Volume 1 Issue 1
January 2025
The RECap
A newsletter from South Coast Research and Extension Center
and UC Cooperative Extension Orange County
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This is our first newsletter!
You have been added to the list to receive this newsletter based on previous interactions with South Coast REC and UC Cooperative Extension Orange County. If you do not wish to receive future newsletters, please click unsubscribe at the bottom of this email.
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UC South Coast Research and Extension Center (REC) sits on nearly 200 acres of land in Irvine, California. Since 1956, South Coast REC has served as a research station for projects relating to agriculture and natural resources. There is a rich history of research on water resources, ornamental and landscape plants, plant breeding, and variety trials for crops like strawberries, pitahaya, and avocados. We still grow some of these varieties today including 65 varieties of persimmons, 38 varieties of cherimoyas, and 147 varieties of citrus.
Aside from research, we also serve as a hub for agriculture education and outreach for the local community. We have a strong partnership with the Orange County Farm Bureau and for several decades have provided hands-on agriculture education to the youth of Orange County through the GROW Program.
For more information about South Coast REC please visit our website: screc.ucanr.edu or reach out to us at southcoastrec@ucanr.edu.
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We have a long-standing partnership with the Orange County Farm Bureau (OCFB), whose office is also headquartered at South Coast REC.
For several decades the Orange County Farm Bureau has collaborated with our community education specialists to deliver hands-on agriculture education experiences to the youth of Orange County through the GROW Program. OCFB has also generously supported our local 4-H Youth Development Program.
OCFB continues to champion our research and agriculture education efforts and for that we are so grateful! To learn more about OCFB please visit their website: ocfarmbureau.org
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University of California Cooperative Extension Orange County (UCCE OC) is based at South Coast REC and is comprised of several research programs led by cooperative extension (CE) advisors and statewide programs led by community education specialists and staff directors. In each issue of our newsletter we aim to feature updates from these programs, but first let’s get to know who we have here in Orange County!
UCCE OC has 3 main research programs:
Several statewide programs are also represented in Orange County:
4H Youth Development
Contact: oc4h@ucanr.edu
| For more information about UCCE Orange County please visit our website: ceorange.ucanr.edu | | |
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In the Media
Click the titles below to view recent articles and media about programs and projects at South Coast REC and UCCE OC.
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Seasonal Produce
At South Coast REC we grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. We often host u-pick events, produce pop-up sales, and even giveaways! Over the last few months, we have harvested persimmons, cherimoyas, guavas, and sweet potatoes.
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Pro Tips
Tips, tricks, and advice from our program experts
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January is the perfect month for rose pruning in California, as the plants enter their dormant phase, allowing gardeners to prepare them for a spectacular spring bloom. This essential gardening task not only shapes the plants but also removes any dead or diseased wood, ensuring healthy growth. By mastering the proper pruning techniques, rose lovers can cultivate vibrant and flourishing gardens filled with stunning flowers. Embrace this opportunity to enhance your outdoor space and enjoy the beauty of roses like never before! Learn more here. | | |
Fruit tree pruning is an essential horticultural practice that significantly impacts the health and productivity of fruit-bearing trees. Over the years, various techniques have been employed, but recent research has shed light on the most effective methods to enhance both growth and yield. Learn more about understanding the optimal timing for pruning, the appropriate tools to use, and the specific techniques that can be applied to different species of fruit trees by clicking here. | | |
Water Saving Tips from Esther Lofton, our Urban Watershed Resilience Advisor | |
Tip #1. Smart Irrigation Systems
Install smart irrigation controllers that adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions, soil moisture, and plant needs. This technology ensures that water is only used when necessary. Check out this blog post to learn more. You can also visit the SoCal Water Resources webpage for more information and to get involved.
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Nutrition Tips from EFNEP
| Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, proteins, grains, and dairy or fortified alternatives is important at any age. Choose foods that are lower in added sugar, saturated fats, and sodium. Visit the EFNEP website for more healthy eating tips, recipes, and local resources or the MyPlate website for national resources. | | |
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SCRECipes
South Coast REC-ipes: delicious dishes made with SCREC-grown produce
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Did you make something with produce grown at SCREC? Post it on Instagram and tag us! @UCSouthCoast #SCRECipe | |
4-H Youth Development Events | |
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Teen Meet-Up Bonfire
February 16, 2025
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Join us for Volleyball & Sand Castle Tournaments with Bonfire & S’mores
RSVP to get event details.
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Vertebrate Pest Control Events | |
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2025 Vertebrate Pest Council Off-Cycle Seminars
February 20, 2025
8am-3pm
340 North Escondido Boulevard Escondido, CA 92025
| Also in Walnut Creek February 25 and Tulare February 27. | | |
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West Coast Rodent Academy
March 12-14, 2025
7601 Irvine Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618
Register early to join us for this unique urban rodent management workshop which includes lectures to help you better understand rodent ecology and integrated pest management (IPM). Learn about rodent disease, monitoring, trapping, urban rodent surveys and much more.
More information here: https://ucanr.edu/sites/wcra/
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Register today for California Tree School 2025! Travel to Santa Cruz or Oakhurst and explore foundational forestry concepts with UC ANR. This one-day, mini college experience is for forest landowners, natural resource organization employees, and all forest enthusiasts! Take four classes of your choice on tree identification, prescribed fire, fire history, and more. Register for the Santa Cruz or Oakhurst session on our website: https://ucanr.edu/CATreeSchool
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Registration is now open for the Forestry Institute for Teachers (FIT) 2025 summer program! Join fellow educators and natural resource professionals at one of FIT’s immersive, week-long professional learning sessions. FIT’s teams of credentialed instructors and local experts weave environmental education curricula with unique forestry field experiences to help you explore forest stewardship for current and future generations. Expect an enriching week of outdoor learning that will expand your perspectives and teaching practice! | | | | |
