What is the Goldspotted Oak Borer?

Goldspotted Oak Borer (GSOB) (Agrilus auroguttatus) is an invasive pest contributing to the on-going oak tree mortality occurring on federal, state, private, and local Native American lands in many areas of San Diego County. Isolated areas of infestation have been confirmed in Riverside, Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Ventura Counties in Southern California. Widespread oak mortality can have severe implications for the environment and human safety. Due to the current and potential impacts on California oaks and communities, public and private organizations are working together in research, education and outreach efforts related to GSOB management. 

Visit the Goldspotted Oak Borer website for more information that includes detection, biology, management, maps, events, and a reporting tool.

Oxnard Library Garden Fest and Children's Talk on Insects

March 21, 2026 | 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Bring your kids to the childrens area for a short talk on the importance of insects in our gardens (ages 3-11). Master Gardeners will have an information table with gardening information and will answer your gardening questions.

Ventura County stands out as climate ‘hot spot,’ UC ANR scientist warns farmers

UC experts share data, tips and tools for Ventura County growers to prepare for exceptional rates of warming in the region

Ventura County is an agricultural hub renowned for premium produce, like strawberries and avocados. But, based on recent climate data, this coastal region is earning a new, unwelcome reputation.

“Ventura County turns out to be one of the fastest warming counties in the entire United States,” said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Swain recently shared this news during a public workshop on climate change and agriculture hosted by UC ANR in Camarillo. His presentation, available in person and online, featured maps to help the audience visualize how parts of the globe are heating up at uneven rates. Even against the backdrop of a warming North America, Ventura stands out.

“This is the most up-to-date global warming map you could possibly get… and it’s even more red and orange than it was last year, meaning the warming, of course, is even greater,” Swain said. 

Read the full article on UCANR's website.

Climate and Agriculture: Farming in a Changing Climate – Workshop Recap

By Khagendra Bharambe

On January 20, 2026, UC Cooperative Extension, Ventura County hosted a hybrid workshop entitled “Climate and Agriculture: Farming in a Changing Climate”, bringing together researchers and the grower community to discuss climate impacts and adaptation strategies for Ventura County agriculture. The workshop was attended by 60 participants, including 38 in person and 22 online.

During the workshop, the concept of the “Expanding Atmospheric Sponge” was discussed. Dr. Daniel Swain used the image of a sponge to explain a scientific analogy comparing the warming atmosphere to a growing sponge that can hold and release more water when saturated. Thus, as the atmosphere warms, it can draw more moisture from soils and vegetation during dry periods and can lead to more intense rainfall during storms. This 'sponge' theory helps us to understand why climate change can contribute to both heavier downpours and more severe dry spells. For those interested in exploring this concept further, you can read the detailed explanation in a Weather West article.

If you were unable to attend or would like to revisit the presentations, the recordings are now available on the official YouTube channel of the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR).

If you attended the workshop and have not yet submitted the event survey, it is still available, and we encourage you to share your feedback.

Once again, we thank all participants and speakers for contributing to an engaging and informative discussion.

Grant opportunity for Farmers for Carbon Sequestration:

Zero Foodprint, a California Public Benefit Corporation, is providing grants to farmers for carbon sequestration (up to $25K). The Restore program aims to increase the beneficial ecosystem services provided by agriculture and specifically to advance climate change goals by improving soil health and sequestering atmospheric carbon. Funding is aimed at spurring broader adoption of regenerative agricultural practices and increasing awareness of and demand for ingredients produced through regenerative agriculture.

The financial incentives made available through the Restore program enable farmers and ranchers to adopt conservation practices and, in exchange, businesses and consumers gain the opportunity to directly improve regional food systems and take regionalized climate action. The soil health practices funded through Restore will accrue value to the agricultural operation as well, improving water and nutrient management, among other benefits.

Cultivation Biodiversity on Farms with Farmhand Foundation and Wild Farm Alliance

March 26, 2026 | 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

​Join Farmhand Foundation and Wild Farm Alliance at Moon + Oaks Farm in Ojai for a morning of practical, on farm learning about integrating habitat into working farms.