U.C. Extension Offers Many Services

The University of California Cooperative Extension Service provides many services to nearly every County in the State. We are part of a statewide system that makes University research based information available to residents and local agencies. Many people in this area have come to know this office as either the Farm Advisor’s or the 4-H office. Each year, thousands of local residents benefit from the service provided. Here is a brief summary of the programs in case you have not yet taken advantage of them:

Master Gardner Program
Val Young, Master Gardener Coordinator, is proud of 60 highly trained and dedicated gardeners in her program. Each Master Gardener has graduated from a rigorous course in preparation for their volunteer service to the community. These people serve at information booths throughout the community, answer home gardening questions over the telephone, and are often available to make "house calls" to address more complicated gardening concerns. The next Master Gardener training class is scheduled to begin January 15, 1998.

Composting and Vermicomposting
Karen Riley, Extension Program Assistant, has earned a worldwide reputation in the area of Vermicomposting. This is the art of using red worms to compost all of your household food scraps in a simple container. The added benefit is a regular supply of top quality mulch for the garden. She is available to help individuals with the process or help entire classrooms start a vermicomposting project.

Family and Consumer Science
Kim Stumph is a Family and Consumer Science Advisor working in both Calaveras and San Joaquin Counties. She provides information on food preservation, money management, nutrition education, emergency preparedness, and parenting. Food preservation classes are tentatively scheduled for March or April, 1998.

Natural Resources
Bill Frost is our area Natural Resources Advisor. He can provide you with information on hardwood ecology, rangeland management, and grazing land management.

4-H Youth Development
Jennifer Mitchell, 4-H Program Coordinator, is proud of the many volunteers who help her to serve our nearly 1,200 4-H Club members. These young people in grades K-12 are learning about animal care, arts and crafts, science, teen leadership, citizenship, self esteem, and much more. Enrollment in most programs takes place in the early Fall. School based programs are available year around.

Agriculture
Commercial agriculture continues to be a most important industry in Calaveras County with annual production exceeding $35,000,000 annually. Our programs continue to address the changing needs of this valuable industry. Seminars are offered regularly on such topics as winegrape production, olive oil production, Yellow Starthistle control, rangeland water quality control, hardwood range management, and cow-calf quality assurance.

Personal consultations and farm visits are part of the daily routine for current and prospective producers.

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