UCCE Contra Costa
Welcome!
The University of California Cooperative Extension Contra Costa County delivers high quality education and research programs that contribute to:
• Safe, healthy and accessible food
• Clean water and a healthy environment
• Improved nutrition habits and well-nourished residents
• Healthy youth who contribute to healthy communities
• An improved local economy
Letter From Our Bay Area County Director
Coronavirus Update
On March 17, 2020, a “Shelter-In-Place of Residence” order was issued for all Bay Area counties. To protect you and your families, our staff, our partners, our volunteers, and the communities we live and work in from the risks associated with COVID-19, UC ANR Cooperative Extension has implemented a work from home policy for our staff. This policy will remain in effect from March 17, 2020 through June 30, 2020.
We are committed to serving our community, we are OPEN VIRTUALLY with a special UC ANR COVID-19 resources site.
Finally, we want to encourage you to follow the guidance(s) associated with the “Shelter-In-Place of Residence” order, as well as information posted on the various county and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites. Thank you for your continued and ongoing support.
Our programs benefit ALL cities and ALL citizens throughout the County. We pride ourselves on delivering the most cost-effective programs in the most efficient manner by drawing upon experts from throughout the UC system, utilizing over 600 trained volunteers, and working cooperatively with over 150 diverse public and private agencies/organizations. And we do this at a minimal cost to the public.
BLOG
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California must become a fire-adapted civilization, UCCE expert says
The vast California acreage burned in 2020 and the protracted smoky skies should signal state residents and officials to adapt to a new reality, reported Ezra David Romero on Capital Public Radio. The 4 million acres of wildland burned this year isn't...
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EFNEP in Tulare County improves family food security, health, and resiliency
Families participating in EFNEP report eating healthy on a budget and saving $44 per month, contributing to increased food security. The Issue Efforts to strengthen nutrition and food security is needed more than ever as families with young children...
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North Coast forests are more dense and dry, fueling fires
Five of California's six largest fires have occurred in 2020, reported Julie Cart in CalMatters. “There is a collective sensation that we are reaching a tipping point,” said Lenya Quinn-Davidson, a fire specialist with the University of...
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Making drought-tolerant landscapes safer for communities
Participants commit to improving the safety of their landscape after receiving Cooperative Extension information about safely planting drought-tolerant plants, contributing to improved community health. The Issue Gardeners and homeowners have...
By Chris McDonald
Author - Inland and Desert Natural Resources Advisor, County Co-Director San Bernardino -
UC ANR experts suggest ways to ease California's fire crisis
Three news articles over the last weekend shared comments from UC Agriculture and Natural Resource's experts about forest management practices that can help reduced the catastrophic wildfires being experiences in the West. Prescribed burns and...
Food Assistance during "Shelter-In-Place"
Need food? Here is a list of places to turn to...
Contact Information
Cooperative Extension
Contra Costa County
2380 Bisso Lane, Ste. B
Concord, CA 94520-4829
Main Office: 925-608-6670
Fax: 925-608-6697
Master Gardeners: 925-608-6683
4-H Program: 925-608-6690
Email: cecontracosta@ucdavis.edu
Director: Frank McPherson
Nutrition Program
Contra Costa Stories
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Bringing integrated pest management to schools
Since the enactment of the Healthy Schools Act (HSA) in 2001, both UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) have been working with school districts in California to provide information about integrated pest management (IPM). The strategies employed in an IPM program include modifying horticultural practices, such as changing mowing heights and managing irrigation appropriately. These practices can reduce the amount of pesticides used on school grounds to help schools to meet the standards of the HSA and provide a safe and healthy environment for students, teachers and staff. DPR has coordinated numerous workshops for school districts covering general landscape and building IPM topics. However, attendees requested more detailed training about turf IPM since they manage turf areas like playgrounds and sports fields. UCCE has extensive experience in this area and was called upon to help schools implement this policy.
Spotlight Stories
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A ton of vegetables!
A TON OF VEGETABLES!
The Master Gardeners donated 2,000 pounds of fresh vegetables to the Monument Crisis Center for distribution to families.
Contra Costa Master Gardener Events
Calendar and Events
| Event Name | Date |
|---|---|
| Forest Stewardship workshop - Santa Cruz | 9/21/2020 |
| Forest Stewardship workshop - Mariposa | 11/9/2020 |
apples