Forests

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A small grey beetle with a long snout that curves downward standing on a green yellow starthistle leaf.

The Good Bugs That Control Invasive Pests (Part 2)

April 13, 2026
By Lindsey Hack
In Part 1 of this story, we covered some basics of biological control. Now let’s talk about some of the good bugs helping to control invasive pests in California. Controlling yellow starthistle one weevil at a time Yellow starthistle (or YST) is a harmful invasive plant that is established and…
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Baskets of cherry tomatoes on display in the produce section of a grocery store.
Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

New publication on translating climate–food–health science into action

March 24, 2026
A new open-access publication outlines how to better translate science at the climate–food–health nexus into effective policy and practice. Published in Advances in Nutrition, authors propose a practical framework grounded in ecological systems thinking to help decision-makers navigate the complex…
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A dense stand of spiny yellow starthistle plants with light green, spindly foliage and bright yellow flowers.

Invasive Species: Nature’s Troublemakers

March 11, 2026
By Lindsey Hack
California is famous for its scenic wilderness and biological diversity. Unfortunately, our state’s unique ecosystems are in danger, and invasive species are among the biggest threats to our environment. Invasive species can cause all kinds of environmental damage, such as harming wildlife, disrupting our…
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Igor's Urban Website!: Page

Urban streams, storms, and homeless populations

Starting in 2024, I have been collaborating on a large set of studies to examine conditions in urban streams across the San Francisco Bay Area.  These studies involve GIS modeling, remote sensing, and in-field stream surveying, as well as surveys of homeless encampments and interviews with residents. …
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The green foliage of a small sycamore tree coated with fluffly, white patches of powdery mildew fungus.

What's That Powdery Stuff on My Plants?

March 5, 2026
By Belinda Messenger-Sikes
Have you seen white powdery-looking patches appearing on the leaves of your roses or sycamore trees? While home gardeners may be familiar with this sign of the plant disease powdery mildew on their veggies, ornamental plants and landscape trees can also be infected. In addition to those powdery spots, the…
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Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

Water Is K’é: using tradition to build healthier hydration habits

March 2, 2026
Can reconnecting with one’s traditional culture be an important key to healthy habits? A recent community-based study evaluated the impact of a culturally-grounded intervention designed to improve beverage consumption habits among young Navajo children. Between 2021 and 2023, 74 families participated in…
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