Agriculture and Natural Resources

The Agriculture and Natural Resources program works on solving problems and exploring new techniques to improve the productivity of California's food and fiber industries. The program focuses on the research-based intersection of agricultural viability and ecological health, and addresses critical regional issues—such as rangeland management, soil conservation, and protecting watershed health—to ensure the long-term prosperity of our natural landscapes and farming communities.

Community Nutrition and Health

The Community Nutrition and Health Program is dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults. By focusing on the unique needs of our aging population, the program strives to improve quality of life and extend health span. The program empowers Marin residents to adopt healthier lifestyles through education focused on nutrition, food safety, and chronic disease prevention, delivering evidence-based programs designed to improve the health and well-being of families and support our aging population.

Fire Science

The Fire Science Program provides the community and land managers with essential knowledge on fire ecology, risk reduction, and proactive management strategies. The program provides the community and land managers with essential knowledge on fire ecology, risk reduction, and proactive management strategies. We provide education about the importance of fire within the California ecosystems, and working holistically across the landscape with vegetation management and stewardship practices. The program focuses on prescribed fire, home hardening, and creating defensible space to build fire-resilient communities and ecosystems.

Forest Health

Sudden Oak Death has killed large numbers of oaks and tanoaks in several of California's coastal counties. The Forest Health Program provides practical, research-based information on the diagnosis and management of this disease, as well as maintaining the resilience of Marin County's forests, mitigating disease spread, and ensuring the ecological balance of local woodlands. We provide research and education to land managers and homeowners on sustainable stewardship practices to protect our forests.

Horticulture

The Horticulture Program promotes sound plant health care with an emphasis on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles. We promote best practices to help community gardeners thrive while conserving water and natural resources.

Human-Wildlife Interactions

The Human-Wildlife Interactions Program works to help mitigate conflict between people and wildlife, addressing issues including protecting pets and livestock from coyotes and mountain lions, and keeping rats and gophers out of home gardens. We provide science-based information and strategies to manage conflicts and promote coexistence between Marin County residents and local wildlife populations. The program addresses issues related to property damage, livestock protection, and disease prevention through effective management techniques.

Marin County 4-H Program

The 4-H Program helps young people discover and develop their potential. It provides an exciting variety of educational and enrichment experiences, empowering young people (ages 5-19) to grow into leaders through hands-on, experiential learning in project areas like STEM, healthy living, and civic engagement. Supported by adult volunteers, 4-H builds critical skills, confidence, and a commitment to community improvement.

Marin County Fish and Wildlife Commission

The Marin County Fish and Wildlife Commission advises the Board of Supervisors on expenditures of funds obtained through fines levied for fish and wildlife violations in Marin County. These funds are designated to be used to enhance fish and wildlife resources in the county and for public education, grants, and scholarships.

Master Gardeners

UC Marin Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who provide advice and support for local gardeners, schools, and non-profit organizations. We provide public workshops, answer gardening questions, and offer expertise on topics ranging from pest management to creating water-wise landscapes.

Specialty Crops

The Specialty Crops Program focuses on soil, water, and pest management and strategic crop/variety selection of non-grape fruit and vegetable crop systems, addressing the sustainability production needs for over 200 crops. We provide public workshops, answer gardening questions, and offer expertise on topics ranging from pest management to creating water-wise landscapes.

Sustainable Agriculture

The Sustainable Agriculture Program was created to help farmers, ranchers and processors transition to more sustainable practices by providing the agricultural community with resources for education, marketing, networking and research. The program supports the economic viability of Marin's diverse and high-value agricultural sector.