California Ag Network

Tag: Water Conservation

  • September Orchard Tasks – Pistachios

    Pistachio harvest ended earlier than usual this year, but growers should not stop irrigating their orchards just yet. The early finish creates a longer post-harvest period before trees enter dormancy, making proper irrigation especially important.

    Research by Daniele Zaccaria, Mae Culumber and Anderson Safre of the University of California Cooperative Extension indicates that pistachio trees continue using water after the nuts have been removed. Although harvest is complete, evapotranspiration—the loss of water from the soil and through the trees’ leaves—continues until the trees become dormant.

    Because the post-harvest season will be longer this year, growers should continue monitoring their orchards’ water needs. Stopping irrigation too soon could place unnecessary stress on trees as they prepare for next season.

    However, the researchers suggest growers may be able to conserve water through carefully timed deficit irrigation. This practice involves applying less water than the orchard would normally use during selected periods. When managed properly, deficit irrigation may reduce water use by about 20% with little to no effect on the following year’s harvest.

    The key is timing. Growers should consider orchard conditions, soil moisture and the trees’ water needs before reducing irrigation. An early harvest does not mean water use has ended, and post-harvest management can play an important role in supporting the next crop.

    Read more about the research in the September issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Dry Farming with Tomatoes

    In the summer of 1993, I visited the two small farms on the campus of UC Santa Cruz (UCSC). One of them was a flat, sunny site near the coast, the air pleasantly warm instead of blistering hot like further inland. The tour guide showed us a field in which small, round, bright-red tomatoes peeked out from brown, withered, un-staked vines. I felt appalled to see a UC growing tomatoes so incorrectly.

    The tour guide then extracted some of the red globes from the brown rubble of vines and gave each of us one to try. The juicy tomato erupted with deep, complex flavor and sweetness. Feeling disloyal to the Jersey tomatoes I had enjoyed every summer growing up, I had to admit that this was the best tomato I had ever tasted. It still is 33 years later. I happily revised my opinion of the UCSC farming methods.

    The tour group leader explained that the tomatoes were dry farmed, meaning that they were grown with only the water that the soil absorbed the previous winter. The tomato vines did not need staking because the dry surface of the ground was inhospitable to harmful insects and fungi.

    The lack of water concentrated the flavor and sugars into a smaller volume. As researcher, Yvonne Socolar said at a recent dry farming webinar, “Dry-farmed tomatoes and grapes taste incredible, and consumers are willing to pay for that. But most dry-farmed crops don’t have a quality bump, so it is not a slam dunk for dry farming.”

    Dry farming concentrates rich flavor in the tomatoes. Photo by Berkeley Food Institute

    However, dry farming is getting more attention across California as growers look for ways to farm in a water-constrained environment. But what does dry farming actually involve, where does it work well and what are the tradeoffs?

    The dry farm webinar, sponsored by the Berkeley Food Institute, dug into those questions. Socolar — one of two presenters — noted that the changing climate is making the water supply in California less predictable, and 16% of California’s main groundwater systems are running dry.

    As in other Mediterranean climates, rain falls mainly in the cool winter season and typically not at all in the summer growing season. Dry farming of tomatoes occurs in coastal areas but potentially could work in parts of the western foothills of the Sierras. By contrast, the inland valley floors are too hot and dry.

    Socolar presented a map of suitable locations for dry farming in California that she generated based on interviewing dry-farm tomato growers. The map can be seen in her research paper at Where dry farming could work in CA. Fortunately, the high priority water areas do have land suitable for dry farming.

    Researcher Yvonne Socolar of Berkeley Food Institute conducted a study on dry farming. Photo by Berkeley Food Institute

    How Do the Plants Survive?

    Socolar explained that dry farming is inherently a diversified farming system, with cover cropping and hedgerows complementing the crop. The plants need deep roots in soil that holds moisture. Organic matter from cover crops is central for holding water and creating a conducive microbiome.

    Although not widely used yet, biochar can also hold water, and it does not break down, so it might help even in years when the cover crop does not thrive. Cover crops, however, also provide nutrients. Foliar sprays also may be used to distribute micronutrients.

    Eight of the 10 farmers who Socolar interviewed also rotate crops, but two do not, growing tomatoes repeatedly (10 years in a row and counting), or switching between tomatoes and fallow.

    Socolar wrote in her article, “These management decisions to maintain fields as dry farmed rather than rotating irrigated crops through are particularly compelling in light of recent research on many of the same fields, showing that repeated seasons without any external irrigation result in soil microbial communities that are associated with improved dry farm tomato performance.”

    Water Savings

    The dry-farm methods used in California come from Greece and Spain, which have the namesake Mediterranean climate. Whereas the average water consumption for irrigated crops on typical dry-farm land is roughly 3 acre-feet per acre, most dry-farm tomato growers use between zero and ten inches of water.

    Socolar estimates that nearly half of the water of the Shasta reservoir could be saved — 776 billion gallons/year — if all the potential dry farmland were dry farmed.

    Built-In Pest Control

    Because the surface of dry-farmed soils is dry during the growing season, weeds, pests and diseases have a harder time gaining a foothold. That lessens the need for labor. “Weed seeds need water to germinate, so they don’t emerge as easily, and fungal diseases that thrive in moisture do not have the conditions they need to take hold and spread,” Socolar described.

    But Socolar cautions that not all that potential dry-farm land is ready to be dry farmed immediately. Rehabilitation with cover cropping and incorporating green manure may take years before the field reaches the level of performance needed to dry farm.

    For farmers renting land, the lease term would need to be at least ten years to make the investment in soil benefits worthwhile and so the farmer can get to know the fields. The grower also needs a market willing to pay the quality premium.

    Socolar notes that some farmers have also found nuts and orchard fruits to be desirable options to add to tomatoes and grapes for dry farming. “These crops have similar market appeal and quality premiums, making them economically viable,” Socolar wrote. Olives, too, being from the Mediterranean area are traditionally dry farmed, and were grown without irrigation until the 1970s. Globally, by far most olive oil crops are still dry farmed, according to Leandro Ravetti of Cobram Estate Olive Oil.

    Whatever the crop, the current dry farmers are paving the way for viable options for other California farmers as the squeeze on water tightens.

    — By Nancy Power, Assistant Editor

  • David and Susan Gill Honored for Lifelong Dedication to Salinas Valley Ag and Community

    In a gathering that underscored the enduring spirit of innovation and generosity in California’s “Salad Bowl of the World,” David and Susan Gill received the prestigious E.E. ‘Gene’ Harden Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California (GSA). The October 3 event at TPC Pasadera drew more than 275 local leaders, peers, and colleagues, transforming the evening into a tribute to the Salinas Valley’s agricultural legacy. Net proceeds from the event will support causes deeply cherished by the Gills: First Tee Monterey County, which empowers youth through golf and life skills, and the Mission San Antonio de Padua in southern Monterey County, which preserves cultural heritage and community vitality.

    The E.E. ‘Gene’ Harden Lifetime Achievement Award, established in 2004, stands as a beacon of excellence recognizing individuals whose exemplary contributions have advanced agriculture across the Salinas Valley and Central Coast while uplifting the lives of those in their communities. Awarded by peers, colleagues, and even competitors who share a first-hand knowledge of the region’s challenges and triumphs, the honor carries unique importance for those whose actions not only cultivate crops but also advance future generations in our region.

    Rising through the ranks with an unwavering focus on efficiency and stewardship, David Gill has pioneered advancements in crop rotation, water conservation, and supply chain logistics, setting enduring benchmarks for California’s vegetable sector and enhancing yields while preserving precious resources. His wife, Susan Gill, has amplified their impact through tireless advocacy for education, workforce development, and health programs. Both have dedicated significant time and resources to local community groups and organizations, supporting students and families in the region. “The Gills are the embodiment of what makes our valley thrive—not just in terms of the crops harvested, but in lives enriched and futures illuminated,” said Christopher Valadez, GSA President and CEO. Joined on stage by GSA Past-Chairman Tony Alameda, Valadez presented the award to the Gills and also honored past recipients.

    Eugene E. “Gene” Harden was a Salinas Valley pioneer whose bold vision reshaped American agriculture. Born in 1892 to Irish immigrants, Harden arrived in Salinas in the 1920s, founding the E.E. Harden Packing Company, where he developed revolutionary crop rotation techniques that boosted yields and sustainability. Harden was a founding architect of the GSA. Ercia Harden, together with her husband Gene, deeply believed in philanthropy and established the Harden Foundation in 1963. Dedicated to bolstering Salinas Valley charities, their joint legacy reflects a belief that agricultural success must nurture community well-being—from education and health initiatives to cultural preservation—principles that continue to inspire awardees like the Gills today.

    About the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California:

    Founded in 1930, the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California is a pioneering, independent regional organization that unites farmers, shippers, processors, and harvesters, with a mission to advance families, food, and farming to enhance the quality of life in the Salinas Valley and Central Coast. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, GSA protects the land, its people, and the future of the “Salad Bowl of the World.” For more information, visit www.growershipper.com.

  • Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative Opens Enrollment for Reimbursable Cover Crop Seed

    Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative is pleased to announce open enrollment for the USDA’s newly expanded Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) program—building on last year’s successful Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative. This year, the program is expanding direct funding to producers, and the new incentive will reimburse producers for the purchase of up to ten acres worth of seed for any perennial conservation cover.

    One choice for the incentive, Oakville bluegrass, is dormant from April through September and doesn’t compete with cash crops for water or nutrients making it ideal for California permanent crops. This low growing, drought tolerant cover crop will last over ten years when well managed, significantly reducing labor and input costs for growers.

    As part of the USDA’s AMP initiative, producers can now access:

    • Full seed cost coverage for up to 10 acres of Oakville bluegrass
    • An additional $100/acre incentive for up to 100 acres.
    • Support in the form of a grower’s guide, educational field days, and guidance on carbon removal credits.

    “We’re thrilled to put more money in producers’ hands under the Advancing Markets for Producers program, ” said Jeff Thiel, Director at Oakville Bluegrass Cooeprative. Perennial cover like Oakville bluegrass can reduce operating costs over time while also building soil health and conserving water. We’re especially excited to help producers tap into the growing carbon credit market while establishing a proven, cost-effective cover crop.”

    Interested growers can attend an online informational session on October 21 at 11 am by registering at https://bit.ly/ampobc25 or visit https://www.obc.ag/advancing-markets-for-producersfor more information.

    The Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative collaboratively creates solutions to the most pressing challenges facing growers. Members work together to uncover best practices in sustainable agriculture tailored to the needs of specialty crop growers. Learnings are shared so all members can benefit from adopting practices that will ensure the long-term sustainability of profits from their farms.

  • SoCal Youth Inspired by UCCE Advisor’s Passion for Water Conservation

    May is Water Awareness Month, a special time for Californians to come together in celebration of water, our most essential shared resource. Across the state, water agencies and providers are hosting lively events, such as poster contests and family-friendly activities, that promote conservation and spark curiosity.

    “Now is a great time to visit your local water provider’s website to learn how you can get involved,” said Esther Lofton, University of California Cooperative Extension urban watershed resilience advisor for Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

    Esther Lofton, UC Cooperative Extension urban watershed resilience advisor, discusses water quality issues with 12th graders at UC South Coast Research and Extension Center.

    Earlier this May, Lofton and her team actively engaged eight groups of 12th-grade students from Orange and Los Angeles counties. As part of a GROW Program event at UC South Coast Research and Extension Center in Irvine, she brought water science to life by exploring the intricacies of filtration systems and the remarkable journey water takes to reach our taps.

    Lofton’s colleague, Daniel Gonzalez II, energized the sessions by demonstrating parts of the filtration process and guiding students through hands-on activities.

    Students were surprised to learn about the complexities of water sourcing. “I didn’t know we import water from as far as Colorado!” one of them said.

    To foster a sense of ownership and responsibility, Lofton encouraged the approximately 280 participating students to make personal pledges for water conservation. Their enthusiastic responses included promises to turn off the tap while brushing their teeth and to fill washing machines completely before use.

    One memorable moment came when a student humorously stated: “I will drink less water!”

    Lofton chuckled and reminded the class: “If your body needs it, I encourage you to drink more water – that’s the only exception!”

    Orange County grade schoolers wowed by ‘magic’ of water science

    Lofton and her team also attended the OC Children’s Water Education Festival, hosted by the Orange County Water District in late April, where they captivated more than 1,600 enthusiastic third- to fifth-graders.

    Over two days at Oak Canyon Park, the educators conducted 13 interactive sessions, each with approximately 45 students, guiding them on the extraordinary journey water takes from source to tap while reinforcing the importance of conservation.

    The enthusiasm of the young crowd was palpable, with many exclaiming “this is magic!” as they watched water flow cleanly from the filter.

    “I really try to ignite a sense of responsibility in this next generation about their critical role in sustainable practices,” Lofton said.

    Beyond the classroom, Lofton and Gonzalez also amplified their message through social media and blog posts, creating opportunities for community feedback and questions.

    One resident from Santa Barbara asked: “If California cares about protecting water, why are they also building more houses?” This inquiry stimulates essential discussions about finding the balance between growth and sustainability.

    Lofton is keeping the conversation going by inviting community members to participate in a brief survey and share their personal water conservation pledges.

    “We all live in watersheds, and every small action contributes to a greater impact,” Lofton said. “By making a pledge, you’re not only contributing to a more sustainable future, but you’re also helping lead by example.”

    Selected pledges will be featured in next year’s Water Awareness Month celebrations, highlighting the meaningful ways individuals are making a difference.

    To learn more, explore Lofton’s latest blog post on Water Awareness Month. You can also follow her journey and access additional resources on Instagram, TikTok, and X, or visit her UC ANR SoCal Water Resources website, which features engaging resources on drinking water, water resilience, water use efficiency and more.

    UC Agriculture and Natural Resources brings UC information and practices to all 58 California counties. Through research and Cooperative Extension in agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, economic and youth development, our mission is to improve the lives of all Californians. Learn more at ucanr.edu.

  • How to Water your Vineyard Smarter this Season with American Vineyard Live

    American Vineyard Live teams up with Larry Williams and Cassie Braswell of HotSpot Ag to discuss how to water your vines more efficiently and economically. Topics discussed: Distribution Uniformity, Technology and Irrigation Monitoring, Irrigation Timing, and more! Learn from a renowned researcher and water conservation specialist!

    Special thanks to our sponsor HotSpot Ag

  • CE works with CDFA to Help Hmong Farmers Conserve Water and Reduce Emissions

    Parlier, Calif., (January 15, 2018) – California farmers Fong Tchieng and Vang C. Thao have a lot in common. They both have farming operations in the Central Valley. They both belong to the state’s vibrant – and growing – Hmong farming community. And most importantly, they have both partnered with state agencies to save water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    Funded through California’s Cap-and-Trade Program and administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program, or SWEEP, has helped both these growers conserve water and reduce emissions by installing water and energy saving technologies.

    Both Mr. Tchieng and Mr. Thao have used SWEEP dollars to invest in technologies like energy efficient pumps, drip irrigation systems and flow meters. According to the growers, these investments have helped them save water and reduce energy costs.

    “This is a big upgrade compared to what we had,” said Kong Thao, who helps his father run their 34-acre farm in Fresno, Calif. “With the water system that we have now, we’re finally at a point where we can relax a little and be able to do this for many years to come.”

    Like other growers, California Hmong farmers have also struggled with the prolonged effects of the State’s historic drought. According to a 2016 survey conducted by the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE), 52 separate operations said the drought had affected their farm.  The survey also found that 22 percent of growers said their wells had dried up, and 51 percent reported a decreased water flow.

    But unlike larger growers, many Hmong farmers do not always have the resources or necessary information to get help. To help bridge this gap, CDFA has partnered with UCCE to assist farmers in the SWEEP application process.

    “California’s Hmong community plays an integral role in this state’s agricultural bounty,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “We need to continue working with our partners to make sure that SWEEP dollars are available for all those who qualify, regardless of their size or resources.”

    Since its inception in 2014, SWEEP has extended funding to 587 projects, totaling more than $62 million.  To learn more about SWEEP, please visit: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/sweep/.  You can also click here to see more videos on additional SWEEP awardees.

    The article and video are from the CDFA Planting Seeds Bloghttps://plantingseedsblog.cdfa.ca.gov/wordpress/?p=14436.

     

  • Enough Water For 10 Million Lost Every Year

    Berkeley, Calif., (April 20, 2017) – A new study by Dr. David L. Sunding of U.C. Berkeley confirms the devastation done to all Californians by a broken water-management system ruled by more than 15 federal, state and local agencies.

    For more than 20 years of this regulatory quagmire the state has lost an average of 1.3 million acre feet of water per year by flushing it out to the ocean, enough annual supply to sustain more than 10 million Californians or grow over 21 billion salads.

    With 55,000 acres of farmland being fallowed each year since 2000, our ability to provide California with food that is healthy, affordable, and available is also shrinking. The new study predicts that without changes to the system, we will see an additional 195,000 acres of land fallowed each year over the next 30 years, which will hit consumers squarely in the pocketbook. In addition, we may have to import more food which not only costs more, it does not carry the same safety standards as food grown here and hurts the environment.

    And the negative statewide impacts don’t stop there.

    Job losses will continue to mount and could cost the state more than 21,000 jobs every year over the next 30 years. And while 11,000 of those jobs would be farmworkers, the others include food processing jobs, truck drivers, warehouse workers and more.

    The broken system has already cost urban communities more than $5 billion. If we continue down this same path, water districts are poised to spend an additional $10.1 billion over the next 30 years just to make up for water cutbacks.

    We’re all grateful for this year’s wet winter, but it does not solve our long-term management problems. To do that, we must all work together using sound science and common sense to make smart choices about allocation that benefit all, including farmers, urban consumers and the environment.

     

  • Drought, Flood and Wildfire Experts List

    Davis, Calif., (February 9, 2017) – Experts from the University of California, Davis, are available to media to discuss the drought and water-supply issues affecting California.

    Water Management And Planning – Water supplies, delivery systems and conservation

    Jay Lund, a professor of civil and environmental engineering and director of the Center for Watershed Sciences at UC Davis, can discuss the short-term and prolonged impacts of drought on California’s water supply. He has particular expertise in water management and policy, urban water conservation, and the relationship between Northern California’s water supply and water deliveries statewide. He wrote CALVIN (California Value Integrated Network), a computer model that analyzes statewide water supplies and delivery, and projects impacts of climate, storage and other changes. He co-authored reports in 2014 and 2015 on the drought’s economic impact to California agriculture. Contact: Jay Lund, Civil and Environmental Engineering, (530) 752-5671, jrlund@ucdavis.edu.

    Planning and managing water resources – Samuel Sandoval, an assistant professor and UC Cooperative Extension specialist, is an expert in water resources planning and management. He works with scientists, engineers, environmentalists, system operators and decision-makers to integrate ideas into policies and quantify the benefits and drawbacks. He has helped develop educational materials (California Water Virtual Tour and the Water and Drought Online Seminar Series) to cope with negative effects due to drought and water scarcity. Speaks Spanish and English. Contact: Samuel Sandoval, samsandoval@ucdavis.edu.

    Josué Medellín-Azuara is a senior researcher at the UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences. His areas of expertise include hydro-economic modeling, regionwide economic impact analysis, water recycling and remote sensing for estimating agricultural consumptive use. He has been a co-developer and an applied researcher of the CALVIN and SWAP models for water management in agricultural and urban uses in California. He is a co-author of the 2014 California Drought Impact Report and similar reports in 2015. He serves as the convener of the California Water and Environmental Modeling Forum. Bilingual in Spanish and English. Contact: Josué Medellín-Azuara, jmedellin@ucdavis.edu.

    Flood Risk and Management – Nicholas Pinter, a geology professor, is a nationally recognized expert in flooding, flood risk and management. Pinter studies the geology of the earth’s surface, applied to a range of problems. His research is focused on rivers, floodplains, flood hydrology and watersheds, which he’s applied to help provide a scientific basis for sound natural-hazards public policy at national and local levels. He holds the Roy J. Shlemon Chair in Applied Geosciences. Contact: Nicholas Pinter, Department of Earth and Physical Sciences, (530) 754-1041, npinter@ucdavis.edu.

    Drought And Wildfires – Wildfire, climate and plant communities: Mark Schwartz, a plant ecology professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy, can discuss the impact of climate change on wildfires, as well as where and when plant communities are predicted to exhibit stress as a consequence of unusual climatic conditions, including wildfire. His work to help better predict fire behavior and forest vulnerabilities informs decisions about fire management, including prescribed fire, fuels reduction, and management responses to wildfire events. Contact: Mark Schwartz, (530) 752-0671, mwschwartz@ucdavis.edu.

    AGRICULTURAL IMPACTS – Economic impact on agriculture and consumers: Daniel Sumner is the Frank H. Buck Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics and the director of the UC Agricultural Issues Center. He can discuss the impact of drought on the economy, commodity and food markets, food availability, and consumer food prices. He can explain how farmers are likely to adjust the crops they grow, as well as how food prices will be affected in California and around the nation. Contact: Daniel Sumner, Agricultural and Resource Economics, dasumner@ucdavis.edu.

    Drought impacts for ranchers – Ken Tate is a professor and UC Cooperative Extension rangeland watershed specialist, as well as the Russell L. Rustici Endowed Chair in Rangeland Watershed Sciences. He works closely with ranchers to help them cope with the drought, which has severely impacted California’s 41 million acres of rangeland. This rangeland is vitally important as a source of livestock forage, wildlife habitat, plant diversity and clean water. Read about this work. Contact: Ken Tate, Rangeland Watershed Laboratory, (530) 754-8988, kwtate@ucdavis.edu.

    Leslie Roche is the Rangeland Management Specialist in UC Cooperative Extension in the Department of Plant Sciences. She works with ranchers and rangeland managers to integrate management expertise and applied research to develop drought adaptation and recovery strategies. California ranching is largely dependent on rain-fed systems—as opposed to groundwater or stored water—and therefore is among the first in agriculture impacted by drought. Severe drought conditions can trigger undesirable ecological shifts, which impact forage and livestock production and directly threaten livelihoods of ranching families and communities, as well as the ecosystem services these expansive lands provide. Contact: Leslie Roche, (530) 754-8766, lmroche@ucdavis.edu.

    Groundwater quality and recharge – Graham Fogg, professor of hydrogeology in the Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, is an expert on groundwater quality and sustainability, groundwater modeling, the response of water systems to climate change, and the transport of groundwater contaminants. Published research he co-authored in 2015 examined how moving levees and flood control can increase groundwater supply. Contact: Graham Fogg, (530) 752-6810, gefogg@ucdavis.edu.

    Groundwater contamination and resources – Thomas Harter is an expert on groundwater occurrence, groundwater flow, recharge dynamics, the role of rivers, precipitation and irrigation in maintaining our aquifers, and on how human activities and agriculture affect groundwater quality. He holds the Robert M. Hagan Endowed Chair in Water Management and Policy, and is a professor in the Department of Land, Air and Water Resources and a UC Cooperative Extension groundwater hydrologist. He works with the agricultural industry and government agencies to manage groundwater resources. Learn more. Contact: Thomas Harter, Land, Air and Water Resources, (530) 400-1784, thharter@ucdavis.edu.

    The drought is influencing economy, commodity and food markets, food availability and consumer food prices, among other issues.

    Surface water resources, snowpack and groundwater recharge – Helen Dahlke, assistant professor in integrated hydrologic science at the Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, can discuss the impact of climate change on the snowpack, surface water quantity and quality, and long-term trends in water resources availability and sustainability. Her work includes research on the feasibility of using the agricultural landscape for large-scale winter groundwater recharge. Contact: Helen Dahlke, (530) 302-5358, hdahlke@ucdavis.edu.

    Fish And Wildlife Impacts – Watershed management and fish: Peter Moyle is a professor of fish biology in the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology and associate director of the Center for Watershed Sciences. He is an authority on freshwater and estuarine fishes of California, including the delta smelt. He has monitored native fish populations through droughts for more than four decades and has documented the declining status of native fishes, as well as the invasions of alien species. In a 2013 study, he and fellow scientists determined that climate change and human-caused degradation to aquatic habitats threaten extinction of over 80 percent of California’s native fish. In 2014, he led a crew that sampled drought-stricken streams, looking for native fishes, throughout Northern California. Contact: Peter Moyle, Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology, (530) 752-6355, pbmoyle@ucdavis.edu.

    Water Law And Policy – Richard Frank, professor of environmental practice at the School of Law, can comment on legal and policy issues arising out of California’s drought. His areas of expertise include California water rights law, drought-related issues currently confronting California and the American West, legislation, and water governance issues in California. He teaches water law at King Hall, has written on these issues and testified before Congressional and California state legislative committees on these topics. Contact: Richard Frank at (530) 752-7422, rmfrank@ucdavis.edu.

    Home And Garden Issues – Drought-tolerant landscapes and sustainable gardening practices – Ellen Zagory, director of public horticulture for the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, is an expert on plant propagation and sustainable planting design. She helped develop the UC Davis Arboretum All-Stars — 100 plants with properties tested by horticultural staff possessing many qualities that make them outstanding choices for any landscape, including their heat and drought tolerance. Zagory’s current projects include helping to convert a variety of campus settings from little-used, high-maintenance, high-water landscapes to heat-tolerant, low-water, low-maintenance landscapes. She travels the state to instruct UC Cooperative Extension master gardeners and regional garden clubs about steps they can take toward more sustainable gardening practices. Contact: Ellen Zagory, UC Davis Arboretum, arboretum@ucdavis.edu.

    Converting lawns to natural meadows – Andrew Fulks, assistant director of the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, manages the campus’s natural landscape areas for teaching, research and public use. He is an expert on converting landscapes from high maintenance and high water-use to regionally appropriate landscapes with multiple aesthetic and wildlife benefits. His knowledge of the measures the campus has used to decrease its outdoor water use and improve stormwater quality can be applied at both institutional and homeowner scales. His current projects include managing the 700-acre streamside and grassland ecosystem at the UC Davis Putah Creek Riparian Reserve and the re-establishment of a native California grassland at UC Davis Russell Ranch. He can speak to the steps involved in converting lawns to attractive, natural, drought-tolerant meadows using wildflowers and native grasses. Contact: Andrew Fulks, UC Davis Arboretum, (530) 219-7618, amfulks@ucdavis.edu.

    Landscaping with drought-tolerant California natives: Taylor Lewis, horticulturist and nursery manager for the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden Teaching Nursery, has studied the best methods for planting and growing California natives, and has worked to make them publicly available. With his calendar of when California natives bloom in hand, he teaches seminars statewide to dispel the myth that California native landscapes are not aesthetically pleasing. Lifetime Master Gardener and local radio talk show host of the “KFBK Garden Show” Farmer Fred Hoffman refers to Lewis as “…one of the biggest influences on the use of California natives in the state.” Lewis is an expert on how homeowners can make their landscapes drought-tolerant by incorporating California natives. He is currently working on propagating California native plants for use throughout campus and for sale to the public. Contact: Taylor Lewis, tclewis@ucdavis.edu.

    Water And Energy –Water rates and water-energy efficiency – Frank Loge is director of the Center for Water-Energy Efficiency and a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Loge can discuss the link between water, energy, and greenhouse gas emissions; energy used in water production, treatment, use and disposal; the development of novel efficiency technologies; the role of information technology in water-energy efficiency; and water rates, inclusive of the types of rates, compliance with state law, and socioeconomic equity. Contact: Frank Loge, Center for Water-Energy Efficiency, (530) 754-2297, fjloge@ucdavis.edu.

    Water-energy nexus – Edward “Ned” Spang, assistant professor of Food Science and Technology, is an expert on the water-energy nexus, the inextricable link between water and energy. He can discuss energy used to produce fresh water and water consumed in energy production at a local, national or global scale. He can also discuss water and energy policy. Contact: Edward Spang, Food Science and Technology, (530) 754-5447, esspang@ucdavis.edu.