Sustainable California (Audio)

Recharge Net Metering (ReNeM) is a novel incentive program that encourages individual efforts to use excess surface water to improve groundwater supply and quality. ReNeM engages agencies, researchers, and regional stakeholders in collaboration towards common sustainability goals. A ReNeMe pilot program was launched in the Pajaro Valley, Central Coastal California. This short video describes the ReNeM program, how it is run, and the benefits it may provide. Series: "Sustainable California" [Science] [Show ID: 36130]

Anthropogenic climate and environmental change are among the most immediate threats to global sustainability, including the sustainability of human populations. Although these changes are happening at a rate never recorded before, climate and environmental changes per se are not unprecedented. Moreover, prior environmental changes have sometimes been accompanied by social and technological innovations that mitigated the impact of environmental change on human populations. We explore two such episodes in the history of California, and ask what lessons they may hold for adaptable societies in the Anthropocene. Series: "Sustainable California" [Science] [Show ID: 35098]

Katherine Markovich, PhD teamed up with fellow graduate students Stephen Maples and Lauren Foster in the NSF Climate Change Water and Society Integrative Graduate Education Research Traineeship (CCWAS IGERT) to study water resources in Chile. Using water’s signature, the isotopic values for snow, rivers, and groundwater, Dr. Katie Markovich is developing an understanding of Chile’s water portfolio under different climate conditions. Like many of Graham Fogg’s students at UC Davis, she relies on high-powered models to describe future scenarios. California and Chile’s Mediterranean climate is changing, and hydrological research will help water managers in both areas prepare infrastructure for different conditions. Series: "Sustainable California" [Science] [Show ID: 34329]

UC Natural Reserve System lands are home to dozens of vulnerable animal and plant species. These range from some of the state's rarest amphibians to endemic plants to icons of the West such as bighorn sheep. Studies conducted at the 39 reserves of the NRS informs how these species are managed, which helps preserve the Golden State's extraordinary biological diversity. Scientists "can work in protected areas that allow them to follow the biology and the ecosystem dynamics of these rare and endangered species. We're really proud of that," says Peggy Fiedler, executive director of the NRS. Series: "UC Natural Reserve System" [Science] [Show ID: 33949]

Grand initiatives such as the National Parks program, begun in the late 1800s, are for many people a hallmark of land conservation. However, the majority of land nationally (~60% overall; ranging from 95% on a state-by-state basis) is privately owned. These private lands can have conservation value too. Join Rangeland Manager Billy Freeman and UC Merced Management Professor Catherine Keske as they explore McKenzie Ranch, in the Sierra Nevada foothills of California to discover land conservation strategies that ensure public access and enjoyment of some of the nations otherwise hidden wonders, while also providing returns from the land to the private land owners. In a period of rapid global change, species range-shifts, and altering resource availability and risk, a diversified portfolio of lands and management practices may become increasingly important in conservation. Series: "Sustainable California" [Science] [Show ID: 33986]

Globally, over the past century, coastal fisheries have faced overharvesting and mismanagement. California is no exception. This video recounts stories from fishermen, and others engaged in commercial fisheries, about the decades-long struggle to replenish stocks through a variety of management measures. Through their experiences, we discover the many successes in recovering stocks, the capricious nature of the biology of some species, and also emerging challenges for managing fisheries sustainably, including climate change, regional resources management, access, and local infrastructure. Successfully managing the complex 'bioeconomic' dynamics of coupled natural and human ecosystems, such as fisheries, will provide an ongoing challenge of paramount importance for the survival of vibrant coastal communities. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Science] [Show ID: 33987]

Drought, climate change, an aging infrastructure and growing population threaten the water Californias San Joaquin Valley uses to supply most of the nations produce and a large proportion of its livestock and dairy. "Adequate water for food for the nation is a water security issue, and its also a national security issue," says UC Merced CITRIS researcher Roger Bales in a new documentary examining water problems and solutions across the United States and globally. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Public Affairs] [Science] [Show ID: 33730]

Do you know where your water comes from? The iconic spring-fed trout waters of Mt. Shasta and High Sierra meadows are the key to California’s water future. They are a major Source of the state’s water supply, vital to its economy, its people and its fish. Yet, despite its significance, many Californians are unaware of where their water comes from and the need to protect and restore these important sources. They face a myriad of threats. From water bottling plants to hydroelectric and geothermal energy facilities in the springs to degraded meadows in the Sierra. And now – climate change. Learn more about these vital Source waters, and, how we can ensure they are productive and healthy for generations to come. Series: "Sustainable California" [Science] [Show ID: 33882]

Eva Cisneros is a fourth-year student at UC Merced and seeks to improve campus life by offering the community a space to access nature and by providing a site for academic education and research through a UC Merced arboretum. Modeled on the UC Davis arboretum, Merced’s site would follow the existing canal, cover five acres, and be focused on the unique climate, drought-tolerant plants and sustainable landscaping. Series: "Sustainable California" [Science] [Show ID: 33863]

Yolanda Medrano is a third-year student at UC Merced and is looking to make every step we take count for energy production. She proposes adding energy-producing floor panels to entrances to the library and other high-traffic areas to power doors, increasing building efficiency for the University’s triple zero commitment. Though a costly investment, UC Merced would be the first university to invest in this technology, producing clean energy through walking, and effectively reduce the energy footprint of campus. Series: "Sustainable California" [Science] [Show ID: 33864]

William Fernandez is a third-year student at UC Merced who is an avid bike rider. He develops bike-friendly improvements to the two main roads to campus, Bellevue and Lake Roads. With his research, he details simple solutions while indicating that the alternatives are more taxing on the environment. His call to action to improve transit for many of the 8,000 students is titled BUSC: Balance, Update, Solar and Core. William hopes that the repairs to the bike lanes will help students feel safe to ride their bikes, supporting an environmentally friendly commute option to campus and around the city. Series: "Sustainable California" [Science] [Show ID: 33862]

Eva Fernanda Ordonez is a third-year student at UC Merced and wants to help students plan their daily commute to campus or the community. She used online surveys to study the barriers to sustainable solutions for travel and why students are not using the current system. By remodeling the Fleetmatic mobile app, Ordonez says that more people will commute together by bus, reducing individual vehicle emissions, improving air quality and student life, if the app and bus schedule is upgraded. Series: "Sustainable California" [Science] [Show ID: 33861]

University of Santa Cruz hydrogeologist Andrew Fisher leads a team of researchers looking for better ways to capture runoff and use it to not only increase groundwater quantity, but also quality. They are using the Pajaro Valley on the central California coast, a productive and valuable agriculture area, as their practical laboratory, working with farmers and water managers to recharge groundwater. Recharge net metering is a novel practice of crediting groundwater. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Science] [Show ID: 33843]

UC Santa Cruz researchers are finding simple, cost effective ways to clean captured storm-water as it percolates back into the water table, by employing native soil microbes already in the ground. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Science] [Show ID: 33844]

Drought, climate change, an aging infrastructure and growing population threaten the water California’s San Joaquin Valley uses to supply most of the nation’s produce and a large proportion of its livestock and dairy. "Adequate water for food for the nation is a water security issue, and it’s also a national security issue," says UC Merced CITRIS researcher Roger Bales in a new documentary examining water problems and solutions across the United States and globally Series: "UCTV Prime" [Science] [Show ID: 33729]

Global warming due to CO2 emissions from fossil fuels remains an urgent issue that must be addressed. With the largest share of energy-related CO2 emissions in the US from coming transportation, it is critical to replace fossil fuels for powering vehicles. A team of researchers from UC Merced is developing hydrogen and fuel cell technologies for powering vehicles at TEEL, the Thermal and Electrochemical Energy Laboratory. Working on novel catalyst synthesis, membrane electrode assembly integration, multiphysics simulation, cell design and diagnostics and system integration, the goal of TEEL is to enable hydrogen and fuel cell technologies to achieve sustainable energy use in the future. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Science] [Show ID: 33837]

A look at The UC Water Academy, an experiential educational component inaugurated in 2017 by The University of California Water Security and Sustainability Research Initiative that aims to train the next generation of water leaders in the state. After three months of studies, the students from four UC campuses visited key water infrastructure sites, met with experts in agriculture, conveyance, and natural resources management, and finally rafted the South Fork of the American River. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Science] [Show ID: 33531]

Because periodic droughts will always be a part of life in California, the UC California Institute for Water Resources (CIWR) produced a series of videos to maintain drought awareness and planning, even in years when water is more abundant. This episode addresses citrus cultivation with Lisa Brenneis of Churchill Brenneis Orchards and Ben Faber, UCCE Advisor from Ventura County explaining strategies to sustain citrus through drought. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Science] [Show ID: 33306]

The long California drought forced many growers to pump groundwater to irrigate their crops. With the establishment of California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act replenishment of California's groundwater supplies is of utmost importance. To develop replenishment strategies, Professor Helen Dahlke joins fellow UC Davis researchers, UC Cooperative Extension and California farmers to test the impacts of irrigating almond orchards in the winter to recharge groundwater aquifers and to help manage water resources sustainably. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Science] [Show ID: 32526]

Because periodic droughts will always be a part of life in California, the UC California Institute for Water Resources (CIWR) produced a series of videos to maintain drought awareness and planning, even in years when water is more abundant. Raj Meena of Meena Farms shares how they collaborated with UCCE Advisor David Doll to implement new irrigation strategies to continue production. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Science] [Show ID: 33305]

Because periodic droughts will always be a part of life in California, the UC California Institute for Water Resources (CIWR) produced a series of videos to maintain drought awareness and planning, even in years when water is more abundant. This episode addresses alfalfa with Cannon Michael of Bowles Farming in Los Banos and UCCE specialist Dan Putnam explaining some of the strategies for alfalfa crops during drought. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Science] [Show ID: 33304]

The largest non-commercial marine mass mortality event on record (as of 2013) created a ‘natural experiment’ and an opportunity to study genomic changes in wild populations with unprecedented detail. Rather than observing only the aftermath—a team of researchers from UC Merced is reconstructing the population and genetic consequences of an epidemic outbreak of sea star wasting disease. The team measured the abundance and genetic variation of Pisaster ochraceus, a keystone species, in the year preceding mass mortality. They then repeated sampling of adults and juveniles in subsequent years, measuring population dynamics and genomic shifts during and after the disease outbreak. At a time when marine diseases and mass mortalities are on the rise, this study documents the impact of little-known wildlife diseases and potential trajectory of recovery in a keystone marine species. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Science] [Show ID: 33101]

See how California farmers and UC agricultural researchers are working to merge both conservation tillage practices and precision irrigation to save time, labor, and water while reducing the cost of producing crops for California agriculture. Series: "Sustainable California" [Science] [Show ID: 32368]

Farmers can't control the costs of seed, fertilizers, chemicals, water or the price they can get for their crops - but they can control tillage costs. Learn how California's farmers, ag industry and UC researchers are working together and finding ways to cut costs with minimum tillage practices. Series: "Sustainable California" [Science] [Show ID: 32367]

Explore how California dairy farmers are working together to perfect techniques to maximize the benefits of conservation tillage in producing dairy feed to reduce inputs and costs, increase quality and ensure healthier more productive and sustainable agricultural soils and production. Series: "Sustainable California" [Science] [Show ID: 32363]

In California's Coast Ranges plants not only use water directly from rainstorms, but also harvest the thick fog that blankets these mountains. UC researchers are investigating how different plants in the forest, from the tall redwoods to the ferns of the forest floor use different water sources, so we can understand how climate change will alter the forest as the patterns of rainstorms and fog events changes in the future. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Science] [Show ID: 32514]

With an over 700 percent increase in productivity in the last century, the California tomato industry represents 95 percent of all processing tomatoes produced in the US. See how UC scientists and California farmers continue to develop methods to sustain this productivity, improve soils and reduce water use. Series: "Sustainable California" [Science] [Show ID: 32362]

In much of California, if you've ever wandered the trails you've probably come across livestock. This short video gives you a fun look at a year in the life of a cow, so you'll have a better idea what's going on with that herd - winter, spring, summer or fall. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Agriculture] [Show ID: 32513]

The norm in conventional agricultural practice is to make the residue from old crops disappear, a practice that hasn't changed in over 70 years. Explore how California farmers and UC scientists are working together to perfect techniques to maximize the benefits of these crop residues to develop healthier more productive soils, reduce water consumption, and ensure sustainable agricultural production. Series: "Sustainable California" [Science] [Show ID: 32361]

Ever wonder what to do when encountering grazing livestock on the open range or the trail? This fun and quick video shows you what to do so you and Bossie can both go on with your day in a peaceable kingdom. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Agriculture] [Show ID: 32511]

Ever wonder what to do when you're walking Fido and you encounter livestock on the trail? This fun and quick video gives you all the details on how to keep both Bossie and Fido safe and happy. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Agriculture] [Show ID: 32512]

We think of the sagebrush steppe as a symbol of the American west, but until only 250 years ago, this was not the case. UC Davis anthropologist Robert Bettinger sheds light on the cascade of large-scale ecosystem changes brought on by humans in California that threatens the last remaining Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Science] [Show ID: 32534]

Marty Ralph of the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes summarizes the significant role that the phenomenon of "atmospheric rivers" plays in California's water supply and natural cycle of drought and flood. Series: "Excerpts" [Science] [Show ID: 32562]

The third class of UC Global Food Initiative student fellows from University of California campuses throughout the state who gathered for a springtime field trip in the Central Valley to learn more about the relationships between food, farming and the environment, share about their work on UC’s efforts to sustainably feed the world’s growing population. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Science] [Show ID: 32523]

Making novel use of a technique to detect food-borne pathogens, Emily Wilson of UC Merced reveals the microbial ecology of the conifers in Yosemite's Tuolumne Meadows to understand the beneficial properties they provide the trees. Series: "Sustainable California" [Science] [Show ID: 25858]

A team of researchers strives to understand the hydrological cycle in a California Redwood forest, using advanced technology to track the life cycle of water in the forest; where it comes from, how long it stays and how it is used by the forest ecosystem. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Science] [Show ID: 32515]

Throughout history, the loss of arable land has attended the decline of great civilizations, from Mesopotamia to the Nile. Now with the stresses of environmental change and ever increasing demands on agricultural productivity, efforts to maintain the viability of our agricultural natural resources are ever more important. This introduction to the principles of conservation agriculture shows how California's farmers and scientists are collaborating on developing the practical solutions to maintain the health and productivity of agriculture in California and beyond. Series: "Sustainable California" [Science] [Show ID: 32353]

Problem-solvers, catalysts, collaborators, stewards and educators. Since 1913, University of California Cooperative Extension scientists, along with campus partners, have been helping make California the nation's leading agricultural state. University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources links the people of California to their great university through local expertise, nine Research and Extension Centers, and statewide programs such as Integrated Pest Management, 4-H Youth Development, and the UC Master Gardeners. Practical solutions to everyday problems. Series: "Sustainable California" [Science] [Show ID: 32405]

Introducing Sustainable California - where you connect with your University and the real-world solutions it is providing to maintain the sustainability and vitality of our state. Become part of real-world solutions so together we can meet the 21st century challenges of global climate change while maintaining California's unique biodiversity and sustaining the human and environmental health of California. Series: "Sustainable California" [Science] [Show ID: 32037]

How researchers at UC Merced are developing a better understanding of the three sources of water upon which California depends in order to adapt to the effects of environmental changes and make better use of this most precious of our natural resources. Series: "Climate Solutions " [Science] [Show ID: 32342]

Researchers from UC Berkeley's Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS) have developed an innovative remote sensing network to provide real-time assessment of California snow pack in order to better manage water supplies for a variety of users. Series: "Sustainable California" [Science] [Show ID: 32352]

Explore how a species of Scrub Jay, the Island Scrub Jay, is expanding oak forests on Santa Cruz Island, helping to recover natural habitat on California's Channel Islands. Series: "UC Natural Reserve System" [Science] [Show ID: 31252]

California Ecology and Conservation brings together 27 students from across the UC system for seven weeks of intensive learning at NRS reserves. Guided by experienced field instructors, undergraduates transform into scientists by conducting independent research studies. Series: "UC Natural Reserve System" [Science] [Show ID: 30875]

Explore how the the nature of highly seasonal rainfall cycles and periodic fires create conditions that have shaped Mediterranean climate ecosystems and all that lives within these very special regions. Series: "UC Natural Reserve System" [Science] [Show ID: 24605]

The climate of Mediterranean Climate Ecosystems is largely driven by different processes in nearby coastal oceans. Atmospheric processes over the oceans influence seasonal rainfall patterns, while currents and ocean temperatures affect both local and regional climate conditions - understanding these are key to understanding Mediterranean-type ecosystems. Series: "UC Natural Reserve System" [Science] [Show ID: 24604]

Great weather, abundant harvests, fabulous food, some of the world’s most cosmopolitan, and romantic, cities – as well as the world’s most critical biodiversity hotspots -- make up what are known as Mediterranean-climate Ecosystems. This episode of the six-part series explores how geology has shaped life in Mediterranean climate ecosystems. Series: "UC Natural Reserve System" [Science] [Show ID: 24603]

Great weather, abundant harvests, fabulous food, some of the world’s most cosmopolitan, and romantic, cities – as well as the world’s most critical biodiversity hotspots -- make up what are known as Mediterranean-climate Ecosystems. With this program, UCTV and the UC Natural Reserve System inaugurate a six-part series that will be unveiled in spring 2013 on UCTV Prime. The introductory program offers an overview the world’s Mediterranean-climate zones, pointing out their similarities, unique characteristics and importance, while also illuminating the factors that threaten them. From geology to ocean and atmospheric forces, subsequent programs will explore the many factors that make these environments so unique and alluring. Series: "UC Natural Reserve System" [Science] [Show ID: 24602]

Take a journey to two of the UC Natural Reserve Systems’ reserves in southern California, the James San Jacinto Mountains Reserve and Sweeney Granite Mountains Desert Research Center. Series: "UC Natural Reserve System" [Science] [Show ID: 24031]

Modeling climate change and how fast species will have to move to endure changes in climate. Series: "UC Natural Reserve System" [Science] [Show ID: 21292]

Studying the reproductive ecology of Valley Oaks in California. Series: "UC Natural Reserve System" [Science] [Show ID: 21297]

Studying the Acorn Woodpecker and its relation to the life of Oak trees in California Series: "UC Natural Reserve System" [Science] [Show ID: 21295]