Ron Allen, UC Master Gardener, Mariposa County The Oak Fire (July 2022) devastated large parts of the ponderosa pine forest in the mountains east of Mariposa. Wooded landscapes on private properties and substantial areas of the adjoining Sierra National Forest were affected. This article explains how to plant conifer seedlings for post-fire forest restoration. The conifer plant materials for reforestation ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY–An EVACUATION WARNING has been issued for the following areas or communities: Greeley Hill, El Portal, Bear Creek Cabins, Oak Fire burn scar, Creekside Apartments, Hornitos and La Grange. A map of the areas will be available soon, at which time you can check your specific address by visiting: https://arcg.is/Ln4y9 The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office feels the threat level is ...

By Michele Nowak-Sharkey, Master Gardener of Mariposa County In the winter months, more time is spent inside than outside when it comes to the garden. Although there are still things do such as pruning and mulching, the dreaming part of gardening is reserved for the colder, precipitation-filled days of the year. However, before being swayed to purchase dozens of seed ...

By Tery Susman, UC Master Gardener of Mariposa County. Our human tendency is to fix what we perceive as a potential problem or as something “broken” or “untidy.” Our first thought is to reseed flowering plants and grasses on our fire scorched property to speed up vegetation establishment and soil stability, to fix what is “broken.” However, recent research has ...

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, ...

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 ...

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, ...

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 ...

By Ron Allen, UC Master Gardener, Mariposa County Right now we are in the midst of extreme, widespread drought. One telltale indication is that oak trees in Mariposa County are dropping their leaves. What should one do? It’s a good time to review proper oak tree care during dry spells. You don’t need to do much, but you should avoid ...

MARIPOSA — The first cases of COVID-19 in patients at the John C. Fremont Hospital Ewing Wing were confirmed on Friday, May 6, with five residents testing positive. Over the weekend an additional five residents were confirmed positive for a total of ten. All residents were vaccinated and boosted. Five staff members have also tested positive and are at home ...