Rangelands

Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense L.) is a problematic perennial weed that plagues California orchards and vineyards, spreading through seed production and perennial rhizomes. Established johnsongrass populations are typically controlled through use of systemic post-emergent herbicides (typically glyphosate…

On California’s Central Coast, where grassland and oak savannas stretch across rugged rangelands, one ranching operation is helping redefine what it means to steward the land. Founded in the early 1880s, the T.O. Cattle Company has weathered generations of California ranching history. In 1991, Joe and Julie…

Noxious weed! This “cute” perennial plant grows about 3 feet tall, displaces desirable vegetation, and reduces the biodiversity of our native ecosystems. It was introduced from southern Europe as an attractive ornamental. But it has no natural deterrents, takes over natural habitats, and is quite invasive…

Although probably impossible to grow plants with NO water, our unusual winter precipitation patterns cause us to reflect on how best to use water resources in our gardens and landscapes. In the Sierra foothills, July is the month with the highest rates of evaporation from the soil and transpiration from…

Yellow starthistle is a spiky, fast-growing, invasive weed in home landscapes, parks, rangelands, roadsides, and natural areas. It outcompetes other plants by growing in impenetrable stands and depleting soil moisture. It's also highly flammable which increases the risk of wildfires where it's growing. …

A few strands of thin, feathery, green plants growing under the dock didn’t catch anyone’s attention last spring. But those strands spread quickly and within months the lake’s calm waters were tangled in mats of the feathery Eurasian watermilfoil, an aggressive aquatic plant that grows quickly and clogs…