and one reluctant 4-Her (the authors daughter pictured here), attended the Board of Supervisors meeting to accept the recognition.
The Bird Rescue Center made a presentation and brought along a couple of friends including the Great Horned Owl pictured here. It was raised by humans so it cannot hunt, but it is a really good ambassador for the Bird Rescue Center!
(L-R)Top: Supervisor Gorin, Deborah Curle, Rhonda Smith, Rachel Ludovise, Linda Peterson, Mimi Enright, Paul Olin, Judy Ludovise, Karen Giovannini, Supervisor Rabbit
Front: Lisa Bell, Stephanie Larson, Supervisor McGuire, Supervisor Zane