Santa Cruz Forests Update

In the postfire environment of a coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) forest, it’s easy to get lost in the sprouts. And it makes sense, coast redwood trees can sprout prolifically from their base after fire and other disturbances. This is called basal or clonal regeneration, and it is a nearly unique…

The Forestry Institute for Teachers (FIT) announces Fall 2025 FIT-Focus Sessions! Connect with FIT this fall at three unique events! FIT-Focus sessions are 3-day professional learning experiences designed for both formal and nonformal educators. Held over a weekend (Friday–Sunday), each session focuses…

In response to the identification of a new species of invasive shothole borer (ISHB) for the western United States, the “Greater Shothole Borer” (Euwallacea interjectus), in Felton late last year, the University of California (UC) Cooperative Extension and partners at UC Davis and the County of Santa Cruz…

New CalFire Research Grant Supports Work at Soquel Demonstration State Forest in Santa Cruz CountyThe UCCE Santa Cruz Forests Program is partnering with Colorado State University and the University of Maryland on a new CalFire Forest Health Research Grant totaling over $730,000. The project, led by Colorado…

Folks, we have unfortunately had a confirmed detection of the invasive shothole borer (ISHB) in the Felton area of the Santa Cruz Mountains, near East Zayante Road and Graham Hill Road. This is the first ISHB infestation that has been confirmed in the County.