By Michele Nowak-Sharkey, UC Master Gardener of Mariposa County. MARIPOSA — The impulse after a fire is to remove all evidence that the event occurred. This is understandable from an emotional perspective, however, if we shift to the nature lens we see a different approach. Although the landscape looks blackened with no visible signs of life, life nonetheless is rearranging, ...

OAKLAND — New this summer, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customers can be rewarded for saving energy when the state’s grid operator calls a Flex Alert. A Flex Alert is a call for consumers to voluntarily conserve electricity when there is a predicted shortage of energy supply, especially if the grid operator needs to dip into reserves to cover ...

By Tery Susman, UC Master Gardener of Mariposa County. MARIPOSA — Wildfires can create immediate and potentially long-term soil erosion. However, there are a number of ways to mitigate this post-fire concern. The following has been adapted from the California Native Plant Society Fire Recovery Guide.  1. Leave the mess; keep it under cover. Much needed soil protection is provided ...

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES — The Clean Air Centers Pilot Program was established by AB 836 (Wicks) and provides the Valley Air District $750,000 in funding to create a network of clean air centers to provide vulnerable populations a respite from wildfires and other smoke events. The program will pay public or private organizations up to 100% of the cost of large ...

By Michele Nowak-Sharkey, UC Master Gardener, Mariposa County This is the first part of “The Partnership between Humans and Nature during Fire Recovery.” MARIPOSA — Wildfire has entered our common vocabulary over the past 15+ years across California and Mariposa County. From the Telegraph Fire in ’08 to the Washburn, Agua, and Oak Fires, Mariposa County has experienced unpredictable blazes, ...

FRESNO STATE — The quarantines and remote work culture of the COVID-19 pandemic brought many back to nature. People spent more time in their backyards or in local parks, and this lifestyle shift led to a reported uptick in the purchase of bird feeders. While feeding birds and connecting to wildlife seems like a good thing, it can actually prove ...

UC Master Food Preservers of Mariposa County Present: Preservation Day at the Garden of the Sun               Saturday, August 6, 2022 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 1750 North Winery Avenue Fresno, CA 93703 Learn more about: Preserving the excess produce from your garden. How to get the most out of your harvest. Basic canning ...

BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY — As people continue to eat more meals at home, shoppers everywhere are feeling the pinch of increasing prices on nearly every item at the grocery store. In fact, 7 in 10 people (71%) are more likely to shop on a budget now than prior to the pandemic, according to a recent survey released by Malt O ...

FOOD & DRINK — The fresh flavor of favorite foods pulled hot off the grill makes summer cookouts a treasured pastime for families across the country. This year, you can make new memories at those backyard barbecues by keeping in mind that grilling isn’t only about charred burgers and steaks – delicious, grilled vegetables can be just as enjoyable. Nutritious ...

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES — The Farmers’ Market began its annual schedule on May 18th at the bottom of 6th Street and Stroming Road adjacent to the Mariposa Creek Parkway in beautiful downtown Mariposa (see map below). The market will be every Wednesday evening from 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. through October. Locally grown fruits and vegetables — many organic — are ...