California
List of Sustainability-Focused Extension Programs
Program: University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program
Institution: University of California- Agriculture and Natural Resources
Category: Land, Air Quality/Climate Change, Water, Energy
Range: California statewide
Description: SAREP provides leadership and support for scientific research and education in agricultural and food systems that are economically viable, conserve natural resources and biodiversity, and enhance the quality of life in the state’s communities. SAREP serves farmers, farm workers, ranchers, researchers, educators, regulators, policy makers, industry professionals, consumers, and community organizations across the state.
Program Offerings: Face-to-face trainings, Website, Information, Network building
Program: University of California Naturalist Program
Institution: University of California- Agriculture and Natural Resources
Category: Land, Air Quality/Climate Change, Water
Range: California statewide
Description: The UC California Naturalist Program is designed to introduce Californians to the wonders of our unique ecology and engage the public in study and stewardship of California’s natural communities. Our mission is to foster a diverse community of naturalists and promote stewardship of California’s natural resources through education and service.
Program Offerings: Face-to-face trainings, website, information, certification
Program: Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program
Institution: University of California- Agriculture and Natural Resources
Category: Air Quality/Climate Change, Food, Water
Range: California statewide
Description: Healthy agriculture and food systems are fundamental to quality of life in California. SAREP is committed to strengthening California’s agriculture by advancing knowledge of the science of sustainability, supporting farmers and ranchers working to develop more sustainable agricultural practices, and assisting communities in building strong and healthy regional food systems.
Program Offerings: Website, Information, Research
Program: Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program
Institution: University of California- Agriculture and Natural Resources
Category: Food
Range: California statewide
Description: The University of California Statewide IPM Program draws on expertise of UC scientists to develop information on managing pests using safe and effective strategies that protect people and the environment. UC IPM works through Cooperative Extension to deliver information to clients in every California County.
Program Offerings: Face-to-face trainings, Website, Information, Research
Program: Master Gardeners
Institution: University of California- Agriculture and Natural Resources
Category: Food, Land, Water
Range: California statewide
Description: Master Gardeners enhance local, sustainable, healthy food systems for families, neighborhoods and communities by increasing gardening and science literacy through quality education and outreach. They encourage sustainable gardening practices such as water conservation, water quality, green waste reduction, wildlife enhancement, and energy conservation.
Program Offerings: Face-to-face trainings, Website, Information, Certification
Program: California Institute for Water Resources
Institution: University of California- Agriculture and Natural Resources
Category: Water
Range: California statewide
Description: The mission of the California Institute for Water Resources is to integrate California’s research, extension, and education programs to develop research-based solutions to water resource challenges. The Institute facilitates collaborative research and outreach on water issues across California’s academic institutions and with international, federal, state, regional, nonprofit, and campus communities.
Program Offerings: Website, Information, Research
Program: Endemic and Invasive Pests and Diseases Strategic Initiative
Institution: University of California- Agriculture and Natural Resources
Category: Food
Range: California statewide
Description: The Endemic and Invasive Pest and Diseases Initiative educates California communities and stakeholders about new and emerging threats to healthy food systems. Experts are involved in cutting edge research in the following three areas: exclusion of pests and pathogens, emerging problems with pests and diseases, and integrated management.
Program Offerings: Face-to-face trainings, Website, Research
Program: Healthy Families and Communities Strategic Initiative
Institution: University of California- Agriculture and Natural Resources
Category: Food
Range: California statewide
Description: The Healthy Families & Communities initiative is dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles, science literacy, and positive youth development in local communities. The initiative works in the following areas: promoting healthy behaviors for childhood obesity prevention; encouraging and enhancing youth science literacy; and promoting positive youth development.
Program Offerings: Website, Information, Research
Program: Sustainable Food Systems Strategic Initiative
Institution: University of California- Agriculture and Natural Resources
Category: Food, Water
Range: California statewide
Description: Sustainable food systems is one of five strategic initiatives that seek new resources and partnerships within and outside of UC to find solutions for California. The initiative is focused on: food safety; improving competitiveness and productivity; and supporting the sustainability of small farms including local food systems and urban agriculture.
Program Offerings: Website, Information, Research
Program: Sustainable Natural Ecosystems Strategic Initiative
Institution: University of California- Agriculture and Natural Resources
Category: Land, Air Quality/ Climate Change, Water
Range: California statewide
Description: The Sustainable Natural Ecosystems initiative works to preserve identify and prioritize issues and solutions affecting forests, rangelands, and wetlands. Priority issues include: understanding and valuing ecosystem services; maintaining working landscapes; biodiversity; energy; water quality and quantity; climate change; regulations; land use change and fragmentation; and education.
Program Offerings: Face-to-face trainings, Information, Research
Program: Water Quality, Quantity, and Security Strategic Initiative
Institution: University of California- Agriculture and Natural Resources
Category: Water
Range: California statewide
Description: The goal of the Water Initiative is to define, prioritize, and implement actions that effectively and efficiently help California address water availability challenges. The Water Strategic Initiative has targeted four key areas of inquiry for research and extension projects: surface water quantity; groundwater quantity; surface water quality; and groundwater quality.
Program Offerings: Face-to-face trainings, Website, Information, Research
