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A small brown mouse poking it's head and front paws out from a hole in the ground.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Management of Urban Rats and Mice

November 21, 2025
By Niamh M Quinn
Let’s be real—California's rodent issue is extensive. In some areas, it may seem like an infinite sea of rats and mice. Commensal rodents, those that live among and benefit from association with humans, significantly affect public health, environmental sustainability, and urban infrastructure.  …
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An orange flower grows in a greenhouse
Green Blog: Article

California nursery industry grapples with plastics, water, nutrients

October 8, 2025
By Caroline D Champlin
Nursery owners and landscapers are anticipating a slew of new environmental regulations to impact business as usual. Scientists from University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources brought these hot topics, and many others, to business owners’ attention at the 2025 California Nursery Conference…
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Los diseños y beneficios de los materiales permeables
Water Supply Security (WSS): Article

Materiales Permeables: Un Enfoque Sostenible para las Aguas Pluviales

July 28, 2025
By Esther N Lofton, Erik C Porse
 Las superficies impermeables, como el hormigón o el asfalto, han permitido el desarrollo urbano a gran escala en todo el sur de California al proporcionar cimientos estables para las estructuras de los edificios, facilitar el movimiento eficiente de peatones y vehículos, y transportar rápidamente el…
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Designs and benefits of permeable materials
Water Supply Security (WSS): Article

Permeable Materials: A Sustainable Approach to Stormwater

July 28, 2025
By Esther N Lofton, Erik C Porse
Impervious surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt, have enabled large-scale urban development throughout Southern California by providing stable foundations for building structures, facilitating the efficient movement of pedestrians and vehicles, and promptly transporting rainwater away from buildings and…
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Water
Water Resilience, Climate Change, and Water Systems in California: Article

Celebrating Water Awareness Month: Why May Matters in California

May 8, 2025
By Esther N Lofton
  Every drop counts, especially in California. That’s why May is officially recognized as Water Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the value of water in our lives, our landscapes, and our future.Why Water Awareness Month?Initiated in the early 1980s by the California Department of Water…
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Photo by Ankith Choudhary via Unsplash.com
UC Master Gardeners of San Mateo & San Francisco Counties: Article

Plant for Pollinators

May 1, 2025
By Cathrin Callas
  Pollinators like bees, butterflies, moths, and birds play an important role in pollinating your vegetable garden and supporting a healthy ecosystem. However, habitat loss, disease, and pesticide use have contributed to the decline of these species. You can help pollinators by selecting a wide…
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Brown mouse with a white underside.

Hantavirus: What to Know

April 21, 2025
By Niamh M Quinn, Roger A Baldwin
Hantavirus has been in the news a lot lately. Betsy Arakawa, wife of the late actor Gene Hackman, recently passed away in New Mexico due to the disease and California has already seen 3 hantavirus-related deaths this year. In this article we share information to help you understand hantavirus and what you…
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Los beneficios de la gestión de aguas pluviales en el Sur de California
Water Supply Security (WSS): Article

La Gestión de Aguas Pluviales en el Sur de California

April 10, 2025
By Esther N Lofton, Erik C Porse
 La gestión de aguas pluviales se refiere al control sistemático de la cantidad y calidad del agua de escorrentía generada por superficies impermeables, áreas urbanas y paisajes durante y después de eventos de precipitación. Incluye una variedad de prácticas y estrategias destinadas a capturar, tratar y…
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A person wearing blue gloves on their hands is unscrewing the cap to a white container
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

What Should You Wear When Using Pesticides?

April 1, 2025
By Lauren Fordyce
When using pesticides and other garden chemicals, you should always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep yourself safe. Pesticides can enter the body via the eyes, skin, nose, or mouth. The skin is the most common way pesticides enter our bodies, usually by splashing, spillage, or spray drift…
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Sample benefits of stormwater management
Water Supply Security (WSS): Article

Stormwater Management in Southern California

March 31, 2025
By Esther N Lofton, Erik C Porse
Stormwater management is the strategic practice of controlling and utilizing stormwater runoff from precipitation events as a valuable water supply source. Its main goals are to protect our environment and create healthier, sustainable communities. Exhibiting many different methods and tools for rainwater…
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