Green Blog

Sunlight shining through grove of cottonwoods

The Green Blog shares news and information related to forestry/wildfire, sustainability, climate, environmental stewardship and other green topics.

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Steve Quarles, UC Cooperative Extension advisor emeritus, looks at a garage attached to an older house in Paradise where the radiant heat from a nearby fence and line of planted vegetation ignited and were sufficiently hot enough to break the single pane glass. Photo by Yana Valachovic
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Can homes be designed to withstand wildfire?

December 21, 2022
By Pamela S Kan-Rice
[This story was originally published Oct. 4, 2021, and updated Dec. 21, 2022] In 2018, the Camp Fire destroyed nearly 19,000 structures in Northern California, including most of the town of Paradise.
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Dairy calf
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Report: California on path to significant dairy methane reduction

December 14, 2022
The California Dairy Research Foundation and University of California, Davis CLEAR Center announced on Dec. 14 the release of a new analysis of methane reduction progress titled "Meeting the Call: How California is Pioneering a Pathway to Significant Dairy Sector Methane Reduction.
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Janet Hartin is standing in front of a powerpoint presentation that displays her research.
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Now is the time to plant climate-ready trees, says UCCE researcher

December 6, 2022
In a drought-prone region like Southern California, working with Mother Nature is not only wise but necessary, according to Janet Hartin, UC Cooperative Extension horticulture advisor for Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, who studies climate-ready trees.
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Cupped hands hold loose soil
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Celebrate Healthy Soils Week with free events Dec. 5-9

December 2, 2022
By Pamela S Kan-Rice
California Healthy Soils Week 2022 kicks off Dec. 5 on United Nations' World Soil Day. UC Agriculture and Natural Resources is joining the California Department of Food and Agriculture and other organizations in highlighting the benefits of soil health and biodiversity. During the week of Dec.
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Screen shot from UC IPM's new online course showing animated character pointing to runoff from a lawn that enters storm drain.
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New online pesticide-use course aims to protect water quality

November 30, 2022
By Cheryl A Reynolds
Do you know that some pesticides used around homes and other structures are toxic to small aquatic organisms living in nearby streams, creeks, rivers and oceans? The UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program has launched a new online course on runoff and surface water protection in California.
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