What is Cooperative Extension?
California Cooperative Extension is the local link to research, information, and expertise for the University of California. Instead of teaching students in classrooms, Cooperative Extension advisors and staff work directly with people in San Luis Obispo County. Since 1922, when the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors officially established a partnership with CE, we have been part of a nationwide network of educators and scientists who use education to help local people solve problems.
Cooperative Extension Volunteers
How you too can be a Volunteer in San Luis Obispo County. Check out what opportunities await you!
4-H Youth Development
Did you know that "Head-Heart-Hands-Health" represents the four H's in the 4-H clover?
Whether youth participate in clubs, family-science programs, or in other program settings, the 4-H Youth Development Program's mission and goals remain the same....to help youth develop to their full potential!
Master Gardeners
Master Gardener volunteers are recruited and trained by land grant universities throughout the United States and Canada. Local programs are coordinated by horticulture advisors at County University of California Cooperative Extension offices with a primary goal to answer the myriad of questions from home gardeners. Master Gardeners extend to their communities the benefits of horticulture research developed at the University level. Master Gardeners have become an important connection to the public sector by the University of California.
Horticulture
The science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. Offering information that optimizes production, conserves natural resources, and protects the environment.
Integrated Hardwood Range Management Program
Oak woodlands on the Central Coast provide range forage for livestock, habitat for wildlife, firewood for homes, and enjoyment for people who live and visit here. The UC Integrated Hardwood Range Management Program conducts research and educational programs on oak regeneration and the status and interrelationships of soil, water, wildlife, and plant resources. This information is being used by woodland owners, managers and land use planners to develop sound management strategies to maintain oak woodlands for the enjoyment and benefit of all Californians.
Livestock
Provids research based information and advice for the livestock producers in San Luis Obispo County.
Marine Science
Research-based information and education for a healthy and sustainable fisheries industry and a healthy ocean ecosystem.
Nutrition, Family, and Consumer Sciences
Offering opportunities for families, individuals, and youth to enhance their quality of living by providing resources that support independence and self-sufficiency.
Vegetable Crops
Supports growers, handlers, and marketers of a wide variety of produce, from artichokes to zucchini.
Viticulture
The culture of grapes for wine and table grape production. Offering information that optimizes production, conserves natural resources, and protects the environment.
Watershed/Natural Resources
Watersheds capture, store, and release water for downstream uses to provide forage for grazing by livestock; their diverse plant communities provide habitat for many species of wildlife, and recreational uses.
Ag Water Quality Program
The Farm Water Quality Planning program is a coordinated effort by the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources cooperating with the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to improve water quality education to the irrigated agriculture industry in California.