Connected - Newsletter of UC ANR

December 2020 | Volume 4 Number 12

The Vantage Point

Glenda Humiston

Vice President

UC Agriculture and Natural Resources

In the final days of a year that we all are glad is coming to an end, it’s important to focus on hope. The new year will bring access to a COVID-19 vaccine, relief for struggling families and businesses, new opportunities to serve Californians and new pathways to innovation and partnership. We are also filled with hope and gratitude after our Giving Tuesday fundraising campaign, which broke all previous campaign records – a strong endorsement by our donors in the midst of extreme financial hardship across the state and country. You can learn more about the campaign in the Donor Difference section of this newsletter.

This month, you’ll find information on free events to learn about growing peas and roses as well as articles on growing daffodils and garden soil health. We also showcase the new 2021 UC Climate Stewards certification program, a 10-week course to learn how climate is changing both our natural and social systems, and what you can do to improve ecosystem and community resilience. Featured news stories cover using drones for worm control; a psychoactive weed found in Native American rock art; and growing the right tree in the right place with the right amount of water. We were also heartened to see a Los Angeles Times story on one of our Master Gardeners who has created an “edible oasis” in Los Angeles – check it out in the news section!

In closing, we must also recognize the passing of one of California’s great public servants and visionary farmers: Rich Rominger. In addition to the many leadership roles that Rich served, he was a great supporter and advisor to UC ANR. We are grateful to Rich for sharing his wisdom and kindness; he will be missed.

Wishing you a safe, peaceful and relaxing holiday season, and a hopeful, healthy 2021.

Please note that we are sheltering in place to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We offer many resources and trainings online, including community resources related to the pandemic, and you can always connect with us by email, phone or video conference. Stay healthy!

The Donor Difference

Record-breaking generosity

The 2020 Giving Tuesday total broke all previous records for our giving campaigns, raising more than $196,000 for our programs – a 49% increase over the total raised last year.

What made the difference? Our donors. We received 854 gifts from 736 donors during the 24-hour campaign this year. The resounding success of Giving Tuesday shows that more and more people recognize and appreciate the amazing work UC ANR employees do to make life better for Californians.

Our donors say it best:

“It's been a rough and tough year for public activities, but glad the UC Master Gardener program remains strong!”
“I support 4-H because it is a wonderful program to develop our youth into productive adults and future leaders in the community.”
“UC ANR does super work! Thank you for doing research to make our lives better!”
“Thank you for all your wisdom and expertise. Your programs are responsible for my thriving garden and good mental health and happiness for my family.”

UC ANR could not deliver the scope of our programming without the support of our donors and partners. Many thanks to everyone who gave money, and to those who volunteer their time to extend UC ANR research and programs to more Californians.

For more information or to join our donors in support, visit donate.ucanr.edu.

Spotlight on Practical Resources

Still time for daffodils

While it's best to plant spring-flowering bulbs in the fall, it's not too late to plant them now. They will flower later in the spring, and you'll need to irrigate longer. Next year they'll flower on their normal schedule. Learn more.

Notes from the Field

Using drones for summer worm control in alfalfa

Farm advisor Rachael Long and colleagues studied the efficacy of drone technology as an additional tool for growers to control pests and diseases on farms, supplementing traditional ground and aerial spraying practices. Drones could be especially helpful in areas where there's a shortage of farm labor for pesticide applications or for small areas that require spot treatment. Read the story.

Featured Events

Peas please! Growing great peas

December 22, 2:30 pm-3:30 pm

Join a free virtual talk about growing your best peas with UC Master Gardeners of San Bernardino County. Register here.

Rose pruning and winter care

January 9, 10 am-12 pm

Learn about pruning tools, tool care and pruning techniques for different types of roses, such as hybrid teas, climbers, etc. UC Master Gardeners will also discuss how to tend to your roses during the winter months to help them thrive in spring through the summer. Register here for the Zoom link.

2021 UC Climate Stewards certification

January 9, 16, 23, 30; February 13, 27; March 13

Participants will learn how climate is changing both our natural and social systems, and what they can do to improve ecosystem and community resilience. This 10-week course meets online once a week on Saturdays. Learn more and register here.

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Email: connected@ucanr.edu