May 2026 | Volume 10, Number 5

The Donor Difference

UC ANR Giving Day donors make meaningful, personal impact

UC Agriculture and Natural Resources extends sincere thanks to supporters across California who came together during UC ANR Giving Day, May 14–15. In just 24 hours, donors contributed more than $73,000 to strengthen programs and research that serve communities throughout the state.

This outpouring of generosity highlights the vital role donors play in advancing UC ANR’s work. Their support fuels science-based solutions, expands outreach and ensures that communities have access to trusted knowledge and resources.

Local giving was further amplified by generous matching gifts offered by donors in counties across California. These matches energized regional campaigns, inspired participation and helped extend the impact of every contribution.

“Thank you to everyone who gave through our Giving Day campaign,” said Emily Delk, UC ANR’s director of donor engagement. “You are leading by example. As one donor shared: ‘Learning from my community and peers is a joy! Together, we can make a better world for people and the environment.’”

Every gift made on Giving Day goes directly to the program, location or research area chosen by the donor – ensuring a meaningful and personal impact. UC ANR is grateful to its entire community of donors, partners, staff and volunteers whose collective efforts demonstrate the power of giving and the lasting difference it makes for Californians. Join our community of support at give.ucanr.edu.

Spotlight on Practical Resources

New online course from UC ANR offers wildfire recovery guidance for forest landowners

Forest management after wildfire can be an overwhelming process. Post-fire management activities depend on a wide range of factors: ecosystem type, fire severity, resource availability and a landowner’s individual goals. For family forest owners (typically described as small, non-industrial forest landowners), navigating this information following a disaster can be daunting. To address this, UC ANR has launched a free online Post-Fire Resilience course. Learn more about the course, an updated reforestation manual and an in-person learning opportunity in Mendocino County, June 16-17.

Notes from the Field

Brewed awakening: UC explores tea’s potential as ‘champion crop’ for California

Interest in tea is brewing in the San Joaquin Valley and across the state, according to Atef Swelam, director of Kearney and West Side Research and Extension Centers. “Tea could be one of the champion crops for the future of agriculture in California because it’s a high cash-value crop and a climate-resilient crop,” Swelam said. “We have found that tea is growing fantastically here under the Mediterranean climate of California.” He envisions tea as part of the solution for growers who must make more profit with less land under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. Read the story and watch the video.

After L.A.’s fires, UC ANR ‘tree doctors’ help protect urban canopy for science, residents

The 2025 Los Angeles fires dealt a blow to the urban forest. Then, premature tree removals alarmed local residents. UC Cooperative Extension environmental horticulture advisor Chris Shogren and arborists with Altadena Green, an advocacy group, reached out to the Army Corps of Engineers to offer their guidance on properly assessing tree health. Now Shogren and scientists from UC Davis, UCLA, the U.S. Forest Service and the University of Florida are gathering valuable data on how urban trees respond to climate-driven blazes like those that ravaged Los Angeles. Read full story.

Managing Gophers and Moles 
in Your Garden

June 6, 7-8:30 p.m.

Saratoga Library

13650 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070

Join the UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County for a presentation by Master Gardener Bonnie Wagner, who brings decades of experience in managing vertebrate pests. Learn about the differences between gophers and moles in their appearance, behavior and tunnels. Bonnie will cover effective controls, including exclusion methods and trapping. Learn more about event.

Firewise Living: From Structure to Landscape

June 9, 4-5 p.m.

Port Hueneme Library

510 Park Avenue, Port Hueneme, CA 93041

Taught by UC Master Gardener Dani Brusius, this practical workshop equips participants with essential skills to reduce wildfire risks. Attendees will learn strategies for creating defensible space around structures, including vegetation management, landscaping techniques and home modification approaches. The class covers fire-resistant landscaping principles, structural hardening methods and emergency preparedness in wildfire-prone regions. Register for event.

Dehydration: Meals for Camping, Backpacking 
and Even Your Pantry

June 13, 10 a.m.-Noon

Sonoma Clean Power Customer Center

741 4th Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404

In this class led by UC Master Food Preservers of Sonoma County, you’ll start the morning with samples of dehydrated snacks, tea and coffee while learning the basics of dehydration, food safety and the science behind the process. Then, you’ll prepare three meals to take home: one breakfast and two dinners with options to customize based on your preferences. $50. Space is limited. Registration is required.

When Composting Goes Rotten

Online, June 18, Noon-1 p.m.

Decomposition is a natural process that’s happening in your garden constantly! Despite that, managing our compost piles gets complicated, and you could encounter pests and problems. Learn the common mishaps to avoid when composting, as well as how to manage pests when they arrive. Part of the Urban and Community Integrated Pest Management Webinar Series, this presentation is by Kevin Marini of UC Cooperative Extension in Placer and Nevada counties. Learn more and register for webinar.

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