News & Information Outreach

Blog by Melinda NestlerodeWe are living in challenging times. Our nation is polarized politically, civil discourse appears to be a quaint memory, the Middle East is embroiled in multiple catastrophic battles, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is ongoing, anonymous people on the Internet spew unverified vitriol,…

 In a state where agriculture is a $59 billion industry, a quiet revolution is changing how Californians experience farming—not just as consumers, but as guests, learners, and partners. Agritourism, once a niche side venture for farmers, is now a significant and growing segment of the rural economy…

 Does the common checkered skipper butterfly have a checkered past?That is, "good" and "bad" periods in its life history?It's known as Burnsius communis, formerly Pyrgus communis, a species of butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It derives its common name from its checkerboard pattern of blue-gray and…

 When harpist Samantha Murray, garden and education coordinator of the UC Davis Bee Haven and a member of the UC Davis Class of 2025, presented her senior recital, she weaved in her "passion for the harp, her admiration for bees and the rich beauty of Javanese music."Her senior recital, now on YouTube,…

Blog article by Cindy YeeLast fall I noticed a well-known iris grower’s online ad, and was captivated by the catalog’s gorgeous flowers.  Bearded iris grows from rhizomes, which are tuberous roots that look like bulbs.  They can be pricey depending on several factors, including whether or not it's…

No room in a yard? Container gardens are a great way to grow vegetables with the proper precautions. Here are several considerations when planting in containers:   SunSelect plants based on sunlight exposure. Most vegetables require 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily. Leafy vegetables like lettuce,…

 What a wasp!“I've seen a lot of strange insects, but this has to be one of the most peculiar-looking ones I've seen in a while."That's what UC Davis Distinguished Professor Emerita Lynn Kimsey, fondly known as "The Wasp Woman," told a reporter for the Independent,   London, when asked about a…

Haiku by Patti Brantley 

News about the budget status of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed), which funds our CalFresh Healthy Living, UC program.

 If a bee takes a liking to a morning glory, is it a glory bee?Have you seen the Convolvulus tricoloris flower,  commonly known as "morning glory" or "bindweed"? The plant boasts a flared blue trumpet flower with a white throat and yellow center. The genus is Latin for "twine around." The …

This week, we shared information about important invasive species, what to do if you find them, and how you can help prevent their spread. To wrap up California Invasive Species Action Week, we’d like to highlight a few key takeaways: Don’t pack or plant a pest Whether you’re traveling or gardening…

The scary-looking, ominously-named wolf spider is actually a beneficial insect.  Wolf spiders belong to the class Arachnida and are members of the family Lycosidae (derived from the Greek word lycos, meaning wolf). Wolf spiders stalk their prey like wolves do; they do not spin webs or use silk to subdue prey…

Ever since this show, In The Garden with UCCE Master Gardeners, started, the prospect of drought has hung over our heads. We have a show today that we are calling “Water for Our Gardens – What to Expect”. Our own Master Gardener show host Teena Spindler is lucky to have another Master Gardener friend…

 If you're thinking about heading over to the California Honey Festival in downtown Woodland on Saturday, June 21, don't.It's moved to the nearby Yolo County Fairgrounds, located at 1250 East Gum Ave., Woodland. "Plans change, but the fun doesn't," organizers said.The event, free and open to the public,…

The golden flowers of French broom covering hillsides and the tall, striking stalks of pampasgrass stand out on trails and roadsides. These plants may be beautiful, but they are invasive and harm California’s natural landscapes.  Invasive plants outcompete and crowd out native plants, damaging…

Blog article by Paula PashbyIt is a great feeling to have veggie seedlings tucked into their new home in my garden. I double-check my sketched-out planting plans and take one last walkthrough to make sure all the plants are set for the growing season - everything looks good! I love anticipating another…

     It's National Pollinator Month, the month to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators and their vital role in food production and in our ecosystems. Take this male foothill carpenter bee, (Xylocopa tabaniformis orpifex).We spotted it nectaring on mallow in a…