By Ron Allen, UC Master Gardener, Mariposa Fall is the time to plant California natives. The weather is cooler, the first soaking rains are imminent, and yet there is still plenty of good sunlight. These factors make for good initial foliage growth and root development. The motivation for adding native plants comes down to one thing: water. Mariposa County enjoys ...

Entertaining guests during the holidays isn’t just about a main course that calls all to the table. What often makes a festive gathering more fruitful is a spread of delicious appetizers, delightful drinks and divine desserts that keep loved ones coming back to the kitchen for more. For appetizing dishes from the first guest at the house to the last ...

Among the decorations, gifts and gatherings of loved ones, there’s perhaps nothing quite like family favorite foods that call to mind the joy of the holidays. Whether your loved ones relish building gingerbread houses or dining on an all-in feast, looking forward to annual traditions is part of what makes the season so special. This year, you can add to ...

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES — Current poor dispersion conditions and a stable atmosphere across the Valley has led to an increase in PM2.5 (particulate matter 2.5 microns and smaller) concentrations across the region, which is more common during the cooler weather of the fall and winter seasons. Lingering smoke from wildfires in the region and residential wood burning activity in the cooler ...

Hearty snacks, seasonal sides, flavorful main dishes and tantalizing desserts all complement one another perfectly for holiday celebrations among loved ones. This year, when planning your menu, be sure to consider recipes that keep family and friends content from the moment they hang up their coats to the goodbye hugs. One delicious option is a satisfying bread bowl. This dish ...

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES — Countless backyards are battlegrounds between die-hard homeowners and squirrels fighting over bird feed. Squirrels need not be an inevitable element of bird feeding; even though keeping squirrels out of bird feeders is an age-old problem, there are ways to thwart these thieves.           One common tactic is stocking feeders with seed squirrels dislike, ...

MARIPOSA — Effective Tuesday, Oct. 26, at 8 a.m., the burn permit suspension in the State Responsibility Areas of Madera, Mariposa and Merced Counties will be lifted. CAL FIRE MMU Unit Chief Mike van Loben Sels is formally cancelling the burn permit suspension and advises that those possessing current and valid agriculture and residential burn permits can now resume burning ...

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES — There are so many reasons we love living here in the foothills of the Motherlode, however, there are some risks as well. One of the biggest risks is wildfires, and for the past several months we’ve been living on edge waiting for a wildfire to strike close to home. Now, just like someone turned on a switch, ...

Whether you’re enjoying a special occasion or simply spending deserved time with loved ones, you can gather at breakfast or brunch and enjoy this easy-to-make, divine pancake that tickles taste buds and delivers a satisfying start to the day. Add the naturally sweet taste of fruit to the breakfast table with this Grape Dutch Baby recipe that requires just 15 ...

MARIPOSA — The UC Master Gardeners of Mariposa County will hold a Fall Plant Sale on Saturday, Oct. 30, from 8 – 1 p.m. (or until plants sell out), at the Amigo Stage area at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds. Local master gardeners have been hard at work volunteering their time and expertise to bring you a wide selection of landscape ...