News & Information Outreach

Join UC IPM for a free webinar on the invasive Mediterranean Oak Borer (MOB) and other important oak tree pests on April 10, 2025 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. The Mediterranean Oak Borer (MOB) is an invasive ambrosia beetle that infests several species of white oaks in California: valley oak, blue oak,…

Summary: This limited study indicated that a slight deposition of metals (Copper and Manganese) may have occurred in one agricultural field, but the increases measured in the surface samples were likely insignificant relative to normal background levels for these soil types. Other sites showed no increase in…

 This summer (2025), our program will begin recruiting community members to apply to become UC Master Gardener volunteers in Stanislaus County. If you aren't familiar with our program, you may be wondering how does someone become a UC Master Gardener, what do they do, and why.? Follow our Get to Know…

By Erik Porse, Josh Viers, Aaron Shew, and Siddarth Kishore  The post summarizes findings from two studies presented in a panel session during workshops at UC Merced in October 2024, co-sponsored by the California Institute for Water Resources and Secure Water Future at UC Merced. In California’s…

  This interview is part of our Women’s History Month series- check back this week for more stories from female forest landowners to inspire your forest stewardship journey! Sarah Fischbach and her family have owned a parcel of Sierra mixed-conifer forestland for six generations. Since…

 Hummingbirds are like mythical fairies with their fast-beating wings while flitting from flower to flower.When considering pollinators, people usually think of bees and butterflies, but the tiny, jewel-like hummingbirds also play a crucial role. Hummingbirds co-evolved with native nectar plants, each…

The UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners of Stanislaus County are excited to announce a free online class!The Night Crew - How Owls Help You, and How You Can Help Owls introduces owls as part of a biological team of natural pest exterminators. They are beautiful, non-toxic and they don't ask for a…

Blog article and photos by Michelle Schlegel, UC Master Gardener-Solano CountyHow many times have you gone to use the green onions and found them already rotten? Like me, probably too many! Occasionally, I watch a lady online from the South who invites us into her world of cooking and gardening. She…

Blog by Cindy Yee, UC Master Gardener-Solano County What to write aboutfor this blogIts raining hard andmy brain's a fog.We need the rainSo this is good!I needn't feel guiltyBut maybe I should.The weeds are growingtall and strongWhile I watch NetflixAll day long.That hole in the groundWhere the peach…

Blog by Karen Metz, UC Master Gardener-Solano CountyWe got a chance to visit the Kula Botanical Gardens in the upcountry of Maui in January 2025.  I had been charmed by the lush gardens on previous visits.  I had especially remembered the displays of Protea, Leucospermum, and Orchids.The massive…

This week, UC System Provost Katherine Newman shared a decision from the UC Board of Regents to change the University's practices with respect to staff and academic recruitments. After thoughtful consideration, the Board has directed UC President Michael Drake to take action to ensure that diversity…

We are on the verge of launching the Integrated Web Platform (IWP) – years in the making and a major milestone for UC ANR in modernizing our technology. Barring unforeseen circumstances, we anticipate the new ucanr.edu will be “live” on Monday, March 24.

Basic information about IPM: Integrated Pest Management

Please be advised that our UC ANR website, ucanr.edu, will be switching over to the new IWP (Integrated Web Platform) from March 22 through March 24, as previously communicated. Intermittent downtime is expected during this period, affecting ucanr.edu sites and Portal access.

  Many of us have planted winter cover crops in our gardens to enrich the soil. Fava beans, winter peas, vetch, and other legumes can do a great job of adding nitrogen to our soils. With a symbiotic relationship with special microorganisms, legumes can take nitrogen in our air and put it into…

At this time of year many gardeners reflect upon what worked in the garden over the past year, plan changes to implement in the coming months, and consider new plants to introduce. This Spring, why not begin planning a more wildlife-friendly garden?  You can encourage birds, butterflies, lizards, frogs and a…

The Mortgage Origination Program (MOP) was developed by the University of California to support the recruitment and retention of select faculty and senior managers by assisting them in purchasing a principal residence near their work location. A recent UC change in allocation patterns for MOP funds now…