Vegetation Management

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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A small black and orange insect with a somewhat long, spiky body crawling on a leaf.

The Good Bugs That Control Invasive Pests (Part 1)

April 9, 2026
By Lindsey Hack
You have probably heard about the “good bugs” that eat pest insects around your home and garden, like ladybugs, lacewings, and spiders. You may have even purchased some beneficial insects or nematodes at a garden store. Good bugs can also help us manage invasive species, but the process is a bit more…
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Lake Tahoe Basin | Articles

Articles by the UC Master Gardeners of the Lake Tahoe Basin contain information and lessons about gardening in the region, and are based on the best science and research as well as experience of the area's Master Gardeners. 
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A dense stand of spiny yellow starthistle plants with light green, spindly foliage and bright yellow flowers.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

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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UC Master Gardeners of Solano County: Page

Gardening Resources

Welcome to gardening in Solano County! Whether you're just starting or have years of soil under your fingernails, you're in the right place. This page brings together research-based resources tailored to our Mediterranean climate and growing zones (9a–9b and 10a).Start with the UC Master Gardener Gardening…
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dry brush in front opens to landscape of hills covered by trees and rangelands. A lake is in the valley in the distance
UCCE Central Sierra: Article

Central Sierra: UCCE Researchers Bring Virtual Fence Technology to Local BLM Lands

February 25, 2026
By Scott R Oneto, Brian J Allen
Emerging Precision Agriculture Tool Improves Grazing Systems  For the past four years, UC researchers have been examining the usefulness of virtual fence (VF) technology on a multitude of landscapes across the Sierra Nevada. Virtual fencing is an emerging precision agriculture tool capable of improving…
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Japanese beetle. Credit: D. Cappaert, Bugwood.org)
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

National  Invasive Species Awareness Week 2026

February 18, 2026
By Lindsey Hack
This week (February 23-27, 2026) is National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW), an event dedicated to raising awareness about invasive species, the threats they pose, and how we can slow their spread. When it comes to invasive species, your actions can have a big impact! What Can You Do? Take…
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