- Author: Melissa G. Womack
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and UC Master Gardener Program invite you to join us in the celebration of Healthy Soils Week Dec. 2-9. Healthy Soils Week is a statewide initiative that shines a spotlight on the pivotal role healthy soil plays in sustaining our environment, gardens, agriculture, and the planet. This year, CDFA has organized a week-long event to raise awareness about the importance of soil health and the benefits it offers to our communities.
Follow @CDFA and @UCMasterGarden on social media using the hashtag #HealthySoilsWeek2023 to stay up to date on Healthy Soils Week content.
As we all come together to learn, share, and grow, let's delve into the incredible world of soil and discover why it deserves a week of recognition.
Why is soil health important?
- Improved plant health and yields. Healthy soils provide essential nutrients and an ideal environment for plant growth, resulting in higher crop yields and better-quality produce.
- Increased water infiltration and retention. Healthy soils can absorb and retain water more effectively, reducing runoff and ensuring a stable water supply for agriculture and natural ecosystems.
- Carbon sequestration and reduced greenhouse gases. Healthy soils act as a carbon sink, capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide, mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Reduced sediment erosion and dust. Healthy soils prevent erosion, protecting waterways and air quality by minimizing sediment and dust pollution.
- Improved water and air quality. Soil health practices filter pollutants, resulting in cleaner water and air for communities and wildlife.
- Enhanced biological diversity and wildlife habitat. Healthy soils foster diverse microbial communities and provide habitats for countless organisms, contributing to thriving ecosystems.
Healthy Soils Week is a fantastic opportunity to join the movement for soil health and sustainability. By participating in the activities and events, you can learn more about how to protect and enhance the health of our soils.
Upcoming events:
- Saturday, Dec. 2 - Intro to Composting with UC Master Gardeners of Sonoma County
- Tuesday, Dec. 5 - World Soil Day
- Tuesday, Dec. 5 - Cultivate Healthy Soil in Your Garden with UC Master Gardeners of Ventura County
- Friday, Dec. 8 - UC ANR's Sustainable Nutrient Management and Soil Health Field Day in Salinas
UC Master Gardener volunteers are working within California communities to promote sustainable gardening practices and encourage soil health. Their dedication and expertise make a significant impact on the state's efforts to protect and improve soil quality for future generations. Learn more about the UC Master Gardener Program by visiting mg.ucanr.edu.
- Author: Lauren Snowden
Join us on Facebook on Fri., Dec. 1 for a LIVE event as we learn about Placer County's award-winning project, "Search for Excellence Second Place: Engagement + Education + Enthusiasm = School Garden Success." UC Master Gardener volunteers of Placer County created engaging, outdoor garden activities that go beyond traditional textbooks, sparking a love for nature and healthy living for students. The project delves into exciting topics like plant care, photosynthesis, the role of worms in soil creation, and the delicious benefits of eating fresh vegetables. No registration or special link needed, the talks will be streamed LIVE to Facebook and YouTube.
Speakers:
Carol Holliman, UC Master Gardener Volunteer Placer County
Melissa Johnson, UC Master Gardener Volunteer Placer County
Date: Friday, Dec. 1
Time: Noon
Link to recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/7v6EYjAcwM0?si=o-0H1U64-cwH2lM9
Facebook Live is an authentic and interactive way to interact with our audience in real time. It also allows the ability to build value, trust and raise brand awareness of the UC Master Gardener Program. Share the Facebook Live opportunity on your personal and local program pages and tune in to the UC Master Gardener Program Facebook Live broadcast! Let us know in the comments section what topics or questions you would like answered on Monday or on future Facebook Live topics.
- Author: Melissa G. Womack
The day that inspires acts of generosity is here again on Nov. 28 it's Giving Tuesday, and we hope you support the UC Master Gardener Program in its 8th year of participating!
Giving Tuesday is a global movement that takes place every year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. November is the month of gratitude and a time we reflect on all we are grateful for in our lives. Gratefulness for what we have often leads to a desire to give back to organizations that improve lives.
The UC Master Gardener Program helps create gardening resources, virtual workshops and empowers gardeners to support food banks, schools, and community gardens. Many studies illustrate the benefits of gardening on health and how important it is to get outside and be around green spaces. Through gardening education, the UC Master Gardener Program allows participants to spend more time outdoors, which improves mental and physical health. Your support helps us to continue evolving this education and give back to our community through workshops for all ages, resources for every gardener, and produce donations for those in need.
How can you help? Here are a few simple ideas:
- Join us and donate. Your gift can be applied directly to support your local county program.
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for exciting updates. Tag @UCMasterGarden and include the hashtags #GivingTuesday and #GiveBack.
- Please share this message with friends and family and encourage them to join the movement!
We're asking you to join us in supporting the UC Master Gardener Program by helping spread the word to friends and family who want to support you in making an impact. Thank you for all you do for the UC Master Gardener Program and for joining the #GivingTuesday movement! For more information visit: ucanr.edu/givingtuesday