Central Sierra eNews - December 2023

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Season's Greetings, Lindsey!

As we reflect on the close of 2023, we are reminded of just how wonderful our community of staff, volunteers, clients, and supporters is. The passion and dedication each of you gives to our Central Sierra communities is truly humbling. In that spirit, we hope your holiday season is filled with giving, caring, and making a difference. From all of us at UCCE Central Sierra, we wish you the joy of family, the gift of friends, and the best of everything in 2024! We look forwarding to serving you in the new year

Please Note: All UCCE offices will be closed for Winter Curtailment December 23, 2023-January 2, 2024, and will re-open on Wednesday, January 3. Happy holidays!

UCCE Central Sierra eNews: 4-H Youth Development Program

Monthly update of 4-H news and events in the Central Sierra.

In this Issue:

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12/5/2023 - Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) Situation Report

Since the last situation report (11/28/23), there have been 3 new VSV-affected premises identified (1 confirmed positive, 2 suspect) in California. All confirmed cases to date have been vesicular stomatitis New Jersey virus (VSNJV) serotype. Updates are as follows:

Fresno County

1 new confirmed positive equine

Madera County

2 new suspect equine premises

Additionally, the following previously confirmed positive or suspect premises have been released from quarantine: 8 premises in Fresno County, 5 premises in Madera County, 4 premises in Mariposa County, and 5 premises in Tuolumne County. Read More

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Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) is a viral disease agent that affects primarily horses and cattle and occasionally swine, sheep, goats, llamas and alpacas. Humans that handle affected animals may become infected, but this is a rare event.

UCCE Central Sierra eNews: Agriculture & Livestock

Monthly update of news & events related to agriculture and livestock in the Central Sierra.

In this Issue:

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UCCE Central Sierra eNews: Community Health & Nutrition

Monthly update of CalFresh Healthy Living news & event, Harvest of the Month and more!

In this Issue:

View December Issue

CalFresh Healthy Living Video: Making Turnip Latkes

Meet Your Community Health and Nutrition Advisor

Kitty Oppliger began working with UC Cooperative Extension on October 23rd as the Community Health and Nutrition advisor for the Central Sierra and Placer/Nevada counties. Kitty aims to create a program centering cultural resilience and holistic health for the diverse communities throughout this region. Her role will address community needs within the broad areas of healthy lifestyles, health equity, food and water security, Indigenous food sovereignty, and climate change.

Oppliger was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, a highly rural region with a prominent Native American presence. She worked with tribal elders to develop sustainable and resilient food systems at Michigan Tech University during her undergraduate education in Ecology and Biology.

She transitioned to a career in Health and nutrition, earning her MPH with a concentration in sustainable food systems from the University of Michigan. While there, she engaged in research on disability and nutrition; food security and assistance programs; refugee health; and most recently has been working on analysis of Heart Health programming in First Nations tribes of British Columbia. Read More

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The University of California is recruiting a Forest Stewardship Community Education Specialist (CES)

The Forest Stewardship Community Education Specialist will assist forest landowners in pre- and post-wildfire settings, and to better understand and develop management plans to protect/rebuild after forest disturbances, such as wildfire. Focus is 50% on the Forest Stewardship Education Initiative (pre-fire) and 50% on the Post-Fire Forest Resilience Program. CES will use professional, adult community educational program concepts, to deliver standardized educational workshops to private, non-industrial, private forest landowners throughout California through virtual and in-person formats. This position is located in Tuolumne County (Sonora, CA) but will assist in statewide outreach efforts. More Info

Where to Cut Your Christmas Tree

You can choose and cut your own Christmas tree (or have help with cutting) at tree farms on private lands in the Placerville to Camino area off Highway 50. Sales start the day after Thanksgiving and farms are open on weekends. For locations, amenities, and specific tree types, visit:

Christmas trees can also be cut in national forests with a USFS issued permit. Permits are limited and sell out withing hours of release, mark your calendar for next year! More Info

UCCE Central Sierra eNews: Forestry & Natural Resources

Monthly update of news & workshops related to Forestry and Natural Resources in the Central Sierra.

In this Issue:

View December Issue

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UCCE Central Sierra eNews: Master Food Preservers

Monthly update of food preservation classes & events in the Central Sierra and beyond.

In this Issue:

Ask a Master Food Preserver Online December 13th
Recipe Collection
Recorded Classes
Free Pressure Canner Gauge Testing
Register for Upcoming Classes

View December Issue

Ask a UC Master Food Preserver December 13 | 6:30-7:30PM | ZOOM

Join the UCCE Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County for a general Q&A session. A panel of volunteers specializing in freezing, dehydrating, canning and food safety will be available to answer your questions, share their tips, and encourage you to safely preserve food at home. December will focus on holiday gifts and UC Master Food Preserver Volunteers will show what they've preserved to give as gifts to friends and family. There will be also time to take questions regarding any food preservation topic. Read More

Free Pressure Gauge Testing

UCCE Master Food Preservers of El Dorado, Amador and Tuolumne Counties have devices to test Presto Brand pressure canner gauges and offer free pressure gauge testing at our offices. Call the office nearest you to set up a drop-off of your canner and you will receive a phone call when it has been tested and is ready for pickup. Usually testing can be done within a week. Read More

Selecting and Caring for Poinsettias

This is the time of year when Poinsettias are very available for purchase. Did you know that these beautiful plants can actually last for years and years? With proper care when choosing your Poinsettia and after bringing it home, this popular plant can bring cheer to your home during the holiday season and beyond. Read More

Demonstration Gardens Offer Winter Hours

Believe it or not, the UC Master Gardeners Demonstration Gardens will be open for visitors this winter, but please visit the garden website or call to confirm. Share this information with friends, family, and community! Read More

UCCE Central Sierra eNews: Master Gardeners

In this Issue:

View December Issue

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530-621-5502 | 888-764-9669 | cecentralsierra@ucdavis.edu | cecentralsierra.ucanr.edu

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The University of California working in cooperation with County Government and

the United States Department of Agriculture.

It is the policy of the University of California (UC) and the UC Division of Agriculture & Natural Resources not to engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person in any of its programs or activities. (Complete nondiscrimination policy statement can be found at https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/390107.pdf). Inquiries regarding ANR’s nondiscrimination policies may be directed to UCANR, Affirmative Action Compliance & Title IX Officer, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 2801 Second Street, Davis, CA 95618, (530) 750-1397.

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