Quarterly News & Events September 2022
San Mateo and San Francisco Counties
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Introducing new 4-H Youth Development Program Advisor, Sally Neas! |
We are very excited to welcome, Dr. Sally Neas as our new 4-H Youth Development Advisor. Coming to Cooperative Extension from UC Davis, Sally earned a Ph.D. in Geography and a Masters in Community Development, with graduate work focused on engaging marginalized youth in climate action. This work included developing and piloting a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) curriculum on climate change, blending arts and humanities learning to help youth understand and relate to climate change. Sally also worked as a researcher with Youth Development Advisors in the North Bay and Humboldt-Del Norte counties on a Youth Participatory Action Research Project, in which youth identified, researched and acted on community issues. Prior to graduate school, she spent a decade working in a variety of environmental and garden education settings across the United States.
Growing up in North Carolina, Sally's first introduction to Cooperative Extension was early in life with her grandfather a longtime Master Gardener. For as many years as she can remember, he spent every Tuesday afternoon working the helpline. He also enrolled her older sister and Sally in a 4-H gardening summer camp. This, plus the hours playing in his magical backyard garden, piqued her interest in outdoor spaces.
In joining Cooperative Extension, Sally looks forward to working with the 4-H Community Clubs and to supporting existing programming at Elkus Ranch. She also looks forward to meeting community members and developing new programs, both at Elkus and throughout the counties.
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We had a terrific summer here at Elkus Ranch! Starting with the return of our Sheep to Shawl Event in June; a full day of our flock of sheep shearing that is our biggest public event of the year. This was followed by Range and Tinkering Camps, both of whom returned after a two-year absence. These overnight camps use the Elkus Ranch facilities for their programs, providing dedicated staff and participants. At Elkus Ranch we had five wonderful, booked to capacity sessions of environmental day camp. Each week-long session was packed with fun-filled activities exploring the gardens and natural world, interacting with and learning about ranch animals, getting creative with craft activities, and enjoying the magic that is Elkus Ranch! READ MORE & PHOTOS...
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MFP Events: Past and Pending |
Our Master Food Preservers have been busy! If you have not had the opportunity to attend one of their monthly online workshops - in partnership with the San Mateo County Library System - you don't know what you are missing! The August presentation, "Growing and Preserving Your Tomatoes" was a big hit and so incredibly informative. Coming up Sept. 22nd, 4pm-5pm, MFPs will be presenting a DIY "Pie-filling for the Holidays". Registration is available via the San Mateo Public Library Systems link here.
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Master Gardener Gardeners Return to Helpline Offices |
After more than two years of being closed due to COVID-19, San Mateo-San Francisco Master Gardeners returned to on-site Helpline duty in mid-May, 2022. When the pandemic forced the closure of Helpline activities in the Half Moon Bay, Redwood City and San Francisco offices, Master Gardeners switched to helping residents via remote. Meanwhile, COVID restrictions caused many people to turn to their gardens, generating increased interest in all kinds of plants, pests and propagation. Helpline inquiries soared from a total of 857 in 2019 to 1138 in 2020 and have continued to exceed pre-pandemic levels in 2021 and 2022. Master Gardeners are now happy to be back in their Helpline office locations three days per week and welcome anyone to drop in with questions. To keep up with the increased demand, Helpline inquiries will also be answered remotely. For more information on the Helpline including office locations, hours, and ways to contact us, go to the Master Gardener website: https://smsf-mastergardeners.ucanr.edu/
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new fruits and vegetables to San Mateo County students
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On August 30, 2022, CalFresh Healthy Living Educators were excited to offer students at Martin Elementary School in South San Francisco snap pea samples so they could decide whether or not they wanted to choose them at lunch. After trying the snap pea sample, each student was given the opportunity to express their opinion of them by placing a sticker on a whiteboard in one of three columns labeled “Loved It,” “Liked It,” or “Not Today.” Results showed 93 “Loved It,” 27 “Liked It,” and 44 “Not Today” votes. Many students were curious about the new produce item and all were happy with the sticker they received for trying it.
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After not having 4-H summer camp since 2019, we were so excited to have our 4-H’ers back at camp (July 17-July 22). The 4-H Summer Camp embodies youth development and hands on learning. It has been incredible to see youth start as young campers who are at first shy, to them eventually growing through the program to be on the camp volunteer staff; some getting the opportunity to serve as our Youth Camp Director. READ MORE...
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We had a wonderful day at our well attended 4-H Open House on August 27th held at Elkus Ranch. Visitors were able to meet 4-H youth leaders, adult volunteers, and leadership from our Community Clubs to get more information about the wide variety of fun and educational projects they offer. READ MORE & PHOTOS...
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Looking for a venue for your next off-site meeting, retreat, or family gathering? Look no further...The
Elkus Ranch Conference Center is available for rental and includes the use of a commercial kitchen. Call the ranch for more information and to book: (650) 712-3151.
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UC Cooperative Extension Offices
San Mateo / San Francisco Counties
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Located at UC Elkus Ranch
1500 Purisima Creek Road
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
650-726-9059
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Master Gardener Helpline:
We are now open for in-person, walk-in visits per below. See our website for more details or send us an email with your questions to: mgsmsf@ucanr.edu
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Monday: 10am to 1pm | HMB
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Tuesday: 10:30am to 1:30pm | SF
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Thursday: 1pm to 4pm | RWC
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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 can be found at http://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/215244.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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