The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources announced on Apr. 6 the release of its spring 2026 edition of The Coastal Gardener, highlighting seasonal gardening topics, educational articles, and upcoming events.
The newsletter provides resources for gardeners in coastal regions, including information about native plants, local wildlife, accessible gardening practices, and advice on planning for frost dates. These efforts are part of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources’ ongoing mission to extend university research to communities across California through educational programs that promote sustainable agriculture and stewardship.
Among the featured stories is a spotlight on Glen Paul School’s accessible gardening initiatives: “On a warm day, a child was playing in the dirt at school. The special thing about this dirt is that it is raised up to meet him where he is. His smile says it all. How wonderful that gardening can be accessible to everyone.” Other articles explore topics such as how queen bumble bees survive flooded nests during winter hibernation-like states called diapause, the benefits of planting evergreen huckleberry as a native shrub in Humboldt and Del Norte County gardens, dogwood varieties suited for coastal Northern California climates, curiosities about plant adaptations like petal drip-tips or moss surviving space travel, and an interview discussing peat use in horticulture.
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources supports its programs through public contributions according to the official website. The organization promotes sustainable practices aimed at strengthening resilient ecosystems while supporting economic vitality according to the official website. It operates nine research and extension centers representing California’s diverse ecosystems according to the official website.
Recognized for linking research with community needs according to the official website, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources manages Cooperative Extension services as part of the University of California system according to the official website. Each year it conducts over 33,800 educational events with more than 18,400 volunteers participating statewide according to the official website.
Through workshops and partnerships delivered in all 58 counties—mobilizing volunteers alongside research centers—the organization aims to address state issues while enhancing environmental stewardship and economic contributions according to the official website.