Ongoing research

Primary Image
A small black bug with red markings on its back crawling on a green plant stem.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

What’s That Bug?

October 20, 2025
By Lindsey Hack
Have you noticed groups of black bugs with colorful markings hanging out on the sidewalk or your porch? Maybe you’ve seen them on fruit trees or in your veggie garden. It can seem like they’re everywhere, but what are they? Where you find them can give you a clue about what they are and how to handle…
View Article
Primary Image
Narrow leaf milkweed, asclepias fascicularis
UC Marin Master Gardeners: Article

Phenology: Reading nature’s seasonal calendar

October 20, 2025
By Bonnie A Nielsen
 Phenology is the study of seasonal changes in plants and animals from year to year—such as when flowers bloom, birds nest, or insects emerge. Derived from the Greek word phaino, meaning “to show” or “to appear,” phenology helps us observe and understand how the natural world responds to climate…
View Article
The Backyard Gardener: Article

Green Tomato Sauce

October 20, 2025
By Dustin W Blakey
By Vivian Patterson, Inyo-Mono Master Gardener VolunteerThe first freeze of the season is now behind us. If you were lucky enough to get out in the garden and rescue all your green tomatoes before the freeze, then good for you!  If you would like to try something other than green tomato chutney or…
View Article
Primary Image
Crocus vernus ‘Pickwick’
UC Marin Master Gardeners: Article

Focus on Crocus

October 20, 2025
 Blooming in shades of purple, white, yellow, pale pink, and anywhere in between, crocus are cheerful additions to any garden. While many species bloom in early spring, some, such as saffron crocus (Crocus sativus), bloom in autumn. These different species need different care, but there’s sure to be at…
View Article
ANR Adventures: Article

Great work going on in Placer, Nevada, Plumas and Sierra counties

October 20, 2025
By Brent Hales
 Last week, Erin Marnocha, our new Vice Provost for Research and Program Integration, Daniel Obrist, Vice Provost for Academic Personnel and Development, and I visited our UC Cooperative Extension colleagues in Placer, Nevada, Plumas and Sierra counties. Thanks to Michele Fisch, UCCE area director, who…
View Article
Primary Image
Flowering tobacco, nicotiana
Napa Master Gardener Column: Article

Nicotiana

October 18, 2025
By Michael Lecours
By Penny Pawl, UC Master Gardener of Napa CountyOne of my favorite plants in my garden is nicotiana (Nicotiana sylvestris), also known as flowering tobacco. The plants need almost no care and bloom most of the spring, summer and autumn. The flowers are fading just now in October.Nicotiana also does double…
View Article
UC Ag Experts Talk Webinar Series: Page

Past webinars - Olive pests

As webinars are completed, we post recordings on YouTube for future study and sharing with others. Continuing education units are not available for recorded webinars. Only participants of live webinars receive credits.Update on Major Olive Pests and their Management in California by Dr. Sudan…
View Page
Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center: Page

Jobs

Statewide Cottage Foods Education Specialist - Flexible Location, CAJob DescriptionThe University of California Master Food Preserver Program based in Davis, CA, extends UC research-based information about home food safety and preservation to the public. The UC Master Food Preserver Program is a…
View Page
Primary Image
European praying mantis at the Vacavillel Museum Courtyard.
Bug Squad: Article

What a Day When Betty White Visited the Vacaville Museum

October 17, 2025
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
 What a day when Betty White visited the Vacaville Museum!Not the beloved Betty White, the American actress, comedian, producer, activist, and animal welfare advocate who passed Dec. 31, 2021 at age 99. It was her namesake.It all began when the Vacaville Museum hosted a public function on Oct. 11…
View Article