Agriculture

Primary Image
The honey bee is responsible for pollinating about one-third of the food in our diet. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

What Are You Thankful for? Insects on the List?

November 28, 2019
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
So you're seated at the Thanksgiving dinner table listening to what people are thankful for, what they treasure the most. The three "F's" win hands-down: family, friends and food. But "insects" should definitely added to that list.
View Article
Primary Image
A squash bee, Peponapis pruinosa, pollinating a squash blossom. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Thank the Squash Bee on Thanksgiving

November 26, 2019
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
If you're having pumpkin pie or butternut squash this Thanksgiving, thank the squash bee. Squash bees are specialists (not generalists) that pollinate only the cucurbits or squash family, Cucurbitaceae, which includes pumpkins, squash, gourds, cucumbers and zucchini.
View Article
Primary Image
A nest of Bombus vosnesenkii in May 2015 at the Loma Vista Farm, Vallejo. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Ever Seen a Bumble Bee Nest?

November 25, 2019
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Ever seen a bumble bee nest? We remember when insect enthusiast Rita LeRoy of the Loma Vista Farm, part of the Vallejo City Unified School District, found the nest of the yellow-faced bumble bee, Bombus vosnesenkii, in May of 2015.
View Article
Primary Image
A possible climate change outcome in California may be returning farmland to less-intensive uses, such as grazing.

UC Cooperative Extension ramps up its climate change response

November 22, 2019
By Jeannette Warnert
While scientific reports continue to mount confirming that global climate change is increasing temperatures, causing more frequent weather extremes and raising the sea level in California, UC Cooperative Extension is working to ensure the worst predictions are avoided and California residents and bu...
View Article