Monthly Archives: June 2018

By Kristen James RED AND PURPLE berries ripening in vast fields. The sun shining in a blue sky as workers in broad-brimmed hats pluck the best berries from the strawberry tufts and blackberry vines. The bucolic scene in Ventura County along the Southern California coast belies the exacting science and sharp business decisions involved in the farming underway here, where many …

June 18-24 is “Pollinator Week,” a time to spotlight the need to maintain pollinator health, including the serious issue of declining bee populations. Pollinator Week was originally created by Congress 11 years ago and has now grown into an international celebration of the valuable ecosystem services provided by the “B’s:” birds, butterflies, bees, bats and beetles. Governor Brown has recognized …

As the weather warms up and mosquitoes become more prevalent, California horse owners are advised to consult their veterinarian to ensure their horse’s vaccination status is current for maximum protection against West Nile Virus. Even though the disease peaked in California a number of years ago, it remains a risk. In 2017 it was confirmed in 21 California horses, eight …

Know of a Golden State landowner who’s a conservation leader in your community? Or, maybe you’re that leader! Nominate a friend, colleague, or yourself for the 2018 California Leopold Conservation Award. Over 50 percent of all land in California is privately owned, and how people manage this land has a dramatic effect on our environment – helping to combat climate …

By Anne Stych If you think frozen vegetables are only good as a makeshift ice pack, think again. Putting those peas and carrots in your stomach instead of on your swollen knee will give you a nutritional boost almost equal to eating fresh veggies, research finds. Although 85 percent of people say they know they should eat more vegetables, only …

CDFA and the USDA are continuing their joint project to eradicate a recent outbreak of virulent Newcastle disease (VND) in Southern California. Detections have occurred at a small number of properties in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. The project includes extensive outreach to bird owners and feed stores with tips on signs of the disease. Please remember that there is no cure for …

The Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) is California’s highest environmental honor. The award honors individuals, organizations, and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made notable, voluntary contributions in conserving California’s precious resources, protecting and enhancing our environment, building public-private partnerships and strengthening the state’s economy. Applications for the 2018 awards are being accepted through Tuesday, July 31, 2018. Categories GEELA recipients …

By Matt Weiser Wastewater recycling doesn’t have to be a fancy affair. Sometimes it can be as simple as building a pipeline. That is more or less the full description of the North Valley Regional Recycled Water Project. Only a year after starting construction, at a cost of around $90 million, the project is already delivering recycled urban wastewater to farms and …