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UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County

The Latest Dirt - Jan 2025

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Andrew Miller, UCCE Area Director, speaks at the 2024 CoCoMG Recognition Dinner. Photo by Simone Adair.
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Never doubt…!

January 21st, 2025
Laura Brainin-Rodriguez, ELT 2023-2025 Our UC Master Gardeners exemplify one of my favorite quotes from Margaret Mead, Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.
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Jardineros Lead May Coleman at the Verde Elementary School spring potting up class. Photo by Rosalie Rose–Lerman.
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Connecting with Underserved Communities

January 21st, 2025
An Interview with May Coleman by David George Like other 2024 graduates, May Coleman jumped in with both feet to help staff several key Contra Costa UC Master Gardener projects. Mays initiative, ideas, and, yes, cakes have provided energy to the program this past year in needed ways.
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CoCoMG Program Coordinator Dawn Kooyumjian, UC Master Gardeners Liv Imset & Liz Rottger pose with Matt Dwinell & parents Dereck & Nora Lynn Dwinell.
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Meditation on UC Master Gardener Holiday Recognition Dinner

January 21st, 2025
Article By Liz Rottger Photos by Simone Adair The UC Master Gardener Holiday Recognition Dinner is much more than a sumptuous potluck. It is also a chance for us to reconnect with each other, our former classmates, fellow project members, and the friends we have made over the years.
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Fairmont Elementary students work in the garden under the watchful eye of their teacher.
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Growing Green Minds: The Magic of School Gardens in West County

January 21st, 2025
Article & Photos By Susan Domanico On October 18, 2024, Pam Austin and I visited two schools in West CountyFairmont Elementary and Mira Vista Elementaryto deliver cool-season vegetable starts. It was heartwarming to witness how students interact with their school gardens.
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A Fresh Take on Leadership: Webinar Training in Action

January 21st, 2025
The Speakers Bureau Webinar Team is embracing a new leadership structure. Instead of relying on a single program lead, all webinar coordinators are stepping up to share responsibilities. The team recently held an engaging and productive training session to prepare for their roles.
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Client Provided Photo. Help Desk solves the mystery of client’s bug invasion on her salvia bush. The culprit is cottony cushion scale.
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Help Desk Solves Mystery of Client’s Pest Invasion

January 21st, 2025
By Robin Harper Recently, a client sent this question to the Help Desk, I was pruning my Salvia bush last week and came upon these pests. I have scoured the IPM site and my pest management books and cannot find what this is or how to treat it.
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