Ongoing research

by Peng GongOaks ‘n Folks – Volume 20, Issue 1 – January 2004Hardwood rangelands cover 10% of California, and are composed of an overstory of various hardwood species, predominantly oaks (Quercus spp.), and an understory mainly composed of introduced annuals (Gong et al., 2000).Tree crown closure (also…

by N. Maggi KellyOaks ‘n Folks – Volume 20, Issue 1 – January 2004 Sudden Oak Death has been a concern for many Californians, as it continues to affect many of our beloved central coastal forests. The disease is caused by a newly discovered pathogen called Phytophthora ramorum, which has killed…

by Doug McCrearyOaks ’n Folks – Volume 19, Issue 1 – February 2003On December 17 and 18, a Sudden Oak Death Science Symposium was held in Monterey. This Conference was sponsored by the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station and the University of California Integrated Hardwood Range Management…

by Josh SchimelOaks ’n Folks – Volume 19, Issue 1 – February 2003One critical issue that has long been of concern in California is water. We live in a dry state, and the demands on our supplies of surface water and groundwater are intense. We use our water supplies for agriculture, gardening, household use,…

by Tom ScottEngelmann oak (Quercus engelmannii) is best known by superlatives, such as “the rarest tree-oak species in the United States” or “the most sensitive type of oak woodland in California.” Today, Engelmann oaks are found primarily in rare, scattered groves and are restricted to Southern…

by Tyson Hillard HolmesOaks ’n Folks – Volume 17, Issue 2 – August 2001Monitoring is an essential tool for successful management of hardwood rangelands. Over time, it allows landowners and managers to measure the impacts of their management activities on the condition of natural resources under their…

by David J. LewisOaks ‘n Folks – Volume 17, Issue 1 – February 2001Watershed functions include the collection, storage, and transport of water. In California’s hardwood rangeland watersheds, these functions have distinct characteristics resulting from the prevailing Mediterranean climate and vegetation. The…

by Susan Harrison and Virginia BoucherMany Californians are unaware that there exists a “state rock”. It is the lovely, slick-green rock, serpentine, which covers some 2,200 square miles throughout the state. Because of the unique chemical composition of serpentine, it often supports plant species and…

by Paul Hendrix and Thaïs WinsomeOaks ’n Folks – Volume 15, Issue 1 – March 2000California’s oak savannas are home to many unique plants and animals. To the growing list of creatures for which oak woodlands are critical habitat, we’d like to add one more-the earthworm. Yes, California has its own, native…