The birth and demise of trees is bread and butter for UC Cooperative Extension. Today, two stories document a small part of UCCE's close connection with trees.
The Monterey Herald reports that Bill Tietje, an area natural resource specialist with UCCE in San Luis Obispo County, is coordinating the planting of 1,000 valley oak trees. The planting stems from a visit by Rep. Sam Farr with rancher Jack Varion.
"Jack is a great example of how ranchers can be great stewards of our land. The trees are just one of many great ideas Jack has come up with, and I look forward to more. Jack is an inspiration for ranchers and conservationists alike," Farr is quoted in the article.
Tietje has invited the public to help plant the trees this Saturday.
The second article, from the Fresno Bee, laments the loss of mature almond trees from a strong wind storm this week. One farmer said he lost 1,000 trees from his Madera County orchard.
The Bee sought comment from UCCE farm advisor Mark Freeman on the impact of the loss. "Almond trees start bearing nuts in the third year after planting and are bearing fully by the seventh year," Freeman is quoted.