- 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: 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: Linda Peterson
- KRCB –North Bay Report Danielle Venton interviewed graduate Vince Trotter and Linda Peterson. This short piece is a quick way to learn about the program.
- KSVY –March 7 podcast with local farmer/radio host, Andrea Davis Cetina. The podcast provides an in-depth look at the program.
- KBBF interview on “Women's Voices” – Amy Contardi interviewed Linda Peterson, Program Coordinator, and Fabiola Espinosa – Latino Service Providers/partner.
We were fortunate to have funding through our USDA grant to produce a video to help promote the program with Santa Rosa Junior College
- Author: Karen Giovannini
Today, UC Cooperative Extension continues to serve communities throughout California as part of the University of California's Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), with 200 locally based Cooperative Extension advisors, 130 campus-based Cooperative Extension specialists, 57 county offices throughout the state, and nine research and extension centers.
Over a century of service, Cooperative Extension has continued to connect communities with the land grant campus, bringing practical, trusted, science based solutions to Californians.
- Author: Julia Van Soelen Kim
Hear how UC Cooperative Extension serves the North Bay on two podcasts by host and Sonoma Valley farmer, Andrea Davis-Cetina on the Sustainable Growing show which aired on KSVY 91.3.
On March 7, the episode features Linda Peterson, discussing the Agropreneur Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. UCCE Sonoma is finishing up its three year USDA grant with this year's training. Listen to the March 7 Podcast.