Nevada

Vortechs Robotics (FRC team 3257) won the 2021 FIRST Infinite Recharge Sacramento Valley, Phosphorus Regional. Additionally, the team won an award for its robot's autonomous capabilities (Autonomous is where the robot is driverless and completes certain tasks using its programing and sensors).

The massive die-off of conifers in the Sierra Nevada between 2012 and 2018 was predictable and unprecedented. Sadly, it is also likely to happen again, said UC Cooperative Extension forestry advisor Susie Kocher.

A team of California and Nevada fire scientists have produced a booklet with step-by-step guidance on retrofitting an existing home to be more resilient to fire.

Placer County 4-H Spirit Week, July 7th-14th, 2021 was created by this year's Placer County Ambassador Team! The Ambassadors put extensive thought into what they wanted to do for our 4-H members this year and a 4-H Spirit Week is what they came up with.

I have been raising and showing 4-H market hogs for six years now! That's a long time and a lot of hogs. My market hogs have gotten better and better with the more knowledge I have learned from my wonderful 4-H leaders.

Do you have an interest in participating in 4-H beyond Placer County? Is leadership one of your sparks? If so, I'd like to share some information about the California Diamond Clover Award. The Diamond Clover award is the highest achievement for a 4-H youth member.

On Sunday, May 16th, Long Valley 4-H Club will host a horse playday for all of Placer County 4-H members. Bring your horses and/or mini horses and be prepared to have a blast with your 4-H friends and their horses.

Hello, spring! It's not "officially" spring until we see--and photograph--the spectacular Western tiger swallowtail, Papilio rutulus. One landed March 30 on an aromatic white lilac bush in Alamo Creek Park, Vacaville. It lingered long enough for a few photos and then fluttered away.

If you see western subterranean termites swarming in the spring, from now through June, save the specimens for University of California Urban Integrated Pest Management (IPM) advisor and urban entomologist Andrew Sutherland.

medias contact: whartonc@unr.