Spring is in full swing in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and we have already had a full month of activities and engagement with spring break, Picnic Day, the Agave Symposium and several Coffee & Conversations hosted by our development team and departments. All these events give alumni and friends of the college the opportunity to engage with faculty, staff and students and learn more about our research, education and outreach.

Speaking of engagement, on May 5, we are hosting our second annual College Symposium. This year’s theme is Innovating Solutions for the Future of California and Beyond. The day will look at current scientific solutions and future opportunities, starting with lightning talks that focus on the impact of our research on the state and world. We will also host a networking lunch with moderated small group discussions by faculty and friends of the college who represent a variety of topics such as water, climate solutions, land management, air quality and community engagement. There is still some space left, so I encourage you to register to attend this free event.

Our faculty, staff and students continue their pursuit of excellence — from impactful research projects to fun campus activities and community service. In this month’s edition of Highlights, learn how sauerkraut may be more than just a tangy topping, according to a new study that suggests fermented cabbage could help protect your gut. A team of researchers used motion-activated field cameras, GPS collars and wolf scat analysis to investigate how an expanding gray wolf population is affecting cattle operations, and how a history of ranchers and researchers working together can help mitigate major losses to the industry. And cheers to DEVO, a student-run enology and viticulture club on campus that’s been connecting students with the wine industry and community since 1974 – see what makes their biggest event of the year, the Winkler Dinner, such a meaningful and memorable tradition.

I’d also like to congratulate some of my colleagues who were recently recognized for their outstanding contributions, including Michael Mienaltowski, associate professor with the Department of Animal Science, who received the Distinguished Teaching Award for Undergraduate Teaching by the Academic Senate, and Christine Stewart, Daniela Hampel, Danielle Lemay and Lauren Au, all with the Department of Nutrition, who were honored by the American Society for Nutrition. I’m especially proud of a group of CA&ES students who spent their spring break volunteering in the Santa Cruz area, where they sorted donations at a non-profit thrift store, made pet toys for the local SPCA and removed invasive plants at Castle Rock State Park (among many other services). Great job, Aggies!

You know by now that I love the outdoors and feel a certain level of joy exploring the Arboretum, visiting the horses and watching the ducks and wildlife throughout the seasons. Last week, I had the chance to witness peregrine falcons perched on our iconic water tower with Andy Englis, campus ornithologist and curator of the Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology, who believes they may be trying to establish a nest there, which would be a first for our campus. The pair was active, loud and full of ritual courtship!

Go Ags!