December 22, 2020
Edition Topics


  1. Message from Dr. Silvertooth
  2. Congratulations Glenda Thompson
  3. New Extension Publication
  4. Restoration in a Hotter Drier/Wetter Climate: Challenges Facing Practitioners 
  5. Call for Nominations

Message from the Associate Dean and Extension Director

To say that the year 2020 has been unique and challenging, is somewhat of an understatement.  Throughout the year, the Cooperative Extension System (CES) personnel have been incredibly patient, creative, and resourceful.  Most of all, consistent with the theme of our 2020 Extension Conference: “Everything is Possible: Adaptation, Sustainability, and Teamwork.”  I believe the key ingredient for us all this past year has been adaptation.

Everyone in the CES, and in all communities in every county of Arizona, have experienced a repeated series of strains, stressful situations, and new challenges.  From the COVID-19 pandemic, most of us have now experienced sickness and/or loss close to us in our families, friends, and communities.  As I write this year-end note, the conditions with the pandemic are precarious in Arizona and we must continue to be alert and vigilant with best public health practices.

With the university closure for the holidays, I encourage everyone to take the time for rest and recuperation.  Thank you for all that you do.  Please take good care of yourselves, friends, and family.   Be safe, be healthy, and find peace in the holidays.


Congratulations Glenda Thompson

It is with mixed emotions that we say goodbye to Glenda Thompson with her retirement effective December 21, 2020.  Glenda has been with the University of Arizona for over twenty-six years. She began working here and the Financial Services Office and after two years, moved to Cooperative Extension, which she says felt like “coming home”.  Glenda’s commitment and dedication to the CES have been evident over the years.   She has played an important role in the growth and success of this organization.

Glenda has always been a diligent worker. Although we will miss her, we know she will love spending more time with her loved ones, hiking and crafting. Let’s all extend our warmest wishes for the future to Glenda Thompson!

It is a great pleasure to announce that Belinda Oden will be joining the State Cooperative Extension Business Office effective January 11, 2021.  Belinda comes to us from the Entomology Department, where she is currently the Business Manager.  She brings a wealth of experience with her and we look forward to her working with our Forbes team and the county business officers.  Please take a moment to welcome Belinda Oden as our newest team member!

New Extension Publication

How to Transplant a Cactus
Michael Chamberland and Jack J. Kelly 

Planting or transplanting a cactus can appear challenging. Most landscape cacti are spiny. Larger cacti are heavy and tall specimens are awkward to balance. Using the following techniques, cacti can be moved and planted with minimal hazard to plant and planter.




Restoration in a Hotter Drier/Wetter Climate:  Challenges Facing Practitioners 
07 February 2021 -Las Ciénegas National Conservation Area

Water Management Group is hosting a one-day Restoration Practitioners Workshop in collaboration with Elise Gornish of UArizona Cooperative Extension. The goals of the workshop are:

● Treat an important drainage on Las Ciénegas to encourage infiltration and native plant growth, slow erosion, protect endangered species, and preserve the connection between the channel and its floodplain. 

● Strengthen connections among practitioners in our region working in urban, suburban, and rural contexts.

● Discuss and test novel restoration approaches that take into account future climate scenarios. 

For more information contact Trevor Hare at thare@watershedmg.org


Call for Nominations

Each year we recognize our faculty, staff and strong contributors to Cooperative Extension with the Extension Faculty of the Year Award, the Outstanding Staff in Cooperative Extension Award, and the Extensionist of the Year Award. 

The Cooperative Extension Faculty of the Year award recipient will receive $1,000 and an award.  Click here for Extension Faculty of the Year Award criteria and nomination instructions. Submission deadline – February 15, 2021

The Outstanding Staff in Cooperative Extension award recipient will receive $500 and an award.  Click here for award nomination criteria
Submission deadline – February 15, 2021

The Extensionist of the Year award recognizes and honors a resident of the State of Arizona who has demonstrated extraordinary contributions, through UACE, to improving the lives of people in their community and state.  The award will be presented at an appropriate division-wide event.  Letters of nomination from UACE or non-UACE faculty and staff and/or peers should focus on the following criteria:  1) the nature and extent of the contribution provided by the individual (35%), 2) how this contribution has benefitted people in the community (15%) and the state (15%), 3) leadership qualities (25%), and 4) support for UACE (10%).
Submission deadline – February 15, 2021

All awards will be presented at an appropriate Extension or ALVSCE event.  Please read the criteria carefully, submitting only the materials noted.  Submit your nominations and support letters c/o Kristie Gallardo, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, PO Box 210036, Tucson, AZ, 85721 or gallardk@arizona.edu.  If you have any questions, contact Kristie (520-621-7145).

TMN Submittal Process

Please submit your news by 4:00pm Monday to TMN [tmn@cals.arizona.edu].

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