Mariposa County

UCCE Mariposa County

Across California, the University of California’s 64 Cooperative Extension offices are local problem-solving centers. We are the bridge between local issues and the power of UC research. Our county-based staff is part of the community – we live and work in the areas we serve.

More than 300 campus-based specialists and county-based farm, home and youth advisors work as teams to bring practical, unbiased, science-based answers to solve problems across California.

As part of the agricultural community, we help farmers develop more-efficient growing methods, solve pest management problems and develop crops and irrigation methods that use less water.

As stewards of the land, we help develop smart water-use strategies, develop wildfire education and help preserve natural areas and farmland.

As advocates for healthy communities, we promote healthy diets and exercise for better health, and help shape the citizens of tomorrow through the 4-H Youth Development Program.

And thousands of volunteers extend the reach of our work through the Master Gardener Program and the California 4-H Youth Development Program.

We work in full partnership with federal, state, county and private resources.

We are stewards, problem-solvers, catalysts, collaborators and educators.

We are UC Cooperative Extension.

Survey Invitation- The Role of Woody Biomass in Agriculture, Ranching, and Gardening

Woody biomass refers to non-merchantable components from trees and plants. Some examples of woody biomass include post-harvesting residuals like branches and bark, small-diameter trees, shrubs, saw dust from lumber manufacturing, and woody chips from thinning practices. Features such as water-holding capacity and carbon sequestration makes wood a natural soil amendment in agriculture, ranching, and gardening. Common uses of woody biomass include mulching, livestock bedding, landscaping, and biochar production. Studies have shown that using woody biomass helps improve soil nutrient, conserve water, and prevent soil and wind erosion. An abundance of woody biomass and wood wastes is available in the Central Sierra region. Exploring the value of these resources will encourage hazardous fuel reduction and benefit communities by optimizing the use of local resources.

If you are a rancher, forest landowner, farmer, grower, or someone interested in knowing more about woody biomass applications, please take this opportunity to fill out this survey on the role of woody biomass in improving the agriculture and livestock systems. Your responses will help UCCE provide the most relevant resources and materials that are suitable for your community. For questions, please contact cxnchen@ucanr.edu.

Thank you for your time!

Best,

Cindy Chen