Oak Discovery Day Oct. 17 at UC Hopland Research and Extension Center

MENDOCINO CO., 10/8/26 — Oak trees are a defining feature of the landscape at the University of California’s Hopland Research and Extension Center. Virtually the entire 5,300 acres is covered by oak trees — from the majestic valley oaks by the creeks to the hardy scrub oaks in the chaparral.

Since the center’s founding in Mendocino County in 1951, oaks have been a consistent research focus for guest researchers and a management focus for Hopland REC staff. In the past few years, oaks have also made their way into outreach efforts and curriculum development, both focused on sharing why oaks are important and management techniques.