UCCE Forest Research and Outreach

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You are the face of California’s forests- how can we empower you to manage your land?

University of California Cooperative Extension forestry provides research-based solutions to natural resource related problems through applied research, publications, meetings, conferences, workshops, demonstrations, field days, video programs, newsletters, and facilitation. We are a network campus and county based academics charged with extending university resources and information to local communities and at the same time, communicating the needs of local communities for forest research and outreach back to University of California researchers and administration. County based academics called "advisors" are located in forested communities and focus on delivering science based programs to serve local needs. Campus based academics including university faculty and extension specialists are located on the University of California Berkeley and Davis campuses. Feel free to use the contact information here to reach out to us with any questions or comments!

10/31/2026

In need of a last- minute Halloween costume? Consider dressing as a Douglas fir pitch moth, although they already ‘dress’ as wasps to avoid predation. Call it costume-ception! Here are Mackenzie’s IPM Advisor notes on this pest:

“Douglas fir pitch moths live most of their lives in the cambium of Douglas fir trees, destroying the tissues that transport water and nutrients to the tree canopy. These tricky little moths display batesian mimicry, where they have a “wasp costume” to be less appealing to predators.”

Using batesian mimicry allows these moths to evade predators- even though they are harmful to trees, they want to avoid any harm to themselves!

Learn more on the UC ANR IPM website: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/pitch-moths/

UC Agriculture & Natural Resources
UC Cooperative Extension Central Sierra

10/30/2026

Today we are taking a look at white pine blister rust! Here are Mackenzie’s IPM Advisor notes on this fungus:

“White pine blister rust is an invasive fungus that infects 5-needle white pines. It has been a problem throughout northern California for over 100 years. It requires cool, wet weather and an alternative Ribes species host, , to complete its lifecycle.

The fungus takes years to complete its lifecycle but can kill all 6 native white pine species in California. Control focuses on early detection, and can sometimes be managed on the alternate host.”

Learn more about white pine blister rust on the IPM website: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/natural-area-pests/white-pine-blister-rust/

UC Agriculture & Natural Resources
UC Cooperative Extension Central Sierra

10/29/2026

“BOO!”- a gold spotted oak borer, probably.

While infected trees are a cause for concern, luckily help is just a phone call away. UC ANR’s statewide team of IPM (integrated pest management) advisors are available as a resource for forest landowners and forestry practitioners. The IPM website also contains a wealth of information about forest pests and diseases, including identification guidelines, best management practices, and further reading and resources.

Find a UC ANR IPM advisor: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/IPMPROJECT/staff.html
UC ANR IPM website: https://ipm.ucanr.edu

Pictured here:
Photo 1: D-shaped exit holes, which are a sign that an oak has been infested with Gold-Spotted Oak Borers. GSOB is an invasive pest that is contributing to oak mortality in Southern California.

Photo 2: Witches’ broom caused by Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe. Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe is a parasitic plant that will cause reduced growth on the host tree and can lead to witches’ brooms that are prone to becoming ‘ladders’ that spread fire up through a tree.

Photo 3: Armillaria mycelial plaques at the base of a tree. Armillaria is also known as oak root fungus, and is transmitted through the roots of dead trees.

UC Agriculture & Natural Resources
UC Cooperative Extension Central Sierra

10/28/2026

Some insects feed on tree sap, and are appropriately called “sap sucking insects”. Here are Mackenzie’s IPM Advisor notes on these pests:

“Keep an eye out for sap sucking insects like conifer aphids, scales, and mealybugs by noting sticky sap underneath trees. These pests secrete honey dew that falls onto the leaves and ground beneath infested trees. A superficial mold may grow on the leaves, turning the plant surface black (hence the goth needles!) and the ground below may be sticky with shiny honeydew.”

Pictured below are:

Photo 2: Adult female irregular pine scales. Learn more here: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/scales/

Photo 3: Giant conifer aphid. Learn more here: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/aphids/

Photo 4: Cypress bark mealybug. Learn more here: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/mealybugs/

UC Agriculture & Natural Resources
UC Cooperative Extension Central Sierra

10/27/2026

Happy Hallo-week! We’ve collaborated with UC ANR IPM advisor Patton to bring attention to some spooky pests and diseases commonly seen in the Central Sierra region.

But what if you don’t know what an infected tree looks like? Here’s what MacKenzie keeps an eye out for when she is out and about:

Fungal fruiting bodies - Fungi like chicken of the woods and oak root fungus can create mushrooms or conks when they infect woody tissues. These fungi are natural carbon recyclers in healthy ecosystems, but fungi like white pine blister rust are an invasive threat to native pine trees.

Discolored bark or limb dieback - Sometimes these pathogens hide beneath the bark of woody trees, but the tissue beneath may be darkened or seeping resin or sap.

See what Mackenzie is up to on her instagram , and follow along this week for more on forest pests and diseases.
UC Agriculture & Natural Resources
UC Cooperative Extension Central Sierra

10/24/2026

Have you ever wondered how CAL FIRE grows thousands of seedlings for reforestation projects? Check out this ‘Cone to Seedling’ video created by our team to learn how it happens!

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1993433154529568

10/23/2026

Forest Advisor Susie Kocher is used to showing landowners what tools they should keep handy, and now she’s giving us a look at what she keeps in her cruise vest!

If you have been to a Forest Stewardship event somewhere in California, chances are you’ve seen Susie. But when she’s not on the road for a field day or California Tree School event, her home base is the Central Sierra, where she helps landowners manage their forestland pre- and post-fire. Connect with Susie and learn more about her programs on our website: https://ucanr.edu/site/forestry-research-and-outreach/contact

10/23/2026

Register today for the newest Forest Stewardship workshop cohort!

The Forest Stewardship Workshop: Online and in-person in Santa Cruz Ccounty begins January 20, 2027. Don’t wait, register today on our website: https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=28675

Workshop Details
When: Weekly zoom meetings January 20-March 17, 2027. Optional in-person field day on Saturday, February 20, 2027.

Where: Weekly meetings over Zoom. In-person field day in Santa Cruz County

Cost: $75, scholarships available by request.

Join the workshop to understand and protect your forest by developing a Forest Management plan. Learn about forest management objectives, silviculture, forest and fire ecology, fuels reduction, project development, and more!

10/22/2026

We may be in the thick of fall now, but winter will be here before you know it- and with it comes unique prescribed fire opportunities.

The Winter Burning series on our YouTube channel covers what landowners and forestry practitioners need to know to plan and implement a burn during this season. Find the full series on our YouTube page here:

10/22/2026

Did you know that our program can help you get connected to a forester in your area?

When you complete a 9-week UC ANR Forest Stewardship workshop series, you become eligible for a free site visit from a professional of your choice: either a Registered Professional Forester, CA Range Manager, or CA Certified Burn Boss.

Since the Forest Stewardship Program began, 141 landowners have taken advantage of this opportunity. Will you be the next? Be on the lookout- we’re announcing our next 9-week workshop series this week!

UC Agriculture & Natural Resources

Address

2801 2nd Street
San Jose, CA
95618

Website

https://ucanr.edu/blog/forest-research-and-outreach, https://ucanr.edu/site/forest-research-and-outreach/forest-stewards

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