Wildfire Preparation

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Figure 3. Dr. Li Wang, lead development scientist at the West Biofuels R&D facility, explaining the design of its gasification system
UCCE Central Sierra: Article

Exploring Biomass Utilization Pathways with West Biofuels

July 1, 2026
By Cindy X Chen
In April 2026, under the coordination of Woody Biomass and Forest Products Advisor, Dr. Cindy Chen, a team from University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) had the opportunity to tour the facilities of West Biofuels — its Hat Creek Bioenergy Plant in Burney and the Research and…
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Hand and arm covered with glove and long sleeve spraying clear mist from a bottle onto a green shrub.

Understanding Pesticides

June 2, 2026
By Belinda Messenger-Sikes
Many tools are available to help gardeners, pest management professionals, and growers practice sustainable pest management without the use of pesticides. Sometimes, however, a pest infestation is too high or nonchemical methods haven’t worked, so the next solution might be to use a pesticide. Pesticides are…
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Picture of a suburban front porch with green landscaping and outdoor furniture arranged on the porch.
UC Master Gardeners of Tuolumne County: Article

Zucchini Porches in Tuolumne County

May 24, 2026
           What makes a neighborhood a community? Is it holiday decorations, strollable sidewalks, or HOA-stipulated paint colors? Laughing children, knowing your neighbors and aesthetic beauty are all components of your surrounding neighborhood. But I think front porches create…
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A person's arm wiping a white marble kitchen countertop with a white disinfectant wipe.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Spring Cleaning: Where Indoor Pests Could Be Hiding

April 1, 2026
By Lindsey Hack
Spring has arrived! Along with warmer weather and blooming flowers (and seasonal allergies for some of us!), you may have also noticed more insects and spiders roaming your home. If these unwanted houseguests have you thinking about cleaning and clearing up some clutter, join the UC IPM Urban & Community…
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Defensible space zones. Cal Fire
The Real Dirt: Article

Be Firewise with Fire Resistant Landscaping

March 16, 2026
It’s finally springtime, and many of us are adding new plants to our gardens. That means it is also a good time to review the principles of creating defensible space around our homes. Fire is a normal part of the natural environment in California, so if you live in the wildland-urban interface (WUI), it’s…
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Ground-level view of a grape harvest scene with scissors and bags of harvested grapes
Food Blog: Article

Can a simple spray protect grapes from wildfire smoke?

February 23, 2026
By Emily C. Dooley
Smoke from wildfires can alter grapes and affect the taste and sensory experience of wine. Researchers are applying a calcium spray to grapes to see if the treatment can protect the fruit from smoke exposure.
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