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UC Agriculture & Natural Resources News

Yosemite toad and cattle use the Sierra Nevada landscape differently

A five-year study of Yosemite toad populations in an area fenced off from cattle has shown that exclusion from grazing doesn't help the endangered amphibian, reported Kate Campbell in AgAlert. "The toads use water areas and the cattle use drier meadow areas, which provide better forage," said Ken...

Is livestock’s contribution to climate change still being overestimated?

In a 1,000 year old village in Germany (Juehnde), methane is not a dirty word. The recovered methane from a manure-fueled bioreactor feeds the burners that heat water for every household in the village. The same hot water provides heating. These households benefit from living adjacent to a...

The power of the foodshed

As a member of the Los Angeles Food Policy Council, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a great group of people  – ranging from farmers to chefs to public health officials – on initiatives that connect Los Angeles consumers with healthy, affordable food.  One...

Farmers, backyard gardeners brace for freeze

A very cold airmass from western Canada is moving into California tonight, reported the National Weather Service. With a hard freeze forecast, farmers and backyard gardeners are advised to prepare for temperatures that could damage their plants, reported the Sacramento Bee. Homeowners should check...

Giving thanks for California’s rich natural history

From the 13,400 monarch butterflies currently overwintering in Pacific Grove’s Monterey pine trees, to the salmon migrating upstream from the ocean to their natal river in our watersheds, to the western fence lizard doing pushups on your concrete curb, we are always surrounded by nature in...