UCCE on the Central Coast

SNAC students and CalFresh Healthy Living staff working on garden

Science-based solutions in agriculture, natural ecosystems, community health and youth development.

 

Welcome to the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Central Coast blog, featuring updates from San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. Here you'll find research-based articles, practical information from UCCE advisors and staff, and details about upcoming events, workshops, and trainings that support informed decision-making in our communities.

 

 

UC Master Gardeners of Santa Barbara County: Learning Labs

August 4, 2026
By Shannon Klisch
Quarter 4 Report for Santa Barbara County - UC Master Gardeners of Santa Barbara County launched “Learning Labs at Mesa Harmony Gardens” in April. These Learning Labs are focused sessions for hands-on exploration including building a compost pile and avocado tree care. During the quarter, UC Master…
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Family at Hapgood working their garden bed.

CalFresh Healthy Living, UCCE Support Food & Nutrition Security

August 4, 2026
By Abbi Marrs
Quarter 4 Reporting for Santa Barbara County - CalFresh Healthy Living, UCCE supported food and nutrition security with families at Hapgood Elementary in Lompoc through a pilot “Adopt-a-bed” summer garden program. Summer months are often a time when youth face hunger due to lack of school meals…
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Santa Ynez 4H members at 4-H exhibit day

4-H in Santa Barbara County

August 4, 2026
By Melissa Guillen
Quarter 4 Report for Santa Barbara County -  Santa Barbara 4-H enrolled over 420 youth during the 2025-26 program year. There are 11 chartered clubs from Carpinteria to Santa Maria where youth lead and learn to develop knowledge and skills while serving the community. In July, 4-H entered 416 individual…
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Master Food Preserver Volunteer: Hapgood Elementary students and Lompoc Library families prepared quick pickles using colorful vegetables

Youth Education: Quick Pickles & “Eating the Rainbow”

July 7, 2026
By Katherine E Soule, Emma Volk
Youth Education: Quick Pickles & “Eating the Rainbow” UC Master Food Preservers & UC Master Gardeners -Advisors Katherine Soule and Emma VolkYouth Education: Quick Pickles & “Eating the Rainbow”In February 2026, two youth-focused collaborations introduced participants to colorful vegetables…
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