Contra Costa County Cooperative Extension

Who We Are

University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Contra Costa County is the local outreach and engagement arm of the University of California, translating UC research into practical, science-based solutions for real-world challenges. As part of the UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), we belong to a statewide network of researchers, academic advisors, educators, and staff dedicated to advancing agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, public health, and community well-being. Our team works at the intersection of research and community practice, partnering closely with residents, public agencies, nonprofits, schools, and industry. Because our educators live and work in the communities they serve, our programs are informed by local conditions: from urban neighborhoods and underserved communities to working landscapes and wildland-urban interfaces. This place-based approach allows us to respond effectively to evolving challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, housing pressure, and ecosystem stress, while ensuring programs are inclusive, equitable, and grounded in community priorities.

What We Do

We deliver high quality education and research  programs contributing to:

• Supporting agriculture and local food systems, including small and urban farmers

• Promoting environmental stewardship, water conservation, and wildfire resilience

• Improving nutrition and health outcomes through community education

• Developing youth leaders who contribute to healthy, engaged communities

• Strengthening local resilience and economic vitality through applied research and partnerships

By leveraging UC expertise, more than 600 trained volunteers, and collaborations with over 150 public and private partners, we provide high-quality, cost-effective services that benefit all Contra Costa County residents.

County Partnership

The word Cooperative in our name refers to the fact that our funding is derived from multiple resources in cooperation with one another. We receive funding from county, state, and federal resources. Contra Costa County's  Agency of Agriculture / Weights & Measures provides critical support of our office space, utilities, administration, and transportation. UC ANR provides academic and program staff. We also rely on grants, donations, and program cost-recovery to deliver our programs and conduct our research projects.

Announcements and News

Featured Research and Local Impact:

• UC ANR is hiring an Integrated Pest Management Advisor specializing in commensal rodents and urban wildlife, i.e. the Bay Area "Rat Czar."
• Check out the new brief co-authored by UCCE nutrition and health advisor Alexa Erickson entitled, "Fresh Produce Access through Corner Store Transformation in Oakland: Lessons from Saba Grocers Initiative."
• Calfresh Health Living, UCCE is promoting healthy eating and activity habits among older adults in the East Bay.
• Got bedbugs crashing in your guest room? Dr. Andrew Sutherland is interviewed in July's California Department of Pesticide Regulation Bulletin.
• EFNEP Contra Costa's Santos Lopez is retiring after an impactful 17-year career as a Nutrition Educator.
• Read Kamyar Aram's timely article on Why is Oriental Fruit Fly a threat to Contra Costa and California Crops?
• Fox Weather cited UC ANR experts in a story on threats to California cherries that has impacted growers in Brentwood.

Career Opportunities:

• Browse job openings covering Contra Costa County on ANR's Jobs page.

Download Our Impact Report:

• Download our 2025 Impact Highlights Flyer for UCCE Contra Costa (PDF, 1.7 MB) 

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Attending 4-H of Contra Costa's camp offers youth the opportunity to build confidence and leadership skills while enjoying a fun and supportive outdoor environment. Campers discover new talents, connect with nature, and form lasting friendships, creating meaningful memories that will stay with them for years to come.

 

 

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The Hillview Junior High School (HJHS) Youth-led Participatory Action Research (YPAR) student team touring the Contra Costa Water District facility.