UC Cooperative Extension, Orange County (UCCE) programs (4-H, EFNEP, Master Gardeners) and the UC ANR South Coast REC teamed up with the StandUp for Kids to organize the “Kids Day Celebration” field trip to the Center on Saturday, March 24^th, 2018.

In between face painting, this event centered around hands-on, UC research influenced activities exposing the youth (ages 8 to 18) to the work that we are doing in Orange County.  

EFNEP program reps. discussed sugar intake and making better informed choices after which the kids learned how to create smoothies with fresh fruit and vegetables in a blender powered by a bicycle.

UCCE Orange County Master Gardener Bee Team provided a wealth of information with their pinned bees the youth could look at through microscopes along with a sensory game exploring how this insect finds its hive.

Attendees took a tour of the Center learning about locally grown crops followed by a mock tasting of citrus, avocados, and cherimoya demonstrating how researchers and growers obtain public opinion testing a varieties worthiness for market. The favorite fruit by far was the blood orange, followed by the kumquat.

Additionally, participants made newspaper pots in which they planted an ‘Albion' strawberry (UC Patented variety) found at a local nursery, talking about conservation and ways that small growers extend the growing seasons.

Smiling faces were in abundance all day.