The Hopland Research and Extension Center

09/04/2026

Can you spot the difference?
Answer: presence/absence of STINKWORT, coupled with presence/absence of volunteer sense of achievement!
Dittrichia graveolens (stinkwort) is native to southern Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia. It was first recorded in California in 1984 and has rapidly spread across many parts of the state since its introduction. Stinkwort favors disturbed areas and can be easily dispersed both because it is a prolific seed producer and because minute barbs on the pappus of its propagules aid in dispersal. It is unpalatable to livestock, severely impacts rangelands, and can outcompete native vegetation.
Volunteers Emily, Barrie, Susan and Allie helped HREC staff to pull and dispose of this invasive species on the site today... but you may still see it around Ukiah and along roadsides (watch out)!

09/02/2026

The upcoming Climate Stewards class at Hopland REC is brimming with fantastic speakers including:
Eileen Mitro - Climate Action Mendocino and California State Assembly's 2nd District Woman of the Year 2025
Bernie Bastian - Climate Educator and Assistant Professor of Interdsiciplinary Climate Studies at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
Daniel Swain - Climate scientist and author of the widely read Weather West blog.
Pablo Ortiz - (Union of Concerned Scientists) Pablo is the Director of Innovation and Collaboration within the Office of Science and Innovation.
Adina Merenlender - Founder of Califonia Naturalist and Climate Stewards classes.
We still have a few spaces available:

A limited number of scholarships are available (deadline for application is August 31). These scholarships are reserved for underserved and low-income community members. If you would be interested in applying for a scholarship, fill in the scholarship questions on the registration page.

09/01/2026

Mark your calendars, California Oak Discovery Day is on the horizon! The event will feature an arts & crafts table, guided tours with oak specialists, a scavenger hunt, and so much more. Learn more about this upcoming event and register at the link in our bio. We hope to see you there! 🌳

08/26/2026

Calling all artists! We are looking for artwork submissions, including photos, fiber arts, paintings, and more, that capture the wonder of our local oak woodlands. 10 pieces will be selected by our panel of judges to be displayed at our upcoming Oak Discovery Day on October 17th. Additionally, 3 submissions will receive a small but mighty oak-related prize!

Please submit your artwork by September 14th at the following link:
https://ucanr.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_czJZz45owL4A7X0

This post features amazing artworks that were displayed at last year's Oak Discovery Day. The artists in order include: Maeve Croghan, Rose Easterbrook, Ryan Keiffer, and Lindy Skye

08/26/2026

Shouting out to our furry team members on

08/20/2026

Register now for our upcoming Climate Stewards course! This class will be packed full of incredible speakers and led by co-instructors Hannah Bird (Community Education Specialist at Hopland REC) and Laura Garza Díaz (UCCE Area Water Resources Management Advisor for Mendocino and Lake Counties). We hope this class gives participants both a feeling of hope for our planets future, and avenues for meaningful climate action.

More info and registration: https://ucanr.edu/rec/hopland-research-and-extension-center/event/climate-stewards-course

08/12/2026

UC Hopland REC School Field Trips - FREE and taking bookings! 🐑 - https://mailchi.mp/ucanr/hopland-rec-school-field-trips-now-open-for-booking-13884811

08/12/2026

The wonderful outdoor education program the Redwood Valley Outdoor Education Project are seeking a paraprofessional outdoor educator. Contact Erich Sommer if you are interested. This posting shares information, although it says it is expired - they are currently recruiting https://www.edjoin.org/Home/JobPosting/2228293

Under the direction of a site administrator and the day-to-day coordination of the RVOEP credentialed teacher, the Paraprofessional/Outdoor Education assists with the leadership and development of outdoor education programs and activities at the RVOEP site. Located in northern California W**e Count....

08/03/2026

We have the next workshop in our Virtual Fencing Series coming up on August 14th!🐏 🐄
Learn about the development of Hopland REC’s grazing plan for virtual fencing, grazing planning for wildfire preparedness, and using virtual fencing for grazing on public lands. Hear from producers at Hopland REC about their experiences with virtual fence!

Register for this free workshop here: https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=48714

08/02/2026

Check out the fantastic speakers and field trips for our upcoming Climate Stewards class! This class will help you shake of that "stalled" feeling and make connections with your community to take positive climate action. Registration is now open https://link.ucanr.edu/climate