January 2021 | Volume 5 Number 1 |
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The Vantage Point
Glenda Humiston
Vice President
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources
As I write this introduction to our first newsletter in 2021, I can’t help but reflect on the opportunities ahead of us in this coming year. Following a tumultuous start, our national landscape is rapidly changing. While we still have a ways to go on the COVID front, we are finally working on vaccination strategies and looking forward to the possibility of fully restoring our in-person work. As you all know, Governor Newsom released his January budget and we were pleased to see that UC ANR was called out to receive $1.9M in restored ongoing funding as well as being mentioned in other sections. While this amount is not final and only partially restores last year’s reduction, it is important that UC ANR was specifically recognized. The Governor’s budget also includes $2M in one time funding for UC ANR fire advisors, plus additional funding for a number of other agencies that offer grant programs related to our scope of work.
Over the past few years, we’ve been strategically and consistently working on advocacy efforts to highlight the impact of UC ANR on the state’s economy and the lives of Californians. UC’s recent Economic Impact Report shows that the University of California generates $82B in economic activity per year and supports more than half a million jobs. I am pleased to see UC ANR’s work highlighted prominently in this report. I am also pleased to share with you our new UC ANR Virtual Tour; I think you’ll enjoy seeing this sample of our research and programs. This tour was hosted “live” in November and December for nearly 40 legislators, PAC members, UC Regents, and President Drake. I know that many of you also diligently work to support UC ANR and we are very grateful for the collective effort of those who believe so strongly in our mission. We hope that this tour may help in efforts to showcase the amazing scope of work that falls under the UC ANR umbrella. Please share it with others!
In this issue, we also spotlight a number of upcoming events and news features. As we all look ahead to the coming gardening season, perhaps you would like to learn about “The wonderful world of worms” or join us at the California plant and soil conference!
Wishing you all a very happy and healthy year ahead!
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UC ANR news stories
Read the latest UC ANR staff news here.
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Please note that we are sheltering in place to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We offer many resources and trainings online, including community resources related to the pandemic, and you can always connect with us by email, phone or video conference. Stay healthy!
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Thank you, recurring donors!
This segment is dedicated to sharing stories of the impact donors are having in carrying out the UC ANR mission across the state. It’s a place to welcome new supporters, say thank you, and recognize those who give of their time or treasure to make California a better place for us all.
In the fall of 2020, we launched our recurring giving program, The UC ANR Sustainers Club. With consumer buying shifting towards subscription-based purchasing (Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc.), today’s donors are subscribers, too. We recognize our donors want an easy way to give ongoing support to programs, and in return, to hear stories that make them feel good about giving.
Our supporters have responded in a big way—more than doubling the number of recurring donors! These ongoing funds are a lifeline to the programs that receive them, funding scholarships for 4-H youth and California Naturalists, supporting the care and maintenance of UC Master Gardener demonstration gardens, providing educational outreach to protect our resources from natural disasters, and more.
You can become a UC ANR Sustainer with just one click during the donation process at donate.ucanr.edu. We look forward to sharing how you make the Donor Difference!
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Spotlight on Practical Resources |
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Forestland management
Forestland owners can learn how to survey the trees on their property from four new videos produced by UC Cooperative Extension, setting them on a course for sustainable management. The videos are available on the UC ANR YouTube channel.
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Controlling red imported fire ants
Siavash Taravati, UC Cooperative Extension integrated pest management advisor in Southern California, helped the California School for the Deaf in Riverside control an exploding red imported fire ant (RIFA) population and turned the effort into a research project with results that can help other Southern California agencies deal with RIFA infestations. Learn more.
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Meet the lambs: family pod field trips
Saturdays, Wednesdays and Fridays until February 13
Hopland REC, 4070 University Road, Hopland, CA
A one-hour, guided social pod tour to visit the lambs, participate in a "find the lost sheep" walk and enjoy a craft kit. Register here. |
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California plant and soil conference
Online, February 1-2, 8 am-2 pm; February 3, 8am-12pm
Join a virtual conference on the acquisition and dissemination of scientific knowledge about the nature, use, improvement, and interrelationship of plants, soil, and the environment. Register here.
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The wonderful world of worms
Zoom talk, February 13, 10:30 am- 12 pm
Would you like tastier veggies and bigger blooms in your garden? Do you want to compost but don't have the space for an outside pile? Learn the basics of how to set up a worm bin, what to feed them and how to care for them. Register here. |
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Social Media Posts of the Month |
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University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
2801 Second Street
Davis, CA 95618
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