Volume 2 Issue 4
April 2026
The RECap
A newsletter from South Coast Research and Extension Center
and UC Cooperative Extension Orange County
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UC ANR Introduces First-Ever Mobile Research Laboratories for the REC System
by Shahen Halebian, REC System Project Policy Analyst
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We're excited to announce a major milestone for UC ANR's Research and Extension Center network: two custom-built mobile research laboratories are nearing completion and will soon be available to support field research across our REC sites. Built from standard 40-foot shipping containers by a local small-business, these labs represent a first-of-its-kind investment in bringing professional-grade, mobile laboratory capabilities directly to the locations where our researchers need them most.
One unit is configured as a wet lab and the other as a dry lab, and both are designed for the ability to be transported to REC sites throughout California as research needs arise.
Despite their compact and portable footprint, these labs are fully equipped to support serious research. Both units come standard with:
- Ultra-low temperature freezers and a standard refrigerator/freezer
- Lab sinks with running water
- Chemical-resistant floors and countertops
- Hazardous material and flammable safety storage cabinets
- HVAC climate control systems
- Eye wash/shower safety stations
- Folding work tables
- Wheelchair lift and stairs for full accessibility
The wet lab adds a biosafety cabinet and fume hood, while the dry lab includes a heating and drying oven.
Both labs are on track to be delivered to South Coast REC in early April, where they will begin serving as their first home base. Once operational, these mobile labs will dramatically expand the research capabilities available across our REC network, giving scientists and extension specialists access to equipment and workspace that simply wasn't available in the field before.
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Master Food Preserver Volunteer Spotlight
by Jennifer Borges, Master Food Preserver Program Coordinator
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Susan Sandow, Master Food Preserver Class of 2019
I caught up with volunteer Susan Sandow recently to discuss the program and why she dedicates her time to the MFP mission and programming. Volunteers are the “secret sauce” behind our program! Read on to learn more about Susan and her delicious pea soup recipe.
What drew you to the MFP group/volunteering as a food preserver?
I majored in Consumer Food Science at UC Davis and worked behind the scenes in healthcare for almost 39 years at UC Irvine. I have canned for years, and entered canned goods in the fair. I loved visiting the MFPOC booth and in 2019, I spent quite a bit of time with chatting with three MFPS, all whose first names started with a "J"....Jacqueline, Jennifer and Jollen. I was inspired by their passion for food preservation and decided that day that I wanted to get involved. I was thrilled when I was accepted into the program.
What is your favorite volunteer activity within the group?
It is hard to choose just one, but I love the OC Fair, SCREC classes and events, Centennial Farms and the Spring Garden Show.
What is your favorite thing to preserve?
I love growing tomatoes and one year couldn't give away all that I harvested, so I started canning. I generally can a LOT of tomato products like salsa, jam, sauce and Bloody Mary mix.
Besides food preservation, how do you like to spend your free time?
Shopping, gardening, knitting, chatting and jigsaw puzzles.
You were the clear winner of our Pot Luck contest in December. Do you mind sharing the winning recipe?
I made a vegan version of a recipe by substituting vegetable broth and omitting the turkey. I reduced the salt, went heavy on the herbs, and made rye croutons to serve with the soup.
Thank you, Susan, for your recipe AND commitment to volunteering with the Master Food Preservers of Orange County!
Here is a link to the recipe if you want to give it a try! https://mycookinghaven.com/split-pea-soup-with-smoked-turkey-leg/
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4-H Youth Development Program
by Rita Jakel, 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator
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Imaginology 2025
Be sure to check out OC 4-H at Imaginology at the OC Fairgrounds – Sat Apr 11 & Sun Apr 12! Come inside the Huntington Beach Building to see 4-H project showcases, try your hand at a make-and-take table, help with a community service project and learn more about all 4-H has to offer. Visit the arenas outside and see 4-H members at work showing their livestock skills. Event is free for all visitors!
Do you have a special skill? A talent? A hobby? You could be a terrific 4-H Project Leader! We are always looking for volunteers! Consider how you can contribute. This month we are calling for help with our Countywide Sewing Project that will start in September. We need a few adults with sewing knowledge to support our Project Leaders. We will train you in positive youth development so you can be comfortable working with youth! If you are interested, please contact rmjakel@ucan.edu and we will connect you with the Project Leaders.
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Employee Spotlight
Get to know the folks who work with South Coast REC and UCCE Orange County.
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Meet
Tammy Majcherek
SCREC Community Educator Specialist
As of April 10, 2026, Tammy has worked with UC ANR for 20 years! She has served in several different capacities, as a Lab Technician, a Program Coordinator, and now a Community Education Specialist for about 14 years.
What does a "typical" day look like for you?
A typical day can be anything from tending to our small farm plots and orchards to overseeing community extension events such as field days, u-picks, workshops, bringing agricultural awareness to both youth and adult audiences.
| Orange County Farm Bureau Executive Director, Casey Anderson (left), wraps up a GROW Program field day with Tammy (right). | |
What part of your work are you most excited about or proud of right now?
Over the years I have been involved in interesting projects focusing on Red Imported Fire Ants and Water Quality and Conservation. Be sure to ask me about milking the venom of fire ant at the next event.
My current role at South Coast REC as a Community Educator brings me great pleasure engaging with our visitors, youth and adults, promoting agriculture in all its forms and the many research-based contributions made by UC ANR on a local and global level, to the various programs that are at their disposal.
I am very proud of our GROW program which I oversee with my colleague, Jason Suppes. Collaborating with our ANR researchers, community partners, and our wonderful volunteer team, connecting students to career pathways and basic job skills to create interest and build a more robust agriculturally related workforce. It is very rewarding to know several past program participants have started working towards a career related to agriculture.
My position brings me great pleasure whether in the field or organizing an event, one-on-one engagement, or fruit tastings turning a grapefruit hater into an avid fan; but there is nothing like watching a young child seeking the treasure below the ground proudly squealing with glee as they have harvested their first carrot or potato.
| Tammy (left) distributes plastic bags to smiling students and teachers attending a GROW Program field day so they can take home some fresh SCREC-grown produce! | |
What’s your favorite fruit/vegetable/plant we grow at SCREC?
At the Center, there is such a variety of fruits, vegetables, and beautiful low impact plants conducive to our climate; it is hard to choose a favorite. Every season holds its own wonder from persimmons and low chill apples in the fall, cherimoya and kiwi in the winter, citrus and stone fruit such as peaches and apricots in the spring and summer, to the many varieties of avocado each with their own characteristic. Then of course there are the row crops - tomatoes, squash, cantaloupe, beets, potatoes, and sweet potatoes that are always delicious. I will note, my husband, who doesn’t believe I don’t have a true favorite, will tell you his would be a good, easy peel, seedless tangerine. Funny, I always thought it was peaches.
Ultimately, nothing beats freshly harvested produce. Now, get out there and start growing.
To learn more about our community events, contact tjmajcherek@ucanr.edu or visit our website: https://ucanr.edu/rec/south-coast-research-and-extension-center
| | | | Join Us For The Master Gardener Plant Expo! | |
Join us for the highly anticipated Master Gardener Expo
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Time: 9 AM to 1 PM
Location: Norman P. Murray Center in Mission Viejo
This vibrant event promises an incredible array of over 1,500 plants for sale, including your favorite native plants, delightful succulents, aromatic herbs, and even homegrown tomatoes and peppers. Plus FREE compost while supplies last.
Join us for a day filled with inspiration as you explore the diverse offerings from our dedicated vendors and engage in enlightening garden talks designed to elevate your gardening skills and knowledge. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting your green journey, this Expo is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts and learn from experts in the field. Mark your calendars today, and get ready to immerse yourself in the joy of gardening and community!
| UCR Roundtable on Future Careers in Agriculture, Food, and Sustainability | |
Join Community Colleges, Agriculture Industry leaders, and UCR for a collaborative discussion on the future of education and workforce development to support and sustain the agriculture sector in Inland Southern California.
Date: April 20, 2026
Time: 8:30am to 1:30pm
Location: South Coast REC
7601 Irvine Blvd.
Irvine, CA 92618
Register Here
| Orange County Bee Team Apiary Tours | | |
Explore the world of honey bees and their habitat with our Certified California Master Beekeeper Program (CAMBP) Instructors. After this tour, participants will be able to:
- Explain how to light a hive smoker.
- Describe a complete hive inspection.
- Identify eggs, larvae, and capped brood.
- Distinguish hive food sources.
- Identify the queen, worker, and drone.
Date(s):
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April 24, 2026
May 1, 2026
May 9, 2026
May 23, 2026
June 5, 2026
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June 20, 2026
June 26, 2026
July 11, 2026
August 29, 2026
September 11, 2026
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Cultivating Minds: Educating for Sustainable Growth | |
Professional Development for K-12 Educators
presented by
Magnolia Agriscience Community Center
and
High School Inc.
Date: June 17 and 18, 2026
Time: 8:30 am to 2:30pm
Location: Magnolia High School 2450 W Ball Rd, Anaheim, CA 92804
Registration: https://maccfarm.org/pages/calendar-of-events#?event-id=66612
$50 for AUHSD and NLMUSD Educators (partner districts)
$250 for educators from other districts
Includes farm to table breakfast and lunch!
Questions?: Contact macc_farm@auhsd.us
Farm to Future participants will engage in hands-on edible education workshops and expert-led discussions designed to integrate agriculture, sustainability, and nutrition into K-12 education. Using the Green Schoolyard curriculum, educators will explore ways to incorporate garden-based learning into their classrooms. Sessions will cover the fundamentals of starting and maintaining school gardens, including securing funding, building community partnerships, and navigating grant opportunities. Educators will learn about career pathways for students through CTE and dual enrollment programs while discovering the benefits of fostering agriculture leadership, literacy, and hands-on learning. Whether new to school gardens or looking to enhance existing programs, participants will leave with practical tools, resources, and inspiration to bring edible education to life in their schools.
| Forestry Institute for Teachers: 2026 Summer Sessions | | |
🌲Ready to take your teaching beyond the classroom?
This summer, the Forestry Institute for Teachers (FIT) invites you to join one of four immersive FIT sessions — week-long professional learning experiences designed for both formal and nonformal PreK-12+ California educators.
Each session combines hands-on field instruction with insights from forestry and natural resource experts, giving you fresh tools to bring environmental education to life in your classroom or program. Plus, it’s a chance to connect with peers from across the state who share your passion and curiosity for forest stewardship.
🧭Choose your adventure:
📍El Dorado FIT | June 14–20
📍Tuolumne FIT | June 22–28
📍Humboldt FIT | July 11–17 (WAITLIST)
📍Shasta FIT | July 19–25
✨Space is limited — apply today!
🔗https://www.forestryinstitute.org
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