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 remote work policy for our staff. This policy will remain in effect beginning March 17, 2020 and continuing indefinitely.
We are committed to serving our community, and 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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UCCE Promotes Container Gardening to Encourage Vegetable Intake and Improve Health for Affordable Housing Residents
A social media campaign aims to improve health of residents at low-income housing sites by encouraging vegetable intake through container gardening The Issue In the U.S., vegetable intake is lowest among adults with low income. Eating the...
By Karina Hathorn
Contributor - Program Coordinator UC Master Gardeners of Butte County & CalFresh Healthy Living, UC Community Education Specialist -
4-H Youth Help to Build Climate-Resilient Households, Communities and Ecosystems
In response to CA SB1383, the 4-H Food Waste Busters Project provides an opportunity for youth to engage in reducing household food waste and help combat climate change. The Issue Household food waste is a major problem in the U.S. and the average U.S....
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UCCE engages a school community to increase the use of a school garden, promoting school and community health and wellness, and shaping future leaders.
UCCE partners with a school site to promote health and wellness and develop student leaders. As a result of the program, 92% of students reported gaining skills in teaching others. The issue Studies show that school gardens support student health...
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UCCE’s technical assistance results in increased agriculture efficiency and profitability for the nursery and cut flower industry
A UCCE advisor's short, effective communications on rodent management techniques helped San Diego County nurseries prevent crop losses and excess labor costs and pesticide use. The Issue Rodents are known to cause extensive damage to different...
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California watermelon growers benefit from UC ANR research on grafting, contributing to increased production efficiency and profitability
UC ANR research on watermelon grafting helps growers produce 15-20% more watermelons while using 25-40% fewer plants than the traditional system under the same amount of water and fertilizers, contributing to economic prosperity for the agricultural...
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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Project 4-H2O Provides Free Zero Calorie Education and Option at Sugartown Festival
In Contra Costa County, the 2016 California Healthy Kids Survey found that only one out of four teens, ages 12-17, drank eight or more glasses of water the previous day. The same survey found that two out of three (62%) of teens drank two or more sodas the previous day - two times more teens than the national rate of 30%. Studies have found that Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) consumption is linked to weight gain, metabolic syndrome, tooth decay, and type 2 diabetes. Each 12 ounce soda contains the equivalent of eight teaspoons of added sugar, 130 calories, and zero nutrients. The American Heart Association recommends that children and teens limit added sugars to less than six teaspoons a day. Substituting zero calorie water for SSBs can help reduce added sugars, calories, and weight gain, ultimately reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases. Education and awareness are keys to helping individuals make informed choices. The annual Sugartown Festival in Crockett, CA is the largest community festival in the city drawing about 7,500 participants and provides an excellent opportunity to increase awareness.
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
Cherry Orchard in Bloom