Ongoing research

Alison Coomer, a second-year doctoral student in the lab of nematologist Shahid Siddique of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, recently achieved worldwide recognition for her three-minute thesis (3MT) on root-knot nematodes.

Imagine a mountainous and remote rainforest along the ocean coast. Whisps of fog drift through the trees as cascades of colorful flowers sweep down from plants perched high on the tree limbs.

"Hey, there, pumpkin, how big of a piece of pumpkin pie do you want?" If you've ever been asked that, you may have responded--quite politely--"Small, thank you!" You probably didn't thank the squash bees.

From the Master Gardeners to your family, we hope you have a wonderful holiday. The Master Gardener Program staff and volunteers are thankful to Stanislaus County! Thank you to our CEO's Office and Board of Supervisors for believing in our program and supporting it since 2018.

We are pleased to announce that David Lewis will be taking on the role of Sustainable Natural Ecosystems (SNE) SI leader starting January 2022. We thank David for this new undertaking while acknowledging the wonderful contributions he has already made over the last few years as Water SI leader.

The 2021 Mid-Year Strategic Plan Accomplishments Report is now posted on the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan website at https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/UCANR_Strategic_Plan.

At CalNat, we are grateful for the partnerships we've formed with over 55 organizations across the state with whom we share a vision of a more sustainable and just future. This year we are particularly grateful for our new partners that represent several Indigenous cultures across California.

UC ANR's Staff Assembly invites staff members to serve as ambassadors for their colleagues at their locations. Staff Assembly ambassadors represent all UC ANR and County paid staff in their local office at ambassador meetings.

Don't ask if the insects you find in your garden are "good bugs or bad bugs." Everything in your garden has a place, and your place should be a healthy, thriving garden--free of pesticides, says Frdrique Lavoipierre.

Join us on Tuesday, Nov. 30, for GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals to celebrate generosity worldwide. UC ANR programs can invite donors to help address important issues impacting all Californians.