UCCE Central Sierra

Central Sierra: News & Updates

The Advisors, Academics, and Specialists of the UC Cooperative Extension in Central Sierra are hard at work in the field learning about what matters to the people in Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Tuolumne Counties and beyond. In these articles, they share important news and updates about their work and deliver research-backed information to the region. 

 

two people walking together on a snowy path
Healthy Central Sierra: Article

Get Active with the Gold Rush Path!

January 1, 2026
By Kitty Oppliger
Kick Off the New Year with an Active Outdoor LifestyleFor many of us, the new year inspires goals to be more active and spend more time outdoors. But with chilly temperatures and limited daylight, finding the motivation to get outside can be tough. Still, even short bouts of outdoor movement—like walking or…
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gift packages with dried lemon, greenery and twine
Healthy Central Sierra: Article

Good Gifts: Finding Joy in Giving

December 1, 2025
By Kitty Oppliger
The winter holidays are filled with traditions — cozy gatherings, comforting foods, and the joy of giving. But from a mental wellbeing perspective, the way we give gifts can either nurture connection or add unnecessary stress.The Capitalist Crunch Every year, “Black Friday creep” starts earlier,…
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Plate filled with plant-sourced foods
Healthy Central Sierra: Article

Celebrate Plant-based eating in November!

November 1, 2025
By Kitty Oppliger
You may be thinking about Thanksgiving Turkey this month, but November is also World Vegan Month. More Plants, Less Meat“Vegan” refers to a lifestyle that does not use any animal products, which includes following a plant-based diet. Plant-based diets have been associated with numerous benefits, both…
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side-by-side image of virtual fence boundary and movement of heifers within it
UCCE Central Sierra: Article

Central Sierra: Introduction to Virtual Fencing for Livestock and Land Management

September 12, 2025
By Brian J Allen
Virtual Fencing: A New Tool for Livestock and Land Management Virtual fencing (VF) is a precision agriculture tool gaining traction across California’s diverse rangelands. It uses GPS collars to contain livestock without physical fences. Producers set virtual boundaries across their pasture from a…
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a variety of scientific instruments surround the words "research and discovery"
Healthy Central Sierra: Article

What is Community Engaged Research?

August 28, 2025
By Kitty Oppliger
“The word itself ‘research’ is probably one of the dirtiest words… it stirs up silence, it conjures up bad memories, it raises a smile that is knowing and distrustful.”-Decolonizing Methodologies, Linda Tuhiwai SmithA problematic pastAs Dr. Linda Tuhiwai Smith, an Indigenous scholar and activist,…
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bright green growth on green stem of walnut tree
UCCE Central Sierra Agriculture: Article

Finish Walnut Season Strong for Best Crop Production

August 25, 2025
By Hardeep Singh, Luke K Milliron
September Walnut Orchard Tasks for Agriculture To-Do List  September is the time to focus on finishing the crop season well by protecting the kernel color and quality, keeping the insect pests in check, and setting the trees up for a stress-free winter. Irrigation and Nutrition Management in the…
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