Urban Streams, Storms, and Homeless Populations | |
UCCE Advisor Igor Lacan’s Urban Forestry Program continues its collaboration on a Bay Area–wide research project evaluating the interaction of stream flooding risks during storms and homelessness.
Findings indicate that, in some locations, socioeconomic vulnerability overlaps with storm-induced vulnerability to creek flooding. In San Mateo County, this overlap occurs primarily on the Bay side—particularly in areas such as East Palo Alto and Belle Haven—rather than on the Coastside, where flood risk might otherwise be assumed to be greater.
These results suggest that flood‑control investments, storm‑risk mitigation efforts – and especially the efforts to notify and shelter vulnerable populations – should be prioritized based not only on exposure to hazards, but also on underlying social vulnerability.
Additional information about Igor Lacan’s work can be found on the project webpage, and this research is also currently featured on the UC ANR Green Blog.
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Congratulations to the San Mateo County 4-H Livestock Judging Team for placing as the Champion Senior 4-H Team at the UC Davis Field Day on March 7th, 2026. The youth will advance to the National 4-H Livestock Judging competition in Kentucky!
In addition to this exciting news, San Mateo County 4-H youth are gearing up for a busy spring with numerous 4-H activities and events taking place in the months to come.
Upcoming Events:
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New! 4-H Soil Stewards Program:
Growing the Next Generation of Climate Champions
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In February, we were excited to launch 4-H Soil Stewards, a new field trip curriculum at Elkus Ranch. The field trip focuses on the connections between soil health, agriculture and land stewardship, and climate change. Students visit Elkus' animals and gardens while also learning about composting, soil health and how gardening and agriculture can fight climate change. One impetus for the new the field trip was the passage of AB285, a California law requiring instruction in climate change for grades one through twelve. Although this is now required, there are few resources and support for teachers. To address this, we have also created two lesson plans that teachers may do before and after the field trip to enhance students’ learning experience. Most importantly, this field trip is fun and leaves students with ideas about how they can take action in their homes and communities as stewards of our planet.
| | | Spring Babies and Family Programs at the Ranch | | |
As our educators at Elkus Ranch wrap up a busy spring field trip season, we’re excitedly awaiting the arrival of our spring lambs and kids! 🐑🐐
While the ranch prepares for these new arrivals, we’re offering several family- and small-group-centered activities so visitors can continue to experience the ranch in a more personal way.
Check out our Programs Page to register for an opportunity to meet the animals, and enjoy hands-on learning in a beautiful outdoor setting at one of our upcoming events!
Registration opening soon:
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UC Master Food Preserver volunteers led a hands-on workshop on March 7 at the East Palo Alto Community Garden. Participants learned the science of how fermentation works and made jars of sauerkraut and kimchi to take home and enjoy.
MFP volunteers will be back in East Palo Alto at the Spring is in the Air Resource Fair on March 21 with a demonstration of homemade jam making and information about how to enter it into the San Mateo County Fair's Culinary Arts competition. Information about upcoming MFP events can be found on our website.
| | | Spring Garden Market - Plant Sale and Educational Fair | | |
When: April 18, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Where: San Mateo County Event Center
Cost: FREE admission and parking
The UC Master Gardeners of San Mateo and San Francisco Counties are holding their Spring Garden Market and Educational Fair in Sequoia Hall at the San Mateo County Event Center. Come buy plants for your summer garden: tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, squash, herbs, succulents, pollinators, natives, and more. Varieties have been selected just for the San Francisco and Peninsula climate zones and grown by local UC Master Gardeners.
Drop by tables for demonstrations, exhibits, and answers to your questions. See flyer for more info.
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Clinics and Market Booths This Spring:
Walk-in every first Sunday of the month, noon to 3:00 pm
MG booth every other Thursday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, 3/26; 4/9; 4/23; 5/7; 5/21; 6/4,
MG booth every Wednesday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
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Upcoming Events
click each link for more info
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UC Cooperative Extension Offices
San Mateo / San Francisco Counties
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ANR NONDISCRIMINATION AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLICY STATEMENT FOR UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
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.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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