- Author: Alexandra Stefancich
Look out for the return of FIT+ to SFREC in the upcoming year!
- Author: Alexandra Stefancich
Presentations focused on a wide variety of agricultural subjects including livestock, bees, bats, irrigation, nutrition, seed saving, wool spinning, cider pressing, soil health and much more. Participating organizations included the local FFA chapters, Nevada Irrigation District, Sierra Foothills Audubon, the 4-H Youth Development Program, UC Cooperative Extension and private agriculturalists.
The Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center (SFREC) was involved with actively showing students how soil and sand can help filter impurities out of water through an experiment where Kool Aid (representing impure water) is poured through a variety of substrates. SFREC also taught students about watersheds, including how water flows through a watershed, and the areas in which water tends to accumulate.
Farm Day allows students the chance to see and truly connect with multiple aspects of our agricultural systems, an opportunity that many people take for granted. These hands-on activities offer students a path to discovering where their food, drink, and clothing really come from and how it is all connected to the world's ecosystems. Witnessing the interest and curiosity of the students as they traveled through the stations, was a sure sign of the event's success.
SFREC will also present to third grade students at the Yuba-Sutter Farm Day this Friday. Be on the lookout for an update next week!
- Author: Ben Granholm
Nearly 60 individuals gathered at SFREC for the 6th Annual Lower Yuba River Accord Symposium on July 15th to dive into the history, management and future of the Lower Yuba River. Attendees listened to presentations and asked questions of those involved in the river's preservation.
Speaking on the goals of the River Management Team and the current Monitoring and Evaluation Program, Tom Johnson of the Yuba County Water Agency discussed efforts to develop optimum flow schedules, record temperature performance and ensure the smooth implementation of Yuba Accord operations.
Looking at the year-round temperatures of the Yuba River, Casey Campos and Duane Massa with the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, talked of what these temperatures mean for the spawning and livelihood of fish inhabiting the river, particularly the habitats of the Chinook salmon. Campos explained that the Yuba River is among the coldest in the Central Valley.
Symposium coordinators, Gary Reedy of the South Yuba River Citizen League spoke on the need for habitat enhancement, giving a summary of previous actions, while Beth Campbell of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) discussed enhancement initiatives implemented by FWS.
The symposium concluded with lunch at the Yuba River Education Center, followed by a float down the beautiful Yuba River.
- Author: Megan G Osbourn
Along the stream is the Riparian area where you will find many plants that have roots in the water or very damp soil. Even in the dry summer months, these plants usually grow tall and jungle-like since they have plenty of water. These Riparian plants are important because they help stabilize soil and filter impurities from the water in addition to providing critical habitat for a variety of wildlife. Holes in large rocks can also be found near the water where the Native Americans who once lived in the Sierra Foothills would grind acorns into flour.
Finally, hikers will come upon a convenient steel foot bridge that spans over the entire marsh area. The soil in this small basin is always saturated due to contact with the water table. Here you will find specialized plants that grow well when their roots are always wet such as cattails, reeds, forbs and shrubs. This vegetation provides nesting habitat for a rare bird species called the black rail that was recently discovered to be living in the foothills.
- Author: Megan G Osbourn
Just another beautiful day at the Sierra Foothill Research & Extension Center! SFREC is located just 60 miles north of Sacramento in Browns Valley, bordering both Englebright Lake and the Yuba River.
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